Articles tagged with Biomedical Engineering
Researchers at Duke University developed a robotic imaging tool that can automatically detect and scan patients' eyes for eye diseases, producing clear images in under 50 seconds. The system uses optical coherence tomography and is designed to be safe and accessible for optometrist offices, primary-care clinics, and emergency departments.
Researchers found changes in erythrocyte morphology and nanoparticles on cell surfaces during radiation therapy, which may indicate treatment effectiveness or prognosis. The study suggests that analyzing these changes could lead to the development of a diagnostic method for assessing RT efficacy.
Researchers have developed a wireless, battery-free device that can illuminate neuron activity in the brain without penetrating the skull or tissue. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize treatments for conditions like epilepsy, chronic pain, and depression by enabling less invasive optogenetics experiments.
Rice University bioengineers are developing an insulin-producing implant to regulate blood glucose levels in Type 1 diabetics. The implant uses human stem cells and 3D printing to mimic the natural behavior of the pancreas, with the goal of achieving consistent target blood glucose levels.
A new imaging technique developed by the Skala Lab can predict the efficiency of cardiomyocyte differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells, providing a non-invasive quality control method. The technique uses autofluorescence to measure metabolic activity and has been shown to be accurate in predicting outcome with high consistency.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new approach to study neuronal interactions, combining spike count correlation and dimensionality reduction methods. This integration provides a more comprehensive understanding of brain function, shedding light on how neurons communicate and influence various bodily functions.
A new brain stimulation technique, sonothermogenetics, has been developed by combining ultrasound and genetics to activate specific neurons in the brain.
A new deep neural network architecture can differentiate between healthy and diseased skin images with high accuracy, offering a potential screening tool for systemic sclerosis. The proposed network reached 100% accuracy in training and validation sets, outperforming traditional CNNs.
New research from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh examines how changes in internal states like engagement affect learning. The study found that fluctuations in neural activity are influenced by shifts in internal states, suggesting a key role for engagement in learning.
Researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a new testing strategy that effectively reduces collusion among students taking online tests. The 'distanced online testing' approach estimates each student's competence levels and assigns questions at varying times, reducing the incentive for students to receive help.
Manu Platt, a biomedical engineer at Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, has received the AAAS Mentor Award for his commitment to mentoring underrepresented students. He provides opportunities for growth, encourages students to step out of their comfort zones, and advocates for diversity in STEM fields.
Researchers found that compression garments reduce immediate and delayed strength loss after strenuous exercise, allowing athletes to resume high-intensity training sooner. The study suggests wearing a below-knee compression garment during regular workouts provides mechanical support and tissue compression, reducing the risk of musculo...
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a new method to predict speech perception for individual recipients, enabling personalized cochlear implant configurations. This study aims to further improve the performance of cochlear implants in noisy environments.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed a new method to characterize and calibrate spectrometers using excess noise in light signals. This approach allows for faster and more accurate calibration, with results comparable to traditional methods in just a few seconds.
A new deep learning methodology called Brain-NET has been developed to accurately predict a person's level of expertise in surgical motor skills based solely on neuroimaging data. This technology has the potential to streamline the surgeon certification process, enabling real-time score feedback and remediation or training.
Researchers at UC Davis have created a device to directly measure fetal blood oxygen saturation during labor, which could lead to better information on the health of the fetus before birth. This technology has the potential to reduce the rate of C-sections and improve outcomes in difficult deliveries.
A new robot created by Rutgers University has performed as well or better than humans in blood sampling, providing quick results and reducing complications. The device includes an ultrasound-guided robot that draws blood from veins, and could be used in various medical procedures to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a bio-inspired, liquid, sludge- and bacteria-repellent coating that can make toilets self-cleaning. The coating, called LESS, reduces the amount of water needed to flush a conventional toilet by half, making it more efficient and sustainable.
Researchers have developed a new type of fluorescent carbon dot that can effectively detect calcium levels in cells. The CDs exhibit bright blue fluorescence and have been shown to be nontoxic and biocompatible, making them a promising probe for intracellular Ca2+ detection.
The Biomedical Engineering Society has recognized Weiqiang Chen's original research on single-cell mechanical allostasis, a biological process that drives cells to reach a new equilibrium. His work employs principles of mechanical engineering and physics to identify the state of individual cells.
Researchers created a wearable, disposable respiration monitor with high-fidelity readings using inexpensive sensors from Shrinky Dinks. The device helps track breath rate and volume, aiding asthma and cystic fibrosis patients.
Researchers found that cumulative head impact exposure plays a role in the occurrence of concussive injuries in some college football athletes, with 72% experiencing more impacts before the concussion occurred. The study supports policies to limit head impact exposure during training and games.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has developed a new method of single-particle tracking based on machine learning, achieving higher accuracy and automation than current techniques. The technique is widely used in physical and life sciences to track individual particles such as viruses, cells, and drug-loaded nanoparticles.
A team of UMBC researchers has developed a novel approach to making therapeutic proteins available at the point of care, enabling faster drug development and more personalized medicines. The portable system, about the size of a suitcase, allows for rapid production without relying on manufacturing facilities or transport.
Sharon Truesdell, a Biomedical Engineering Ph.D. student at the University of Akron, has been awarded an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship to support her research on bone cells and diseases like osteoporosis. The three-year fellowship includes a $34,000 stipend and cost-of-education allowance.
Researchers at NUS have developed a tiny microfluidic chip that can detect minute amounts of biomolecules without complex equipment. The chip uses standard lab microscopes to spot nano-biomolecules, making it attractive for point-of-care diagnostics.
Researchers have found that brain implants can function with the help of glial cells, which are often overlooked as a potential target for treatment. The study suggests that glial cells play a critical role in maintaining optimal brain activity and suggest targeting them may improve current treatments for neurological diseases.
Researchers have invented a method to detect tiny tumors and track their spread using light-emitting nanoprobes, potentially leading to earlier cancer detection and more precise treatment. The technology has shown better results than magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting small cancerous lesions.
A team of McMaster University graduates has developed a skin cancer detection device called The sKan, which creates a thermal map on the region of interest on the skin. The device is made up of 16 temperature-sensitive components and assists physicians in detecting melanoma by providing quantitative information about skin spots.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham are working on two major cardiovascular diseases: heart failure after heart attacks and resistant high blood pressure. They hope to create new treatments using a combination of engineered heart patches and novel molecular pathways.
Biomedical engineers found that different beta subunits attach to the main protein in a unique way, affecting the channel's control over the heartbeat. This discovery could lead to precision medicine and therapies tailored to individual needs.
Scientists have developed a method to defrost surfaces 10 times faster than normal using a superhydrophobic coating. The 'dynamic defrosting' technique involves creating air pockets under frost, allowing it to slide off easily and leaving the surface dry.
A team of investigators created a device that removes audible alarm sounds while preserving speech, aiming to enhance ICU patient recovery. The device was tested in a simulated environment and showed clinical improvement in alarm filtering.
A new study from WashU Medicine shows that stroke patients can regain some control over their paralyzed hands using a brain-computer interface. After 12 weeks of therapy, participants' scores increased an average of 6.2 points on a scale measuring motor skills.
A new test is required to evaluate the quality and safety of sunglasses, which can deteriorate over time due to UV exposure. The current standard relies on a aging test that simulates 50 hours of sun exposure, but this may not accurately reflect real-world conditions.
Researchers at Cornell University discovered that bone can recover its shape after breaking, unlike most man-made materials. This unique property allows cancellous bone to direct cracks to less detrimental locations, enabling it to bounce back after a fracture.
Dr. Leon Iasemidis, a renowned expert in nonlinear dynamics and biomedical engineering, has been named a National Academy of Inventors Fellow for his outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality of life and economic development. He is recognized for his research in seizure prediction and control of epilepsy, with ...
Researchers at USC Eye Institute and Viterbi School of Engineering developed a new method to create focused spots of light, improving vision quality for individuals with retinitis pigmentosa. Longer pulse durations allow patients to see sharper images, boosting their sense of independence and confidence.
Virginia Tech has released its five-star ratings of hockey helmets, with only one model earning a three-star rating. The study found that hockey helmets share the same basic design as football helmets but are smaller and more prone to injury.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a DNA-based drug delivery system that targets cancer cells using nano-cocoons made of DNA. The system uses self-assembling DNA techniques and specifically delivers anticancer drugs to cancer cells, releasing them quickly once inside.
A study by Aalto University researchers found that a scientist's good reputation among colleagues increases the likelihood of citing their publications. The quality, not quantity, of publications builds authors' reputations, leading to a 'reputation boost'. This reinforces a research strategy beneficial for science and scientists alike.
