Scientists track air as we breath it: Investigators at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and the Harvard School of Public Health have been using a locally developed system to track near-infrared fluorescent nanoparticles as they enter and leave the lungs. The FLARE system (fluorescence-assisted resection and exploration), which MedGagdet originally covered two years ago, may become a clinical modality for initial diagnosis and follow up after tumor resection, as well as an investigational tool to understand how different compounds affect the lungs.
Computer mouse measures blood pressure: CalHealth, based in Irvine, Calif., has developed a computer mouse with a slide-out sphygmomanometer. The MDMouse is completely powered via its USB connection, and communicates with software installed on the computer to save regular readings for later analysis. Though initially it seems as a silly product idea, it may effectively increase testing compliance in people who spend a lot of time in front of the computer reading Medgadget. A company spokesman tells MedGadget that MDMouse should be coming to market sometime in the next few months.
Brain probe stimulates individual nerons: Just a few months ago MedGadget reported on the cultivation of individual neurons on a microchip, but now it seems possible to individually study the cells in their natural habitat, i.e. within the brain. Imec, based in Leuven, