Articles tagged with Biomedical Engineering
Researchers at Princeton University and North Carolina State University have combined ancient paperfolding and modern materials science to create a soft robot that can bend and twist through mazes with ease. The new design allows the flexible robot to crawl forward and reverse, pick up cargo and assemble into longer formations.
The Multifunctional Ablative Gastrointestinal Imaging Capsule (MAGIC) combines OCT technology with an endoscope camera and ablation laser for superior esophageal imaging. It provides unmatched accuracy in detecting early lesions, enabling potential ablative treatment of esophageal abnormalities.
Researchers from Wyss Institute and Harvard University developed a biomaterial vaccine that enhances and sustains lymph node expansion, leading to more effective anti-tumor responses. The vaccine formulation, based on microscale mesoporous silica rods, reprograms antigen-presenting cells to orchestrate complex immune responses.
A team of researchers has developed a hemostasis sponge that swiftly staunchs kidney bleeding and facilitates wound recovery. The material uses kidney-derived decellularized extracellular matrix to recreate the kidney's microenvironment, boasting high biocompatibility.
Scientists at DTU and Lund University have found new enzymes that can remove both the A and B blood antigens and their blocking sugars, enabling the production of universal donor blood. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce logistics and costs associated with storing four different blood types.
A flexible microdisplay device can track and display neural activity in the brain, allowing neurosurgeons to visualize critical cortical boundaries and guide surgical interventions. The device reduces the need for a buffer zone, enabling more precise removal of harmful tissue.
Scientists have developed mini-colon tissues that can simulate the complex process of tumorigenesis outside the body with high fidelity. These miniature organs mimic the physical structure and cellular diversity of colon tissue, allowing researchers to study colorectal cancer development and test potential therapies.
Researchers increased EMG signal dimensions virtually to capture richer information about user intentions, improving gesture recognition accuracy. This approach leverages implicit coordination between muscles during movement, enhancing the control effect of prosthetic hands.
Researchers developed a new treatment method using plasma irradiation to speed up bone healing. The study found that displaced fractures exhibited stronger unions than nonirradiated ones, with strength increased by 3.5 times.
Researchers detected multifractality in electrical brain signals of patients with early-stage multiple sclerosis, suggesting complex communication between neurons. The study also found that healthy individuals have more regular fractal components, indicating a potential compensatory mechanism in the brain's neural networks.
Synthetic platelets made of hydrogel nanoparticles mimic the size and shape of human platelets, promoting clotting and healing. The innovative device has shown promising results in animal models and is being developed for clinical use to treat various medical conditions.
Researchers create universal method for creating wearable electronics with increased sweat permeability, enabling reliable long-term monitoring of biosignals. The device allows for continuous and stable monitoring of vital signs without signal disruption from perspiration.
Caterpillars of the Carolina sphinx moth have an extraordinary ability to instantly change their hemolymph's material properties, turning it into a viscoelastic fluid that helps stop bleeding. This discovery has potential applications for developing new drugs for humans to create fast-working thickeners of human blood.
A team of scientists from CU Boulder, Anschutz Medical Campus and CSU is developing non-invasive therapies for osteoarthritis, including a healing shot and annual infusion. They hope to begin trials in human patients within 3.5 years.
Physicists have developed FreeDTS, a modeling software that enables the study of biological membranes at the mesoscale. This tool will enhance our understanding of cell behavior and open routes for diagnostics of infections and diseases. The software's precision will guide experiments with accuracy, potentially leading to diagnoses bas...
Researchers at the University of Toronto and Sinai Health have created a new platform to identify proteins that can be co-opted to control the stability of other proteins. The study identified over 600 new effector proteins that could be used therapeutically, including those that can efficiently degrade or stabilize target proteins.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a novel imaging platform to visualize the growth of the placenta throughout pregnancy. The approach provides detailed images of blood flow and oxygen metabolism, shedding light on how lifestyle factors and health complications affect placental development.
Artificial intelligence has been developed to spot COVID-19 features in lung ultrasound images, combining computer-generated images with real scans to identify signs of disease. The tool holds potential for developing wearables that track illnesses like congestive heart failure and monitor fluid buildup in patients' lungs.
A multi-institutional team is creating innovative technologies to reduce complications associated with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), including infection, thrombosis, stroke, and bleeding. The new LVAD will deliver a physiological response to changes in the recipient's activity levels using a 'smart' Maglev drive technology.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a patented process to produce heparin in the lab, offering a consistent and safe supply of the essential medicine. The discovery has the potential to revolutionize the production of heparin, reducing reliance on animal-derived sources and addressing global supply chain issues.
