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Aussie sleeptech firm unveils breakthrough test

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1 year ago

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MELBOURNE, Australia, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Australian medical technology company Optalert has revealed a breakthrough test for sleep issues, expanding access to sleep health technologies for millions of Australians.

The simple test is conducted within 10 minutes on a smartphone, making it exceptionally accessible.

It relies on a unique biomarker discovered by Optalert – as people with sleep issues often receive less oxygen as they sleep, their eyelid coordination during waking hours is impaired.

Optalert’s test uses the Apple iPhone’s forward-facing camera to capture the subtle eyelid movements that result from this lack of coordination, using a proprietary algorithm to identify signs of sleep issues.

“Optalert’s new test represents a step change in expanding access to sleep health technologies,” said Optalert Chief Marketing Officer Paul Zubrinich.

“Our hope is that by putting accurate, accessible tools in the hands of Australians, we can make people far more aware of their sleep health, so they can enjoy a better night’s rest and, in turn, a better quality of life.”

Optalert’s algorithm was developed with data from three leading sleep laboratories: Monash Medical Centre, the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and the Institute for Breathing and Sleep (IBAS).

Development involved using the algorithm to test a group of people with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) confirmed by polysomnography (the gold standard in OSA diagnosis) and also test a control group with no identified sleep conditions.

Despite its speed and ease of use, Optalert’s test achieved astonishing accuracy, with the underlying algorithm separating the groups with an accuracy of 96.6% (with a sensitivity of 84.0% and a specificity of 98.5%).

Current consumer-facing tests in smartwatches rely on interpreting a user’s breathing across many nights, but with only 17.3% of Australians owning a compatible device and many of those being placed on a charger overnight, these tests remain inaccessible for most.

By building the test for the iPhone – a device owned by more than 50% of Australians – Optalert is making sleep health testing more accessible, while delivering greater accuracy in a shorter amount of time for the user.

Approximately one in five Australians are estimated to be affected by a major sleep disorder, with conditions estimated to cost $56.5 billion each year[1] – making increased awareness of sleep health vital to the health of Australians and our economy.

Quote

“Wearable and app-based technologies are transforming how we approach sleep, and brain health more generally. These technologies provide continuous, personalised data that helps in identifying sleep issues, and thereby promote treatments of underlying conditions that affect the brain.”

– Prof. Matthew Kiernan AM,
CEO Neuroscience Research Australia

Enquiries

For enquiries, please contact Optalert CMO Paul Zubrinich:

Email: pzubrinich@optalert.comImages: Click here

Owl Eye can be downloaded for Apple iPhone from the App Store at the following link:
https://apps.apple.com/au/app/owl-eye-sleep-test/id6569247951?pt=118003230&ct=press-releases&mt=8

About Optalert

Optalert was founded by renowned sleep researcher Dr. Murray Johns. It is the world’s leading research team in the field of blepharometry, the study of eyelid movements. The firm holds multiple patents on the Johns Drowsiness Scale (JDS™), a proprietary biomarker that Harvard Medical School has deemed “commensurate with gold standard laboratory measures”. It has also developed an algorithm that detects driver impairment due to intoxication. Optalert operates globally and has been commercially active in the fleet industry for over 16 years.

https://www.optalert.com/

[1] Streatfeild J, Smith J, Mansfield D, Pezzullo L, Hillman D. The social and economic cost of sleep disorders. Sleep. 2021 Nov 12;44(11):zsab132. doi: 10.1093/sleep/zsab132. PMID: 34015136.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/aussie-sleeptech-firm-unveils-breakthrough-test-302368414.html

SOURCE Optalert

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Bell’s wireless earns top marks from Rohde & Schwarz as Canada’s Fastest 5G+ Network

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39 minutes ago

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July 20, 2026

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Latest independent ranking reinforces Bell’s network leadership

MONTRÉAL, July 20, 2026 /CNW/ — Bell today announced that its 5G+ network has been ranked Canada’s Fastest 5G+ Network by independent network analysts Rohde & Schwarz SwissQual AG (R&S), adding to its growing list of independent network awards.

Bell ranked first in both R&S’s Fastest 5G+ Network Data Speed Performance Score and Fastest 5G Network Data Speed Score categories based on extensive drive testing across 19 Canadian communities. The recognition builds on Bell’s recent Ookla awards for Canada’s Fastest and Best 5G Network, reinforcing Bell’s position as a leader in wireless performance through both real-world consumer testing and independent engineering analysis.

