GE Healthcare has moved to acquire a Swedish startup and its next-generation photon-counting technology, which the medtech manufacturer says could help expand the clinical reach of its CT scanners.

Prismatic Sensors has developed sensitive detectors capable of reading individual beams of X-ray energy, at a rate of hundreds of millions of photons per second. Their design aims to eliminate the extra electronic noise in a scan, ultimately lowering the overall dose of radiation received by a patient while improving the quality of the image.

Dubbed Deep Silicon technology, this would allow for higher-resolution visualizations of more minute details in organs and tissues—such as pictures of smaller blood vessels or malignant cells, and more accurate density measurements—with potential applications across cancer care, cardiology, neurology and more.

“We believe this technology has the potential to be a substantial step forward for CT imaging to establish a new standard of care and eventually improve clinical outcomes for millions of patients worldwide,” GE Healthcare President and CEO Kieran Murphy said in a statement.

GE researchers first began studying photon-counting technology in 1993 and launched the world’s first prototype using cadmium-based detectors in 2006. Now, GE said Prismatic’s Deep Silicon detectors promise a better solution to the high levels of energy produced by CT imaging, and are capable of providing more information to clinicians.

“Silicon is by far the purest material produced for use in detectors,” said Prismatic CEO Mats Danielsson. “Alternative materials, including cadmium-based, will be limited as X-ray detector materials due to their imperfect crystal structure and contaminations. Silicon-based detectors will enable superior spectral resolution without compromising on count rate or spatial resolution.”

GE has held a minority position in the company since 2017, which was originally founded in 2012 as a spin-off from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. The two companies aim to close the deal by January 2021; the transaction’s financial terms were not disclosed.

Penumbra, Inc., a global healthcare company focused on innovative therapies, announced U.S. FDA clearance for expanded indication of the latest iteration of the Indigo® Aspiration System, Lightning. As part of the Indigo Aspiration System, Lightning 12 (Indigo System CAT™ 12 Aspiration Catheter with Lightning Intelligent Aspiration) and Separator 12 are now indicated for the removal of fresh, soft emboli and thrombi from vessels of the peripheral arterial and venous systems as well as for the treatment of pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary embolism, or PE, is a deadly condition causing blood clots within a patient’s lungs that has grown in prevalence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Indigo Aspiration System with Lightning 12 removes these difficult-to-access, life-threatening clots, potentially reducing the need for thrombolytics and their associated ICU stays.

“Penumbra continues to strive to bring innovative therapies to the medical community, and this is another important milestone that will help advance pulmonary embolism intervention,” said Adam Elsesser, president and chief executive officer, Penumbra. “COVID has increased the awareness of the need for therapies that remove blood clots, and we are thrilled with the FDA clearance of the PE treatment indication for Lightning 12.”

The Indigo System Lightning 12 is the company’s newest generation aspiration system for peripheral thrombectomy. Lightning 12 combines the Indigo System CAT™12 Aspiration Catheter with Lightning Intelligent Aspiration, enabling physicians to focus on optimizing thrombus removal using the system’s unique clot detection mechanism. CAT12 is a large-lumen aspiration catheter that incorporates novel laser-cut hypotube-based catheter engineering to provide advanced deliverability and torqueability within the body. This combination of intelligent aspiration and large-lumen catheter engineering makes Lightning 12 Penumbra’s most advanced clot removal technology for the treatment of pulmonary embolism.

The Indigo System Lightning 12 was launched in July and is available immediately for patients needing interventional treatment for PE.

About Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a condition that occurs when blood clots, typically traveling from the veins in the legs, get caught in the arteries of the lungs. Blood clots in the lungs can block the lungs from absorbing oxygen, causing strain on the heart and other organs. According to the American Heart Association, PE affects roughly 367,000 Americans per year.1

About Indigo System

The latest generation of Penumbra’s continuous aspiration thrombectomy system features Indigo System Lightning 12 which combines the new Indigo System CAT 12 Aspiration Catheter with Lightning Intelligent Aspiration powered by Penumbra ENGINE, enabling physicians to focus on optimizing thrombus removal using the system’s unique clot detection mechanism. The Indigo System’s proprietary Separator technology, Separator 12 is also available with Lightning 12 and is designed to enable unobstructed aspiration for the duration of the procedure. Lightning 12 and Separator 12 are designed for the removal of fresh, soft emboli and thrombi from the peripheral arterial and venous systems, and for the treatment of pulmonary embolism.

In addition to Lightning 12, the Indigo System also now includes Lightning 8 which combines the Indigo System CAT 8 Aspiration Catheter with Lightning Intelligent Aspiration for the removal of fresh, soft emboli and thrombi from the peripheral arterial and venous systems, and for the treatment of pulmonary embolism. Lightning 12 and Lightning 8 expand the already broad offering of CAT8, CATD, CAT6, CAT5, and CAT3 and are paired with Penumbra ENGINE, the company’s proprietary continuous, mechanical vacuum aspiration pump.

About Penumbra

Penumbra, Inc., headquartered in Alameda, California, is a global healthcare company focused on innovative therapies. Penumbra designs, develops, manufactures and markets novel products and has a broad portfolio that addresses challenging medical conditions in markets with significant unmet need. Penumbra sells its products to hospitals and healthcare providers primarily through its direct sales organization in the U.S., most of Europe, Canada and Australia, and through distributors in select international markets.

There are a series of factors to be considered when one attempts to lose weight. However, before diving into the details, let’s primarily define body weight. Basically, our bodies are composed of fat, lean body mass, and water. These proportions vary for each individual. Factors such as gender, age, and lifestyle affect what constitute our total weight. In fact, Barbara J. Moore, PhD, president of Shape Up! America, said that women can and should weigh heavier than men. This is due to their different reproductive functions. In order to support that purpose, women should hold higher fat in their bodies.

When you try to shed off weight, it’s crucial to examine and ask yourself how you would approach this undertaking. It’s important to be strategic and to carefully consider “advice” from others. The Internet, fitness gurus, and people in general might offer different suggestions on how you should deal the process. However, it’s more sustainable to visualize matters for yourself so you’ll have an easier time self-regulating and steering your way through obstacles.

Moreover, before you begin your weight-loss journey, you need to primarily educate yourself on  what is body composition. This knowledge is important because this will aid you in evaluating your health and your current fitness level. It’s also essential to bear in mind that weighing yourself on a scale will not accurately depict your body composition.

Why Do People Want to Lose Weight?

Interestingly, people have different reasons for desiring to lose weight. Some may need to do it due to health-related conditions, while others are required to because it’s part of their job. Athletes, cabin crew members, and certain professional models have a weight requirement to adhere to.

Likewise, there are those who want to lose weight for aesthetic reasons, such as looking lean or maintaining their physique. There’s nothing wrong with this if you pursue it for the right purpose. For instance, if it boosts your self-confidence and allows you to be flexible in accomplishing more goals, then no one should stop you. No one should be shamed or discriminated against for their personal reasons for wanting to be fit. What matters is listening to your body to make weight-loss work for you.

Why Should We Listen to Our Body While Losing Weight?

1. Our Bodies Are Different

Humans in general tend to appreciate, desire, and become mesmerized with bodily aesthetics. The “ideal physique” is often glorified by the entertainment and fitness industries, and society seems to celebrate when people shed off a few pounds as evidenced by shows like The Biggest Loser.

Because of these, there’s a gradual buildup of external pressure to lose weight fast, thus causing people to set up their fitness journeys with unrealistic strategies and expectations. However, the truth is that some individuals may shed weight quicker than others—and this is completely normal.

Each body type is unique, and a person’s genetic inheritance impacts their body shape, size, bone structure, and weight.