A new multitasking substance has been identified to prevent and treat both flu and COVID-19 infections concurrently. The long-acting recombinant cytokine protein rhIL-7-hyFc demonstrated therapeutic and preventive effects against various respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, influenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus.
Researchers at the University of Rochester are developing a multimodal, non-invasive method to study the brain's physiology and reduce neurological issues associated with ECMO therapy. The technique uses electroencephalography, diffuse correlation spectroscopy, and evoked potentials to monitor blood flow and neural activity in the brain.
Researchers aim to address LVAD shortcomings, reducing blood damage and clotting risk through innovative designs and coatings. A novel flexible stented blood inlet and slippery hydrophilic coatings will be used to prevent flow stasis and clot formation.
Researchers have developed an injectable hydrogel that mitigates damage to the right ventricle of the heart in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The treatment, made from cardiac extracellular matrix, improves heart function and slows tissue scarring, potentially increasing patient survival time.
Researchers at Duke University found that cooperative growth in bacterial colonies can lead to the emergence of 'cheating' bacteria that exploit others. The study demonstrates how environmental pressures can shape the evolution of microbial communities.
Researchers at UNSW Sydney have developed a new technology offering test strips for rapid, on-the-spot disease detection. The test strips are accurate and cost-effective, making them suitable for various applications including public health, environmental diagnostics, and cancer cell detection.
A new study highlights the contributions of 50 top scientists from elite universities to transforming medicine through cutting-edge biomedical engineering advances. Five primary medical challenges are identified, including precision engineering for personalized care and tissue engineering for human health.
Researchers developed protein-based microcapsules to enhance aptamer sensors, enabling direct detection of target molecules in biological samples. The system demonstrates robust protection against harmful proteins and simultaneous real-time sensing of multiple targets.
A study by the University of Tsukuba found that keratin microsphere gel enhanced cell proliferation and gene expression related to hair growth. The gel's stimulatory impact on papilla cells was validated through genetic analysis, demonstrating its potential as a safe and effective hair growth agent.
A consortium of 50 renowned researchers from 34 prestigious universities identifies five primary medical challenges that can be addressed with advanced biomedical engineering approaches, aiming to improve human health. The paper outlines a roadmap for groundbreaking research and funding to achieve technological and medical breakthroughs.
Scientists have developed a new way to alter the DNA of bacterial cells using high-frequency radio waves, outperforming traditional industry techniques. The process shows high efficiency and gentleness, with 91% of E. coli cells taking on the DNA after just three minutes.
A study by 50 experts reveals five cutting-edge biomedical engineering advances with significant applications in medicine, including precision engineering, on-demand tissue engineering, and advanced brain interface systems. These advances aim to transform the practice of medicine, impacting various conditions and diseases.
A new roadmap has been published by IEEE EMBS, outlining five primary medical challenges that need to be addressed through advanced biomedical engineering approaches. The paper, written by 50 renowned researchers from 34 prestigious universities, aims to guide future research and funding for groundbreaking innovations.
Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology developed an ultraviolet laser-processing technique for fabricating complex microstructures, enabling the creation of biohybrid actuators capable of complex, flexible movements. The method involves forming curved microgrooves on a substrate and aligning muscle cells in an anisotropic manne...
Researchers identify five grand challenges in biomedical engineering to address social needs, existing gaps, and technological limitations. The Convergence Revolution and Fourth Industrial Revolution are expected to shape the future of medicine, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaborations and next-generation training.
A team of researchers has developed a bilayer nanofiber membrane hemostat using natural proteins derived from mussels and silkworm cocoons. The hemostatic agent demonstrated rapid acceleration of tissue adhesion and hemostasis in bleeding wounds, preventing the infiltration of water containing infectious agents.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed biomimetic computer-to-brain communication enhancing naturalistic touch sensations via peripheral nerve stimulation. The bio-inspired approach enabled prosthetic legs to evoke natural sensations, allowing amputees to walk faster and with greater confidence.
A new method uses digital DNA melting analysis to detect pathogens in blood samples, producing results in under six hours and reducing false positives compared to traditional blood cultures. This technology has the potential to save lives by accurately diagnosing sepsis, a leading cause of death worldwide.
A recent study used AI trained on cell-to-cell communication networks to predict drug responsiveness in immunotherapy for cancer. The model demonstrated high accuracy in analyzing samples from 700 patients with four types of cancer, identifying key communication pathways related to responsiveness and resistance.
Researchers create a simple method to instantly bond layers made of the same or different types of hydrogels using a thin film of chitosan. The new approach has potential to broadly advance new biomaterials solutions for multiple unmet clinical needs, including regenerative medicine and surgical care.
