Before fixing pulse oximeters, researchers need a better way to measure skin tone

There hasn't been a good way to characterize differences in skin tone in medical research, especially for those whose skin is darker. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 

Sponsored by   Before making unbiased pulse oximeters, researchers need a better way to measure skin tone By Usha Lee McFarling VANESSA LEROY FOR STAT There hasn’t been a good way to characterize these differences in skin tone in medical research, especially for those whose skin is of darker shades. It’s something Ellis Monk (above), an associate professor of sociology at Harvard, wants to fix. “In order to do the foundational research that we’re going to need to get this right … to get pulse oximetry that works for everyone, we’re going to need to think very deeply about skin tone,” Monk told STAT. Read More Sponsored Insight by THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MD ANDERSON CANCER CENTER Blood cancer breakthroughs emerge from ASH 2022 A novel menin-targeted therapy, compelling treatment advances for leukemias and biological insights pointing to promising new targets — these represent just a few highlights presented by MD Anderson researchers at the ASH Annual Meeting. These breakthroughs were made possible by MD Anderson’s unique research enterprise, which is rooted in interdisciplinary collaboration. The institution’s ongoing cycle of innovation brings insights from the lab to the clinic and back again, leading to practice-changing discoveries at unparalleled speed. Read more ASH highlights at MDAnderson.org/ASH. More great reads from STAT this week Eli Lilly tightens access to diabetes drug, frustrating some people with obesity By Elaine Chen The health insurer will see you now: How UnitedHealth is keeping more profits, as your doctor By Bob Herman Congress has a chance to close the FDA’s Theranos loophole By Rachel Cohrs and Sarah Owermohle Limits of ‘Fauci effect’: infectious disease applicants plummet, and hospitals are scrambling By Andrew Joseph Opinion: Pediatricians and parents on the brink: This is their March 2020 By Sallie Permar and Robert J. Vinci Congress has its sights set too low on addiction, advocates charge By Lev Facher Psychedelic therapy is moving to the next frontier: workplace perk By Olivia Goldhill and Tara Bannow Saturday, December 10, 2022       1 Exchange Pl, Suite 201, Boston, MA 02109 ©2022, All Rights Reserved. I no longer wish to receive STAT emails Update Email Preferences | Contact Us | View In Browser