Connect with us
https://tickernews.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/AmEx-Thought-Leaders.jpg

Tech

New tech allows parents to hold a 3D printed version of their unborn baby

Published

on

US surgeons have developed new 3D printing technology to assist with procedures to correct birth defects in the womb

One hospital in Florida is working with 3D printing developers to create new technology to revolutionise the future of pre-natal care. It aims to make fetal surgery more effective and safer for both the mother and unborn child. The technology allows surgeons to create a detailed 3D rendering of the unborn child to study before surgery.

Surgeons use MRI ultrasound imaging and the 3D printing tech to reduce potential risks in procedures. The hospital says the technology also allows surgeons to plan procedures ahead of time and plan for anticipated obstacles.

Samer Elbabaa is a pediatric neurosurgeon at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. He shows expecting parents Jocelyn and Jared Rodriguez a 3D-printed model of their developing baby.

The technology could prevent the unborn child from developing neurological disabilities, such as an inability to walk

The hospital is trialling using the tech to plan for in-utero surgery to repair spinal defects. The defects can lead to neurological disabilities, such as being unable to walk.

Samer Elbabaa, MD is the medical director of paediatric neurosurgery at Orlando Health, the hospital that developed the technology. She says the tech is “extremely valuable” in cases where defects can’t actually be seen ahead of surgery.

Jack Stubbs is the president and CEO of Digital Anatomy Simulations for Healthcare. Here, he prepares a 3D model of a fetus using MRI and ultrasound imaging. The printed model will give surgeons a life-size representation they can use to prepare for surgery.

Helping surgeons to identify and analyse potential issues before the baby is even born

“The 3D reconstruction of the fetus can really educate the surgeon on the real-life shape, size and location of the spinal lesion,” she said.

DASH President and CEO Jack Stubbs says the the fetal models will help surgeons plan for procedures. It will also help “reduce the duration of the surgery to limit the developing baby’s exposure,” he said.

Jocelyn and Jared Rodriguez look at an ultrasound of their baby. Orlando Health surgeons used this imaging to create a 3D printed replica of the baby. They used the model to prepare for a complicated procedure to treat the baby’s spinal defect.

“It’s a level of detail that we are not able to see in traditional imaging”

The technology works by enhancing MRI and ultrasound images taken throughout the pregnancy with more accurate 3D details.

These images are then printed as a high-res model using multiple colours and materials. This also allows surgeons to see extra details like skeletal structure, nerves, veins and other issues indicative of spinal abnormalities.

“We are able to create models that are extremely realistic,” said Stubbs. They do this by using a stack of two-dimensional images taken throughout the pregnancy and enhancing them to reconstruct a more accurate visualisation of the fetus.

Dr. Samer Elbabaa is a paediatric neurosurgeon at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. Here he holds 3D printed models of two fetuses. These models allow surgeons to review, visualise and prepare for a complex procedure.

The 3D-printed models will give both surgeons and parents a clearer picture for what to expect during fetal surgery

The technology will also help surgeons explain the baby’s condition and potential treatment options to parents. For first-time parents Jared and Jocelyn Rodriguez, it made them more confident about moving forward with surgery.

“We could see the brain and the spine. I looked down at it and thought, ‘I’m holding my daughter right now? That’s pretty awesome.’”

The Rodriguezes say they’re glad this technological development will help give their future daughter the possibility of a healthier future.

Jocelyn and Jared Rodriguez take a walk at a park near their Central Florida home. Jocelyn and her unborn child underwent in-utero surgery to treat her baby’s spina bifida.

Natasha is an Associate Producer at ticker NEWS with a Bachelor of arts from Monash University. She has previously worked at Sky News Australia and Monash University as an Online Content Producer.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Tech

Hollywood agencies criticise OpenAI’s Sora for exploitation

Hollywood agencies criticise OpenAI’s Sora for exploiting creators and infringing intellectual property rights amid rising concerns over AI usage

Published

on

Hollywood agencies criticise OpenAI’s Sora for exploiting creators and infringing intellectual property rights amid rising concerns over AI usage

video
play-sharp-fill
In Short:
– Top talent agencies, including CAA and UTA, oppose OpenAI’s Sora over client rights and copyright risks.
– Disney and others demand immediate action from OpenAI to address copyright infringements related to Sora.

Top Hollywood talent agencies have expressed strong opposition to OpenAI’s new video creation app, Sora. The Creative Artists Agency (CAA) voiced concerns about significant risks to their clients and intellectual property rights.CAA represents high-profile clients such as Doja Cat and Scarlett Johansson. The agency questioned OpenAI’s commitment to compensating creators for their work, suggesting that their practices might ignore global copyright principles.

