Articles tagged with Prosthetics
A new study by UC San Francisco scientists reveals the brain area responsible for controlling vocal pitch in humans. The dorsal laryngeal motor cortex is found to govern the 'music' of speech, enabling flexible control over pitch fluctuations during speech.
Researchers at TU Dresden are developing intelligent material combinations for autarkic fibre composites with integrated actuators and sensors. These materials can react quickly and precisely to environmental changes, making them suitable for applications in mechanical engineering, robotics, architecture, and orthotics.
A team of researchers has identified the gene that enables electric fish to generate high-frequency electrical discharges, a phenomenon seen only in Apteronotid fish. This discovery sheds light on the evolution and function of specialized sodium channels in these animals.
A new study uses brain-computer interface to enhance prosthetic hand control with muscle vibrations, allowing amputees to better control the prosthetic and regain a sense of agency over their movements. The technology has the potential to improve quality of life for those with amputations.
The new CU Boulder e-skin has sensors embedded to measure pressure, temperature, humidity and air flow. It can be easily conformed to curved surfaces and is fully recyclable at room temperature, making it a valuable material for diverse medical, scientific and engineering fields.
The UK is investing £16 million in 15 new healthcare technology projects to tackle international health challenges, including malaria and poor antenatal care. The projects aim to develop affordable imaging and diagnostics tools and prosthetics for low-income countries.
Researchers created customized prosthetic replacements for damaged middle ear parts using CT scans and 3-D printing. The technique has the potential to reduce high failure rates of surgical procedures. Custom-designed implants can improve hearing outcomes by providing a more exact fit, decreasing surgical time.
Scientists at UW-Madison create novel molecular treatment for Friedreich's ataxia, a rare genetic disorder caused by DNA repeats. The 'molecular prosthesis' helps cellular machinery overcome the blockade posed by repeats, restoring expression of the frataxin protein.
Researchers developed an electronic skin that glows when subjected to high-pressure, mimicking the Atolla jellyfish's bioluminescent response. This innovation improves prosthetics and robotics by detecting a wider range of pressures, addressing the limitations of current technologies.
Researchers have developed a flexible sensor 'skin' that mimics human physiology, allowing robots and prosthetics to accurately sense vibrations and shear forces. This breakthrough enables advanced robotic capabilities, including delicate tasks such as handling eggs or dismantling explosive devices.
Dr. Yu Zhang received nearly $3.7 million from the NIH's NIDCR to develop strong yet natural-looking materials for restorative dentistry. His research aims to create aesthetic, strong, and abrasion-resistant materials by developing new zirconia-based ceramics.
Scientists create user-interactive electronic skin that changes color in response to subtle strain levels, enabling potential uses in robotics, prosthetics, and wearables. Graphene-based flexible electronics make the technology possible with a reduced level of mechanical strain.
Researchers developed an antibiotic-releasing polymer that successfully eliminated two types of prosthetic infection in animal models. This material could lead to single-procedure treatments, reducing patient inconvenience and complication risk.
Researchers at University College London and Oxford have developed magnetic implants to control eye movement, improving symptoms of nystagmus for the first time. The study, published in Ophthalmology, shows that the implants can correct oscillopsia and improve visual acuity.
Researchers developed a new method to measure brain health by analyzing neural networks' responses to artificial touch experiences provided by a finger prosthesis. The technique offers precise insights into the cooperation between neurons and can reflect the entire brain's health, providing potential breakthroughs in neurological disea...
A team of engineers developed a nanotechnology-based retinal prosthesis that mimics the retina's light-sensing cones to directly stimulate retinal cells. The device, powered wirelessly, has shown promising results in animal tests, bringing researchers closer to restoring functional vision in patients with severe retinal degeneration.
Scientists have combined hair-like wires with electronic skin to make a more versatile sensor for robots and prosthetics. The new device can detect air flow, pressure, and slip forces, allowing it to mimic the sensations felt by humans.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a non-invasive method to detect infections in prostheses using an improved version of electrical capacitance tomography and a thin-film sensor that can detect changes in pH levels. The new method could provide quantitative diagnostic information about the extent and locations of infections.
Researchers have developed a system that enables amputees to feel a range of intensity levels on their prosthetic hands, allowing them to hold objects, operate machinery, and interact with others. The system uses electrical stimulation to mimic natural touch, decoding the intensity of pressure in the nervous system.
A new study published in PLOS Biology shows that the adult brain retains residual capacity to process restored or artificial visual inputs. Blind individuals who received a prosthetic implant were able to recognize unusual visual stimuli and improve their perception over time with extensive training.
