A new noninvasive hearing aid for conductive hearing loss; western diet linked to increased risk for lung cancer; using AI to detect cognitive impairment – Morning Medical Update

New noninvasive hearing aid shows promise for conductive hearing loss

Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have developed a flexible, noninvasive hearing aid that could offer an alternative to surgery and implantable devices for patients with conductive hearing loss. Published in the Nature Portfolio journal, Communications Engineering, the study found that an array of micro-epidermal actuators placed behind the ear can create vibrations strong enough to bypass the ear canal and read the inner ear, significantly improving hearing quality. The technology, which could benefit pediatric patients, will undergo further testing in larger clinical studies.

Study links western diet to increased risk for lung cancer

Researchers at the University of Florida have found that a high-fat, high-fructose diet may fuel lung cancer growth by increasing glycogen levels in cancer cells. Published in collaboration with the University of Kentucky’s Markey Cancer Center, the study suggests that glycogen — a sugar storage molecule — acts as an oncogenic metabolite, promoting tumor growth.

“Lung cancer has not traditionally been thought of as a dietary-related disease,” said Ramon Sun, PhD, an associate professor and director of the UF Center for Advanced Spatial Biomolecule Research. "In the long term, our approach to cancer prevention should mirror the success of the anti-smoking campaign — placing greater emphasis on public awareness and policy-driven strategies that promote healthier dietary choices as a fundamental component of disease prevention."

AI-powered portable system may help early detection of cognitive impairment

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a portable system that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect mild cognitive impairment (MCI), an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s and dementia. The device, which combines a depth camera, a force plate, and AI analysis, identified MCI with 83% accuracy by analyzing subtle changes in motor function during cognitive tasks. Published in Alzheimer’s Disease and Associated Disorders, the study highlights the potential for expanding screenings in community settings, improving early diagnosis and enabling timely interventions for millions at risk.