They stated, “Control, permission for use, and compensation is a fundamental right of these workers.”

Banner

United Talent Agency (UTA) echoed similar sentiments, labelling Sora’s actions as “exploitation, not innovation.” UTA reinforced that human talent is irreplaceable and affirmed its commitment to defending its clients’ rights. OpenAI has indicated it will implement measures to limit the generation of well-known characters and enhance control for rightsholders.

Industry Response

The memo from WME instructed agents to ensure that all clients are opted out of the latest Sora updates. Disney also took a firm stance, clarifying it had not granted OpenAI permission to use its copyrighted content.

The Motion Picture Association urged immediate action from OpenAI to address copyright infringements related to Sora.

Concerns over generative AI’s impact on copyright have surged within the entertainment industry.

Major companies like Universal and Disney have already pursued legal action against other AI firms over similar issues, highlighting a growing fear regarding the protection of intellectual property.


Download the Ticker app

Continue Reading

Tech

OpenAI, Jony Ive’s AI device faces significant delays

OpenAI and Jony Ive’s AI device faces significant delays due to technical and infrastructure challenges ahead of its launch

Published

on

OpenAI and Jony Ive’s AI device faces significant delays due to technical and infrastructure challenges ahead of its launch

video
play-sharp-fill
In Short:
– OpenAI and Jony Ive face significant challenges for their AI device, delaying its launch to 2026.
– Technical issues include computing power shortages and difficulties defining the AI’s personality and behaviour.
OpenAI and Jony Ive’s collaboration on an AI device is facing significant technical challenges, leading to potential delays in its launch.
The partnership began after OpenAI’s acquisition of Ive’s design studio, io, for $6.5 billion. The current target for release is set for 2026.Banner

The primary obstacle is the need for adequate computing power for widespread deployment. Insiders revealed that OpenAI is struggling to secure enough compute resources for current applications, let alone the device design focused on continuous interaction.

Compute Issues

Development teams are also navigating challenges in defining the AI’s personality and behaviour.

Creating an assistant that is both engaging and appropriately responsive has proven difficult, as the design aims to foster a friendly interaction style without veering into overly chatty or insincere exchanges.

Legal issues add to the complications, including a trademark dispute with audio startup Iyo, resulting in the removal of “io” branding from promotional materials. Manufacturing is ongoing, with partnerships established, including with Chinese company Luxshare.

As OpenAI prepares for the upcoming DevDay 2025 conference, the company is under pressure to showcase progress, especially as competitors like Apple and Google advance their AI projects.

The focus remains on overcoming existing hurdles while optimising development strategies for the future of AI devices.


Download the Ticker app

Continue Reading

Tech

Indonesia lifts TikTok suspension after compliance with requests

Indonesia swiftly reinstates TikTok’s licence after compliance with data-sharing demands regarding August protests

Published

on

Indonesia swiftly reinstates TikTok’s licence after compliance with data-sharing demands regarding August protests

video
play-sharp-fill
In Short:
– Indonesia lifted TikTok’s suspension after it provided required protest-related data to the government.
– The incident underscores increasing tensions between Southeast Asian governments and tech companies over data transparency.
Indonesia has lifted TikTok’s operating license suspension on October 4, one day after imposing the penalty. The decision followed TikTok’s compliance with government demands for data related to protests in August.The rapid resolution illustrates rising tensions between Southeast Asian governments and global tech companies regarding data transparency during politically sensitive events.

Banner

Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs confirmed that TikTok submitted necessary data on livestream traffic and monetisation during the protests occurring between August 25 and 30, 2025. This submission occurred on the same day of the suspension announcement, restoring TikTok’s registration as an electronic system operator.

The suspension was initially triggered by TikTok’s partial data submission by a September 23 deadline, citing internal privacy constraints on full compliance.

Regulatory Context

The data dispute arose amid violent demonstrations in late August, protesting excessive lawmakers’ allowances and police brutality, particularly following the death of a motorcycle taxi driver on August 28. Authorities found accounts allegedly linked to illegal gambling using TikTok’s livestream feature, prompting TikTok to suspend this function temporarily.

The incident highlights Indonesia’s assertive stance on tech regulation, particularly given its significance as TikTok’s second-largest market globally. The platform has faced various regulatory challenges in Indonesia, including a recent $900,000 antitrust fine for late notification regarding its Tokopedia acquisition.

Despite the suspension, TikTok remained accessible throughout the regulatory process, stating its commitment to comply with local laws.


Download the Ticker app

Continue Reading

Trending Now