Biomedical Engineering

Stretchy implants could stick to arteries to treat high blood pressure

Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study finds most basilar trunk aneurysms treatable with minimally invasive techniques

Could sea squirts' nano-packaging delivery system help restore sea forests?

JMIR Biomedical Engineering invites submissions on “Sex and Gender in Biomedical Engineering: Toward Equitable Outcomes in Workforce and Modeling.”

AI-powered handheld microscope aims to spot cancer earlier

Reasoning like a human: New prompting strategy boosts AI accuracy in healthcare advice

A new study by Technische Universität Berlin reveals that teaching Large Language Models to mimic human intuition and reasoning improves their ability to provide accurate medical care-seeking advice. The 'human reasoning blueprint' approach increased overall accuracy across all models, with significant gains in self-care advice.

Heart failure care enters the precision era: New drugs, biomarkers, and AI are redefining “one-size-fits-all” treatment

Recent advances in medications, devices, and care pathways are redefining heart failure (HF) treatment. Emerging therapies beyond traditional EF silos have demonstrated broad efficacy across LVEF categories.

Toward artificial muscles that bend and twist on demand

Oral nanomaterial formulations for gastrointestinal therapeutics and disease treatment

Ratiometric SERS platform with dual bioprobes achieves stable detection of circulating tumor cells

Researchers discover advanced language processing in the unconscious human brain

Baylor College of Medicine researchers found that the brain can process sound and language without conscious awareness, even under general anesthesia. Neural signals predicted upcoming words in a sentence, mirroring predictive behavior in artificial intelligence.

Biodegradable, all-metal microrobots could transform drug delivery and biopsy procedures

Researchers have developed a new class of biodegradable, all-metal microrobots that can penetrate tissue and deliver medications without causing damage. These microrobots demonstrate both strength and safety in testing on mice, paving the way for potential applications in drug delivery and biopsy procedures.

Researchers uncover brain mechanism that may help slow Parkinson’s disease, curiously only in females

Scientists have discovered a protective brain pathway that preserves dopamine-producing neurons and reduces degeneration in female models with Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that strengthening this pathway could help slow the progression of the disease, offering new potential for treatment.

New study finds low-dose eye drops successful in managing adult myopia for 24 hours

A new study published in Eye and Vision finds that one drop of low-dose atropine can produce daylong effects in managing myopia. The researchers found that the drop showed clear changes in pupil size and focusing ability, but no short-term structural effects on the eye.

New study shows antibodies need a strong core — not just grip — to fight SARS-CoV-2

Researchers identify mechanical stability as a crucial factor in antibody effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2. The study found that conventional antibodies distribute mechanical load unevenly and that viral mutations influence both binding affinity and mechanical resistance.

Scientists pave the way for fast, cost-effective custom enzyme development

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new method called SMART that accelerates enzyme evolution and reduces costs by accelerating the selection period from weeks to days. The system uses mRNA display, next-generation sequencing, and bioinformatics to identify superior enzyme variants.

New method reveals cellular makeup of environments that favor metastatic cancer growth

Researchers developed a new method to identify cellular features supporting metastatic cancer growth, revealing an unexpected driver of immune suppression in bone metastasis. Estrogen receptor alpha-activated macrophages play a key role in immunosuppression and tumor progression.

First-ever freeze-dried artificial platelets are shelf-stable and portable—a major advance for field medicine

Artificial platelets have been developed that remain stable and effective after a year at room temperature and two months at high temperatures. This technology could enable direct injection of synthetic platelets into bone marrow to treat life-threatening bleeding in remote areas or disaster zones.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute researchers seek to uncover the path to heart valve failure

Researchers aim to determine the connection between circulating lipoprotein (a) and calcific aortic valve disease, with a focus on biomechanics and early detection. They will also explore how mechanical forces influence disease progression and treatment.

New global consensus establishes blueprint for holistic cardiovascular implantable electronic device lead management and lifelong patient safety

The new consensus statement provides updated guidance on CIED lead management, including extraction and management of traditional devices and newer technologies. The recommendations aim to reduce clinical challenges and morbidity within a rapidly evolving technological landscape, ensuring better quality of life for patients.

