Objective This systematic review aims to analyze current capabilities, challenges, and impact of self-directed mobile health (mHealth) research applications such as those based on the ResearchKit platform. Materials and Methods A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. English publications were included if: 1) mobile applications were used in the context of large-scale collection of data for biomedical research, and not as medical or behavioral intervention of any kind, and 2) all activities related to participating in research and data collection methods were executed remotely without any face-to-face interaction between researchers and study participants. Results Thirty-six unique ResearchKit apps were identified. The majority of the apps were used to conduct observational studies on general citizens and generate large datasets for secondary research. Nearly half of the apps were focused on chronic conditions in adults. Discussion The ability to generate large biomedical datasets on diverse populations that can be broadly shared and re-used was identified as a promising feature of mHealth research apps. Common challenges were low participation retention, uncertainty regarding how use patterns influence data quality, need for data validation, and privacy concerns. Conclusion ResearchKit and other mHealth-based studies are well positioned to enhance development and validation of novel digital biomarkers as well as generate new biomedical knowledge through retrospective studies. However, in order to capitalize on these benefits, mHealth research studies must strive to improve retention rates, implement rigorous data validation strategies, and address emerging privacy and security challenges.

This review describes emerging techniques within the last 5 years that employ ultrasound for detecting and staging malignancy, tracking metastasis, and guiding treatment. Ultrasound elastography quantifies soft tissue elastic properties that change as a tumor grows and proliferates. Hybrid imaging modalities that combine ultrasound with light or microwave energy provide novel contrast for mapping blood oxygen saturation, transport of particles through lymphatic vessels and nodes, and real-time feedback for guiding needle biopsies. Combining these methods with smart nanoparticles and contrast agents further promotes new paradigms for cancer imaging and therapy.

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Community engagement (CE) experiences in higher education have been shown to lead to greater student engagement and graduation rates. Students also develop learning, personal, and social competencies in the affective domain through CE activities (Simonet, Minnesota Campus Compact, 2008, 1, 1–13). Some of the CE programs are focused on addressing the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness. Typically, STEM students’ rates of CE participation lag behind those of students in other disciplines. The goal of this pilot study is to determine the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) to change the attitudes of STEM graduate students towards homelessness and CE. Additionally, it aims to increase students’ awareness of the life experiences of people who are homeless and encourage them to participate in community‐based engagement. In this qualitative pilot study, we sought to explore the impact of both interactive VR applications and 360° documentaries on four STEM graduate students. The results suggest that the use of VR technology with STEM students not only changed their perception but is also feasible as a preparation tool for CE activities. The potential of this technology to change attitudes makes them useful tools to incorporate in CE preparation.