Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have developed a new technique that could allow above-elbow amputees to better use robotic prostheses, including making individual finger movements. Unlike below-elbow amputees, these patients have a more limited number of remnant muscles with which to produce fine control of multiple bioni (Read more...)
Author: Medgadged
Gravity-Driven Microfluidics for Low-Cost Diagnostics
Researchers at Duke University have developed a gravity-powered microfluidic device that is intended for use as a diagnostic technology in low-resource areas. Microfluidics have enormous potential for point-of-care diagnostics, but the inclusion of tiny pumps and other sophisticated electronic components dramatically increases the complexity and co (Read more...)
Artificial Muscle Changes Stiffness with Voltage
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London have developed an artificial muscle that can change from soft to hard in response to a voltage change. The technology aims to mimic human muscles in both its movements and in its ability to sense forces and deformation. The muscle is made using carbon nanotubes that have been […]
Wireless Patch Monitors, Paces Heart and then Biodegrades
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a cardiac monitoring device that is intended for use in patients who have suffered a cardiac event. The soft and flexible patch can be affixed to the outside of the heart during a routine procedure, but does not require a second procedure to remove the device later, as it […]
Implantable Sponge for Hemorrhage Monitoring and Control
Researchers at the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation in California have developed an implantable sponge that can monitor for signs of a hemorrhage, and then help to control bleeding once it has occurred. The researchers used silk fibroin, a protein produced by the Bombyx mori silkworm, to create the sponge, and took advantage of its […]
Microneedle Patch for Antibiotic-Free Acne Treatment
Researchers at the University of Hong Kong have developed a microneedle patch for the drug-free treatment of skin infections, such as acne. Acne is often treated using antibiotics, but these have limited effectiveness over the long term and can result in drug-resistant bacteria. In an effort to develop a drug-free alternative, these researchers hav (Read more...)
Smart Pants Track Physical Activity
Engineers at the Federal University of Espirito Santo in Brazil have developed smart pants that can non-intrusively track physical movements and provide updates to caregivers if the people they’re taking care of are showing signs of distress. This application could be very useful for people who are monitoring elderly patients in healthcare faciliti (Read more...)
Soft Coating Cools Wearable Devices
Scientists at the City University of Hong Kong have developed a coating for wearable technologies that can help to dissipate heat, reducing the chances of skin burns and increasing the life of such devices. Electronic devices can generate heat, but this can be problematic for wearables that are in constant contact with the skin. The […]
Photonic Radar Monitors Breathing from a Distance
Engineers at the University of Sydney have developed a photonic radar that allows them to monitor breathing rates without the need to attach equipment to a patient’s skin. Wired or more invasive systems may not be suitable for everyone – for instance, burn patients with damaged skin or infants with a tiny body surface area […]
Wound Sensor Patch Indicates Healing Status
Researchers at the National University of Singapore have created a wound sensor patch that measures various wound biomarkers that can indicate would healing. Chronic wounds are an ongoing problem for many patients, and developing new ways to monitor and treat these painful lesions would be very useful. This battery-free wound patch contains five co (Read more...)
AI-Powered Pain Relief: Interview with Claire Smith, VP at Nevro
Nevro, a medtech company based in California, has developed the HFX iQ spinal cord stimulation system, which is intended to treat chronic pain. While spinal cord stimulators can be very useful in controlling certain types of chronic pain, at present, patients must attend with their clinician to obtain adjustments to their stimulator. This is inconv (Read more...)
Robotic Glove Helps Stroke Patients Relearn Dexterity
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a soft robotic glove that can assist stroke patients to relearn how to perform dexterous tasks with their hands. The glove contains soft actuators that helps patients to move their fingers as they perform tasks, and sensors that help to create tactile sensations. So far, the researchers have (Read more...)
CRISPR-Cas13 Test Inexpensively and Rapidly Reveals HIV Viral Load
Scientists at Penn State have developed an assay that lets them to directly measure HIV viral load in a drop of blood. The technology is also faster and less expensive than current approaches. At present, RT-PCR is typically used to assess HIV levels in a patient’s blood, requiring genetic material to be amplified before it […]
Nanomagnet Patch Measures Muscle Movements
Researchers at UCLA have developed a wearable patch that can measure muscle movements in underlying tissues. The patch contains nanomagnets, and movements in underlying muscles can deform the resulting magnetic fields, creating an electric current. This both provides a readable signal for the system, and also means that the system is self-powered a (Read more...)
Stiff and Tough Hydrogel for Cartilage Repair
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a protein-based hydrogel that is highly adapted for articular cartilage repair. A major challenge in creating biomaterial therapies to repair damaged articular cartilage is matching the mechanical properties of this highly specialized tissue. Cartilage is very tough, resisting breakin (Read more...)
App Converts Smartphone to Clinical Thermometer
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed an app that converts common smartphones into clinical thermometers. Spotting the signs of fever early could make a difference in providing early treatment or beginning a period of isolation to reduce the chance of disease transmission. This is particularly important for viral diseases, such (Read more...)
Wearable Takes Blood-Free Stress Hormone Samples
Researchers at the University of Birmingham in the UK have developed a wearable that can assist in keeping track of stress hormone levels in the body over time. Disregulated stress hormones can play a role in various disease states, from heart disease to depression. However, until now, researchers had to perform blood draws to measure […]
MISHA Knee Shock Absorber: Interview with Anton Clifford, CEO of Moximed
Moximed, a medtech company based in California, has developed the MISHA knee system, an implantable shock absorber for use in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The system is designed as an alternative to total knee replacement, and can help to reduce pain and discomfort for patients when performing daily activities, such as walking. The system is (Read more...)
MISHA Knee Shock Absorber: Interview with Anton Clifford, CEO of Moximed
Moximed, a medtech company based in California, has developed the MISHA knee system, an implantable shock absorber for use in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The system is designed as an alternative to total knee replacement, and can help to reduce pain and discomfort for patients when performing daily activities, such as walking. The system is (Read more...)
Fiber Probes to Investigate Brain-Gut Relationship
Engineers at MIT have developed a microelectronic probe that can measure and influence the behavior of neurons involved in the brain-gut axis. Neural communication between the brain and GI tract has been implicated in a range of conditions as varied as autism and Parkinson’s disease. However, studying the interplay between these neurons was d (Read more...)