Articles tagged with Medical Equipment
A wearable robot has been upgraded to provide personalized assistance to ALS and stroke patients. The device uses machine learning and a physics-based model to adapt to an individual user's movements, offering more nuanced help with daily tasks.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have successfully induced a reversible torpor-like state in mice using focused ultrasound, offering a novel strategy for medical interventions. This technology aims to reduce energy demand and preserve organs for transplantation, promising to transform medicine.
A low-cost 'SimpleSilo' device mimics commercial silo bags without high cost, using inexpensive materials and easy-to-source supplies. The device demonstrated comparable performance to commercial silo bags and can be assembled by hospital staff in under an hour.
Bioengineers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a computational model called BrainFlow that simulates cerebrospinal fluid flow in the presence of shunt implants, providing insight into optimal shunt design and placement for hydrocephalus patients.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new type of adhesive that could improve the comfort and safety of wearable medical devices. The adhesive, made from polyelectrolyte-complex coatings, is water-based and has been shown to match the strength of commercial-grade adhesives while reducing skin irritation.
Researchers emphasize the need to distinguish between harmful PFAS and essential fluoropolymers used in medical devices, which have not been linked to health issues. Experts advocate for a balanced approach to protect both human health and environmental concerns.
Researchers at MIT developed an implantable device that can store glucagon to counteract hypoglycemia, a life-threatening condition for people with Type 1 diabetes. The device, about the size of a quarter, contains a small reservoir made of 3D-printed polymer and can be triggered remotely or automatically by a sensor.
A team of scientists from Colorado State University and the University of São Paulo have developed a seismological solution to improve the resolution of ultrasound images for lung monitoring. This breakthrough could lead to improved critical care for patients, including continuous lung monitoring at the bedside. The technique uses seis...
The journal JMIR Human Factors is inviting submissions for a new theme issue focusing on human factors in health care education, management, and knowledge translation. The issue aims to explore current and emergent educational and training aspects of human factors, including digital competencies for healthcare professionals.
Researchers at Linköping University developed a miniaturized iontronic micropipette to precisely modulate neuronal and astrocytic activity. The study revealed dynamic dynamics between cells, highlighting the importance of chemical signaling in brain function.
Researchers developed a new method that uses simple grayscale eye photos to predict anemia in children. The technique analyzes patterns and textures in the conjunctiva of the eye, avoiding problems caused by different light conditions or camera models.
Researchers found that ultrafine bubble showers significantly suppressed inflammation in mice with atopic dermatitis caused by external factors. The treatment also improved skin protective barrier proteins. However, no significant effects were seen in mice with atopic dermatitis caused by genetic factors.
Two Indian hospitals, Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad and Aster Hospital in Calicut, have been certified as Comprehensive Stroke Centers by the American Heart Association. These centers meet rigorous standards for stroke care, including advanced imaging and treatment capabilities. This certification is part of the Association's efforts to...
The Rice team created a low-cost, pump-free flow cytometer that uses gravity-driven slug flow to analyze cells with similar accuracy as conventional devices. The device is powered by AI and can count specific immune cells from unpurified blood samples within minutes.
A new global report highlights the need for universal access, national roadmaps and affordable care to solve the medical oxygen gap. The Lancet Global Health Commission recommends investing in strengthening medical oxygen systems, making pulse oximeters more accessible and widely available.
A study of 153 people between the ages of 60 and 89 suggests a modification to the well-established clinical test for assessing balance in the elderly to make it more efficient, accessible, and predictive. The assessment can predict the risk of falling over a six-month period with accuracy.
The KeyScope is a low-cost, robust laparoscope priced at approximately $1,000, making it accessible in low- and middle-income countries. It offers high-resolution images, color accuracy, and low distortion, comparable to standard laparoscopes.
A University of Minnesota Medical School study reveals that medical equipment is the leading cause of out-of-pocket costs for cancer patients, with wheelchairs and hearing aids among the most expensive items. The research emphasizes the need to address accessibility and affordability issues to improve cancer survivor care.
