Vinod Khosla speculates (again) on AI in healthcare
More than five years after writing an op-ed in which he speculated that algorithms might replace doctors entirely, venture capitalist Vinod Khosla revisited the issue in an extensive Q&A with Xconomy. Khosla said that 2012 post was born out of frustration after tearing his ACL skiing, but he didn’t back down from his previous comment, arguing that “there’s no reason an oncologist should be a human being” and said medicine “could get reinvented if the right entrepreneurs go after it and they get lucky." (Xconomy)
Researchers discover “serious weakness” in Wi-Fi network security
Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a vulnerability in the protocol that protects Wi-Fi networks. The weakness, referred to as key reinstallation attacks (KRACKs), allows attackers to view information that was thought to be encrypted and even inject ransomware and other malware into websites. The Department of Homeland Security has issued a warning and a list of vendor updates. (Blog post)
UF Health awarded grant to use telehealth for HIV care
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has awarded the University of Florida Health Jacksonville a $2.2 million grant to allow patient living with HIV to see medical professionals via telehealth. After seeing success in rural areas of the state, the program aims to provide a section virtual option for patients that face challenges with transportation and work schedules. (Announcement)
Northwell Hospital integrates with Alexa
Voice-powered software developed by Northwell Health can be integrated with Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant to help users find the nearest Northwell emergency department or urgent care center. The skill incorporates the systems wait time portal to direct patients to a location where they can get the quickest care. (MobiHealthNews)
CVS partners with Epic to lower drug costs
CVS Health and Epic have announced a new partnership to leverage population health data an analytics to improve prescribing decisions, provide pharmacists with additional access to data and lower drug costs by incorporating real-time benefit information. (Release)
DHS issues directive to improve email security at federal agencies
The Department of Homeland Security issued a binding directive calling on all federal agencies to take specific steps to improve email security. Under the directive, agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services, are required to provide DHS with an agency plan of action within 30 days and reconfigure email security within 90 days. (Announcement)