Printed robots with bones, ligaments, and tendons
A new technology enables the printing of complex robots with soft, elastic, and rigid materials in one go. This allows for the creation of delicate structures and parts with cavities as desired.
Prosthetics
Articles tagged with Prosthetics
Rats have an imagination, new research finds
Researchers at HHMI's Janelia Research Campus have discovered that rats can think about places and objects not in front of them, generating specific neural activity patterns in the hippocampus. This ability is fundamental to remembering past events and imagining future scenarios, indicating that animals possess a form of imagination.
Robotic prosthetic ankles improve ‘natural’ movement, stability
Researchers developed robotic prosthetic ankles controlled by nerve impulses, allowing amputees to move more naturally and improving stability. The study found that users were significantly more stable when using the robotic prototype, changing their postural control strategy and mimicking the body's behavior.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2023
Titanium micro-spikes skewer resistant superbugs
Researchers discovered that titanium micro-spikes with rough surfaces can effectively kill drug-resistant fungus and Candida species through apoptosis. The findings suggest that these surface features may be a promising approach to combatting superbug resistance.
Creating artificially engineered organs could become quicker and easier
Researchers have developed a new manufacturing pipeline to simplify and advance high-value manufacturing of tissue-compatible organs, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. This breakthrough aims to address the dire need for artificially engineered organs and tissue grafts, potentially saving thousands of lives in the UK.
SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 12, 2023
Fats help tag medical implants as friend or foe
Researchers discovered that lipid deposition on medical implant surfaces can signal to the immune system whether to attack or ignore the implant. This knowledge could help develop biomaterials that deflect host immune aggression, reducing malfunction rates for devices like pacemakers and surgical mesh.
New policy framework for telehealth unveiled by Staffordshire University researchers
A new policy brief has been launched by Staffordshire University to guide the creation of national telehealth patient consultation guidelines and training. The framework, developed in partnership with Allied Health Professions (AHPs), aims to improve the delivery of remote patient consultations across various healthcare professions.
Hydrogel injections treat antibiotic-resistant infections after hip, knee replacements
Researchers developed an injectable hydrogel that inhibits common bacteria and promotes tissue regrowth, treating infections around prosthetics. The gel has a porous structure, excellent injectability, and rapid self-healing properties.
Soft touch sensitivity
Researchers at KAUST have developed a soft and flexible electronic 'e-skin' that can detect minute temperature differences between inhalation and exhalation, as well as touch and body motion. The material's island-bridge atomic structure provides an inherent softness and flexibility ideal for on-skin applications.
Electronic skin: Physicist at TU Graz develops multisensory hybrid material
A physicist at TU Graz has developed a three-in-one hybrid material that reacts to force, moisture and temperature with high spatial resolution. The smart skin has potential applications in robotics, smart prosthetics and healthcare, and its production can be easily scaled and implemented.
SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2022
Robotic therapy: A new effective treatment for chronic stroke rehabilitation
A study published in Stroke journal found robot therapy to be as effective as traditional therapy in improving motor function and daily tasks for chronic stroke patients. The robotic device provided repetitive exercises and real-time analysis, leading to significant improvements in shoulder, elbow, and forearm use.
SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalStroke·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 11, 2022
Touchy subject: 3D printed fingertip ‘feels’ like human skin
Researchers at the University of Bristol created a 3D-printed artificial fingertip that produces nerve signals similar to those from human tactile nerves. The innovation could improve robot dexterity and prosthetic hand performance by giving them an in-built sense of touch.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2022
Sound can stimulate blind retina to transmit signals to the brain – ultrasonic retinal prosthesis
Researchers have developed an ultrasonic retinal prosthesis that can stimulate the blind retina to transmit signals to the brain, providing a promising solution for vision restoration. The device uses ultrasound waves to activate small groups of neurons in the eye, similar to how light signals activate a normal eye.
Variation in performance between different artificial heart valves
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet studied long-term outcomes of bioprosthetic aortic valves implanted between 2003 and 2018. They found significant differences in performance depending on valve model, with Perimount having the lowest risk of replacement and mortality among patients
Robotic VR system to teleoperate robots with potential for Covid-19 swab tests and other tasks
A new HMI system, Robotic VR, allows users to teleoperate robots with precision and feel, enabling complicated tasks such as Covid-19 swab tests and patient care. The system provides immersive feedback via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and the internet.