Scientists at University of California - Riverside discovered a chemical produced by plants that prevents bacterial biofilm formation. This breakthrough offers potential advances in healthcare and industrial settings, where biofilms cause significant problems.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a tissue-anchoring mechanism for medical devices, inspired by the circular hook-like attachment organ found in intestinal tapeworms. The device can be deployed in under 1 millisecond and anchors into soft tissue with minimal damage.
Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin and UCLA have created an e-tattoo that can measure brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG). The new method uses a camera to map the individual head's shape digitally, allowing for more precise sensor placement. This innovation could transform brain-computer interfaces, making th...
This editorial introduces persistence landscapes as a mathematical method to identify and correct biases in medical imaging. Persistence landscapes offer a way to reduce random noise while preserving important details, making it easier for clinicians to focus on meaningful image parts.
A team of researchers at the University of California San Diego has developed a clinically validated, wearable ultrasound patch for continuous and noninvasive blood pressure monitoring. The device offers precise, real-time readings of blood pressure deep within the body, providing detailed trends in blood pressure fluctuations.
Team Bath Heart, a team of students from the University of Bath, has won the second world Heart Hackathon title with their innovative artificial heart device. The team's prototype, which uses wireless charging and 3D printing, was praised for its novelty, progress, and presentation.
A recent study from the University of Surrey found that remote medical interpreting (RMI) can compromise the quality of communication in healthcare settings. Interpreters reported mixed experiences with technology during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for careful consideration of interpreting methods based on the nature o...
The Medical Devices Zone provides a trusted source of knowledge for medical device users, clinicians, and patients. The platform offers a diverse range of eBooks, reports, interviews, and journal articles to streamline clinical implementation of innovative medical devices.
Twelve healthcare innovators have been shortlisted for the Global Healthcare Innovation Competition, with seven candidates selected for the 'Young Innovators' category. The competition aims to nurture transformative health solutions, providing a platform for innovators to develop and scale their ideas.
A UMass Amherst-led team has developed a sensor to detect sodium ions in breastmilk, a biomarker of elevated mammary permeability and potential milk supply issues. The device provides highly sensitive readings inexpensively and quickly, with results delivered in three minutes and costs just $1 per test.
A study found that more than half of the top US physicians who reviewed research for major medical journals received industry payments, with most being for research purposes. The payments may have implications for conflicts of interest and research outcomes, highlighting a need for transparency in the medical publishing system.
The study highlights the importance of improving working conditions in A&E departments to retain doctors. Strategies such as education, community building, and mentorship can help reduce turnover rates.
A University of Kansas researcher has found that single leg backward hopping can accurately measure knee strength and recovery in patients after ACL reconstruction. This method shows significant changes in knee mechanics compared to forward hopping, making it a potentially superior indicator of quadriceps strength deficiency.
Researchers from Zhejiang University have developed a hybrid laser direct writing technique that enables the creation of functional copper interconnects and carbon-based sensors within a single integrated system. The process allows for real-time temperature monitoring over extended periods, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
The baroreceptor-inspired microneedle skin patch delivers precise and controlled drug release in response to finger touching, significantly enhancing the precision and effectiveness of treatment. Experiments using Cy3 dye and insulin as model drugs demonstrated improved delivery efficacy compared to passive methods.
A lack of adaptive equipment and trained staff in commercial gyms creates significant barriers to exercise for people with disabilities. The study highlights the need for more accessible options and awareness programs to encourage continued physical activity among this population.
A cohort study found that severe dust exposure increased the risk of dementia in World Trade Center responders under 65. Using personalized protective equipment may prevent this age of onset, according to the research.
Researchers developed metamaterials-enhanced MRI technology using coaxial cables to boost signal-to-noise ratio. The innovative coils address patient discomfort and cost by providing adaptable, form-fitting designs for various anatomical sites.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia have developed a novel resin for 3D printing intraocular devices, offering unprecedented levels of customization and design precision. This innovation has potential to enhance eye care globally with tailored lenses, faster production, and cost reduction.
Radiologists are proposing actions to reduce their department's greenhouse gas emissions and become more resilient to the effects of climate change. They suggest implementing a coordinated approach, establishing sustainability teams, and optimizing scanner usage to reduce emissions by up to 33% for MRI and CT scans.
