The Stanford team's molecular invention enhances the immune system's ability to kill cancer cells, while a Johns Hopkins University team develops a better heart shock system. Other notable inventions include a mechanical leech substitute and an early detection system for ovarian cancers.
The 2012 Collegiate Inventors Competition awarded over $100,000 to students for their groundbreaking inventions in medical devices, cancer therapies, and more. Inanc Ortac's Nano-Wiffle-Balls for Cancer Therapy and Leslie Myint's FastStitch suturing device were among the top winners.
Alice Chen won $15,000 for implanting human liver cells in mice to facilitate drug testing. Mark Jensen received $10,000 for a method to manufacture composite lattice pole structures. The competition honored 15 students for their innovative ideas, with some using mice to study disease and others developing new materials.
Harris Wang won $25,000 for faster cell programming tool MAGE, while Stephen Diebold received a prize for improved pointing stick for people with quadriplegia. Other graduate and undergraduate winners were also announced for their top work.
The National Inventors Hall of Fame welcomes its 36th class of inductees for 2008, recognizing inventors who developed groundbreaking technologies such as Bose audio innovations and wrinkle-free cotton. The induction ceremony honors both living and deceased inventors, showcasing their contributions to society.
Researchers at NIST have developed a new method for producing uniform, self-assembled nanocells using micrometer-size channels. These nanocells can be controlled to specific sizes and are ideal for encapsulating medicine, leading to more accurate drug delivery.