AI-powered pancreatic cancer detection tool and world’s first “Double Neural Bypass” brain-computer interface named among notable best 200 inventions

Each year, TIME recognizes 200 groundbreaking inventions that are changing “how we live, work, play, and think about what’s possible.” Northwell Health is proud to announce that two inventions from its Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research were named to TIME’s Best Inventions list in the medical care category. The first invention recognized, iNav, is an artificial intelligence (AI) powered cancer detection tool, and the second, “Double Neural Bypass,” is a brain computer interface technology that is restoring movement and the sense of touch in a clinical trial for people living with paralysis. See the full list here: time.com/best-inventions-2024.

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The work of Dr. Dan King (left) and Professor Chad Bouton at Northwell Health’s Feinstein Institutes has been recognized on TIME's list of Best Inventions of 2024. (Photo: Business Wire)

Invented by Daniel King, MD, Sandeep Nadella, MD, and Tiffany Zavadsky, CRNP, iNav is an AI detection system that analyzes reports derived from MRI and CT scans to identify patients at risk of pancreatic cancer, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment. By flagging potentially high-risk scans, iNav allows doctors, nurses and care coordinators to assess patients, make decisions faster, and connect patients with crucial care sooner. Since its launch, iNav has reviewed over 10,000 scans weekly across Northwell's 21 hospitals and nearly 80 outpatient facilities, identifying over 100 at-risk patients and navigating more than 30 to critical care. The technology has significantly improved patient outcomes, including a 50 percent reduction in time-to-treatment and a threefold increase in clinical research study enrollment.

“Too many cancers, especially pancreatic cancer, go undetected until it's too late. The power of AI is opening doors to improve care dramatically, and iNav represents a crucial step forward in early detection and ultimately, saving lives,” said Dr. King, assistant professor at the Feinstein Institutes Institute of Cancer Research and pancreatic cancer and gastrointestinal oncologist. “We are seeing tangible results, and this recognition from TIME fuels our commitment to advancing this technology.”

The tool already caught the attention of Northwell, winning its internal 2023 “Shark Tank”-like Innovation Challenge, landing $500,000 for seed investment. And earlier this year, Dr. King was awarded the ASCO Foundation Conquer Cancer Career Development Award for his iNav work. The team remains committed to ongoing data assessment and refinement, ensuring continuous improvement in pancreatic cancer detection and treatment.

The second invention to be recognized by TIME, from Chad Bouton and his team of scientists, engineers and surgeons, is called the “Double Neural Bypass,” and it combines a brain computer interface with neurostimulation that made headlines worldwide last year. This innovative technology uses 5 implanted microchips in the motor and sensory portions of the brain and AI algorithms to reconnect the brain, body, and spinal cord, restoring both movement and touch in a paralyzed man. Keith Thomas, paralyzed from the chest down since a 2020 spinal cord injury, is the first participant in this groundbreaking clinical trial and revealed his ability to move and feel again in 2023 and again this year.

After several months of brain imaging, a 15-hour surgery was performed to implant five microchips in Thomas’ brain, creating a two-way electronic bridge that bypasses the injury site boosted by an over-the-skin stimulation spinal cord patch. This bridge stimulates the brain and spinal cord while relaying sensory information back to the brain. Thomas has experienced remarkable improvements, including a nearly 100 percent increase in arm strength and restored sensation in some areas, even when the system is off – signaling evidence of lasting plasticity.

“Our team is incredibly grateful to TIME for recognizing the Double Neural Bypass. For over two decades, my team and I have dedicated our careers to restoring function and hope to those affected by paralysis. We stand on the cusp of a breakthrough, and this recognition reinforces our belief that we can make a real difference for millions,” said Chad Bouton, professor at the Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine at the Feinstein Institutes and vice president of advanced engineering at Northwell Health. “We are committed to advancing this research and bringing this life-changing technology to those who need it most, like Keith, who has been a constant source of inspiration, driving us to push the boundaries of what's possible.”

In 2023, Thomas felt the touch of his sister’s hand for the first time since his accident. Just this year, Thomas shared his ability to drink on his own and feel the fur of his family dog. These results suggest the potential for long-term recovery and offer hope for millions affected by paralysis.

Prof. Bouton was recognized with the Tesla Innovator of the Year 2023 for this groundbreaking work and The Feinstein Institutes team is continuing the clinical trial and is exploring applications for stroke and other neurological injuries.

“Congratulations to Professor Bouton, Dr. King and all those involved with inventions now poised to benefit patients,” said Kevin J. Tracey, MD, president and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes and Karches Family Distinguished Chair in Medical Research. “This best-in-class innovative work inspires all who are working to advance science and medicine in the hopes of helping patients who need it most.”

To compile this year's list, TIME solicited nominations from TIME editors and correspondents around the world, and through an online application process, paying special attention to growing fields—such as health care, AI and green energy. TIME then evaluated each contender on a number of key factors, including originality, efficacy, ambition and impact.

About the Feinstein Institutes:

The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research is the home of the research institutes of Northwell Health, the largest health care provider and private employer in New York State. Encompassing 50+ research labs, 3,000 clinical research studies and 5,000 researchers and staff, the Feinstein Institutes raises the standard of medical innovation through its six institutes of behavioral science, bioelectronic medicine, cancer, health system science, molecular medicine, and translational research. We are the global scientific leader in bioelectronic medicine – an innovative field of science that has the potential to revolutionize medicine. The Feinstein Institutes publishes two open-access, international peer-reviewed journals Molecular Medicine and Bioelectronic Medicine. Through the Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, we offer an accelerated PhD program. For more information about how we produce knowledge to cure disease, visit http://feinstein.northwell.edu and follow us on LinkedIn.

About Northwell Health

Northwell Health is New York State’s largest health care provider and private employer, with 21 hospitals, about 900 outpatient facilities and more than 12,000 affiliated physicians. We care for over two million people annually in the New York metro area and beyond, thanks to philanthropic support from our communities. Our 87,000 employees – 18,900 nurses and 4,900 employed doctors, including members of Northwell Health Physician Partners – are working to change health care for the better. We’re making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. We're training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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