How AI can help us count the ‘good’ viruses used in biopharmaceuticals

Researchers developed an AI-powered methodology to identify and count target viruses more efficiently than previous techniques. The new approach uses electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and machine learning to separate signals from noise, enabling quick and accurate readings across a wide range of titers.

New chip can protect wireless biomedical devices from quantum attacks

MIT researchers have developed an ultra-efficient microchip that can bring post-quantum cryptography techniques to wireless biomedical devices. The chip includes built-in protections against physical hacking attempts and is more than an order of magnitude more energy-efficient than prior designs.

A universal toolkit for editing bacterial DNA

Researchers have developed a universal toolkit for editing bacterial DNA in 15 diverse species, including human pathogens and fast-growing biotechnology organisms. The technology uses retrons, an immune system that produces DNA, to efficiently modify genes, with varying success rates across different species.

How a key regulatory protein guides cartilage formation during embryonic development

Researchers mapped how Sox9 guides cartilage formation in mouse embryonic limbs, finding that it dynamically targets different genes depending on developmental timing and cell type. The study provides a foundation for understanding skeletal development and may contribute to future research on bone and cartilage diseases.

Nature-inspired hybrid materials boosts therapeutic protein production tenfold and supports tissue repair via microscale engineering

Researchers develop a nature-inspired hybrid material that produces high-quality therapeutic proteins with nearly tenfold higher efficiency than traditional methods. The material's unique design enables it to adapt to different environments, alleviating hypoxic stress and activating cellular functions.

Creating a wireless tissue-aware medical device network in the human body

A research group developed an optimized signal transmission system for implantable medical devices, improving accuracy and strength of wireless signals. The approach uses ultra-wideband communication to coordinate multiple implants and reduce signal distortion, enabling more effective healthcare applications.

CNIC scientists identify a biomarker that improves risk prediction in a severe form of heart failure

Researchers discovered a biomarker that can predict disease progression and mortality in patients with severe heart failure. Mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) levels are associated with greater disease severity, mortality, and heart failure events.

Chinese Medical Journal article review explores artificial intelligence in heart failure management

A recent review highlights how AI enables precision treatment, continuous monitoring and individualized prognostic modeling for heart failure patients. AI integrates large-scale structured electronic health records and multimodal imaging to characterize cardiac structure and function, enhancing diagnostic accuracy.

Chaos in the heart and brain

Researchers at Kyoto University found that chaotic component of heartbeat variability is sensitive to cognitive brain activity, providing a new indicator of brain-heart interaction. Chaos-based measures revealed clear and reproducible changes associated with task engagement, contrasting with conventional HRV indices.

Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology supports April Head and Neck Awareness Month

The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology has several active trials specifically designed to help people with head and neck cancers. Trials include testing high-dose prophylactic gabapentin to prevent opioid use during treatment, as well as immunotherapy with nivolumab and cabozantinib for mucosal melanoma and nasopharyngeal carcino...

UT Arlington researcher earns AHA award for aging research

A University of Texas at Arlington researcher is leading a study investigating cardio-sarcopenia, the combined loss of heart and muscle health in aging adults. The grant aims to uncover how heart dysfunction and muscle loss interact and detect biomarkers for earlier intervention.

Stem cell model of human embryo produces yolk sac without hypoblasts or genetic trickery

Researchers at University of Michigan created a stem cell model that produces a yolk-sac-like structure in a human embryo, mimicking early pregnancy loss. The model uses mechanical signals to guide development and does not require genetic manipulation.

Alliance study shows new promise against locally advanced lung cancer

A study by the Alliance Foundation Trials shows that combining immunotherapy and chemotherapy before surgery can help more patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer undergo complete cancer resection, improving their long-term health. The treatment also led to high rates of lymph node clearance and successful surgical re...

