Refana were delighted to be invited by NOBLE to join their Training/Expo event, held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, in National Harbor, MD. 

The first day (February 18th) was a great NOBLE-Led Training day and I joined a session entitled DRUGIQ: Risk-Based Response & Identification of Emerging Drugs Around the World, led by Matty Gutwill who looked at technologies and strategies for detecting and responding to evolving synthetic substances as well as looking at trends and emerging drug threats. 

I then spent time with the NOBLE team who had a great area set up with their partner tools, and talked to attendees about NIRLAB Narcotics and demonstrated is robustness, speed and accuracy in identifying illicit substances.

Day 2 (February 19th) was exhibition day and NOBLE worked really hard to make it easy for attendees to focus on their own requirements by grouping exhibitors by sector and making sure that exhibitors got to talk to the right people.

​The NSA (National Sheriff's Agency) Annual Conference, a premier event for law enforcement professionals, is being held this year in Oklahoma and Refana are delighted to be attending and look forward to meeting you at Booth 1149. 

We will be demonstrating NIRLAB Narcotics, a robust, lightweight, handheld device used for the rapid identification and analysis of narcotic substances in the field.

This technology allows for safe, non-destructive testing, providing immediate results without altering the sample. The device is portable and user-friendly, making it ideal for on-site testing by law enforcement officers and customs agents. Its comprehensive and real-time updatable database of known narcotics ensures high accuracy, reducing the risk of false positives and ensuring reliable identification.

We look forward to meeting you in Oklahoma!

​News article will play in the NBC Website

WAR ON DRUGS
Despite the well-known problems with the kits, they're used in half of the roughly 1.5 million drug arrests in this country every year.

​Roughly 30,000 people every year may be getting wrongfully arrested and jailed because of police departments' widespread use of unreliable roadside field tests for drugs, according to a study released today by the Quattrone Center for the Fair Administration of Justice at the University of Pennsylvania.

The study, which bills itself as the first comprehensive analysis of the use of presumptive drug field test kits by law enforcement agencies in the country, estimates that each year approximately 773,000 drug-related arrests involve the use of such test kits. That's half of the roughly 1.5 million annual drug arrests in the U.S.

These inexpensive field tests use color reactions to indicate the presence of compounds found in certain drugs. However, the well-documented problem is that the compounds these kits test for are not exclusive to illicit drugs and are, in fact, found in dozens of legal substances. Over the years, officers have arrested and jailed innocent people after drug field kits returned presumptive positive results on bird poop, donut glaze, cotton candy, and sand from inside a stress ball. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office in Florida stopped using test kits this September after discovering that several common over-the-counter cold medications returned false positives for cocaine. A 2018 investigation by a Georgia news station found that one brand of test kit produced 145 false positives in the state in one year. 

But no one has ever tried to quantify exactly how many innocent people are jailed because of these tests, until now. 

Although the true error rate of these kits is not known, the Quattrone Center estimates, based on the incomplete data it could glean from state drug labs and other sources, that as many as 30,000 innocent people a year may be wrongly arrested for drug possession based on their results, making these tests "one of the largest, if not the largest, known contributing factor to wrongful arrests and convictions in the United States."

"Presumptive field drug test kits are known to produce 'false positive' errors and were never designed or intended to provide conclusive evidence of the presence of drugs," Ross Miller, Quattrone Center assistant director and lead author of the report, said in a press release. "But in our criminal legal system, where plea bargaining is the norm and actual fact-finding by trial is exceedingly rare, these error-prone tests have become de facto determinants of guilt in a substantial share of criminal cases in the United States and, as a result, a significant cause of wrongful convictions."

The Quattrone Center report also found that police departments and local prosecutors' offices often had few policies in place to safeguard against wrongful arrests and convictions based on faulty field tests.
The center's survey of prosecutor offices found that 89 percent of them allow guilty pleas to be entered without confirmatory testing of test kit results, and nearly 70 percent of drug labs in the U.S. reported that they were not asked to review samples when a plea agreement has been reached.

​Read the full article here.

This year 773,000 people will be arrested based on field drug tests with known accuracy problems.