Researchers found that cardiologists who received payments from LVAD manufacturers were more likely to use those devices during percutaneous coronary intervention procedures. The study highlights the need to reevaluate industry gifts and their potential impact on clinical decision-making.
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.
A novel device developed by University of Auckland researchers has successfully measured faulty gut electrical signals in a human clinical trial. The endoscopic sensor device aims to provide clinicians with a clearer picture of exactly where the electrical signals are misfiring, improving diagnosis and treatment for stomach complaints.
Researchers developed a novel machine learning-based approach to analyze diffuse reflectance spectroscopy data, achieving higher accuracies and speeds than existing methods. The 'wavelength-independent regressor' model overcomes use-error limitations by incorporating diverse datasets, making it suitable for clinical settings.
Researchers have confirmed a new method for precise body composition analysis using 3D surface scans and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. This approach yields accurate measurements of fat, lean muscle, and bone, surpassing commercial software in clinical settings.
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.
Researchers at Tohoku University have engineered a novel device combining piezoelectric composites with carbon fibers, transforming kinetic energy into electricity for efficient motion sensing. The new device has been tested to withstand over 1000 stretches and surpasses other materials in terms of energy output density.
Researchers found that bleeding control kits should be placed in two or more locations on premises, with a walking distance of under 90 seconds. Located near AEDs is more beneficial than at entrances, where they may be difficult to reach.
A new vaccine patch has delivered an effective immune response to Zika virus in mice, providing rapid protection against the disease. The patch, which uses a high-density microarray platform, targets a specific protein crucial to the virus's survival and evokes T-cell responses up to 270% higher than traditional vaccines.
Multimodal neuromonitoring (MNM) tracks blood flow, pressure, oxygen and glucose levels in the brain to inform treatment decisions. MNM has improved clinical outcomes for patients with severe traumatic brain injuries at the University of Cincinnati.
A UCLA study found that hospitals with high patient diversity are less likely to offer core cancer services, including hospice care, chemotherapy, and robotic surgery. The lack of these resources can impact treatment quality and outcomes for patients diagnosed with cancer.
Researchers used dynamic total-body PET scans to visualize immune T cell distribution in recovering patients. The study found increased concentrations of CD8+ T cells in the bone marrow of recovering COVID patients compared to healthy controls.
Researchers have found that stacking order and lateral strain can significantly enhance second harmonic generation (SHG) in 2D Janus hetero-bilayers. The study demonstrates a threefold increase in SHG intensity with AA stacking, which is four times higher than AB stacking.
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.
Researchers developed a deep-learning model to assess CXR images for probable COVID-19 severity. The model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.78 when predicting intensive care need within 24 hours.
A new study creates graphene capsules using seaweed and salt, enabling high precision, real-time biomechanical and vital signs measurements. This sustainable technology has the potential to outperform traditional non-sustainable sensors.
Rice University engineers developed a low-cost, point-of-care DNA test for HPV infections that can be used to screen for cervical cancer. The test, which requires just two pieces of equipment and delivers results in 45 minutes, has the potential to make cervical cancer screening more accessible in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found an association between evaporated alcohol from incubator disinfectants and alcohol absorption in premature infants. They introduced a new practice to reduce alcohol exposure, which was associated with decreased alcohol levels in infants' blood and air.
Joshua Chen, a Rice University doctoral alum, has won the prestigious Schmidt Science Fellowship to pursue research in synthetic biology and wirelessly programmable cell therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at Duke University have successfully improved the resolution of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), capturing images of a mouse brain with unprecedented sharpness. The breakthrough allows for the visualization of microscopic details within the brain, enabling new insights into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's an...
An investigation by The BMJ found that only 30 of 200 private hospitals treated COVID-19 patients in April 2020. Meanwhile, some private hospitals devoted 60% or more of their capacity to treating private patients during the pandemic.
A new study by McMaster University researchers found that redesigned medical alarms with musical tones can improve speech recognition and reduce annoyance. The study suggests that changing the sounds of medical devices can make alarms less disruptive, allowing for better staff communication and reducing recovery times.