New material makes heart monitoring tech more comfortable

Researchers created a new polymer electrode that conforms to the skin, is comfortable, and can pick up ECG signals without gel or adhesives. The technology performed comparably to existing sensors in proof-of-concept testing, showcasing its potential for practical and cost-effective health monitoring applications.

New biosensor for detecting active tuberculosis

A new biosensor detects active tuberculosis using a protein secreted by the bacterium, providing more accurate information from a clinical perspective. The device achieves high sensitivity and specificity, with promising potential for resource-poor countries.

UC Irvine-led study achieves brain-controlled walking with artificial sensory feedback

A bidirectional brain-computer interface (BCI) allows individuals with spinal cord injuries to control a robotic exoskeleton using brain signals and receive artificial leg sensation. The system, developed by UC Irvine researchers, demonstrates high accuracy in step counting and sensory discrimination tasks.

RBL LLC launches Duracyte, advancing living pharmacy platform in Houston’s growing biotech hub

Duracyte's technology uses an implantable device to produce therapeutic proteins continuously inside the human body, replacing injections and infusions with a single device. The device can sense biological signals, monitor tumor environments and adjust therapeutic output in real time.

Multitasking quantum sensors can measure several properties at once

Researchers at MIT have developed a way to measure multiple physical quantities with solid-state quantum sensors, exploiting entanglement to overcome signal mixing. This approach enables deeper understanding of the behavior of atoms and electrons in materials and living systems, such as cancer cells.

“MitoCatch” delivers healthy mitochondria to diseased cells

Researchers developed MitoCatch, a system that targets disease-affected cells with healthy mitochondria. The innovation enables efficient cell type-specific mitochondrial delivery, improving survival of damaged neurons in vitro and retinal ganglion cells in vivo.

Egyptian mummy remains examined at Semmelweis University

High-resolution CT scans provide detailed images of mummified human remains, enabling accurate age determination and diagnosis of conditions such as osteoporosis. The analysis also sheds light on the mummification process and potential facial reconstructions of skulls.

Binghamton University graduate programs draw national attention in new ranking

Binghamton University has seen significant improvements in its graduate school rankings, with nearly three dozen programs earning national recognition. The university's Systems Science and Industrial Engineering program has been named the #31 Industrial and Systems Engineering graduate program in the US.

OHSU secures $9.2 million to build next generation ‘organs on chips’ for bone related cancers

Oregon Health & Science University has received significant NIH funding to develop advanced microphysiologic models that mimic how cancers grow and respond to treatment within bone tissues. Two new awards focus on osteosarcoma and prostate cancer, aiming to improve understanding of disease spread and treatment responses.

Anatomy & Innovation Center for Education and Research inaugurated at Semmelweis University

The center offers state-of-the-art facilities for practical skills acquisition, digital technologies integration, and innovation in medical procedures. Future physicians will benefit from cadaver training, real-time imaging, and collaborative research opportunities.

Lehigh U bioengineer Anand Ramamurthi elected to AIMBE College of Fellows

Anand Ramamurthi, Lehigh's Peter C. Rossin Professor of Bioengineering and chair of the Department of Bioengineering, has been elected to the AIMBE College of Fellows for his groundbreaking work in regenerative technologies that can repair damaged tissues without surgery. His research aims to develop nonsurgical nanomedicines to treat ...

Chinese Medical Journal study reveals how mitochondrial activity is regulated in heart muscle cells

A study published in Chinese Medical Journal reveals how mitochondrial activity is regulated in heart muscle cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction disrupts energy production and affects cardiac outcomes, with various proteins managing mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy.

Drugs at the right place, at the right time

Researchers have combined ion pumps with click-to-release chemistry to enable precise electronic control of drug release for a broader range of therapeutics. This technology allows for targeted local therapy with lower doses, reducing side effects.

Extracellular vesicle RNAs offer new hope for diagnosing and treating chronic inflammatory bowel disease

A comprehensive review highlights the role of extracellular vesicle-associated RNAs in developing and progressing IBD. EV-RNAs can serve as non-invasive biomarkers for early detection and targets for next-generation therapies, offering new hope for personalized precision treatment.