This report provides the first-ever comprehensive analysis of presumptive drug field test usage across law enforcement agencies in the United States. Inexpensive and fast, these tests have become a tool of choice for law enforcement agencies. Unfortunately, they are notoriously imprecise and are known to produce “false positives,” leading to frequent wrongful arrests and wrongful convictions.

Utilizing a nationwide survey of agencies, the report offers national estimates on the frequency of test usage, finding that each year approximately 773,000 drug-related arrests involve the use of presumptive tests. Although the true error rate of these tests remains unknown, estimates based on the imperfect data that are available suggest that around 30,000 arrests each year involve people who do not possess illegal substances but who are nonetheless falsely implicated by color-based presumptive tests. On a per capita basis, Black Americans experience these erroneous drug arrests at a rate 3x higher than White Americans.

While factors like eyewitness misidentification, false confessions, or prosecutorial misconduct have been previously cited as leading causes of wrongful convictions, these new results indicate that the use of presumptive field tests in drug arrests is one of the largest, if not the largest, known contributing factor to wrongful arrests and convictions in the United States.

​Download the report here.

In 2023, artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant strides in healthcare, according to experts. Six major AI innovations have reshaped medical practices, contributing to a more personalized, efficient, and accessible healthcare landscape.

1. Generative AI, including ChatGPT:​​​

• Despite the lack of formal regulation, generative AI, particularly ChatGPT, has been widely tested by medical professionals.
• Johns Hopkins University is exploring its use to reduce clinician burnout and enhance documentation efficiency.
• ChatGPT has revolutionized healthcare communication, enabling personalized treatment plans, remote patient engagement, and interactive education materials.

2. Disease Detection Through Retinal Images:

• Researchers from the University College London introduced RETFound, an AI model for disease detection using retinal images.
• This self-supervised learning model excels in diagnosing eye diseases and systemic disorders like heart failure and myocardial infarction.

3. Improvements to Medical Productivity:

• A U.S.-U.K.-Bangladesh study demonstrated a 40% increase in clinical productivity in diagnosing retinal disease using an FDA-cleared AI device.
• Adjusted for complexity, there was a remarkable 265% increase in productivity, allowing clinicians to focus on the most complex cases.

4. Medical Imaging and Education:

• DALL-E 3, an AI-based image generation model, has been instrumental in medical education, creating accurate medical illustrations from textual descriptions.
• Advances in AI-driven medical imaging, including improved MRI technology, have led to faster scanning times, enhanced image resolution, and reduced radiation exposure.

5. Accelerated Cancer Research:

• AI, described as "fertile ground" for cancer research, is uncovering hidden patterns in data, personalizing treatment decisions, and predicting treatment benefits.
• The application of AI in cancer research is speeding up clinical trials and offering new possibilities in healthcare.

6. AI Medical Devices:

• As of July 2023, 692 AI devices were approved by the U.S. FDA for clinical use, marking a 33% increase from the previous year.
• These devices, covering 19 specialties, are notably prominent in radiology, comprising approximately three-quarters of approved AI devices.

Overall Impact:

• Matt Mohebbi, Head of AI and Research at Brightside Health, described 2023 as a "blockbuster year" for fundamental research in large language models for healthcare.
• The innovations represent a significant leap forward in integrating AI into healthcare, promising a future with better patient outcomes and a transformed healthcare landscape.

From cancer care to communications, here’s where AI moved the needle in health care.

Read the Fox News article here.

Technological advancements in recent years have played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the healthcare industry. One such groundbreaking innovation is the application of Near-Infrared (NIR) technology, a spectrum of light that lies just beyond the visible range. NIR has found a multitude of applications in various fields, and its potential in healthcare is increasingly being recognized for its non-invasive, rapid, and precise capabilities.

Understanding Near-Infrared (NIR):
Near-Infrared light occupies the spectrum between 700 and 2500 nanometers, making it invisible to the human eye. This range allows NIR to penetrate biological tissues, providing valuable insights into the molecular composition of cells and tissues without causing harm.