Five new adult football helmets have earned the top rating from Virginia Tech's helmet ratings system, reducing concussion risk by as much as 54%. The update brings nine helmets to the highest rating, marking significant progress in helmet safety.
Angelique Louie, a UC Davis professor, has been awarded a $1 million grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation to develop novel technology for detecting gene expression in deep tissues using bioluminescent gene reporters and MRI. The project aims to facilitate noninvasive imaging for various biomedical applications.
Researchers have developed a new flexible microneedle patch that can deliver drugs directly through the skin, quickening delivery time and minimizing side effects. The breakthrough technology uses particle replication to create patches with precise control over shape and composition, reducing waste and increasing production efficiency.
A Johns Hopkins-led research team aims to replace electric shocks with gentle light to heal ailing hearts and treat arrhythmia. The team has successfully tested this technique on a computer model of the heart, using biological data and an intricate computer model.
Researchers found that limiting contact in practice reduced the number and force of head hits in young football players. The study, which measured head impacts over an entire season, showed that teams with restricted practices had significantly fewer head hits, on average, than teams without such restrictions.
Researchers at UC Irvine are working on two groundbreaking projects to treat Type 1 diabetes: islet cell transplantation using ultrapure algae membranes and the development of an accurate insulin sensor for real-time blood sugar monitoring. These innovations aim to improve treatment options and potentially cure the disease.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new super-resolution optical microscopy technique that can image synthetic nanostructures and molecules without the need for fluorescent dyes. The technique, called saturated transient absorption microscopy (STAM), uses a trio of laser beams to selectively illuminate molecules, allowing...
The Virginia Tech research center is expanding its testing of football helmets to also include hockey, baseball, softball, and lacrosse. The new five-year plan will rate helmets in these sports based on their ability to lessen concussion risk.
Researchers from Italy have developed a wearable system that uses strain sensors to monitor human trunk movements and estimate flexibility. The device will enable remote monitoring of physiotherapy exercises at home or during everyday tasks, providing an advancement in portable rehabilitation tracking.
Johns Hopkins undergraduates create HemoGlobe device to noninvasively detect and report anemia, using existing cell phones to estimate hemoglobin levels; the device aims to reduce anemia-related deaths in developing countries.
The Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings program has released its 2012 ratings for adult football helmets, with three models earning a 5-star mark. The top-rated helmets are the Riddell Revolution Speed, Rawlings Quantum Plus and Riddell 360, which demonstrate improved safety features.
Researchers developed a superthin nanoglue based on polydimethylsiloxane, enhancing its adhesive properties through oxygen treatment. The breakthrough enables precise bonding of silicon wafers for new multilayered chip designs.
The Virginia Tech – Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences has published the first-ever data on head impacts from youth football players. The new study, called Kinematics of Impact Data Set (KIDS), aims to map the head impact exposure of youth football players across all age groups from 6 to 18 years.
Researchers developed a novel method to measure both blood pressure and arterial stiffness simultaneously using oscillometric measurements. The new index, API, accurately quantifies arterial stiffness and correlates with established methods, providing an early indicator of cardiovascular disease.
University of Michigan researchers use a liquid laser to detect genetic mutations that might predispose someone to a particular type of cancer. This new technique amplifies the difference in signals, making it hundreds of times brighter than current methods.
The Virginia Tech – Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences has received two new research projects from Toyota's Collaborative Safety Research Center. The projects aim to improve the understanding of traumatic brain injuries and abdominal injuries, with a focus on reducing risk in automobile impacts and foo...
Researchers from Virginia Tech have conducted the first study to investigate head impact characteristics in youth football. The study has collected data on over 400 head impacts experienced by a local youth team, revealing that most impacts are less severe and less frequent than in adult football.
Researchers developed a noninvasive technique called Electrocardiographic Imaging (ECGI) to map the source and pattern of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in just one heartbeat. The technology, which combines CT scans with electrocardiograms, can generate movies of VT excitation waves and reveal even more about the nature of the arrhythmia.
A new in vitro study reveals that dilating the tricuspid valve opening or displacing its papillary muscles can cause leakage, with combination of both increasing severity. The study's findings suggest improved diagnosis and treatment for tricuspid regurgitation, a condition affecting millions of Americans.