PYTHIA wins research funding for a wearable disease warning patch
The MIT-led PYTHIA project has secured a four-year research award worth up to 38 million dollars for developing a wearable monitor for changes associated with heart failure and sepsis. Researchers plan to combine chemical sensing with electronics and on-device artificial intelligence. The award funds development and subsequent testing; the proposed patch’s clinical performance has yet to be established.
Science··Evening
A research award targets earlier disease signals
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States will lead PYTHIA, a project to develop a wearable patch for monitoring changes linked to heart failure and sepsis. Ahmad Bahai heads the research. Sepsis is a severe response to infection that can damage organs. The award announced on 4 November provides up to 38 million dollars across four years, through the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health and its Delphi biosensing programme.[1]
A patch would process measurements on the body
The proposed device would examine the fluid around cells for molecules associated with the conditions. Researchers aim to connect chemical sensing with electronics that consume very little power. Artificial intelligence on the chip would help turn a continuous stream of measurements into useful information. The design also aims to draw energy from body heat. Its components still require development and evaluation, and clinical performance remains unestablished.[1]
Sensor development comes before clinical testing
Work will begin with sensing chemistry and electronic components, before preclinical assessment and tests involving patients. The longer programme also includes preparation for larger-scale manufacturing. Bahai’s earlier work on continuous glucose monitoring helped shape the proposal. The research group brings together expertise from clinical work, industry and semiconductor science. The institute’s health-and-semiconductor research programme supplies its background in connecting chip engineering with medical needs.[1]
