UK to investigate potential bias in medical devices

The UK Government’s Department of Health and Social Care has launched a review of the health impact of potential bias in medical devices. The independent review will look at potential bias in technologies such as oxygen measuring devices and the impact on patients from different ethnic groups. Initial findings expected in late January 2022.

US invests $1.5bn in healthcare

The US Government has announced an investment of $1.5bn under the American Rescue Plan to address healthcare staff shortages and improve workforce equity. The funding for the National Health Service Corps and Nurse Corps aims to expand diversity in the healthcare sector and improve critical clinical care in underserved communities.

Gender bias in Australian research funding

Women secure a smaller share of medical research funding than men from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council despite applying at a similar rate, analysis has found. The gender bias in Australia’s largest grant-award programme was first flagged in 2019 but now thousands of people have signed a petition calling for gender quotas.

From shark skin to new medical devices

The antimicrobial properties of shark skin could inspire the development of materials that prevent the spread of bacteria and biofouling, according to a new study by Chinese scientists published in Science Direct. Scientists studied the surface characteristics of shark skin and how they could be simulated to achieve similar antimicrobial properties for medical device coatings.