A new study finds that Type 2 diabetes causes intervertebral discs to become stiffer and change shape earlier than normal. This leads to a compromised ability to withstand pressure, highlighting the need for preventative and therapeutic strategies.
Researchers at Aston University have discovered that aging skin exhibits distinct optical properties under polarised laser light. This finding could lead to the development of non-invasive light-based techniques for early detection and monitoring of skin conditions, including cancer.
A temperature-sensitive prosthetic limb has been developed to improve amputee interactions and feelings of human connection. Researchers have created a device called MiniTouch that provides realistic and real-time thermal feedback, enabling amputees to discriminate between objects of different temperatures and materials.
The Vilcek Foundation has awarded $250,000 to four immigrant scientists for their pioneering work in biomedical science. Luciano Marraffini, Gerta Hoxhaj, Tomasz Nowakowski, and Takanori Takebe are recognized for their contributions to cancer research, pluripotent stem cells, and CRISPR-Cas systems.
University of Texas at Dallas researchers have developed a first-of-its-kind, handheld electrochemical sensor that can accurately detect fentanyl in urine within seconds. The device detects even trace amounts of fentanyl with 98% accuracy and could be used to test for the drug in saliva, helping first responders make treatment decisions.
A team of researchers from Harvard and Texas developed a soft implantable device with dozens of sensors to record single-neuron activity stably for months. The device uses fluorinated elastomers and is 10,000 times softer than conventional flexible probes.
Princeton researchers create a system to control the growth of microtubule branches, enabling precise chemical transport and potential applications in soft robotics, new medicines, and biomolecular transport. The technique harnesses cellular scaffolding to build novel materials and technologies.
A team of researchers has devised a method to deliver mRNA into the brain using lipid nanoparticles, offering new hope for treating conditions like Alzheimer's disease and seizures. The approach uses a special keycard-like system to bypass the blood-brain barrier, allowing therapeutic agents to enter the brain and target specific cells.
New biomarkers have been discovered to improve the diagnosis and monitoring of lupus nephritis, a severe manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. The study identified six novel urine biomarkers that can detect even low concentrations of proteins in the urine.
A team of researchers created a 3D bioprinted brain blood vessel model to investigate the impact of blood vessel curvature on metastatic cancer development. The model revealed that increased blood vessel curvature correlates with heightened cancer cell adherence and extravasation.
Researchers at Duke University developed an adaptive deep brain stimulation therapy for Parkinson's disease, targeting two key brain structures and using a novel self-adjusting device. The study found that this approach improved motor symptoms and reduced medication doses in six patients.
Researchers have enhanced microvascular sensitivity using ultrafast ultrasound, capturing the three-dimensional vascular network of renal arteries and veins without contrast agents. This technique reveals sharp decreases in renal blood flow during acute renal failure and chronic vascular degeneration in diabetic nephropathy.
A team of researchers has created artificial small-diameter vessels (SDVs) featuring pores that enable the formation of an endothelium without additional processing steps. The 3D-printed vessels were successfully infused with human cells, demonstrating spontaneous cellular assembly and paving the way for potential transplantation and f...
Scientists have developed a new biocompatible material that can conduct electricity efficiently in wet environments and interact with biological media. The modified PEDOT:PSS enables the creation of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) with high performance and excellent characteristics.
Researchers at The University of Tokyo developed a bio-tagging method using dissolvable microneedle arrays for permanent animal identification. The approach, called 'MAPs,' uses customizable molds to tattoo unique identifiers into the skin, offering a safer and more humane alternative to traditional ear tags or RFID chips.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have received an NIH grant to create predictive models for Alzheimer's disease using brain MRIs and clinical data. The goal is to enable earlier detection of the condition, ideally two years before onset of symptoms.
Researchers develop injectable hydrogel electrodes for treating ventricular arrhythmia, providing a potential solution to painful defibrillation and improving quality of life. The novel pacing modality addresses the pathophysiology of re-entrant arrhythmia and offers a promising alternative to existing therapies.
The University of Rochester is establishing a new NIH-funded center focused on developing FDA-qualified drug development tools related to barrier functions in disease. Researchers will create microphysiological systems with ultrathin membranes of human cells, aiming to reduce animal trials and improve drug efficacy.
Researchers found that specific microbes in the gut reduce graft versus host disease after stem cell transplantation. Patients with low microbial metabolite risk index had better survival rates, fewer graft vs. host reactions, and reduced relapses.
Researchers developed a novel test that detects single ⍺-synuclein fibrils in patient samples to identify patients with Parkinson's disease earlier. This breakthrough has the potential to create early applicable molecular diagnostics, improve clinical trials, and facilitate drug screening for neurodegenerative diseases.