Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern, with some predictions suggesting that routine surgery could be unacceptably risky in a future where many antibiotics have become obsolete. Part of the problem lies in the time it takes clinicians to diagnose an antibiotic-resistant infection. Current techniques involve lab technicians culturing a bacteria (Read more...)
Tag: Public Health
Elastomeric Respirator Mask Senses Fit and Filter Saturation
Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have designed a new respirator, conceived as an improvement on standard N95 masks. The transparent respirator contains sensors that allow users to know if the mask is fitting snugly and alerts them when the filters need to be replaced. The mask, called the t (Read more...)
Inhalable Nanobody Therapy Deactivates SARS-CoV-2
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new antibody-type therapy for SARS-CoV-2, the causative virus for COVID-19. The treatment exploits “nanobodies” – tiny antibody fragments – that are harvested from llama blood. The new nanobody therapy can be used in an inhalable form that may deactivate the virus (Read more...)
Microneedle Bandage Detects Malaria in Minutes
Researchers at Rice University have developed a microneedle patch that can rapidly detect the presence of malaria in interstitial fluid. Users can apply the patch to their skin, as you would a bandage, and then obtain a result in as little as 20 minutes. The technology is low-cost and requires no expertise to utilize. Malaria […]
Ultrasound Device to Rapidly Diagnose Sickle Cell Disease
Researchers at the University of Colorado have developed a new rapid test for sickle cell disease. Their tiny device is less than the size of a quarter, and can provide a result in as little as one minute. The technology uses ultrasound to heat a protein sample and then measures how it dissolves over time […]
Sensor Rapidly Detects SARS-CoV-2, Antibodies, and Inflammatory Markers
Researchers at Caltech have developed a low-cost multiplex test that can rapidly provide three different types of data on COVID-19. The test can detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2, antibodies against the virus (potentially indicating a level of immunity), and inflammatory markers that could indicate the severity of COVID-19. Using blood or saliva, t (Read more...)
Sensor Rapidly Detects SARS-CoV-2, Antibodies, and Inflammatory Markers
Researchers at Caltech have developed a low-cost multiplex test that can rapidly provide three different types of data on COVID-19. The test can detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2, antibodies against the virus (potentially indicating a level of immunity), and inflammatory markers that could indicate the severity of COVID-19. Using blood or saliva, t (Read more...)
FDA Clears Masimo’s Go Anywhere Pulse Oximeter and Respiration Rate Monitor
Masimo won FDA clearance for its Rad-G pulse oximeter, a rugged device developed with the help of The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Originally created to spot-check patients for SpO2 (oxygen saturation), respiration rate from the plethysmograph (RRp), pulse rate (PR), perfusion index (Pi), and pleth variability index (PVi®), this latest (Read more...)
CRISPR-Based Assay for Rapid and Inexpensive Malaria Testing
Researchers at the Harvard Wyss Institute have developed a rapid, inexpensive, and very sensitive malaria test that harnesses the power of CRISPR. The new technique does not require complicated sample preparation or processing, and it could allow for rapid on-site testing in low resource regions, aiding the campaign to eliminate malaria. Determinin (Read more...)
EchoNous KOSMOS 3-in-1 Ultrasound, Electronic Stethoscope, and ECG Helps with COVID-19
EchoNous, a developer of novel ultrasounds, has found a way to leverage multiple critical clinical technologies within a single device. The result is KOSMOS, a handheld 3-in-1 device consisting of an ultrasound, electronic stethoscope, and an ECG, all linked via artificial technology. When COVID-19 was hitting NYC earlier this year, EchoNous was ab (Read more...)
Graphene Facemask to Deactivate Coronaviruses and Bacteria
Researchers at the City University of Hong Kong have developed a face mask containing laser-induced graphene that can kill bacteria and has demonstrated potential in deactivating coronaviruses. The graphene layer has antibacterial properties and can generate heat when exposed to sunlight, which may underlie its ability to deactivate coronaviruses. (Read more...)
LG Air Purifier Mask Makes Breathing Easy
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, companies around the world have been working on solutions to improve how the world responds to the crisis. LG, the giant South Korean electronics manufacturer, has just announced that it has developed a face mask that is an air purifier that cleans the air and makes it easy to breathe […]
Remote Control of Ventilators for COVID Patients Protects Clinicians from Infection
When dealing with patients infected by a contagious disease and that are suffering from acute respiratory distress, protecting clinicians is critically important. However, much of the bedside equipment that interfaces with patients in the intensive care unit has to be directly controlled, putting staff in close proximity with those infected. Now, a (Read more...)
Pivoting to PPE – A Plastic Manufacturer’s Response to the Covid Pandemic: Interview with Jay Baker, President, Jonestown Plastics
Businesses across industries have felt and reacted to the impact of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. While many have faced challenges to their traditional business models, some have taken those challenges in stride and turned their responses into opportunities for new growth or strategic pivots. Jamestown Plastics, a family-owned, New York-based d (Read more...)
UV Disinfection of Medical Equipment: Interview with Jeremy Starkweather, President of UV-Concepts
With the COVID-19 pandemic set to continue for the foreseeable future, efforts to deal with the virus in healthcare facilities are of the utmost importance. Reducing viral transmission will protect patients and clinicians alike. A key part of this is disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, including those of portable medical equipment such as whe (Read more...)
Robotic Clinicians for Taking Nasal Swabs During Covid Pandemic
A cornerstone of the world’s response to Covid-19 has been mass testing of as many people as possible for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The very act of taking a nasal swab can put a clinician performing it, or one nearby instructing the patient on how to do it, at risk. Now, a new robot has been […]
PulseNmore At-Home Tele-Ultrasound for Pregnant Women
During these trying COVID days, patients have been limited in the care they receive because clinics have been limiting access and because patients themselves have been wary of visiting medical facilities. Pregnant women are a particularly vulnerable group and require frequent office visits, including receiving ultrasound exams. A new device has jus (Read more...)
Nihon Kohden Releases Video Laryngoscope in U.S. for Faster Intubation During COVID
Critical care facilities around the world are on the front lines of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Intubation is necessary to maintain many critical patients in the ICU, but too often obtaining an airway proves to be challenging. In some patients, intubation can take over a minute or more, potentially leading to serious consequences. Now, Nihon [&h (Read more...)
Augmented Reality Telemedicine Shown to be Effective for Battlefield
A team of researchers from Purdue University and the Indiana University School of Medicine has recently developed and now demonstrated, in realistic simulations, a telemedical augmented reality system that can be used in very difficult and stressful situations. Called System for Telementoring with Augmented Reality (STAR), it allows remote clinicia (Read more...)
Vagus Nerve Stimulator Gets FDA Emergency OK for Asthmatics with COVID
People stricken with COVID-19 exhibit a wide range of symptoms. Some are barely affected while others suffer dire consequences. People with asthma are in particular danger, as SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory virus that can make breathing even more difficult. Now, the FDA has issued an Emergency Use Authorization for the gammaCore Sapphire CV non-invasi (Read more...)