On The Up: Mātai researchers developing new MRI method with better multiple sclerosis detection
According to a recent journal paper published in a special issue of Recent Advances in MRI, the new method offers 10 times more contrast, which could enable earlier detection and precise monitoring of multiple sclerosis (MS).
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Techday NZ
3 days ago
- Techday NZ
OneMRI raises AUD $2.5m to expand preventive MRI scan service
Australian startup OneMRI has raised AUD $2.5 million in seed capital to expand its national service offering preventive whole-body MRI scans for early detection of a wide range of health conditions. Funding round The seed round was oversubscribed, with participation from investors including OIF Ventures, TEN13, Antler, Salus Ventures, AfterWork Ventures, Archangel Ventures, Black Sheep Capital, Prtnr, Larsen Ventures, Tribe Global Ventures, as well as several clinicians and radiologists. The funding aims to support OneMRI's growth across Australia to meet increasing consumer interest in proactive health management. OneMRI was founded in October 2024 by Dr. Vu Tran and Andrew Barnes, known for their work at Go1, alongside entrepreneur Gopi Sara. The company markets itself as Australia's first and only national provider of whole-body MRI scans, designed to enable early detection of over 500 potential health conditions including cancers, metabolic disorders, benign growths, autoimmune conditions such as MS, spinal degeneration, and brain aneurysms. Preventive health model The clinical approach at OneMRI is supported by research and development, with scan reviews by radiologists and consultations with doctors to ensure clinical rigour. The scans are intended to complement, not replace, more targeted diagnostic tests. Gopi Sara, OneMRI Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, described the firm's emphasis on an ethical and patient-focused process. "OneMRI's process is genuinely customer-centric, with a rigorous eligibility and informed consent framework. We have a duty of care to every individual, which is why thoughtful screening is at the core of our approach. Every appointment includes both a pre- and post-scan consultation with qualified clinicians and dedicated care coordinators - ensuring patients fully understand the process, their results and what potential next steps might look like." OneMRI partners with radiology providers such as Scan Medical and Pinnacle Medical Imaging, and collaborates with healthcare professionals and wellness brands including The Banyans, Evergreen Doctors, Melbourne Functional Medicine, and Longev. By partnering with underutilised clinics, the company utilises MRI machines operating below capacity without increasing strain on existing healthcare resources. Sector growth and patient access Dr. Vu Tran, Co-Founder and Head of Medical, OneMRI, highlighted the increasing relevance of preventive health and technology in the sector. "Wellness and preventive health are only going to grow as sectors - and technology will play a critical role in that evolution. Right now, radiology is one of the most underutilised tools in preventive care. The 'health curious' increasingly want autonomy, access, and answers. Individuals should have the agency to take a proactive approach to their health, and whole-body MRI scans are one of the safest ways to do that - offering a multi-system snapshot in a single, radiation-free investigation. Our aim is to increase OneMRI's footprint and accessibility through market growth and product innovation. We've already seen everyday Australians, from schoolteachers to nurses, benefit from our scans, and believe that we have an important part to play as more people take a proactive approach to their long-term health." Early adopters of the service have already identified previously undetected life-threatening conditions. Michelle, 49, a Life Coach from Sydney, commented on her reasons for participating: "I did a preventive MRI not out of fear, but because I believe in being proactive with my health. It gave me peace of mind and reminded me how important it is to listen to our bodies and take care of ourselves before something feels wrong." David Shein, Partner at OIF Ventures, remarked on the investment: "Investing in OneMRI is not only an exceptional opportunity to back a fast-growing sector, but it's also a way for us to support improved and more accessible care for Australians over time. I've been very impressed with what the team has achieved to date, and anticipate strong future growth for the company." Current operations and expansion OneMRI currently provides its services in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Perth, Sydney, Newcastle, and Melbourne, with further locations expected to be added as expansion continues. The company is also preparing to offer its services across the Asia Pacific region in future international growth plans.
NZ Herald
08-08-2025
- NZ Herald
Sir Richard Faull named Gisborne research institute's inaugural patron
Internationally renowned neuroscientist and founder of the Centre for Brain Research at the University of Auckland Sir Richard Faull has been appointed the inaugural patron of Gisborne-based Mātai Medical Research Institute. The role acknowledges Distinguished Professor Faull's 'inspirational leadership' in neuroscience and his longstanding contribution to Mātai as a founding
Techday NZ
07-08-2025
- Techday NZ
DeepHealth gains FDA approval for remote scanning in ultrasound
DeepHealth has received FDA 510(k) clearance for its TechLive remote scanning solution, enabling centralised operations and supervision for MR, CT, PET/CT and, for the first time, Ultrasound procedures. Addressing staffing challenges The company's announcement comes as radiology workloads continue to rise, with the number of qualified technologists failing to keep pace. This disparity has contributed to staffing gaps and periods of MRI room closures, limiting access to complex scans and procedures for patients. DeepHealth aims to address these issues by equipping technologists with the ability to operate scanning equipment for multiple locations remotely. This model enables improved operational efficiency and extends the scope of experienced staff to more cases across different centres. Results from pilot study During a pilot deployment at 64 RadNet sites in the New York area, DeepHealth's TechLive solution contributed to a 42 percent decrease in MRI room closure hours during the second quarter of 2025, compared with the same period in 2024. According to DeepHealth, this resulted in more timely scans for patients and improved access to complex procedures. The company has also reported that, through remote expert involvement, TechLive contributed to an increase in the number of complex imaging procedures performed at these locations. The TechLive system currently connects over 300 RadNet MR, CT, PET/CT, and Ultrasound systems. By implementing real-time remote expertise, experienced senior sonographers and physicians can now guide on-site technologists through complex ultrasound cases - a modality noted for its reliance on operator skill and immediate decision-making. Company perspectives "TechLive represents a paradigm shift in how we approach imaging operations. By enabling real-time remote expertise, we are not only addressing today's staffing challenges, we are creating a foundation for more efficient, financially sustainable, and high-quality patient care across the broadest set of imaging modalities. This FDA clearance validates DeepHealth's vision of a connected imaging ecosystem that scales human expertise beyond physical boundaries," said Sham Sokka, PhD, Chief Operating and Technology Officer at DeepHealth. Operational impact TechLive has been introduced to streamline imaging operations, with specific attention to enhancing operational efficiency, extending operating hours for centres, and improving access to more complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The solution's extension to Ultrasound marks the first industry application of remote scanning and supervision for this modality. By matching expert staff to complex cases in real time, DeepHealth seeks to increase patient throughput and maintain quality standards, while also helping care providers manage ongoing labour shortages and wage pressures in health services. Sector implications The increasing adoption of remote scanning solutions comes as healthcare providers face higher demand for complex imaging and persistent difficulty in recruiting qualified technologists. As radiology services evolve, solutions like TechLive are being considered as part of long-term strategies to maintain patient access and support a sustainable operational model. Follow us on: Share on:
