TechKnow Season 2 Episode 11 'Voice banking' for ALS patients & heartbeat-finding tech

TechKnow season 2 episode 11 explores two fascinating and critical technological advancements in healthcare. The first segment examines how ALS patients can now use voice banking to preserve their voice and communicate with their loved ones long after they lose the ability to do so due to the debilitating disease. The second segment sheds light on a groundbreaking heartbeat-finding technology that can detect heart problems and save lives.

The episode starts with a moving segment on voice banking, featuring the story of Laura, who suffers from ALS and has already lost the ability to speak. Laura is aware that the disease will likely progress, and she wants to use technology to preserve her "voice" so that she can communicate with her family after she can no longer do so verbally. TechKnow takes you through the nitty-gritty of how voice banking works and delves into the science behind it. The ALS Association experts explain the various types of voice banking and how they enable patients to record their voices and use that voice on a computer or electronic device to speak later. The segment also highlights how making a Voice Bank recording is easy, empowering, and free.

The second segment features an innovative technology that is revolutionizing cardiac care by detecting heart problems. The tech is a non-invasive technique that measures a person's Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals with sensors embedded in a silicone patch worn on the chest. This wireless heartbeat-finding technology has the potential to revolutionize the way cardiac conditions are diagnosed and treated, potentially saving countless lives. The show delves into the technology of the sensor patches with the Swiss-based startup Biospectal and how it can help doctors get ECG and blood pressure readings and manage a patient's cardiac health.

TechKnow season 2 episode 11 is an insightful and educational episode that highlights crucial healthcare technological advancements. With the voice banking and heartbeat-finding tech segments, the episode offers a glimpse into the future of healthcare and how technology is transforming the way we deal with health issues. It's a great episode for anyone interested in healthcare, technological advancements, and the intersection between the two.