Bell’s network delivers during the moments that matter most, from everyday connections with family, friends and colleagues to Canada’s biggest cultural and sporting events. Built to perform even when demand is at its highest, Bell’s 5G+ network helped keep customers connected during major events this year, including the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Montréal, the Canadiens’ playoff run and Canada’s summer of soccer.

Since 2020, Bell has invested billions in broadband and wireless infrastructure, expanding its network with faster speeds, greater reliability and advanced capabilities for communities across Canada. This year alone, Bell has upgraded hundreds of towers from 4G to 5G with more on the way.

Quotes

“This recognition from Rohde & Schwarz is another strong validation of Bell’s strategic priority to deliver the best networks. Bell’s 5G+ network delivers the speed and performance Canadians expect, whether they’re streaming, gaming, working or staying connected on the go. Connection is everything, and we’re proud to see our continued investment recognized by another independent third party.”

–    Blaik Kirby, Group President, Consumer and Small Business, Bell

“Based on our 2026 testing of national wireless networks in Canada, Bell delivered the top 5G/5G+ data performance, meaning subscribers can experience faster speeds and more reliable connections, especially in busy urban areas. At Rohde & Schwarz, independent network benchmarking is core to our mission. By providing operators with objective, real-world performance data, we help drive continuous improvement across the industry, ultimately benefiting every subscriber.”

–    Axel Hansmann, CEO Rohde & Schwarz SwissQual AG

To learn more about 5G and 5G+ wireless, please visit Bell.ca/network.

About Bell
Bell is Canada’s largest communications company1, leading the way in advanced fibre and wireless networks, enterprise services and digital media. By delivering next-generation technology that leverages cloud-based and AI-driven solutions, we’re keeping customers connected, informed and entertained while enabling businesses to compete on the world stage. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

1 Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.

Media inquiries: 
Patricia Garcia
media@bell.ca

Investor inquiries:
Krishna Somers
krishna.somers@bell.ca

SOURCE Bell Canada (MTL)

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Bell’s wireless earns top marks from Rohde & Schwarz as Canada’s Fastest 5G+ Network

Published

39 minutes ago

on

July 20, 2026

By

Latest independent ranking reinforces Bell’s network leadership

MONTRÉAL, July 20, 2026 /CNW/ — Bell today announced that its 5G+ network has been ranked Canada’s Fastest 5G+ Network by independent network analysts Rohde & Schwarz SwissQual AG (R&S), adding to its growing list of independent network awards.

Bell ranked first in both R&S’s Fastest 5G+ Network Data Speed Performance Score and Fastest 5G Network Data Speed Score categories based on extensive drive testing across 19 Canadian communities. The recognition builds on Bell’s recent Ookla awards for Canada’s Fastest and Best 5G Network, reinforcing Bell’s position as a leader in wireless performance through both real-world consumer testing and independent engineering analysis.

Bell’s network delivers during the moments that matter most, from everyday connections with family, friends and colleagues to Canada’s biggest cultural and sporting events. Built to perform even when demand is at its highest, Bell’s 5G+ network helped keep customers connected during major events this year, including the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Montréal, the Canadiens’ playoff run and Canada’s summer of soccer.

Since 2020, Bell has invested billions in broadband and wireless infrastructure, expanding its network with faster speeds, greater reliability and advanced capabilities for communities across Canada. This year alone, Bell has upgraded hundreds of towers from 4G to 5G with more on the way.

Quotes

“This recognition from Rohde & Schwarz is another strong validation of Bell’s strategic priority to deliver the best networks. Bell’s 5G+ network delivers the speed and performance Canadians expect, whether they’re streaming, gaming, working or staying connected on the go. Connection is everything, and we’re proud to see our continued investment recognized by another independent third party.”

–    Blaik Kirby, Group President, Consumer and Small Business, Bell

“Based on our 2026 testing of national wireless networks in Canada, Bell delivered the top 5G/5G+ data performance, meaning subscribers can experience faster speeds and more reliable connections, especially in busy urban areas. At Rohde & Schwarz, independent network benchmarking is core to our mission. By providing operators with objective, real-world performance data, we help drive continuous improvement across the industry, ultimately benefiting every subscriber.”

