Wireless sensor detects pH, glucose levels in exhaled breath within seconds: University of Florida scientists have been working on a sensor that can assess the pH level and glucose content of exhaled breath. The device uses tiny aluminum gallium nitride/gallium nitride high-electron mobility transistors to be able to perform detection at the low concentration levels of exhaled breath. In its latest iteration, the sensor was coupled with a wireless system to create a remote monitoring device that, according to the researchers, can do its detecting within five seconds.
Intuitive 3D interface may be perfect for clinical use: Last month Apple received a patent for a new 3D interface for manipulating objects on computer screens. Houston Neal at the Medical Software Advice blog suggests the new technology should be particularly useful for working with clinical images. Essentially, the 3D technology uses a computer camera to look at the movement of hands or head of the user to transform objects on the screen.
PEPID expands support to Palm Pre: PEPID, the popular mobile software platform for clinical information, is now available for the Palm Pre smartphone. The platform allows users to purchase data modules specific to their specialty and practice, including drug guides and specialty products for paramedics and medical students.
A new source to alleviate clinical shortage of cobalt-60: Radioisotopes have been used in medicine for the last 100 years to improve imaging modalities, sterilize surgical tools and as a treatment option when attacking tumors. If you think that by now we would have a stable supply of radioisotopes, think otherwise. Due to the nature of the regulatory environment surrounding the nuclear industry, the global supply of radioisotopes has been dwindling with respect to demand. A deal between nuclear industry giants coupled with a new regulatory approval is leading to an established nuclear power plant to begin supplying cobalt-60 for medical applications.
A weekly roundup of new developments in medical technology, by MedGadget.com.