The Alphafold machine learning system for predicting a protein’s structure from its amino acid sequence has been adapted to make it possible to design de novo proteins that fold in a particular way and bind to prespecified target proteins. The sister system, called Alphadesign, works by generating random strings of amino acids, using Alphafold to predict their structure, and then iteratively optimizing the design.

Zip Diagnostics Pty Ltd., Menzies School of Health Research and Axxin Pty Ltd., a Melbourne, Australia-based diagnostic instrumentation manufacturer, partnered to develop a rapid diagnostic test for scabies, a skin parasite that affects more than 200 million people each year.

Health care technology company Wearoptimo Ltd. developed a next-generation microwearable sensor that accurately detects hydration levels, outperforming the needle-based gold standard.

Researchers from the University of Cincinnati filed for protection of an electrochemical aptamer-based biosensor technology with improved sensitivity and longevity, which has the potential for monitoring several biomarkers over sustained periods.

The first patent from Palo Alto, Calif.-headquartered Updoc Inc. provides protection for their development of an artificially intelligent, voice-based method for prescribing, managing and administering at least one medication for management of type 2 diabetes to a patient.

At the four-day KIMES 2025 exhibition, more than 35,000 products and prototypes were on display. In the clamor, BioWorld engaged with three promising neurological disease-focused companies – Readycure Inc., Neurive Co. Ltd. and Vuno Inc. – that showcased innovative technology for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and tinnitus at the Seoul-based event.

Researchers from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine filed for protection of the development of a lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) visual prosthetic device with implantable electrode arrays that stimulate the LGN and restore vision.

New Zealand med-tech startup Avasa Ltd. has developed an arterial coupler that could save surgeons 30 minutes in the operating room to better connect arteries.

Astellas Pharma Inc. is setting up a joint venture with Yaskawa Electric Corp. to develop a new cell production platform using Yaskawa’s dual-arm humanoid robot called Maholo.

The first patenting from Theta Neurotech Inc. sees the company’s co-founders describe their development of a wearable earpiece that uses an electroencephalography technology and machine learning algorithms to alert epilepsy patients 30 to 60 minutes before they have a seizure.