Parametric Studio, an Ames-based edtech company has received a $1.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop CURIE, a gamified STEM learning tool for high school and undergraduate students. CURIE aims to make it easier to implement complex and multidisciplinary projects in traditional classrooms through a combination of hands-on learning, crowdsourcing, software tools, gaming and team building. Parametric Studio’s goal is to increase early exposure to STEM
Health
August 3, 2023
Iowa City-based iotaMotion raises $12M Series A round
iotaMotion Inc., an Iowa City-based company developing advanced robotic-assisted systems for cochlear implant surgery, has announced the company has oversubscribed its $12 million Series A capital raise. The company closed the round with support from a select group of venture capital firms, private investors and current shareholders. The lead investor was Research Corporation Technologies, Inc. (RCT) with participation from Mutual Capital Partners, ISA Ventures and Next Level Ventures. Christopher Martin, president of RCT,
June 22, 2023
ISU veterinary lab using grant to study high-capacity testing technology
The Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab was recently awarded a nearly $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to help refine the use of high-volume testing methods. The project was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to prepare for future disease outbreaks. Researchers will ensure that the novel high-volume testing methods are accurate and can integrate with existing systems
April 20, 2023
UI College of Nursing provides mobile app to improve cancer outcomes in rural Iowa
A University of Iowa College of Nursing professor Stephanie Gilbertson-White is using a mobile app to help Iowans in small towns and rural communities learn more about the nature of their cancer diagnosis and how to best manage their symptoms. The app is called Oncology Associated Symptoms and Individualized Strategies, abbreviated as OASIS. It provides evidence on how to manage symptoms, a daily check-in to track the symptoms and the strategies
April 6, 2023
OpenLoop Health acquires diagnostic imaging provider
OpenLoop Health, a Des Moines-based provider of telehealth support services powering virtual and hybrid care across the country, announced Tuesday its acquisition of Imaging Panda and the addition of a new diagnostic imaging support service. The acquisition will allow OpenLoop clients to use Imaging Panda’s streamlined image ordering and facility coordination with automated results notifications. Through Imaging Panda’s portal, clinicians can order every variety of imaging including X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans and
September 29, 2022
ISA Ventures to manage new investment fund supporting health, community initiatives
CareSource, a nonprofit managed care organization, announced Wednesday the launch of the CareSource Iowa Opportunity Investment Fund through a partnership with ISA Ventures, which will manage the fund. According to a news release, this new fund will provide capital for Iowa-based startups that seek to improve health care outcomes, promote health equity and generate positive social impact, especially for underserved populations and those with complex care needs. “This is a big step forward
July 7, 2022
DMACC expands surgical technologist program in response to workforce needs
The faculty of Des Moines Area Community College’s surgical technologist program is preparing for a larger class this fall in a refreshed classroom with new equipment. That includes three practice operating rooms, recording equipment to allow professors to record labs and monitor students remotely, a sterile processing and central supply area, and a 3D laparoscopic surgical simulator (pictured at right). With the high demand for certified surgical technologists, or CSTs,
June 16, 2022
New YSS youth recovery campus embeds trauma-informed design in its walls
Homes are a central component of the residential addiction treatment YSS provides to Iowa youths. Two adapted houses in Ames have served as treatment facilities to help youths feel welcomed and comfortable while they recover. YSS CEO Andrew Allen said the organization determined about five years ago that the adapted homes weren’t able to accommodate all the needs of a treatment facility and started looking into creating the same homelike feel in
May 26, 2022
OpenLoop physician network covered by 600 plus insurance payers
OpenLoop, a Des Moines-based provider of white label telehealth services, announced Tuesday its physicians are covered by more than 90% of nationwide insurance payers. “OpenLoop’s in-network clinicians can now serve patients covered by over 600 payers including Medicare, Medicaid and every major private insurer,” CEO and co-founder Dr. Jon Lensing said in a release. According to the release, OpenLoop’s virtual care support service assembles a roster of physicians to staff
May 12, 2022
Growing up in the digital age
Needing mental health resources, tech adds support in schools Today’s students are in the unique position of being a generation growing up in the digital age whose relationship to technology has also been transformed by the pandemic. While many are naturally adept at figuring out how devices function, school districts are trying new technologies that can help students and parents better understand and discuss mental health and the responsible use of
