Funding for Dementia Caregivers

The National Ageing Research Institute (NARI), an independent non-profit organization, has secured a federal grant to enhance digital support for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) individuals affected by dementia.

• The project received A$2.9 million (approximately $1.8 million) from the Medical Research Future Fund.
• It will implement the iSupport program, an online training initiative for informal caregivers developed by the World Health Organization.
• NARI plans to establish an advisory group comprising caregivers, policymakers, and service providers to oversee the program’s implementation.
• The iSupport program will be available in six languages, including English, and includes a companion version for caregivers.

According to Tuan Nguyen, associate professor and NARI principal research fellow, the initiative aims to tackle the challenges faced by CALD Australian caregivers who often lack essential caregiving skills and access to culturally relevant services.

AI-Enabled Breath Test for Silicosis Developed in NSW

Researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) have created an AI-powered breath test designed for the early detection of silicosis, a lung disease linked to silica dust exposure.

• This rapid breath test combines mass spectrometry and AI technology to facilitate large-scale screening for this preventable yet increasingly incurable condition.
• The test has shown high accuracy in distinguishing between individuals with silicosis and those without.
• Screening takes less than five minutes, making it suitable for routine health checks for workers in high-risk industries such as mining and construction.
• The research team is currently validating the test with larger participant groups.

Wellumio Partners with Nicolab for AI Integration

Wellumio, a medical device company based in New Zealand, has entered into a partnership with Nicolab, a stroke AI solution provider from the Netherlands.

• The collaboration aims to integrate Nicolab’s AI-driven clinical decision support system for stroke diagnosis into Wellumio’s portable MRI device.
• Nicolab’s stroke AI platform has recently been implemented in public hospitals across Queensland as part of a statewide telestroke service.
• The partnership will also explore funding and regulatory pathways for deploying their integrated solution.

TeleMedC Expands Eye Screening AI to India

TeleMedC, an eye health startup from Queensland, has formed a strategic partnership to expand its operations in India.

• With support from Trade and Investment Queensland, TeleMedC is collaborating with local startup AND Healthcare to promote its AI-powered eye disease screening solution.
• The technology targets conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular diseases.
• TeleMedC has also partnered with Aravind Eye Hospital and other medical institutions in India, backed by the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund.
• Additionally, discussions are underway with small and medium enterprises to incorporate AI-based eye screening into their corporate social responsibility initiatives.