A $1.65 million Department of Defense grant will support the development of a brain-machine-brain interface (BMBI) aimed at helping TBI and stroke patients regain motor function. The BMBI records signals from one part of the brain, processes them in real time, then bridges the injury by stimulating a second part of the brain.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have created a new approach to manufacturing mechanical metamaterials that can deform in a complex manner. This breakthrough may lead to more comfortable and user-friendly prosthetics, as well as applications in soft robotics and wearable technologies.
Researchers discovered that albumin and globulin proteins improve the tribology of artificial joint implants, suggesting a potential solution to reduce wear and tear. The findings have implications for extending the lifespan of prosthetic joints and improving patient quality of life.
A novel technique called external stenting (ES) has been developed to relieve airway obstruction in children. The procedure involves suspending the airway wall to a rigid prosthesis, allowing for growth and stability. Long-term outcomes show high survival rates and successful weaning from ventilators.
The European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging has released new guidelines for the imaging assessment of prosthetic heart valves. The guidelines provide recommendations for a multimodality approach to diagnose and manage complications, including echocardiography as the first-line imaging modality. The study aims to improve assessme...
Dr. Joseph Rizzo, a neuro-ophthalmologist at Mass Eye and Ear/Harvard Medical School, has received funding from the US Department of Defense to develop a visual prosthesis that can bypass damaged optic nerves and restore vision. The project aims to improve the quality of life for wounded warriors and Americans with severe visual impair...
A University of Colorado Boulder study shows that left-leg amputee sprinters are slowed by curves on indoor tracks, losing valuable time in competition. Researchers estimate a 0.2 second difference in outdoor 200-meter races, suggesting that allowing left-leg amputees to run in outside lanes could level the playing field.
A study of 47 men with erectile dysfunction found that 79% were satisfied with the outcome of penile prosthesis surgery. The benefits included improved sexual function, enhanced male identity, and relationship improvements. Most men reported positive emotions, self-esteem, confidence, and increased desire after receiving the implant.
A Swedish registry study found that mechanical heart valve prosthesis has superior long-term survival rates compared to biological valve prosthesis, particularly for relatively young patients. The risk of stroke was similar for both types of prostheses, but patients with biological valves were more likely to require re-operation.
Researchers developed a lightweight, stretchable material that can mimic human organs and change shape by 300 percent. The material has potential applications in prosthetics and soft robotics.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology found that upper limb amputees who learned from fellow amputees using a similar prosthetic device showed significant improvement in motor skills and brain activity. The study suggests that people are better equipped to adapt when learning from someone with similar physical characteristics.
Researchers have developed an algorithm that can analyze a person's intention despite interruptions or disturbances, allowing for more accurate control of robots and prosthetics. This technology could be used to guide cars on icy roads or assist stroke patients with mobility issues.
A team led by Stanford electrical engineer Krishna Shenoy has developed a technique to make brain-controlled prostheses more precise, enabling people with spinal cord injuries to tap out commands with greater accuracy. The new approach continuously corrects brain readings to give users a more natural way to interact with devices.
Researchers examined nationwide trends in erectile dysfunction and surgical management from 2001 to 2010. The study found that while erectile dysfunction prevalence increased, penile prosthesis use decreased, but was more common in sicker patients.
Researchers at TU Wien and MedUni Vienna have developed artificial blood vessels that are biocompatible and can be broken down by the body. The new material has excellent mechanical properties and allows for the growth of natural tissue, making it a promising solution for bypass operations.
Researchers compared long-term survival, stroke, reoperation, and bleeding events after bioprosthetic vs mechanical prosthetic mitral valve replacement among 3,433 patients. They found no significant difference in survival at 15 years, but significant differences in risk of reoperation, bleeding, and stroke between the two groups.
Three Austrian men have undergone a new technique called 'bionic reconstruction', enabling them to use a robotic prosthetic hand controlled by their mind. The technique restored a high level of function, aiding in activities of daily living and improving quality of life.
Researchers have developed a fast and inexpensive way to create custom facial prostheses using 3D printing technology, providing an affordable alternative to traditional prosthetics. The novel process can produce prosthetics in hours at a fraction of the cost of conventional ones, which can range from $10,000 to $15,000.
A recent Cornell University study found that eating with someone who appears overweight can lead to consuming more unhealthy foods and less healthy portions. Researchers discovered that participants served and ate 31.6% more pasta when the actress wore a prosthesis, but reduced salad intake by 43.5%.
A study comparing bioprosthetic and mechanical aortic valve replacements found no significant difference in 15-year survival or stroke rates between the two groups. Bioprosthetic valves were associated with a higher likelihood of reoperation, but lower major bleeding rates.
