The National Institutes of Health has announced the winners of a $2 million prize competition to develop innovative medical technologies for fetal health diagnosis, detection, and monitoring. Two top winners have developed devices that can detect fetal stress and congenital heart disease, while another technology aims to monitor fetal ...
Researchers have developed a biodegradable scaffold to facilitate bladder tissue growth, reducing complications associated with traditional augmentation procedures. An implantable sensor also enhances patient monitoring, paving the way for improved bladder surgery outcomes.
The NIH's RADx Tech Fetal Monitoring Challenge aims to accelerate development of diagnostic and monitoring technologies that improve fetal health outcomes, particularly in low-resource settings. Successful technologies will directly measure fetal health status and have strong potential for accessible use.
A NIH-funded team developed a method to evaluate how mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 N protein affect recognition by antibodies used in rapid antigen tests. The study found that none of the major past and present variants of concern contain N protein mutations affecting diagnostic antibody performance.
A new study found that school-aged children can successfully use a nasal swab to obtain their own COVID-19 test specimen, providing data for recommendations on self-swabbing in schools and other settings. The study showed that children as young as 4 years old can follow instructions and collect their own samples with high accuracy.
The NIH announced five cash prize winners and four honorable mentions in its Maternal Health Diagnostics Challenge. The winning technologies aim to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, with a focus on detecting and differentiating common pregnancy-related conditions.
The NIH is awarding contracts to nine companies for technologies that include portable point-of-care tests and high-throughput laboratories. These tests aim to provide rapid results and expand national testing in regions of need.
The NIH Medical Imaging and Data Resource Center (MIDRC) is a collaborative effort to develop new AI-powered diagnostic tools for COVID-19. The center aims to accelerate the development of personalized therapies by analyzing medical images and clinical data, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Researchers have developed new techniques that can significantly reduce the time needed to process complex images from cutting-edge microscopes. These methods use deconvolution algorithm modifications, parallelization, and neural networks to speed up processing time by several thousand-fold.
The NIH Technology Accelerator Challenge aims to develop handheld, digital technologies for detecting diseases with high global impact. The challenge will focus on sickle cell disease, malaria, and anemia, addressing the need for accessible diagnostic tools in low-resource settings.
Researchers develop new method to preserve human livers for transplantation, extending viability from 9 hours to up to 27 hours. The new protocol uses a combination of technologies to prevent ice nucleation and deliver protective solution uniformly throughout the organ.
Recent advances in biomedical imaging and bioengineering funded by the NIH include a non-invasive blood glucose monitoring device and a skin patch that monitors blood pressure continuously. Additionally, researchers have developed painless laser scans for breast cancer screening and prosthetic hands with sensory feedback.
The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) at NIH will convene experts in academia, industry, and government to discuss the state-of-the-art of AI applications for medical imaging. The workshop aims to improve quality, reproducibility, and reliability of AI in medical imaging.
Scientists combined two microscope technologies to create a microscope that offers unparalleled look at biological processes. The new microscope enables observation of rapidly moving objects about 10 times faster than other microscopes at similar resolution.
Researchers at Columbia University created adult-like cardiac model using induced pluripotent stem cells with electric and mechanical stimulation. The resulting tissue mimics the human heart's behavior after just four weeks of culture.
Scientists from NIH and University of Chicago developed a new microscope that produces high-resolution images at high speed, improving efficiency and resolution. The use of mirrored coverslips allows for the capture of reflected images, removing unwanted background and increasing light collection.
A new imaging technique has revealed a more diverse and flexible DNA structure than previously thought, featuring small folds of DNA in close proximity. This discovery provides exciting insights into how chromatin directs gene expression and regulation.
A large-scale study of daily step data from anonymous smartphone users in over 100 countries reveals how countries, genders, and community types fare in terms of physical activity. The study found that countries with greater activity variation have a larger proportion of inactive women and higher obesity rates.
Researchers develop a microneedle patch for flu vaccination, producing robust immune responses and eliminating injection discomfort. The patch is safe, easy to administer, and can be delivered in the mail, with potential economic and manufacturing advantages.
The NIH has selected winning teams from a nationwide undergraduate biomedical engineering design competition for their innovative solutions to various healthcare challenges. The designs showcased promising technologies for diagnosing diseases such as tuberculosis and sepsis, with potential to save millions of lives.
Researchers developed a 3D micro-scaffold technology that promotes reprogramming of stem cells into neurons and supports growth of neuronal connections. The system improved cell-survival rates by nearly 40-fold compared to individual cell injections, enabling the potential treatment for human neurodegenerative disorders.
Eliminating cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) did not slow or halt tumor growth; in fact, it increased the risk of metastasis when done too late. CAFs play a complex role in cancer growth and metastasis.
