In Brief – December 2022
A headphone that treats ear infections
Leanne Fan (14) from San Diego has won America’s Top Young Scientist Award for designing headphones that treat ear infections. The Finsen Headphone is a low-cost device that uses machine learning and blue light therapy to detect and treat mid-ear infections and prevent up to 60 per cent hearing loss in children.
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US women diplomats commute by auto rickshaws in Delhi
Four US diplomats — Ann L Mason, Ruth Holmberg, Shareen J Kitterman and Jennifer Bywaters — use personalised black and pink auto rickshaws, instead of their bullet-proof vehicles, for their work trips, not just for fun, but to set an example.
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Fun prescription for depression
England’s National Health Services have rolled out a Social Prescribing Programme, under which doctors in 10 regions can prescribe surfing, roller skating and gardening for teens and pre-teens suffering from anxiety, depression, or anger issues. Participants will be monitored by researchers at the University College London to check if the activities boost their mental well-being.
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Refugee camp recycles plastic
Design Academy in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, is training refugees at a camp in the northern Sahara to convert their plastic waste into furniture, bricks and other useful objects with the help of portable plastic recycling machines.
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Cancer-stopping pill
City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organisations in the US, has developed AOH1996, a cancer medicine, for people with recurring solid tumours. The organisation has announced that the first patient to receive the cancer-stopping pill is doing well. The clinical trial aims to determine the maximum tolerated dose of the pill and to evaluate it for preliminary efficacy.