Applications in Medical Imaging:

1. Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS):
   • fNIRS is gaining prominence in neuroimaging, allowing researchers and clinicians to monitor brain activity non-invasively.
   • It measures changes in oxygen levels and blood flow, providing insights into cognitive functions, neurological disorders, and brain injuries.
2. Optical Imaging and Cancer Detection:
   • NIR technology is utilized in cancer imaging and detection methods. It helps in distinguishing healthy and cancerous tissues based on variations in blood flow and oxygenation.
   • This aids surgeons in achieving more precise and targeted tumor removal.
3. Vascular Imaging:
   • NIR fluorescence imaging is employed in visualizing blood vessels during surgeries. This technique enhances the surgeon's ability to navigate through complex vascular structures, reducing the risk of complications.

Diagnostic and Monitoring Tools:

1. Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring:
   • NIR spectroscopy is explored as a non-invasive method for monitoring blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. This could potentially replace the need for frequent fingerstick tests.
2. Tissue Oxygenation Monitoring:
   • NIR devices are used to monitor tissue oxygenation levels, especially in critical care settings. This is crucial for assessing the adequacy of oxygen delivery to tissues in real-time.
3. Wound Assessment:
   • NIR technology aids in assessing wound healing by examining tissue oxygenation, inflammation, and blood flow. This accelerates the decision-making process for wound management.

Advantages and Challenges:

1. Non-Invasiveness:
   • NIR technology offers non-invasive solutions, reducing patient discomfort and minimizing the risk of infections or complications associated with invasive procedures.
2. Real-Time Monitoring:
   • The ability to provide real-time data allows healthcare professionals to make prompt decisions, particularly in critical situations.
3. Cost-Effectiveness:
   • In comparison to some traditional diagnostic methods, NIR technology can be more cost-effective, contributing to improved accessibility to advanced healthcare.

However, challenges such as standardization, data interpretation, and widespread adoption need to be addressed to maximize the potential benefits of NIR in healthcare.

Near-Infrared technology is proving to be a transformative force in healthcare, offering a spectrum of applications ranging from medical imaging to diagnostic tools. As research and development continue to refine and expand the capabilities of NIR, the healthcare industry stands to benefit from more precise, efficient, and patient-friendly solutions. Embracing this technology opens doors to a new era of healthcare where diagnosis and monitoring are not only accurate but also more accessible to a wider population.
​

In recent years, the healthcare industry has undergone a transformative journey, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a pivotal role in enhancing diagnostic capabilities. Advanced diagnostic equipment powered by AI is revolutionizing the way healthcare professionals identify, analyze, and treat various medical conditions. This blog explores the significant strides made in healthcare through the integration of AI into diagnostic tools.

1. Rapid and Accurate Diagnoses: AI-powered diagnostic equipment is designed to process vast amounts of medical data quickly and accurately, significantly reducing the time it takes to reach a diagnosis. Traditional diagnostic methods often require extensive manual analysis, leading to delays in treatment. With AI, healthcare professionals can obtain rapid and precise diagnoses, enabling timely interventions and improving patient outcomes.
2. Enhanced Imaging Technologies: One of the most notable applications of AI in healthcare is within imaging technologies. AI algorithms can analyze medical images, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, with remarkable efficiency. These algorithms can identify subtle patterns, anomalies, and early signs of diseases that might be challenging for the human eye to detect. This not only expedites the diagnostic process but also improves the overall accuracy of medical imaging.
3. Personalized Medicine: AI in diagnostic equipment is ushering in an era of personalized medicine, tailoring treatments to individual patients based on their unique genetic makeup, lifestyle, and medical history. By analyzing diverse data sets, AI algorithms can predict how a patient is likely to respond to specific treatments, optimizing therapeutic approaches and minimizing adverse effects. This shift toward personalized medicine marks a significant advancement in improving patient care and treatment outcomes.
4. Predictive Analytics and Preventive Healthcare: AI enables healthcare professionals to harness the power of predictive analytics, forecasting potential health issues before they manifest clinically. By analyzing patient data over time, AI algorithms can identify trends, risk factors, and warning signs, allowing for proactive interventions. This shift towards preventive healthcare can lead to a reduction in disease burden, improved patient well-being, and a more sustainable healthcare system.
5. Streamlining Workflow and Reducing Costs: Integrating AI into diagnostic equipment streamlines healthcare workflows, allowing medical professionals to focus on patient care rather than administrative tasks. Automated processes, such as data analysis and report generation, can enhance efficiency and reduce the burden on healthcare staff. Additionally, early and accurate diagnoses facilitated by AI can contribute to cost savings by avoiding unnecessary tests, treatments, and hospitalizations.