People with hearing prostheses use timbre of voice to recognise emotions
Researchers at Friedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena investigated how people with cochlear implants perceive vocal emotions. They found that the group with cochlear implants showed lower scores overall in recognizing emotional nuances, but some individuals could effectively utilize timbre to distinguish between fearful and angry voices.
SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalEar and Hearing·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 12, 2022
Study shows Kihon Checklist as useful tool in assessing frailty pre-heart valve surgery
A study by Osaka City University found that the Kihon Checklist is a useful tool in assessing frailty in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement. The checklist, originally developed for Japan's long-term care insurance system, correlated with clinical scores to identify patients at high risk of mortality.
Grip or slip; robots need a human sense of touch
A recent study published in PNAS reveals that humans can instantly estimate slipperiness of a surface by detecting radial strain in the fingertip skin during initial contact. This innovation has significant implications for robotics and prosthetics design.
SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2021
HyVIS: Hybrid synapses to treat retinal dystrophies
The HyVIS project is a four-year European initiative that will develop bionic synapses for retinal prostheses, exploiting residual neuronal functionality to restore sensitivity to light. The approach involves plasmonic nanocannals and intelligent polymers to release neurotransmitters in response to light stimuli.
Stretchable pressure sensor could lead to better robotics, prosthetics
Researchers have developed a new pressure sensor that can be stretched up to 50% while maintaining its sensing performance, enabling advanced robotics and prosthetic applications. The sensor is sensitive enough to detect the pressure of small objects and responds rapidly to changes in pressure.
Lithography-free carbon nanotube arrays: The simple way to grow an army of tiny superheroes
Researchers have found a cheaper and easier way to create large groups of carbon nanotubes without lithography. The 'dewetting' process allows for precise arrangement of nickel catalyst particles to form hexagonal nanotube arrays.
SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalNanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2021
Magnetic material 3D-printed from nonmagnetic powder
Researchers at Skoltech and their colleagues have successfully created a magnetic material by 3D printing a gradient alloy from nonmagnetic powders. The resulting alloy exhibits ferromagnetic properties, opening up potential applications in machine engineering, such as electrical motors.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Materials Processing Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021
How the brain ignores distracting information to coordinate movements
Researchers discovered how neurons in a small area of the brain filter distracting signals to coordinate dexterous movements. The findings may hold lessons for building better prosthetics and robots that can fine-tune their movements based on sensory input.
Living retina achieves sensitivity and efficiency engineers can only dream about
The living retina achieves sensitivity and efficiency that human engineers can only dream about, with optimized mosaics of different sensitivities parsing 40 visual features. The retinas adapt to current conditions and conserve energy by tuning out noise, making them orders of magnitude less power-hungry than smartphone sensors.
SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 28, 2021
Inflatable robotic hand gives amputees real-time tactile control
Engineers at MIT have developed a soft, lightweight neuroprosthetic hand that enables amputees to perform daily activities with ease. The prosthetic features a system for tactile feedback, allowing users to feel sensations in their residual limb, and is potentially low-cost for low-income families.
Researchers translate a bird's brain activity into song
A study from University of California San Diego demonstrates the possibility of re-creating a bird's song by reading its brain activity, laying the foundation for building vocal prostheses for humans. The approach uses machine learning algorithms to map neural patterns to mathematical equations modeling the physical changes in the bird...
Robotic 'Third Thumb' use can alter brain representation of the hand
Researchers at University College London developed a robotic 'Third Thumb' that allows users to perform dextrous tasks with one hand. The study found that participants' brains adapted to the extra thumb, changing their natural hand movements and reporting it felt like part of their body.
Computer model fosters potential improvements to 'bionic eye' technology
A computer model has been developed to potentially improve bionic eye technology by enhancing clarity and granting color vision to future retinal prosthetic devices. The model, which replicates the shapes and positions of millions of nerve cells in the eye, identifies ways to increase signal transmission and processing efficiency.
Diverse neural signals are key to rich visual information!
A recent study published in IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering found that high signal heterogeneity from different retinal ganglion cells is essential for efficient transmission of visual information. The research team discovered that certain types of retinal ganglion cells respond similarly to electric ...
SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateMar 9, 2021
This 3D printer doesn't gloss over the details
Researchers developed a combined hardware and software printing system that uses off-the-shelf varnishes to finish objects with realistic, spatially varying gloss patterns. The technology has potential applications in fine art reproduction and prosthetic design, offering near-flawless replicas and more realistic-looking prosthetics.
Electronic skin has a strong future stretching ahead
Researchers have created a durable e-skin using hydrogel and MXene materials, enabling real-time sensing of temperature, touch, and pressure. The material can withstand up to 28 times its original size without losing functionality.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 27, 2020
Study of reaching and grasping with hand or foot reveals novel brain insights
Researchers found that people born without upper limbs who use their feet to reach engage the same brain area as those with hands, revealing a higher-level motor function. This discovery advances basic science and offers potential clinical advances in improving limb prostheses.
Scientists developed key principles for creating an artificial vessel
Researchers created a synthetic tubular scaffold from biodegradable polylactic acid, which forms an artificial vessel in its place. The scaffold showed high patency rates and was proven to be non-toxic.
SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalCell and Tissue Biology·DateOct 8, 2020
Best materials for border molding in complete dentures fabrication
The study found that thermoplastic materials, such as GC Iso functional sticks and Impression compound green sticks, outperformed silicone impression materials in border molding accuracy. The measured mean negative pressure values showed close values for each patient, highlighting the importance of anatomical features of the prosthetic...
Real neurons are noisy. Can neural implants figure that out?
New research suggests neural implants need to filter out correlated noise in retinal cells to achieve accurate signals, improving performance by 20-100% depending on light conditions
KIST finds clue to improve artificial vision for patients with retinitis pigmentosa
Researchers at KIST found that retinal neural signals from electric stimulation are altered depending on disease progression in mice affected by outer retinal degeneration. This study suggests guidelines for patient selection of retinal prostheses, improving performance and perception of artificial vision.
SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateAug 10, 2020
Nanotechnology applied to medicine: The first liquid retina prosthesis
Researchers at IIT have developed a revolutionary liquid retina prosthesis using nano-technology to replace damaged photoreceptors in the retina. The study demonstrates high spatial resolution and effectiveness, paving the way for future clinical trials.
Device brings silicon computing power to brain research and prosthetics
A Stanford University team has created a new device that records electrical brain signals with high resolution, offering potential breakthroughs in prosthetics, disease treatment, and brain research. The device, featuring thousands of microwires, can be used to study neural activity on a single-neuron level.
Size-adjustable prosthetic heart valve accommodates heart growth in sheep
Scientists have created a size-adjustable prosthetic heart valve that can be expanded to accommodate growing hearts, reducing the need for invasive surgeries. The device showed good performance in animal studies without impeding blood flow, but longer-term tests are needed to validate its durability.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2020
New type of heart valve may be the only replacement a child needs
A new type of heart valve, inspired by human venous valves, has been designed to adapt to a child's growth without losing functionality. The biomimetic two-leaflet design has shown promising results in benchtop studies and large animal models, potentially reducing the risk of blood clots and improving long-term device durability.
Oligomers observed mimicking the combination of DNA strands: Study
A team of scientists at Monash University has successfully created dynamic covalent oligomers that mimic the combination of complementary DNA strands. This breakthrough could lead to improved nanostructures for solar capture technology and molecular electronics, as well as enhanced interfaces between prostheses and human tissue.
Bionic jellyfish swim faster and more efficiently
Engineers at Caltech and Stanford have created a microelectronic controller that enables jellyfish to swim three times faster than usual without stressing the animals. The prosthetic uses electrical impulses to regulate and speed up the pulsing motion, making the jellyfish over 1,000 times more efficient than swimming robots.
An artificial neural connection allows a new cortical site to control hand movements
Researchers successfully implanted an artificial neural connection, enabling a paralyzed animal's new cortical site to regain voluntary control of its hand. The study also shows that this technology can impart motor control functions to previously unassociated areas of the cerebral cortex.
University startups championing UK innovation at the world's largest tech show
University of Southampton's Future Worlds accelerator is exhibiting cutting-edge research-based tech products in various sectors. The stand will unveil intelligent software for prosthetic fitting, a cyber-security threat assessment tool, and miniaturised components for quantum technology.
The brain can combine natural and artificial vision to help treat common form of blindness
Researchers discovered that the brain can integrate artificial and natural vision, allowing for partial visual restoration in AMD patients. This breakthrough has implications for future retinal prosthetic devices and brain-machine interfaces.