Although some may attempt to emulate fitness gurus by eating the same food and exercising in the same duration, their body would still not turn out exactly the same as these gurus. Hence, it’s essential to listen to your body and be rational with your approach.

Keep in mind that there should be harmony among your food, physical activity, and mental health. When you have balance among the three, then this may allow you to overcome any weight-loss hurdles along the way.

2. Our Bodies are the Best Sources of Information

Our bodily sensations are one of the best sources of information. These were intended for a purpose and are crucial to tune in to.

While on the process of weight loss, your body will prompt you with physical signs that you need to attend to. Such examples are when you’re at the brink of experiencing burnout, need to fuel yourself, are overwhelmed, exhausted, and the like. These feelings should primarily be regarded and validated, not set aside.

Unfortunately, most of us can be too preoccupied with our weight-loss goals and directly push past these cues. This brings more harm than good. When you dismiss your bodily signals, this may be amplified through detrimental stress, as well as certain sicknesses and diseases. Hence, it’s essential to pay attention your body’s concerns while attempting to lose weight.

3. Our Bodies Are Smart

Through its own feedback systems and self-regulation, your body is able to function independently from the mind. If you pay attention to it, then you’ll know when something’s off or if you need to extend your recovery period.

While sailing along this weight-loss journey, you need to recognize that your body is smart and you need to trust its manifestations. Your body was programmed to have its distinct boundaries, which are not meant to limit but to protect. This allows you to assess how far you can go before you drain yourself. It exists as a reminder that you’re human and not a machine.

4. Our Bodies Will Help Us With Our Goals

Ultimately, it’s important to establish rapport with your body. This will help you extend empathy and patience towards its weight-loss progress. In turn, when you learn to be attentive to it, then your body will assist you further as you move and would cooperate more as you progress towards your fitness goals.

Awareness with your body is essential because this will enhance your experience with exercise. Significantly, apart from aiming for weight loss, this journey should teach be able to teach you to improve your relationship with your body.

Moreover, listening to your body can help you approach weight loss with the right mindset. This can help alleviate stress, maintain mental health, and promote a healthy perspective with food and exercise.

Losing Weight: A Nonlinear Journey

It is neither sustainable nor healthy to rush the process of losing weight. It is also impractical to solely fixate on this objective. Due to stress and pressure, most of us may no longer appreciate activities such as exercise and food preparation. We might no longer take moments to acknowledge our mini wins and progressions.

The pursuit towards weight loss should supposedly be nonlinear. There will be trial and errors along the way. It’s a journey of making amends and getting to know our bodies. It’s also a process of acknowledging how privileged we are as we engage in this undertaking.

Takeaway

There will be times when tuning into your body will become a challenge. This may be due to the external distractions, such as various information and tips from people “who have been there.” Remember to only pick up lessons that are useful.

Amid the noise, take time to pause and pay attention to your body’s cues. Learn to loosen up and appreciate the journey, no matter where you’re currently at. Lastly, when you learn to trust your body, it may perhaps gradually find balance on its own.

Hair loss is one of the common problems that millions of men and women have to suffer. This is why it is fairly common to see many products in the market aiming to provide hair loss solutions. Among those that are growing in popularity are serums like CL Activating Serum, which promote hair health. If you are new to hair growth serums, here are some things you should know about before you start using them:

Will Hair Serums Make Your Hair Grow?

Genetics play a huge role in determining hair regrowth rate, which varies from one person to another. You also have to keep in mind that various factors contribute to a person’s hair loss. Usually, hair loss can be due to hormonal changes, specifically after giving birth, or it can also be due to stress. In these cases, the hair follicles are often too damaged even to produce new hair growth, and this process is often irreversible. You cannot use hair serums alone to encourage hair growth, but they can promote the health of hair follicles.

What Are the Uses of Hair Serums?

