The Whitaker Foundation offers international fellowships and scholarships to US biomedical engineering students, aiming to provide an international outlook. The program will fund 15 years of fellowships and scholarships, with a focus on increasing interaction between US-educated engineers and overseas colleagues.
A new robotic arm, RUPERT I, can help stroke survivors recover motor function through repetitive exercises. The device is powered by four pneumatic muscles and adjustable to fit different body sizes.
Researchers have developed stem-cell generated natural tissue implants that retain their shape and size over time, avoiding issues like implant rupture or cancer detection interference. This approach could eliminate the need for extensive surgery and provide a more natural-looking solution for reconstructive surgeries.
Researchers have developed thin fiber-optic probes that can be threaded through biopsy needles to ensure accurate targeting and diagnose breast cancer with over 90% accuracy. The technology holds potential to minimize trauma and improve procedure speed.
A new lab-on-a-chip technology can detect milk contamination and identify the botulinum toxin in as little as an hour with test results available in minutes. This innovation could lead to faster treatment for potential botulism toxin exposure, reducing its high specific toxicity as a bioterrorism threat.
Researchers found that infant falls can produce significant rotational forces that cause widespread and serious brain injury, including internal bleeding and nerve cell damage. This challenges the assumption that children respond similarly to head trauma as adults.
Researchers develop scaffold that enables bone marrow cells to grow naturally without growth factors, promoting dense new bone growth. The technology has shown promising results in animal studies, with strong new bone replacing the scaffold in just eight weeks.
A recent study by Whitaker investigator Phil Bayly and his collaborators tested four brands of headgear, finding that they failed to dampen the impact of heading a soccer ball. The researchers used pressure sensors and metal mannequin heads to simulate heading at different speeds, revealing that only the fastest speed eased the impact.
In a breakthrough study, monkeys were trained to move balls around on a screen using brain signals, achieving accuracy and speed comparable to normal arm movements. The technique has implications for people with paralysis who may be able to learn to control prosthetic limbs through thought control.
Scientists have successfully implanted cartilage made from stem cells in mice, showing promise for repairing damaged tissues. The study uses fat cells to produce cartilage-like cells that can be used as implants to treat injuries and diseases.
A biomedical engineer has developed a 'sonic flashlight' that combines ultrasound images with the patient's natural appearance, enabling doctors to guide procedures without looking away. This technology could improve hand-eye coordination and reduce learning curves for radiologists.
Researchers at the University of Michigan successfully grew new, mature blood vessels in live animals by implanting scaffolds that delivered critical growth factors. The innovative approach, reported in Nature Biotechnology, has potential medical applications for alternatives to heart bypass surgery and treatments for vascular disease.
Boston University has received a $14 million Leadership Award to enhance its standing in biomedical engineering, while UC Davis has received a $12 million Leadership-Development Award for its visionary plan. Both institutions will use their awards to link genomics with organ-level physiology and improve medical applications.
A new DNA test developed by researchers at Indiana University uses quantum dots to quickly and accurately analyze large numbers of genes. The test can identify up to 40,000 different genetic codes in just 10 minutes, making it a game-changer for medical diagnosis and research.
Researchers developed a new MRI-guided catheter ablation technique to treat arrhythmia, reducing radiation exposure and improving procedure accuracy. The novel method uses MRI to guide radio frequency energy, creating precise lesions that block abnormal electrical pathways in heart muscle.
A new retinal birefringence scanner can measure eye fixation independent of head position, allowing doctors to diagnose amblyopia in young children. The device has the potential to revolutionize communication and daily living for people with disabilities.
The Whitaker Foundation has awarded more than $30 million to The Johns Hopkins University and the University of California, San Diego for biomedical engineering programs. This marks the largest individual grants in its 23-year history.
Researchers are developing a magnetic hearing aid that uses an electromagnetic coil to stimulate the inner ear via the round window, potentially enhancing speech and reducing background noise. The device could reduce or eliminate acoustic feedback, a common issue with conventional hearing aids.
The Whitaker Foundation has awarded over $7.5 million to biomedical researchers at 29 universities to tackle medical problems and improve human health. The grants support innovative research in areas like regenerative medicine, biomechanics, and tissue engineering.
The all-terrain wheelchair is designed to cross potholes, hobble over obstacles, and cruise along sandy beaches. It features powered rear wheels and robotic arms that anchor the chair like crutches or ski poles.
The Whitaker Foundation has awarded $6.8 million in grants to improve biomedical engineering education at six US universities and one in Canada. The grants will support the creation of new graduate programs, research initiatives, and infrastructure development.
Researchers are developing genetically altered, edible plant products to create new vaccines for sexually transmitted diseases. Plant-based proteins could be incorporated into pills, providing a cost-effective solution for vaccinations like hepatitis B.
Researchers have developed a prototype drug pump that can monitor its own flow rate, ensuring steady stream of medicine and enabling diabetics to manage their condition more effectively. The device is made on a single silicon wafer and uses a titanium-nickel alloy to flex and regulate fluid flow.
A new virtual screening test for colon cancer uses spiral CT scans to build a three-dimensional image of the entire colon. This non-invasive test is more comfortable, convenient, and less expensive than traditional colonoscopy, which can help prevent colon cancer by detecting polyps early.