By Ben Coxworth, November 11, 2020 The Phagenyx system delivers electrical stimulation to the brain’s swallow control centers, via the back of the throatPhagenesis When someone has experienced a stroke or brain injury, it’s not uncommon for them to lose their ability to swallow properly. A recent study, however, suggests that a new throat-zapping system...
CONN HASTINGS ENT, MEDICINE, PSYCHIATRY Researchers at University College London and King’s College London have developed a device that allows for easy earwax sampling, with the goal that the wax could be a convenient and reliable way to measure cortisol levels. The device can be used by a patient at home to obtain a sample of earwax and...
by RMIT University Neurons growing in a line along the bio conductive ink (left) and growing in all directions in the absence of the printable ink (right). Researchers have developed a neuron-growing ink that uses the body’s own electrical signals to precisely guide the growth of nerve cells. The bio conductive ink can be printed in lines...
JOHNS HOPKINS MEDICINE IMAGE: WHEN AN OPEN THERAGRIPPER, LEFT, IS EXPOSED TO INTERNAL BODY TEMPERATURES, IT CLOSES ON THE INSTESTINAL WALL. Inspired by a parasitic worm that digs its sharp teeth into its host’s intestines, Johns Hopkins researchers have designed tiny, star-shaped microdevices that can latch onto intestinal mucosa and release drugs into the body. David Gracias,...
OCTOBER 29TH, 2020 CONN HASTINGS ENT, REHAB Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a watch that can monitor a user’s environment for important sounds, such as a fire alarm or a microwave beeping, identify the sounds, and then inform the user through a subtle vibration. “This technology provides people with a way to experience sounds that...
ANDREW STAPLETON Scientists have developed a thin flexible battery suited to implantable devices that does away with dangerous chemicals and replaces them with biologically compatible liquids. The bendy batteries use sodium-based liquids – one a saline solution and another using cell cultures – and this innovation could change how we power wearable devices and even...
by Catharine June, University of Michigan A new way to measure respiratory rate, heart rate and heart rate variability has recently been developed in a collaboration led by the University of Michigan. Together with body temperature, these important indicators could identify a respiratory infection early—before a worker or student feels ill. The technology, which was recently...
RICE UNIVERSITY IMAGE: A BANDAGELIKE TEST FOR MALARIA FEATURES AN ARRAY OF MICRONEEDLES THAT COLLECT INTERSTITIAL FLUID FROM SKIN AND DELIVERS RESULTS ON A TEST STRIP WITHIN MINUTES. HOUSTON – (Nov. 2, 2020) – Testing for malaria could become as simple as putting on a bandage. That’s the idea behind a platform developed by Rice...
CONN HASTINGS, OCTOBER 16TH, 2020 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...
By Nick Lavars, October 19, 2020 Cancer cells may have a new enemy in the form of a magnetic bandage Scientists are exploring all kinds of avenues when it comes to tackling cancer, and one interesting possibility involves using magnetic nanoparticles to heat and destroy its cells. Researchers in India have taken an impressive step forward with...