While hair serums will not make your hair grow back, they have tons of other benefits:

Repairs Damaged Hair

Hair serums have been proven to repair damaged hair. They can tame frizz and flyaways by nourishing hair follicles, giving it a fuller and thicker volume. They can also prevent the spread of split ends that can weaken hair strands. Most hair serums have oils and extracts that condition hair, repair dead skin cells, and improve blood flow to the scalp. They are great for giving the hair an enviable luster. Serums can also provide a protective sheath to lock in moisture and fight the adverse effects of styling ingredients and tools.

Improves Hair Growth Cycle

Hair serums will never make your hair grow back, but they can help improve the hair growth cycle of hair follicles. When this cycle is working correctly, you will notice a significant reduction in hair loss. Activating serums can help stimulate dermal papilla cells that are significant in regulating hair follicle development and growth. Furthermore, hair serums are critical in blocking the activity of 5 alpha-reductase, which contributes to hair loss.

Keeps Hair Healthy

If you want to keep your hair healthy and strong, hair serums can be useful in promoting this. They have ingredients enough to give nourishment to your scalp and promote healthy hair. You would notice that the longer you use them, the hair becomes glossier, signaling good health.

What Are the Ingredients of Hair Serums?

Hair serums are usually a mix of essential oils, phytoextracts, biotin, and a number of bioactive ingredients such as coconut oil, natural extracts, zinc, and amino acids. When all of these ingredients work together, users can notice significant changes in their hair health.

How Do You Effectively Use Hair Serums?

• If you want to get maximum results, you have to effectively use hair serums. Here’s how:
• You should use hair serums after washing your hair. While it is still wet, take two to five drops of the hair serum.
• Apply it on areas where there is hair thinning. Massage it using in a circular motion so the scalp would completely absorb it.
• Do this routine at least two to three times a week.

Promoting hair health should be part of your routine if you want to make sure that you won’t have any bald spots. For those with a genetic predisposition to hair loss, it helps to follow a healthy diet and remove any potential stressors that can further cause hair loss.

Lantheus Holdings, Inc. , the parent company of Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc. and Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and a global leader in the development, manufacture and commercialization of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic agents and products, announced the U.S. FDA has approved the supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for DEFINITY® Room Temperature (DEFINITY RT) (Perflutren Lipid Microsphere) Injectable Suspension.

“With the approval of DEFINITY RT, we expand our microbubble franchise offering to include a room temperature formulation, in addition to our market leading, refrigerated DEFINITY that our customers and patients have trusted to enhance suboptimal echocardiograms for 19 years. This approval will enable those customers who prefer a non-refrigerated product to be able to continue to benefit from our DEFINITY microbubble products,” said Paul Blanchfield, Chief Commercial Officer.

Mary Anne Heino, President and Chief Executive Officer, added, “We continue to expand the offerings in our microbubble franchise. The addition of DEFINITY RT recognizes the increasing need for portability in delivery of healthcare services, as well as our commitment to partnering with innovators developing complex product formulations which include a microbubble. I am thankful to the entire Lantheus team who worked diligently to bring this new formulation to the market.”

DEFINITY RT is a modified formulation of DEFINITY that allows both storage and shipment at room temperature (DEFINITY’s previously approved formulation requires refrigerated storage). The activation of DEFINITY RT will be achieved using the VIALMIX® RFID device, which was approved in August 2020. This modified formulation provides clinicians an additional choice and allows for greater utility of this formulation in broader clinical settings.

About DEFINITY® and DEFINITY® RT

DEFINITY Vial for Injectable Suspension and DEFINITY RT (Perflutren Lipid Microsphere) Injectable Suspension (activated) are ultrasound enhancing agents for use in patients with suboptimal echocardiograms. DEFINITY and DEFINITY RT are engineered to produce small and consistently sized durable microbubbles to fully evaluate the left ventricle. DEFINITY has extensive safety experience and a consistent safety profile. Since its launch in 2001, more than 14 million echo studies have been performed with DEFINITY, and it is the most prescribed ultrasound enhancing agent in the U.S.