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Sensor breakthrough announced in Nature paves way for groundbreaking map of world under Earth surface

Researchers from the University of Birmingham have successfully used a quantum gravity gradiometer to detect an object hidden below ground, marking a significant milestone in the development of this technology. The breakthrough could lead to faster, cheaper, and more comprehensive underground mapping, with potential applications in ind...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Early humans placed the hearth at the optimal location in their cave – for maximum benefit and minimum smoke exposure

Researchers developed a software-based smoke dispersal simulation model to study prehistoric archaeology. They found that early humans placed their hearth at the optimal location in the cave, enabling maximum utilization of fire while minimizing smoke exposure. The study identified a 25sqm area as ideal for locating the hearth.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature·DateJan 31, 2022

Can wearable technology predict the negative consequences of drinking?

Researchers from Penn State's Department of Biobehavioral Health developed wearable sensors that can detect alcohol concentration in sweat, providing a more nuanced understanding of intoxication. The study shows that wearable technology can predict the negative consequences of drinking and help prevent alcohol-related harm.

SourcePenn State·JournalAlcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2022

An all-in-one approach to diabetes treatment

Researchers at MIT have developed an all-in-one approach to diabetes treatment, streamlining the process of blood glucose measurement and insulin injection. The new device can automate procedures such as pricking skin, collecting blood, calculating glucose levels, and dispensing insulin, reducing the need for multiple devices and makin...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateJan 20, 2022

New sensor grids record human brain signals in record-breaking resolution

The new sensor grids offer 100 times higher resolution than existing technology, allowing for more precise identification of seizure origins and preservation of healthy brain tissue. Longer term, the technology holds potential for permanent implantation to improve life quality for people with paralysis or neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022

Pusan National University scientists develop simpler way to create common chemical detection platform

Researchers have created a new, simpler way to fabricate SERS nanostructures with superior stability and performance at low cost. By using a heat-resistant polymer called polyimide (PI), they can produce nanosurfaces with nanopillars that enhance signal intensity for efficient chemical detection. The new fabrication method has the pote...

SourcePusan National University·JournalSensors and Actuators B Chemical·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

Personalizing treatment for severe limb injuries

A team of scientists at the University of Missouri used small wearable sensors to gather data on how people with a traumatic hand amputation use a prosthesis versus a transplanted hand. The study found that hand transplant recipients exhibit a more balanced pattern of limb use, while prosthesis users rely heavily on their prosthetic hand.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNeurorehabilitation and Neural Repair·DateJan 10, 2022

World’s smallest microelectronic catheter for minimally invasive surgery of the future

A team of researchers from Chemnitz University of Technology, IFW Dresden, and Max Planck Institute CBG presents a new type of biomedical tool with a tiny biocompatible microelectronic micro-catheter. The catheter has sensor and actuator functions integrated into its wall, making it highly flexible and adaptable to the body.

SourceChemnitz University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2021

COVID-19 mobile robot could detect and tackle social distancing breaches

A new COVID-19 mobile robot detects social distancing breaches in crowds and encourages people to move apart using a novel system that employs Deep Reinforcement Learning and Frozone algorithm. The robot also incorporates a thermal camera for contact-tracing efforts, ensuring privacy protection and de-identification.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 1, 2021

For the first time, DNA and proteins sensed by de novo-designed nanopore

Researchers in Japan have designed the first de novo-designed peptides that can form artificial nanopores to identify and enable single molecule-sorting of genetic material in a lipid membrane. The peptides can detect specific molecules, including DNA, and have the potential to mimic natural proteins' ability to detect specific proteins.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 24, 2021

AI-powered glaucoma screening test delivers rapid results

A new rapid screening test for glaucoma uses infra-red sensors to monitor eye movement, providing accurate results within seconds. The test could help advance early detection of the disease, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, and make it more accessible for national screening programs.

SourceRMIT University·JournalIEEE Access·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 27, 2021

Skin-inspired sensors show how our body moves

Scientists at the University of Groningen developed wearable, stitchable, and sensitive sensors from flexible polymers and carbon fibre. These sensors can measure body position, movement, and touch, offering new possibilities for health monitoring and athlete performance tracking.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021

Engineers 3D-print personalized, wireless wearables that never need a charge

Researchers at the University of Arizona have created custom-fitted wearable devices that can monitor physiological parameters without needing recharging. The biosymbiotic devices use wireless power transfer and compact energy storage to enable continuous operation, providing accurate data on body temperature, strain, and muscle deform...

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 8, 2021

Fiber-tip polymer clamped-beam probe for high-sensitivity nanoforce measurements

A novel fiber-tip-polymer clamped-beam probe micro-force sensor was developed using femtosecond-laser-induced two-photon polymerization technique. The sensor exhibited an ultrahigh force sensitivity of 1.51 nm/μN and a detection limit of 54.9 nN, opening avenues for high-precision biomedical and material science examination.

Dartmouth receives $3 million NSF grant to expand PhD innovation programs and advance sensor technology entrepreneurship

Dartmouth has received a $3 million NSF grant to increase its PhD Innovation Programs by 50% and develop new multidisciplinary pathways for STEM graduate students focused on entrepreneurship and research translation. The funding will support 19 additional graduate students and enhance the development of sensor technology applications.