Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) developed a new drug capsule with a robotic cap for improved drug delivery. Large-protein drugs generally can’t pass through the mucus barrier that lines the digestive tract. Insulin and most other “biologic drugs” with proteins or nucleic acids thus must be injected or administered in a hospital, […]
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
7 innovative digital health offerings to treat diabetes
From using your smartphone to track data to reversing your diabetes altogether, these digital health technologies stand out. Advances in treatments for diabetes never stop coming. Whether that be in the form of insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitors, we’ve seen plenty. Moving away from the physical device, innovations in the digital diabetes space continue […]
How fluorescent signals could allow for deeper sensor implants in the brain
Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a photonic technique for fluorescent sensors that could improve sensor signals deep in the body. Fluorescent sensors are typically used to label and image a variety of molecules to give a unique glimpse inside living cells. However, the method has been limited to cells grown in […]
Engineered yeast could be a key for more affordable COVID-19 vaccines
Researchers at MIT and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center are exploring a yeast-based alternative to RNA vaccines. A new paper highlights a vaccine, which comprises fragments of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein arrayed on a virus-like particle, that reportedly elicited a strong immune response and protected animals against viral challenge, according to a post on MIT’s […]
MIT researchers study the best size for nanoparticles to stop internal bleeding
MIT researchers are examining how different-sized polymer nanoparticles circulate in the body to aid in treating traumatic injuries. Researchers are developing injectable nanoparticles that can attract cells to help stop the bleeding at the site of an internal injury until a patient can reach a hospital for further treatment. In an effort to highlight the […]
MIT engineers claim they’ve created the world’s longest flexible fiber battery
Researchers at MIT say they developed a rechargeable lithium-ion battery in the form of a fiber that could be woven into fabrics. The researchers say the battery, developed in the form of an ultra-long fiber, could enable a variety of wearable electronic devices and may even be used to make 3D-printed batteries in a multitude […]
This touchy-feely glove could help stroke patients recover
Engineers at MIT are touting a new, touch-sensing glove that can “feel” pressure and other tactile stimuli. The researchers developed a way to precisely measure and map subtleties of tactile dexterity through the glove. The inside of the glove is threaded with sensors that detect, measure and map small changes in pressure across the glove. […]
How bioengineers tackled the leaky mask problem
Researchers from Harvard and MIT have formed a company to mass-produce a more effective three-ply mask for everyday use. Anyone who wears glasses knows that the ubiquitous blue pleated mask leaks vapor upward, despite the wire designed to conform to the shape of the nose. Less obvious is the leakage from the mask’s sides and […]
MIT researchers tout origami-inspired medical patch for internal injuries
Engineers at MIT are touting a medical patch capable of being delivered through narrow spaces to patch up internal injuries. With inspiration from the art of origami, the engineers designed the patch to be folded around minimally invasive surgical tools and delivered through airways, intestines and other narrow spaces to patch up internal injuries, according […]
3M, MIT working on paper-based, rapid COVID-19 test
3M (NYSE:MMM) announced today that it is working with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers to develop a paper-based, rapid test to detect the virus that causes COVID-19, with the potential to manufacture millions of tests per day. The test would detect viral antigens and deliver “highly accurate results within minutes” via a paper-based device, according […]
Boston researchers have created a potential N95 mask alternative
Brigham & Women’s Hospital says it is developing a new, sustainable alternative to N95 respirator masks that are in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. A team of bioengineers and clinical experts at the Boston-based hospital and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are working on the “injection molded autoclavable, scalable, conformable” iMASC system for providing […]