Johns Hopkins University is looking to use Apple Watch and iPhone in a ResearchKit study on epilepsy in an effort to develop an effective method for predicting seizures. The app, to be developed in partnership with Thread Research, will collect all kinds of vital information during a seizure episode — including activity and heart rate — relying on sensors built inside Apple’s smartphone and wearable devices.

In addition to automated data sensors will collect, from time to time – users will be prompted to answer few questions that will be accompanied with physical cues via Watch’s Taptic Engine. Also, researchers will be able to initiate the testing process, if needed.

The app, to be developed in partnership with Thread Research, will collect all kinds of vital information during a seizure episode.The iPhone and Watch apps for the study are now in beta testing, and should be released on September 18. Coincidently that’s also the date when Apple will launch the watchOS 2 update that will allow developers to access the sensor APIs, among other things. Chances are John Hopkins is working directly with Cupertino to add these capabilities into its upcoming app(s).

This isn’t the first ResearchKit study Thread Research is working on; in June, the company has teamed-up with the University of California, San Francisco to conduct a study on LGBTQ health issues.

Beyond universities, pharmaceutical companies are also exploring ways how to take advantage of Apple’s platform for medical studies, which has thus far attracted engaged audience.

[Via: AppleInsider]