BrainNavigator: An online atlas to browse brain structures: Elsevier just released the official version of the BrainNavigator online virtual brain browser, an application developed in cooperation with the Allen Institute for Brain Science. Featuring a 3D interactive video interface, as well as traditional slices from a variety of animal brains, the software is designed for quick identification of neuroanatomical structures for scientists studying the organ.
MarrowMiner digs out more marrow using fewer holes: Daniel Kraft, of the Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, invented a device to make bone marrow harvesting less invasive and less stressful for donors’ bodies. The idea is to drill one hole into the pelvis and then to approach the bone marrow from different angles, thus widening the harvesting region.
VasoNova gets to the heart of the matter: Placing a peripherally inserted central line so its tip is located at the lower third of the superior vena cava, just prior to the right atrium, is always a guessing game. Nowadays, the only way to confirm position of the line is to do an X-ray of the chest. VasoNova out of Sunnyvale, Calif., wants to change the rules of the game. The company is introducing a device that uses Doppler ultrasound to monitor direction of blood flow and ECG to help position the catheter at the optimal location.
Wii CPR training in the works: Students and faculty at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have earned a $50,000 grant from the American Heart Assn. to develop a CPR training program using the Wii-mote. The program uses the accelerometers in the controller to provide real-time position tracking and feedback for CPR trainees. The idea behind the project is to make CPR training widely available to the millions of Wii owners out there and overcome barriers to CPR training.
CASBliP technology aims to turn ears into eyes for blind: A collaborative European project to build a system that converts visual input into audio signals may lead to a practical product to help the blind navigate. CASBliP, or Cognitive Aid System for Blind People, involves scientists and technology developed at the University of Bristol, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Universidad de La Laguna, and Siemens AG. By bringing together specialists in computer vision, visualization, 3D modeling and sensor technology, the CASBliP can already create an audio representation of its physical environment.
A weekly roundup of new developments in medical technology, by MedGadget.com.