A wirelessly-controlled and wearable skin-integrated haptic VR device
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong and Northwestern University have created a skin-integrated virtual reality system that can simulate touch with vibration wirelessly. The device is powered by radio frequency energy and can be controlled within a distance of one meter.
Prosthetic joint infections missed in patients with rheumatic diseases
Researchers found that patients with rheumatic diseases have a higher proportion of culture-negative prosthetic joint infections, which can make diagnosis challenging. The study highlights the need for better diagnostic tests and management strategies for these patients.
A new species of electric eel produces the highest voltage discharge of any known animal
Researchers have identified three species of electric eels, including one that can produce up to 860 volts, the strongest discharge ever recorded. The discovery opens new avenues of research into strong electric discharges in other fish species.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 10, 2019
Electronic glove offers 'humanlike' features for prosthetic hand users
The e-glove provides humanlike softness, warmth, appearance and sensory perception to prosthetic hand users, improving their daily life challenges. It senses pressure, temperature and hydration using electronic chips sending sensory data through a wristwatch.
Research moves closer to brain-machine interface autonomy
A new brain-computer interface can sense when a user expects a reward and improve its performance autonomously, potentially revolutionizing robotic prosthetics. This technology utilizes single-neuron activities and local field potential to decode user intentions.
Sensor-packed glove learns signatures of the human grasp
Researchers developed a low-cost, sensor-packed glove that enables an AI system to recognize objects through touch alone. The glove produced high-resolution data at a fraction of the cost of existing sensors, allowing for accurate object classification and weight prediction with up to 76% accuracy.
Study reveals hip and knee replacement performance in England and Wales
Researchers analyzed 4,442 hip implants and 947,686 knee replacements to find that some implants have excellent results with low failure rates, while others perform poorly. The study provides a comprehensive benchmark for joint replacement surgery, enabling patients to discuss their options with surgeons.
Royal Academy of Engineering technology chair for Strathclyde professor
Professor Keith Mathieson's appointment will enhance his research into technologies interfacing with the brain to advance treatments for brain disorders, dementia, and sight loss. He aims to develop a retinal prosthetic device capable of restoring near-normal vision to patients with degenerative retinal conditions.
The first dexterous and sentient hand prosthesis has been successfully implanted
A Swedish patient has become the first recipient of an osseo-neuromuscular implant to control a dexterous hand prosthesis. The breakthrough technology enables patients to use implanted neuromuscular interfaces to control their prostheses while perceiving sensations in daily life.
Reinforcement learning expedites 'tuning' of robotic prosthetics
Researchers developed an intelligent system for 'tuning' powered prosthetic knees using reinforcement learning, allowing patients to walk comfortably in minutes. The system adapts 12 control parameters to address prosthesis dynamics, such as joint stiffness, during the entire gait cycle.
Artificial joint restores wrist-like movements to forearm amputees
A new artificial joint, developed by Chalmers University of Technology, has restored important wrist-like movements to forearm amputees. The joint works with an osseointegrated implant system, allowing for much more naturalistic movements and intuitive control without sacrificing useful biological actuators.
SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateNov 28, 2018
Cranking up the power setting may help some who use prosthetics
A study by Hwan Choi and colleagues found that powered ankle prosthetics can reduce metabolic costs for individuals with transtibial amputations. By adjusting the power setting, users can improve their walking ability and increase activity levels, reducing the risk of health consequences such as diabetes and cardiac disease.
ASU researcher helps develop prosthetic hand system, allowing user to 'feel' again
A new prosthetic hand system has been developed by Arizona State University researchers, allowing users to feel sensations in their phantom limbs. The Neural-Enabled Prosthetic Hand (NEPH) system has restored sensation and confidence in daily tasks for the first time, with potential applications to lower limb amputations.
The body weight bias in sales
A study found that sales employees recommend rounded watches and perfume bottles when they appear obese, and suggest more angular products when they are thin. The researchers also discovered that the level of friendliness drives the propensity to recommend round products.
New technology enables man to hold his granddaughter again
Researchers found that amputees who used sensory-enabled prostheses reported greater psychosocial well-being and confidence in using their hands for daily tasks. The study, led by Case Western Reserve University, demonstrates the significant positive impact of sensory feedback on improving amputees' quality of life.