Tag: Pediatrics

Device Measures Hemoglobin More Accurately in Dark Skin

Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington, in collaboration with Shani Biotechnologies, a local firm, have created a point-of-care device that can accurately measure hemoglobin levels and perform pulse oximetry in individuals with dark skin. At present, methods to determine hemoglobin levels at the point of care, such as pulse oximetry, a (Read more...)

In-Office Pediatric Ear Tube Procedures: Interview with Preceptis Medical’s Greg Mielke

Preceptis Medical, a medtech company based in Minnesota, created the Hummingbird Tympanostomy Tube System. The device allows ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeons to insert ear tubes in the comfort of their office. The procedure requires only local anesthetic and is intended to be less distressing for pediatric patients than the conventional approac (Read more...)

Electrospun Construct Mimics Elasticity of Blood Vessels

Researchers at the University of Sydney in Australia have developed an electrospun blood vessel replacement. The material contains tropoelastin, a natural precursor for elastin, a key component of blood vessel walls. Elastin is present in concentric circles in natural blood vessels and provides the elastic properties which allow them to distend sli (Read more...)

Smart Jumpsuit Tracks Motor Development in Children

Researchers at the University of Helsinki in Finland created a smart jumpsuit that can track toddler movements. The idea is to closely monitor motor development and identify any issues early, allowing for earlier interventions. Issues with motor development can be related to wider neurodevelopmental problems, and so tracking a young child’s a (Read more...)

Smart Pacifier Monitors Electrolyte Levels

At Washington State University a team developed a smart pacifier that can provide continuous monitoring of electrolyte levels in saliva. The measurements could help to avoid twice daily blood draws for premature infants. Blood draws are currently routine practice to monitor for signs of dehydration, which can be dangerous for infants born premature (Read more...)

Perinatal Mental Health Support for Parents of Color: Interview with Lauren Elliott, Founder of Candlelit Therapy

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are very common, and can cause significant suffering and distress for many new parents. Black women and women of color are often at higher risk of such disorders. Despite this, there has been a lack of culturally relevant mental health supports for such parents. Candlelit Therapy, a company based in […]

Microfluidic Photoreactor for Neonatal Jaundice

Researchers at the Oregon State University College of Engineering have developed a microfluidic photoreactor that is intended to treat severe cases of neonatal jaundice. Jaundice is caused by an excess of a pigment called bilirubin, which can be difficult to excrete due to underlying conditions in many neonates. In severe cases, newborns may need m (Read more...)

Vaccine Delivery Device Inspired by BBQ Lighter

A team at Georgia Tech tinkered together a battery-free electroporation device to deliver DNA vaccines, which is inspired by BBQ lighters. The details of the workings of the vaccine injector are described in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The electric ‘spark’ that ignites the gas flowing from a BBQ gas lighter has been (Read more...)

Hummingbird Device for Ear Tube Placement: Interview with Steve Anderson, CEO of Preceptis Medical

In the United States approximately 1 million children undergo ear tube placement every year. The tubes are typically needed when there’s excess fluid in the middle ear and to address chronic ear infections. The tubes help to prevent this fluid build-up but require placement under general anesthesia. General anesthesia can be distressing for c (Read more...)

Microfluidics and AI Microscopy for Hemoglobin Measurements

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science and SigTuple Technologies, a company based in Bengaluru, India, have developed a method to inexpensively measure hemoglobin levels in small-volume blood samples. The technique combines a microfluidic chip and an AI-powered microscope. The researchers hope that the technology will help streamline hemogl (Read more...)

Tiny Ventway Sparrow Ventilators FDA Cleared

Inovytec, an Israeli firm, has won clearance from the FDA to introduce its Ventway Sparrow ventilators in the United States. Weighing only 2.2 pounds (1 Kg), including the built-in battery, and with a small footprint, these can be used just about anywhere that ventilator support is required. The Sparrows support both invasive and non-invasive venti (Read more...)