AI-enabled Yoga Mat developed

A startup incubated at IIT Mandi has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) --enabled Yoga mat, which was presented to Union Ministers here.

The mat called 'YogiFy' was handed over to Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar; Union Railways, I&B and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw; Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and others on behalf of the Ministry of Science and Technology. The mat has the potential to revolutionise the at-home yoga experience by leveraging AI and Computer Vision (CV) technologies to enable comfortable yoga practice, according to the ministry.

It is equipped with a built-in innovative sensor layer, tracks the postures of yoga performers, and offers suggestions to help correct their posture in real-time.

It has been developed by Wellnesys Technologies Private Ltd, incubated at the Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) iHub at IIT Mandi, and supported under the NM-ICPS programme of DST.

New safety measures for topiramate

The UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has implemented new safety measures for topiramate (sold under the brand name Topamax) following a comprehensive safety review triggered by recent European studies. These studies highlighted increased risks associated with the use of topiramate during pregnancy, including a 2 to 3 times higher likelihood of intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children born to mothers who used the drug during pregnancy.  Based on recommendations from the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM), the MHRA now advises that topiramate should not be prescribed for treating epilepsy during pregnancy unless there are no suitable alternative treatments available. This caution extends previous guidance that already restricted its use during pregnancy for migraine due to known risks of birth defects.

PHDCCI health team meets FM

PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) delegation led by Dr. Deep Goel, Chair of the Health Committee, of the chamber recently met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and shared their Pre-Budget Memorandum for Union Budget 2024-25.  The bucket list includes efforts to strengthen our healthcare system amidst the pandemic's lessons, enhancing public health infrastructure, and investing in medical education is critical. Addressing regional healthcare disparities and bolstering the workforce, including doctors, nurses, technicians, and pharmacists, is essential for effective pandemic response. Redirecting resources to expand facilities, incentivizing healthcare professionals, and implementing robust public health emergency plans are vital. Leveraging technology, promoting preventive care, and fostering international collaboration are key for resilient health infrastructure. Establishing well-equipped primary healthcare centers and government hospitals nationwide, particularly at Tehsil/Block levels, is crucial, it said.