Good Morning! 🌞 

Inspired by yesterday’s intro, Martin Walter shared a video of one of his guitar hero’s from the 70’s. A true legend and a few of you might know him…

Health Science

Groundbreaking AI Tool Gets FDA Approval

Recently, the health tech company Prenosis unveiled its groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI)-based diagnostic tool designed to identify sepsis, marking the first time such a tool has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Sepsis, a critical condition that arises from the body's severe response to an infection, leads to hundreds of thousands of deaths annually in hospitalized patients or those moved to hospice care. The difficulty in diagnosing sepsis early, which is crucial for effective treatment due to the rapid progression of the disease, presents a significant challenge in healthcare.

The diagnostic tool developed by Prenosis, known as Sepsis ImmunoScore, leverages AI to analyze 22 different health indicators, including vital signs and laboratory results, to evaluate a patient's sepsis risk. This innovative approach allows for a comprehensive assessment by simultaneously considering multiple health parameters that clinicians traditionally had to monitor separately. The Sepsis ImmunoScore provides an overall risk score and categorizes patients based on their deterioration risk, enhancing the ability of healthcare professionals to make timely and informed decisions.

Developed on the Immunix platform, the tool is based on an extensive dataset comprising over 100,000 blood samples from 25,000 patients. It seamlessly integrates into electronic health records, ensuring it fits effortlessly into existing medical workflows and is straightforward for clinicians to use.

This FDA approval came through the agency's De Novo pathway, which means it is the first of its kind to be approved. While Prenosis is the pioneer in receiving FDA approval for an AI-based sepsis diagnostic tool, other institutions like Johns Hopkins University have also developed AI systems targeting early sepsis detection, with some models reportedly identifying sepsis symptoms hours before conventional methods.

Prenosis emphasized its commitment to safety and efficacy by choosing to seek FDA approval before marketing the Sepsis ImmunoScore, despite having developed the tool three years prior. The company engaged with the FDA for approximately 18 months to ensure the tool's safety and effectiveness. With FDA approval now secured, Prenosis plans to conduct further studies to validate the tool's accuracy and its impact on clinical decisions, aiming to introduce it to hospitals in the U.S. and eventually worldwide.

World News

Children Lead Water Conservation Efforts in India

Bengaluru, a bustling Indian megacity, experiences scorching summers where water conservation is crucial. However, one individual's initiative within the school system has had a significant impact, conserving millions of gallons of water this year alone.

Dr. Hariharan Chandrashekhar, an environmentalist, initiated the Rain Reach program in Bengaluru schools in response to a crisis triggered by extensive well digging, which rapidly depleted water supplies for 8.5 million residents and approximately 40 schools in the city.

Targeting students aged 9 to 15, the program aims to instill early awareness about water conservation, fostering lifelong habits. Through practical measures such as rainwater collection and storage, monitoring rainfall with rain gauges, and treating wastewater for non-potable uses like irrigation and toilet flushing, the program has saved over 9 million gallons (34 million liters) of water.

Water conservation has emerged as a focal point in both private and public sectors in India. Initiatives like Jal Jeevan, launched nationwide in August 2019, have provided tap water connections to nearly 79 million households, extending access to 56% of rural households across the nation.

Entertainment

Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn

Lady Gaga joins Joaquin Phoenix in the highly anticipated "Joker: Folie à Deux" trailer released on April 9.

The teaser features Phoenix's character, Arthur Fleck, being escorted through a facility, where he encounters Gaga's Harley Quinn. The trailer showcases their tumultuous romance, with scenes of them navigating chaos together, underscored by a haunting rendition of "What the World Needs Now is Love."

In DC lore, the Joker and Harley Quinn have a complex relationship, often depicted as love interests. Director Todd Phillips' take on these iconic characters promises to be a departure from traditional comic book interpretations, akin to his approach in the acclaimed 2019 film "Joker." The sequel also stars Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, and Zazie Beetz.

"Joker: Folie à Deux" is set to premiere in theaters on October 4th, following the success of its predecessor, which earned Joaquin Phoenix an Oscar for Best Actor.

Sports

The Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction

Today, The Palm Beaches gears up for the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction, a premier event for car collectors and enthusiasts. This exclusive stop on the Barrett-Jackson roadshow attracts a global audience and offers the chance to bid on a wide range of collector cars.

Throughout the weekend, attendees can participate in auctions, attend educational sessions, and enjoy celebrity appearances and product displays. Test drives of the latest models are available for those seeking an adrenaline boost.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the gate for day-of entry. VIP Experiences are also available for those looking for a more exclusive event.

The auction runs until April 20th, offering attendees a weekend filled with automotive excitement and opportunities to indulge their passion for cars.

Mind Stretchers

⁉️ 

I never was but always will be. No one ever saw me but everyone knows I exist. What am I?

Yesterday’s Answers to the Mind Stretchers:
Echoes

Looks like this one through you all for a loop. 😄 

Be the first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected] or reply to email.

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured.