Brigham and Womens researchers unveil cutting-edge innovation in virtual showcase – Boston Herald

Researchers from Brigham and Womens Hospital unveiled an array of cutting-edge medical technology in a Thursday virtual showcase that included a bedside teddy bear powered by artificial intelligence and a nasal spray that can prevent the spread of viruses.

The Discover Brigham event united doctors and scientists from all corners of the medical community to share the latest research and development of ideas and products that can shape the health care industry.

One such development is a nasal spray that can prevent the transmission of respiratory viruses by capturing and killing the inhaled aerosols in the nasal cavity.

In addition to containing the virus, the components of the formulation are also able to deactivate the virus within a few minutes of capture, said John Joseph, BWH postdoctoral fellow in the Center for Nanomedicine.

The pocket-sized spray coats the nasal cavity for up to four hours without irritation or sensory impairment, and can be used as a barrier when masks arent feasible such as while eating and drinking, Joseph said during Thursdays virtual demo. Researchers expect to test the spray against COVID-19 soon.

The spray is drug free, and will be cleared via mucus and expelled from the body through digestion three to four hours after use.

Our strategy has been designed in such a way that it can be easily integrated into daily life, Joseph said, adding that the product would play an especially important role in the context of the current and future pandemics.

On the softer side of the presentations sat Briggie, a plush teddy bear toy with the power of artificial intelligence that can ask patients about their pain level and respond to their requests.

Briggie has activating buttons, LED lights, a microcomputer, a microphone and a smart speaker to interact with patients, but it isnt like other smart technology.

It doesnt work like Alexa or Siri, it doesnt listen all the time, said Dr. Samir Tulebaev, Brigham associate physician.

Instead, Briggie is activated every hour, or whenever you need it, to ask about four key things pain, positioning, personal comfort and toileting.

Hello, my name is Briggie. I am an artificial intelligence nursing assistant. I will be asking about your pain every hour. I will send a text message to your nurse if you need any help, Briggie said during the demo.

When the patient is discharged from the hospital, they get to take the Briggie plush toy home with them.

Other innovations presented Thursday included artificial intelligence solutions to maintain stable vital signs during Cesarean delivery, an injection molded prototype N95 respirator for health care workers and many others.

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Brigham and Womens researchers unveil cutting-edge innovation in virtual showcase - Boston Herald