A new study from Lund University reveals that both the cerebral cortex and other levels in the brain play a greater role in processing touch than previously thought, with a larger proportion of brain structures involved.
Women with mechanical heart valves are at high risk of thrombotic complications, haemorrhagic events, and late foetal loss during pregnancy. The study found that 1.4% of pregnant women with a mechanical valve died, while nearly 20% lost their baby.
A new study by the European Society of Cardiology found that the retrievable and repositionable DFM transcatheter aortic valve is effective and safe for patients with severe aortic stenosis. The device's unique features, such as retrieval and repositioning capabilities, may improve outcomes in these patients.
Researchers identify regulatory molecules involved in creating powerful electrical fields in electric fish, found only in fish and evolved independently half a dozen times. The study reveals a common genetic basis for the electric organ across six diverse species, highlighting convergent evolution in these fascinating creatures.
Researchers have made significant progress in creating artificial vision that mimics the retina's natural response to movement. By targeting specific cells, they were able to reproduce natural patterns of activity, bringing closer the goal of restoring high-fidelity vision to blind individuals.
Professional surfer Richie Lovett has made a full recovery from clear cell chondrosarcoma, an uncommon form of bone cancer, thanks to pioneering surgical procedures. The groundbreaking technique developed by Dr. Earl Warren Brien removed the tumor and damaged bone in its entirety, replacing it with a prosthetic implant.
The study found that approximately 2.5 million Americans are living with an artificial hip and 4.7 million with a knee replacement, highlighting the need for ongoing patient care. The prevalence of total hip and knee replacements among adults aged 50 and older is as high as 2.3% and 4.6%, respectively.
A study analyzing 301,718 revision total knee replacement surgeries found that periprosthetic joint infections were the most common reason for failure, occurring in 25% of patients. Mechanical loosening was also a significant cause of failure, accounting for 18.5% of cases.
A robotic prosthesis has been developed for an amputee drummer, allowing him to play with unprecedented control and creativity. The device features two drumsticks, one controlled by the musician's arms and the other using electromyography sensors that respond to muscle signals.
A patient's symptoms were linked to cobalt poisoning after a doctor used a TV show as a teaching tool to diagnose a rare disease. The patient had undergone a metal hip replacement, leading to severe heart failure and other symptoms that were eventually resolved with a new ceramic prosthesis.
Researchers have developed advanced prosthetic and orthotic devices that allow users to participate in a wider range of daily activities, exercise, and sports. The new technologies include adjustable ankle units for sub-freezing temperatures and multifunction prostheses for adventure-type activities.
Researchers at NC State University have developed wearable, stretchable sensors using silver nanowires that can measure strain, pressure, human touch, and bioelectronic signals. These sensors hold promise for creating responsive prosthetics and robots that can interact with their environment.
Dr. Walter Voit received a DARPA Young Faculty Award to develop medical devices with greater control of prosthetics for wounded soldiers. The goal is to create chronic microstimulation devices that can survive implantation in the body for over a year.
Scientists have successfully restored behavior in rats using a neural prosthesis after brain injury. The device, a closed-loop microelectronic system, recorded signals from one part of the brain and stimulated another to facilitate repair. Two weeks after implantation, rat models recovered nearly all function lost due to injury.
A new retinal implant system called the Argus II has shown positive results in helping people with retinitis pigmentosa recognize common objects. The device uses a miniature camera and electrodes to stimulate cells in the retina, creating patterns of light perception.
Percutaneous repair of paravalvular prosthetic regurgitation can mitigate known risks associated with increases in implanted valves, particularly in patients at high-risk of cardiac surgery. The technique has shown durable symptom relief and reduced mortality rates in selected patients.
Two newly described electric fish from the Amazon produce different electric signals, with one species having a monophasic EOD that is unusual in its kind. This trait may have evolved to mimic that of the electric eel, while also providing stability and communication benefits.
A new study has designed and tested a vestibular prosthesis to help restore balance in individuals with Meniere's disease. The prosthesis uses electrical stimulation to activate the vestibular nerve, aiming to alleviate symptoms such as vertigo and tinnitus. However, further research is needed to fine-tune the device for individual cal...
A new minimally-invasive procedure, Valve-in-Valve, uses a collapsible aortic heart valve to restore function without cardiopulmonary bypass or chest opening. The results showed excellent outcomes for elderly high-risk patients with low procedural complications and improved functional status.
Researchers suggest using haptic devices early in children fitted with visual prosthetics and for older congenitally blind and late-blind individuals. Haptics provide supplementary information that helps train the brain to understand electrical input from prosthetics, leading to improved outcomes.