Ten weeks of intensive reading intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder was enough to strengthen the activity of loosely connected areas of their brains that work together to comprehend reading, University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers have found. At the same time, the reading comprehension of those 13 children, whose average age was 10.9 years, also improved.

Brainlab announced first patient treatments in March on a fully integrated radiation oncology solution that combines its ExacTrac patient positioning with the Elekta Versa HD linear accelerator (LINAC). Working in synergy, these technologies determine positioning and treatment accuracy for cancer patients.

Concussion, also known as mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), is a common medical problem affecting cognitive function and quality of life in some individuals.

IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A.) and Royal Philips announced the signing of an exclusive agreement to enhance access to proton therapy in India. The alliance combines IBA’s strengths in proton therapy and Philips’ expertise in clinical informatics and innovative imaging techniques for therapy planning and guidance.

Augmenix Inc. announced the publication of the 222-patient pivotal study designed to evaluate safety and efficacy of the SpaceOAR System in men undergoing prostate radiotherapy. By creating space between the prostate and rectum, the SpaceOAR System is intended to reduce the radiation dose delivered to the rectum during prostate radiotherapy. The favorable results from the multi-center, randomized, single-blind study led to the April 1, 2015, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance of the SpaceOAR System.

The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) and Ke Labs jointly announced in May an agreement to co-develop and co-market a new cardiac ultrasound software application. The application is designed to ensure quality and consistency of cardiac ultrasound image review — both quantitatively and qualitatively — and inform and educate users on interesting cases, new techniques and other changes. This medical imaging quality management software tool is generally referred to as the “Echocardiography Test and Teach Application,” and it has been designed through the expert guidance of Harvey Feigenbaum, M.D., FASE with the Krannert Institute of Cardiology at Indiana University Health and founder of the ASE.