AI gives doctors early warning of disease “tipping points” — often from a single patient sample

Researchers develop dynamics-driven models to identify disease transitions before symptoms appear, transforming real-time care and personalized treatment. AI systems analyze health data to detect

Seeing red: Dragonflies and humans share the same red-light detection mechanism

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University discovered that dragonfly visual protein detects red light similarly to mammals. This finding has potential applications in medical fields relying on red light-sensing, such as optogenetics.

Clinical guidelines on physical activity and exercise therapy for Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes: A clinical practice guideline from the Chinese Society of Endocrinology

The clinical guideline emphasizes personalized care, recommending pre-exercise cardiovascular risk assessment and individualized exercise prescriptions. Adults with T2D are advised to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, or a combination of aerobic and resistance training.

Fat-producing enzyme may amplify damage in Parkinson’s disease, finds NTU Singapore study

Scientists at NTU Singapore found that glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) amplifies α-synuclein toxicity by altering fat metabolism in brain cells. Targeting GPAT activity may offer a new strategy for treating Parkinson's disease.

CytoSorbⓇ and oXirisⓇ for the management of septic shock

A study comparing two blood purification strategies for septic shock found that both CytoSorbⓇ and oXirisⓇ improved hemodynamic status by reducing lactate levels and vasopressor requirements. However, no significant differences were found in primary outcomes, suggesting comparable clinical benefits.

Skin can ‘pre-learn’: Priming cells for regeneration before injury

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology discovered a way to prime skin cells for regeneration before injury, enabling rapid and effective healing. This approach, called mosaic partial reprogramming, reshapes surrounding cells and tissue microenvironment to accelerate wound healing.

Terasaki principal investigator Dr. Yangzhi Zhu publishes smart contact lens for real-time IOP monitoring and closed-loop treatment delivery in Science Translational Medicine

Researchers at Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation develop a smart contact lens that monitors intraocular pressure in real time and delivers treatment. The technology has shown promising results in preclinical models and aims to improve quality of life for patients with ocular diseases.

Salk Institute to lead ARPA-H project with up to $41.3M to advance sonogenetics as a noninvasive therapeutic

The Salk Institute will lead an ARPA-H-funded project to develop ultrasound-sensitive protein tools, wearable ultrasound delivery technology, and a translational path to the clinic for major unmet medical needs. The team aims to create a noninvasive therapy for conditions such as peripheral neuropathy.

New research brings joint repair closer for millions with osteoarthritis

A team of researchers has achieved a major milestone in developing a new treatment aimed at helping the body repair damaged joints at the source. The experimental treatments have shown promising results in animal models, restoring joint tissue to near-normal levels and significantly reducing pain markers for long periods.

NYU Abu Dhabi researchers develop smart MRI molecules to detect and treat cancer

Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have developed smart molecules that combine both imaging and therapeutic functions in a single system. The new molecules make tumors visible on MRI scans and help destroy cancer cells simultaneously, providing a safer alternative to gadolinium-based contrast agents.

Engineering the future using nature’s design

The Texas A&M biomedical engineering department's scaffolded, inquiry-based biomimicry course has been shown to improve student engagement and imagination competency. Students learn to use nature as a model to solve engineering problems, resulting in breakthroughs in clinical impact and innovation.

New evidence that fat promotes tumor growth in aggressive breast cancer

A study by Princeton University researchers found that high-fat diets contribute to aggressive breast cancer growth, with tumors fed fatty acids forming hollow appendages. The team's 3D model showed that a ketogenic diet did not provide the expected benefits for this type of cancer.

Study provides answers to progressive heart problems in muscular dystrophy and potential reversibility

The study found that cardiac manifestations, primarily electric conduction abnormalities, affect most DM1 patients, leading to life-threatening arrhythmias. However, the researchers discovered that turning off toxic RNA molecules can reverse some physical changes in the heart, but not all, particularly in male mice.