Global Scans · Healthtech · Weekly Summary

• [New] Tropic Bioscience, a UK biotechnology company, is using CRISPR-Cas gene editing to develop Cavendish bananas resistant to Tropical Race 4, a fungal disease threatening global banana production. CRISPR Medicine
• [New] The recognized potential of information technology to improve healthcare has driven a global push for digitally advanced organizations, with hospitals implementing transformation programs. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Building the next generation of talent for advanced manufacturing, AI-enabled engineering, and next-generation materials production will be critical to long-term U.S. competitiveness. SMI
• [New] Institut Pasteur in Iran, continuing its work despite significant operational disruptions, coordinates a national dengue diagnostic network, conducts genomic surveillance and serotyping of circulating strains, and leads vector and One Health investigations in high-risk areas. Pasteur Network
• [New] Institut Pasteur du Laos conducts nationwide dengue surveillance, genetic analysis of circulating strains, and entomological monitoring of Aedes mosquitoes, including the impact of climate change on transmission risk. Pasteur Network
• [New] Generative AI could drive annual bank fraud losses to as much as $40 billion by 2027 - more than triple 2023 levels. The Ohio Society of CPAs
• [New] Global time spent on Generative AI apps is projected to more than double year-over-year in H1 2026, climbing from 17.2 billion hours in H1 2025 to 36 billion hours in H1 2026. thebesttimes.com
• [New] The multi-year collaboration means that Gemini will be the foundation for all of Apple Intelligence's next-generation devices. Ignite Visibility
• [New] YouTube announced this week that it will start to automatically label AI-generated content. Ignite Visibility
• [New] While systems are generally safe, they displace large proportions of cognitive workers by 2030. GOV.UK
• [New] AI risk control has become more important in the U.S. as companies increase their use of generative AI, AI agents, predictive models, and automated decision systems. Globe Market Research
• [New] McKinsey estimates that generative AI applied across marketing and sales could add the equivalent of roughly $463 billion in value annually, with productivity gains worth 5 to 15% of total marketing spend. TechnologyChecker.io
• [New] Generative AI is transforming the workplace faster than ever, but new research from the University of Vaasa suggests the biggest threat may not be AI itself - it's falling behind in learning how to use it. ScienceDaily
• [New] A combination of sMRI, Aß PET, CSF, cognition, and genetics data accurately identified current and future AD cases and predicted 90.8% of MCI to dementia conversions and 88.5% of MCI to CU reversions. Alzheimer's Association
• [New] Millions of women with breast cancer could be spared chemotherapy with a groundbreaking genomic test, according to the results of one trial that could transform guidelines worldwide. The Guardian
• [New] Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have identified an unexpected DNA repair gene that could help expand the use of targeted therapies currently reserved for patients with BRCA-mutant cancers. SciTechDaily
• [New] The convergence of AI-generated content risks, rising patient expectations, and the digital health market's explosive growth makes 2026 the defining year for healthcare organizations to establish their content authority. TopDoctor Magazine
• [New] Social media health influencers and TikTok doctors generate high engagement but low clinical credibility, creating positioning risks for healthcare organizations. TopDoctor Magazine
• [New] Emerging technologies offer great prospects for enhancing global health preparedness but require robust governance frameworks, equitable access, and interdisciplinary collaboration to mitigate risks and maximize benefits. Frontiers
• [New] Although some strategies have been implemented by global organizations to mitigate risks from natural, accidental, or deliberate biological threats, empirical data on global health preparedness for biosecurity threats generally are still evolving. Frontiers
• [New] 85% of software professionals expect to use generative AI in 2026 to augment tasks like coding and user story generation, up from 46% in 2024. TPLEX
• [New] HSBC's leadership reiterated that generative AI will both destroy and create jobs, urging its 200,000-strong workforce to embrace upskilling. AI-Driven Success
• [New] AI productivity and labour disruption - Banks in Asia and Europe continued to make headlines as they adopt generative AI to streamline operations. AI-Driven Success

Last updated: 21 June 2026