The integration of AI into diagnostic equipment represents a paradigm shift in healthcare, offering unprecedented opportunities to improve patient outcomes, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and streamline healthcare processes. As technology continues to advance, the collaborative efforts of healthcare professionals and AI systems hold the promise of a more efficient, personalized, and accessible healthcare landscape. The ongoing evolution of AI-powered diagnostic equipment reaffirms its status as a cornerstone in the ongoing transformation of healthcare delivery.
​

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various industries has sparked significant advancements in recent years, and healthcare is no exception. AI is revolutionizing the way we approach healthcare, offering innovative solutions to improve patient outcomes, streamline processes, and enhance overall efficiency. Let's delve into how AI is reshaping the landscape of healthcare.

1. Early Disease Detection: One of the remarkable contributions of AI in healthcare is its ability to assist in early disease detection. Machine learning algorithms analyze vast amounts of medical data, including patient records, lab results, and imaging studies, to identify patterns that may indicate the presence of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, or cardiovascular issues. This early detection enables healthcare professionals to intervene sooner, potentially improving treatment outcomes and reducing the overall cost of care.
2. Personalized Treatment Plans: AI is playing a pivotal role in tailoring treatment plans based on individual patient characteristics. By analyzing genetic data, lifestyle factors, and historical treatment responses, AI algorithms can recommend personalized therapies. This approach not only enhances the efficacy of treatments but also minimizes adverse effects, as medications and interventions are customized to meet the unique needs of each patient.
3. Predictive Analytics for Hospital Management: Healthcare facilities are leveraging AI for predictive analytics to optimize hospital operations. Machine learning models can forecast patient admission rates, identify potential bottlenecks in resource allocation, and predict disease outbreaks. This enables hospitals to allocate resources efficiently, reduce wait times, and improve overall patient satisfaction.
4. Virtual Health Assistants: AI-driven virtual health assistants are becoming valuable tools in patient care. These assistants can provide information, answer basic medical queries, and offer reminders for medication or follow-up appointments. This not only empowers patients to take an active role in managing their health but also frees up healthcare professionals to focus on more complex tasks.
5. Enhancing Radiology and Imaging: AI applications in radiology and medical imaging are transforming the speed and accuracy of diagnostics. Image recognition algorithms can analyze medical images, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, to detect abnormalities or anomalies that may be challenging for the human eye. This assists radiologists in making faster and more accurate diagnoses.

 
The integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare is undeniably reshaping the industry, offering unprecedented opportunities for improved patient care, increased efficiency, and advanced diagnostic capabilities. As technology continues to evolve, the synergy between AI and healthcare promises a future where medical interventions are more precise, personalized, and accessible to all. The journey towards a smarter, more efficient healthcare system is underway, thanks to the transformative power of artificial intelligence.

​Dr. Isaac Kohane, who's both a computer scientist at Harvard and a physician, teamed up with two colleagues to test drive GPT-4, with one main goal: To see how the newest artificial intelligence model from OpenAI performed in a medical setting. 

"I'm stunned to say: better than many doctors I've observed," he says in the forthcoming book, "The AI Revolution in Medicine," co-authored by independent journalist Carey Goldberg, and Microsoft vice president of research Peter Lee. (The authors say neither Microsoft nor OpenAI required any editorial oversight of the book, though Microsoft has invested billions of dollars into developing OpenAI's technologies.) 

In the book, Kohane says GPT-4, which was released in March 2023 to paying subscribers, answers US medical exam licensing questions correctly more than 90% of the time. It's a much better test-taker than previous ChatGPT AI models, GPT-3 and -3.5, and a better one than some licensed doctors, too. 

Read the full article here.