Biomedical Science and Integrated Biomedical Systems

- Overview

Biomedical science is a field of study that combines biology and medicine to focus on the health of humans and animals. It includes classes such as: Physiology, Anatomy, Epidemiology, Biochemistry, Nutrition, Kinesiology. 

Biomedical science is a wide-ranging discipline with three general areas of specialty: Life sciences, Physiological sciences, Bioengineering. 

Biomedical science is used to develop knowledge, interventions, or technology that are useful in healthcare or public health. It can help solve significant health problems facing society. 

Biomedical is the application of the natural sciences, especially the biological and physiological sciences, to clinical medicine. It is all that studies the technological and engineering applications of living and biological systems. 

Right from the lowest unit ‘Cell’ to the most complex nervous system that processes and controls the information, all the organs of living beings function with a perfect coordination so that they could digest, reproduce, grow, respond to various stimuli. 

Research in the field of medical, biomedical engineering and technology are further enhancing our understanding about this discipline and unfolding variety of opportunities for the experts to design innovative technical intervention that would offer easy and automated solutions to various biomedical problems. 

- Integrated Biomedical Systems

Integrated biomedical systems are the application of natural sciences, especially biological and physiological sciences, to clinical medicine. They study the technological and engineering applications of living and biological systems. 

Integrated biomedical systems can include:

• Data from wearable monitors for activity, sleep, and physiological measurements
• Phone GPS tracking
• Individual genomics
• Air quality monitoring
• Genome, interactome, and exposome data from biomedical data generating technologies

Integrated biomedical systems can provide a scalable and modular framework that can be extended to include support for numerous types of analyses.

- Artificial Intelligence in Wearable Devices

Artificial intelligence (AI) in wearable devices can monitor and analyze vital signs and health parameters, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and sleep patterns. AI can also analyze laboratory results and support decision making for patient care. 

AI can be used in wearable devices such as: Smartwatches, Fitness trackers, Google Glass. 

AI can provide insights to patients and caregivers to improve their behavior, sleep, and general wellness. For example, AI chatbots can be integrated with wearable devices to provide insights. 

AI can process the complex and massive data collected by wearable devices. Wearable technologies are expected to reduce 16% of hospital costs by 2027. By 2037, they could save $200 billion with their remote patient monitoring devices.

Artificial intelligence (AI) in wearable devices can enable these devices to perform the following tasks:

• Track movement
• Detect stress levels
• Track heart rhythm
• Analyze data in real time
• Early detection and diagnosis of health conditions
• Provide personalized healthcare and treatment
• Make effective decisions
• Reduce medical costs

AI can also enable wearable devices to make real-time decisions and perform tasks autonomously. This is particularly useful in emergency situations that require a quick response. 

-  AI-Powered Healthcare Virtual Assistants

The future of technology is always fascinating, and one area that has experienced substantial growth and expansion over the past few years is the field of conversational AI assistants. These assistants are becoming increasingly common and used in a variety of applications, especially in healthcare. H

Characteristics of AI-Powered Healthcare Virtual Assistants:

• 24/7 availability: Healthcare chatbots can provide 24/7 availability to patients, allowing them to access knowledge and assistance at any time. This is particularly helpful for resolving non-urgent medical inquiries, arranging appointments and providing basic health advice.
• Personalized care: Chatbots can leverage machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms to evaluate patient information, medical records, and understand the symptoms of a problem to recommend the relevant doctor to treat the patient’s problem. Robots can adapt to a person's needs, preferences and medical history to provide customized healthcare guidance.
• Medication reminders: Virtual assistants can help patients manage their medications by sending dosage schedules and refill reminders. This feature improves medication compliance while reducing the risk of missed doses or medication errors.
• Health tracking and data analytics: Chatbots can be integrated with wearable devices and other health tracking tools to track patients’ vital signs, physical activity, and sleep patterns. By evaluating this data, they can gain insights into health trends and provide recommendations for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Driven by modern technological developments, the future of medical chatbots is promising. Virtual assistants are essential in providing customized and efficient healthcare support. 

As machine learning and natural language processing improve, virtual assistants will become more advanced, able to understand and respond to human commands.

- Integrating AI and Wearable IoT Systems in Healthcare

Artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) can help healthcare professionals monitor patients in real-time. AI-powered wearables can monitor and analyze a variety of health parameters, including:

Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, blood sugar, sleep patterns, activity and exercise patterns.

AI technology can also help with data processing and automation. For example, AI can help:

• Reduce human error
• Patient services available 24/7
• Read medical images, X-rays and scans
• Diagnose medical problems
• Develop a treatment plan
• Wearable IoT devices can also help medical professionals:
• Make a virtual visit
• Monitor patients after discharge
• Provide health care services at lower costs

The global IoT in healthcare market is expected to grow to USD 188.2 billion. By 2023, more than a quarter of the U.S. population is expected to use wearable devices.