California-based Kernel has developed a wearable brain measurement headset, aiming to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of brain diseases and conditions. The Kernel Flow, which employs technologies from STMicroelectronics, is an advanced, non-invasive, portable, neuro measurement platform that could be used instead of MRI.
STMicroelectronics, headquartered in Switzerland and a global leader in semiconductors, stepped in to help after being convinced of the great potential of the health tech.
Oriana Di Marco, Head of Health and Wellbeing, Strategic Marketing and Business Development EMEA at ST, explained the company’s imaging foundry offers small to medium businesses to access high-end imaging manufacturing processes that may otherwise be more difficult to access.
“Kernel’s design was a very innovative way of using our single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) technology for other purposes than our FlightSense products. It was a great way for ST to make a positive contribution to people’s life by helping Kernel to transform neuromedicine by accelerating treatment development and reducing healthcare costs.”
Detailed Brain Maps
The fully mobile system includes a durable and adjustable, hard shell headset, not unlike a motorbike helmet, incorporating a time-domain, functional, near-infrared spectroscopy technology.
It allows for natural head motion, real-world measurements, and large-scale data collection while maintaining research-grade data quality.
Together with its software and services platform, the system provides detailed maps of the key patterns of activity in the brain.
And, according to the company, these can provide a deep and scalable understanding of disease states and treatment responses.
Accurate Detection
Through accurate detection of brain conditions, Kernel suggests patient outcomes could be improved.
In June this year, the Kernel Flow completed its first clinical study, accurately detecting mild cognitive impairment (MCI) within a group of 100 participants, 50% of whom had MCI.
The long-term aim of the system is to gather data to be used to translate research neuroimaging findings into clinical use.
It could also be employed for the research of diseases and conditions, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, as well as depression and anxiety.
A Custom Sensor
ST creates and delivers technologies, such as microchips, for everything from electric cars to medical devices, factory machines, data centers, smartphones, washing machines, and portable devices, explained Ms Di Marco.
“Kernel’s first design included 312 sensors, each of which used more than 100 milliwatts. They needed to drastically reduce the power consumption to improve the comfort of the patients. They looked for available technologies and got in touch with ST which was the leader in SPAD-based devices at the time, with hundreds of millions of products in smartphones. Our SPAD technology was the sweet spot for Kernel and our foundry enabled them to design the custom sensor for their needs.”
The technology brought a unique combination of lower power consumption and high-level, on-chip processing, which was key for Kernel.
“They put many detectors around the head and therefore had to avoid it getting too hot. Our high level of on-chip processing enabled Kernel to embed powerful custom algorithms in each sensor, reducing data rates and power consumption.”
Embracing Effective Technology
Ms Di Marco said ST was now eagerly awaiting the results of other studies employing Kernel’s headset.
“The next generation of ST’s SPAD technology brings even more possibilities for Kernel, and we are excited to see how they will take advantage of it. I hope ST will contribute to healthcare digital transformation as much as we have done in other fields like consumer, automotive, and industrial, but mostly I hope healthcare stakeholders will continue to embrace the advent of effective technology that can meet their needs.”
