Category: Technology & Devices
US scientists introduce brain-controlled hearing aid
Hearing loss can prove challenging, especially when trying to make out a particular sound in a noisy/crowded space. Complete hearing loss is usually avoidable, but in the event of hearing difficulties, a new type of hearing aid may ease conversation through brain waves that channel sound while also drowning out background noise. Researchers from Columbia […]
US scientists reveal unique, quick bacteria-tracking device
Waiting days for a lab report to determine a bacterial infection could soon be a thing of the past, as scientists at Pennsylvania State University, US, have developed a device that considerably speeds up the process. The microtechnology-based device traps single bacteria cells which are later viewed under an electron microscope – the evaluation is […]
US medical centre first to use unmanned aircraft for organ transport
In a first-ever organ delivery operation, a drone has been used to transport a kidney needed for transplant at the University of Maryland Medical Centre (UMMC), US, where the specially-designed drone ended its 5km journey. A 44-year-old woman from Baltimore who was on dialysis for eight years received the kidney. The United Network for Organ […]
Israeli scientists 3D print “world-first” complete heart with human tissue
Heart disease is the primary cause of death in the US – most patients can only opt for a life-saving transplant, and donors are few. Scientists Tel Aviv University (TAU), Israel, have possibly solved this dilemma by producing the first-ever complete 3D printed heart using human tissue – a breakthrough in regenerative medicine. Lead scientist […]
Polymer coating to protect catheters from infections
A staggering 150 million intravascular catheters are implanted yearly in the US alone, and fatal infections can develop regularly. Antibacterial coatings have then been used to prevent colonisation and kill harmful bacteria, but often lose effectiveness after only two weeks. Most antibacterial coatings also use traditional antibiotics, raising concerns about antibiotic resistance over long term […]
Japanese devices can help with odour management in hospitals
The digital scent technology market is expected to grow annually by 30% from 2017 to reach USD1 billion by 2023, with Asia-Pacific projected to grow at the fastest rate according to market research. Previously, many organisations were not as particular about this aspect of their facilities -but odour control in healthcare is notably essential to […]
AI helps to predict arthritis in children
Some children are unfortunate to have arthritis, which occurs when the immune system mistakes the body’s own cells for foreign invaders, typically attacking the lining of the joints to cause swelling, pain and long-lasting damage. There is no known cure, and treatment is costly and increasingly aggressive – potential side effects include risks of infection. […]
“Smart stickers” underway for post-surgery monitoring
An advanced sticker solution is in the works to monitor physical activity and alert for health risks, particularly useful for patients who self-check their health at home after a major surgery. Lead researcher Ramses Martinez, a Purdue University assistant professor of industrial engineering and biomedical engineering has said that the wearable sticker technology is a […]
Israeli company unveils world’s first microcomputer for atrial pressure
Left atrial pressure (LAP) is a specific physiological indication for heart failure. Approximately 90% of cardiac patients admitted to the hospital have had pulmonary congestion related to elevated LAP- the earliest sign of impending heart failure exacerbation, long before clinical symptoms occur. But, the initiation of the Vector-HF First-in-Human (FIH) clinical trial, and the successful […]
Monitor diabetes on your phone
Diabetic patients constantly need to check their blood sugar levels throughout the day. The levels can increase or decrease depending on various factors such as meal consumption or exercise. An insulin pump is usually used to deliver regulatory hormones and adjusted accordingly. A new phone app has been introduced to ease blood sugar monitoring. Collectively […]
