First in the nation to evaluate solution previously proven to identify viruses in seconds
Temple, TX (November 23, 2020) – Baylor Scott & White Research Institute today announces a new research project with Newsight Imaging to evaluate the efficacy of a potential new COVID-19 screening solution.
The research project will include the evaluation of Israeli startup Newsight Imaging’s SpectraLIT™ – a portable spectral analysis device powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence. The device is licensed to Newsight’s joint venture with Sheba Medical Center, Virusight Diagnostic.
The project is the latest effort for Baylor Scott & White, which through Baylor Scott & White Research Institute continues to mobilize staff and resources, including components needed to integrate critical patient-safety measures at every participating site within the Baylor Scott & White system. Baylor Scott & White Research Institute’s COVID-19 therapeutic task force and four institutional review boards have now approved more than 25 COVID-19 research initiatives: industry sponsored drug trials, investigator-initiated drug trials and research studies, as well as observational and data studies designed to help increase knowledge around case trends, viral epidemiology, and care best practices.
“We are optimistic about our laboratory’s ability to continue contributing to the advancement of innovative, cost-effective, accurate methods of detecting SARS-CoV-2,” said Sheila Dobin, PhD and the principal investigator of the research project at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple. “Since the beginning of the virus’ impact on our nation, we have been working to help address soaring demand for tests and helping to produce accurate results quickly.”
Eyal Yatskan, co-founder and CTO of Newsight added: “We are delighted to work together with Baylor Scott & White, and we are looking forward to successfully completing the analytical and clinical evaluations. Our unique spectral technology, which is based on years of extensive efforts, is the right solution, just in time, to provide a mass screening solution for the return to normal life. We are glad to get the opportunity to show and prove the validity of our solution to such a respectable institution such as Baylor Scott & White.”
Newsight Imaging’s SpectraLIT™ method has been proven in a pre-clinical study at Sheba Medical Center, the largest hospital in Israel and the Middle East, to identify viruses in seconds.
About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White Health promotes the health and well-being of every individual, family and community it serves. An integrated care delivery network, the system includes the Scott and White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute and Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance. Through 52 hospitals and more than 1,100 access points including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas and Temple, the system offers the full continuum of care, from primary to award-winning specialty care, throughout Texas, and via virtual touchpoints. If its service area were a state, it would be the eighth largest, providing care to a population larger than that of the state of Georgia. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing, Baylor Scott & White is proud to honor its century-long legacy through its commitment to improving accessibility, affordability and the customer experience for all. For more information, visit BSWHealth.com.
About Newsight Imaging
Newsight Imaging Ltd (ww.nstimg.com) develops advanced CMOS Image sensor chips for 3D machine vision and spectral analysis. Newsight has developed a spectral chip backed by AI technology, demonstrated in the SpectraLIT™️. The SpectraLIT™️ offers a unique and affordable solution for remote health, real-time diagnosis, and other quality inspection solutions for Water, Food& Beverage, etc.
Following the Coronavirus pandemic, Newsight has established a JV company with ARC, called Virusight Diagnostic ( https://virusight.co.il/). The company is a result of mutual collaboration between Newsight Imaging and ARC at Sheba Medical Center, the largest hospital in Israel and the Middle East, recognized by Newsweek Magazine as one of the Top 10 Best Hospitals in the World.
Viruisight is developing revolutionary COVID 19 rapid tests, based on Newsight Imaging’s spectral technology, using a non-invasive oral rinse. The technology allows for an affordable, and portable solution that provides results in under one second.