–    Axel Hansmann, CEO Rohde & Schwarz SwissQual AG

To learn more about 5G and 5G+ wireless, please visit Bell.ca/network.

About Bell
Bell is Canada’s largest communications company1, leading the way in advanced fibre and wireless networks, enterprise services and digital media. By delivering next-generation technology that leverages cloud-based and AI-driven solutions, we’re keeping customers connected, informed and entertained while enabling businesses to compete on the world stage. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

1 Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.

Media inquiries: 
Patricia Garcia
media@bell.ca

Investor inquiries:
Krishna Somers
krishna.somers@bell.ca

SOURCE Bell Canada (MTL)

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Fresenius Medical Care introduces TherapyWise™ analytics for kidney replacement therapy

Published

39 minutes ago

on

July 20, 2026

By

Cloud-based platform provides retrospective, program-level insight into kidney replacement therapy delivered in acute and hospital critical care settingsAvailable within NxStage® System One™ with NxView™ 4.0, Fresenius Medical Care’s FDA 510(k)-cleared software platform for kidney replacement therapy in the United StatesAggregates existing therapy and device data to support identification of trends related to workflow interruptions, alarm burden, and variability

BAD HOMBURG, Germany, July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fresenius Medical Care, the world’s leading provider of products and services for individuals with renal diseases, today announced the introduction of TherapyWise™, a cloud-based analytics capability available within NxView™ 4.0, the Company’s FDA 510(k)-cleared software platform for use with the NxStage® System One™ in the United States. TherapyWise is designed to provide retrospective, program-level insight into kidney replacement therapy (KRT) delivered in acute and hospital critical care settings.

Kidney replacement therapy in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) generates large volumes of clinical and operational data, yet trends related to therapy delivery, workflow interruptions, and alarm frequency can be difficult to assess without standardized metrics and aggregated views. TherapyWise consolidates existing data generated at the point of care and presents longitudinal summaries intended to support oversight of KRT programs across ICU units and time periods.

“Digital solutions play an increasingly important role in how critical care teams understand and manage complex therapies,” said Joe Turk, Chief Executive Officer of Care Enablement at Fresenius Medical Care. “TherapyWise reflects our continued focus on innovation in critical care by applying data analytics. This helps hospital and clinical leaders gain visibility into how kidney replacement therapy is delivered across their organizations, supporting informed discussions around workflow, consistency, and quality improvement.”

TherapyWise works by securely transmitting data from the NxStage System One with NxView to a cloud‑based platform, where information is aggregated and displayed across predefined performance indicators. These include program‑level metrics including average delivered dose compared with set dose, average treatment time per cartridge, and alarm frequency trends. The software is intended to support retrospective review and program oversight and is not designed for real‑time, patient‑specific clinical decision‑making, which remains the responsibility of attending clinicians.

TherapyWise is part of Fresenius Medical Care’s NxView 4.0 software platform and broader critical care portfolio, which combines digital infrastructure, clinical expertise, and secure data management to support hospital teams responsible for kidney replacement therapy programs.

To learn more about TherapyWise, please visit https://freseniusmedicalcare.com/en-us/products/critical-care/therapywise/.

About Fresenius Medical Care:
Fresenius Medical Care is the world’s leading provider of products and services for individuals with renal diseases of which around 4.5 million patients worldwide regularly undergo dialysis treatment. Through its network of 3,539 dialysis clinics, Fresenius Medical Care provides dialysis treatments for approx. 290,000 patients around the globe. Fresenius Medical Care is also the leading provider of dialysis products such as dialysis machines or dialyzers. Fresenius Medical Care is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FME) and on the New York Stock Exchange (FMS).

For more information visit the company’s website at www.freseniusmedicalcare.com.

Disclaimer:
This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to various factors, including, but not limited to, changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, legal changes, regulatory approvals, results of clinical studies, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. These and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in Fresenius Medical Care’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Fresenius Medical Care does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

Media contact
Christine Peters
T +49 160 60 66 770
christine.peters@freseniusmedicalcare.com 

Kirsten Stratton
T +1 781 929 8096
kirsten.stratton@freseniusmedicalcare.com 

Contact for analysts and investors
Dr. Dominik Heger
T +49 6172 609 2525
dominik.heger@freseniusmedicalcare.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fresenius-medical-care-introduces-therapywise-analytics-for-kidney-replacement-therapy-302829320.html

SOURCE Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.

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