Researchers developed a new 3D software to track the embryonic development and movement of neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans worms. The program creates a straightened image of the worm, allowing scientists to follow individual cells as they move and grow, revealing complex neuronal structures in unprecedented 3D clarity.
The National Institutes of Health is funding the development of three innovative robots to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. The robots, including a smart-walker for elderly mobility and a hand-worn device for visually impaired grasping objects, aim to enhance independence and quality of life.
Three teams of undergraduate students won the National Institutes of Health's Design by Biomedical Undergraduate Teams (DEBUT) Challenge with projects focused on improving global health. The winners developed a portable HIV treatment monitor, a surgical clamp to treat drooping eyelids, and a low-cost patient monitor.
Researchers developed a new biomarker that uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect micrometastases, tiny tumor cells with the potential to develop into secondary breast cancer tumors. This approach may offer an improved way to detect early recurrence of breast cancer in women and men.
Researchers developed a non-invasive strategy to deliver electrical stimulation to the spinal cord, enabling paralyzed individuals to move their legs voluntarily. The study shows significant progress towards developing a therapy for wide range of individuals with spinal cord injury.
Researchers developed a microfluidic chip to capture CTC clusters from whole blood, revealing their prevalence and potential role in metastasis. The Cluster-Chip captured 30-40% of patients' CTC clusters, offering new insights into cancer biology and potentially leading to breakthroughs in cancer research.
Researchers have developed a low-cost, electricity-free device capable of detecting HIV-1 DNA using a small scale chemical reaction. The NINA system can detect infection at an early stage, allowing for immediate treatment and reducing the risk of loss to follow-up.
Four winning projects address postoperative complications, visual impairments, tube feeding issues and neonatal urine collection. The first place team will receive $20,000 for their AccuSpine device improving spinal fusion procedures.
Researchers have successfully created functional 3D brain-like tissue that exhibits grey-white matter compartmentalization and can survive in the lab for over two months. The tissue displays physical properties similar to rodent brain tissue, enabling scientists to study traumatic brain injury in real-time.
Researchers developed a new supercooling technique to increase liver storage time from 24 hours to 3 days in animal study. The method successfully stored rat livers for up to four days, with 58% survival rate, offering potential for improved organ allocation and reduced costs.
A novel therapy using electrical stimulation of the spinal cord has helped four patients with paraplegia regain voluntary movement, including flexion of toes, ankles, and knees. Researchers believe this approach may change the prognosis for people with paralysis even years after injury.
Researchers have developed two new microscopes that capture fast-moving cells in 3-D and reduce light exposure to preserve cell health. The iSIM microscope enables real-time super resolution imaging of small structures at high speed.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded funding for three projects developing innovative robots that enhance mobility for visually and physically impaired individuals. These co-robots aim to improve treatment for atrial fibrillation by adapting to changing environments and ensuring accurate contact with the heart during procedures.
Three winning teams received a $10,000 prize for their innovative projects addressing underserved populations and individuals with disabilities. The Personalized Monitoring of Enzyme Dynamics project focused on cancer treatment personalization, while the Microflora Refinement System tackled Clostridium difficile infections.
A new ultrasound patch has been shown to significantly accelerate healing in patients with venous ulcers, a type of chronic wound that affects millions. The patch, developed by researchers at Drexel University, delivers low-frequency ultrasound directly to wounds and was found to reduce wound size in just four weeks.
A compact wireless sensor recorded and transmitted brain activity data wirelessly for over a year in animal tests, representing a major step toward cord-free control of advanced prosthetics. The device has the potential to revolutionize rehabilitation options for people with physical disabilities.
Researchers have developed a novel treatment that selectively inhibits the part of the immune system responsible for attacking myelin, reducing inflammation in autoimmune disorders like MS. The therapy uses microscopic particles to induce tolerance in animal models, showing potential for treating MS, type I diabetes, and food allergies.
Three projects have won awards from NIBIB and HHMI to enhance interdisciplinary training for graduate students, sharing successful strategies among institutions. The resources developed through the grants will be disseminated to the broader research community, impacting biomedical science advancement.
Researchers developed a silk-based stabilizer that maintains potency of live vaccines and antibiotics even at high storage temperatures. This innovation has the potential to eliminate the need for refrigeration, saving billions in costs and increasing accessibility to third-world populations.
Researchers at NIBIB have developed a new technique called BF STEM tomography, which allows for high-resolution 3D imaging of thicker specimen samples. This enables the visualization of larger internal structures in cells, providing greater insight into cell organization and function.
The NIBIB Quantum Grants program funds four innovative projects to develop new technologies for metastatic lung cancer diagnosis, bio-artificial kidneys, insulin-producing cells, and nanoparticles targeting brain tumors. These advancements aim to transform healthcare with potential breakthroughs in disease treatment and prevention.