Professor's app can detect depression by the way you type

Dubai - Since the app has been operational over the past year, 33 cases of depression have been recorded.

 Do you know that depression can be gauged by the way you type?
A professor has designed an app that can detect depressive disorders by recording data calculated on the pressure applied on the keys and the time taken to switch between keys while typing.
Leontios Hadjilentiadis, professor at the Khalifa University, won the Applied Sciences Research Award at the Dubai Healthcare City Authority's (DHCA) Excellence Awards 2019 on Wednesday (May 1, 2-019).
Leontios' innovative app called Type of Mood, currently available for free on Android, detects depressive disorders by recording four parameters related to keystroke dynamics while the user interacts with the phone's keyboard.
Since the app has been operational over the past year, 33 cases of depression have been recorded. "We have now linked the app to the American Neurology Centre," he told Khaleej Times.
The professor said the app identifies signs of depression by the way a person types.
"It screens and records the pressure you apply on keys and the time taken to shift between keys," he explained, adding that these indicators define a person's mood.
The app also connects to doctors and encourages those found at risk to consult with doctors for medication, if necessary.
Compounds that can treat cancer
The Basic Sciences Research Category award, on the other hand, was presented to Taleb H. Al Tel, a professor from Sharjah University, with seed grant from Al Jalila Foundation, for his research in the development of a unique 3D chemical molecule that has a significant role in developing lead drug candidates targeting cancer, hyperlipidemia, and acting against multidrug-resistant pathogens.
"We have three patents on new compounds that can treat cancer and infectious diseases," he said. The compounds have been tried on mice in laboratories, but more funds are needed to start human trials.
"When the trials are started, it will take at least five years before a drug to treat cancer can be licensed to pharmaceutical firms," he said.
Both winners were among 30 awardees, which comprised healthcare organisations and professionals. The awards were presented by Humaid Al Qatami, director-general of the Dubai Health Authority.
As at January 2019, there were close to 50 research projects being conducted by DHCC-based facilities. Through its new nursing category, the awards also created a platform for the free zone's over 1,500 nurses to showcase their achievements.
Winners of the DHCA Excellence Awards 2019
> Applied Sciences Research Leontios Hadjilentiadis, professor, Khalifa University
For his Type of Mood app
>Basic Sciences Research
Taleb H. Al Tel, professor, Sharjah University
For his research in the development of a unique 3D chemical molecule that has a significant role in developing lead drug candidates that can treat cancer and other diseases
>Distinguished Nurse
Rim Kassem Youssef, ER manager, Emirates Specialty Hospital
For developing and implementing nursing policies for the hospital
>Hospital Innovation
Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital's hearing restoration programme
Provides a full spectrum of care for patients with suspected or proven hearing disorders, optimising the use of time and resources
>Outpatient Innovation
Igenomix, a genetic company focused on the reproductive segment. For providing their patented genetic test, Endometrial Receptivity Analysis
>Distinguished Physician
Dr Al Dahmi, consultant general surgeon
For performing more than 60 life-saving lung resections, pancreatic resections for cancer, and liver resections, among others
>Inspiring Woman
Dr Reem Al Gurg, director of strategy and institutional excellence and assistant professor, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences
For her inspirational leadership, excellence in healthcare, and contribution to society
>Distinguished Allied Healthcare Professional
Dana Al Hamwi, clinical dietitian and owner, Dr Dana Diet Centre
For her contribution to raising public awareness on health and wellness
>Young Professional
Zahir Zouheir Kaouche, orthodontist, Dubai Dental Hospital
For his outstanding career achievements which include community-based services
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com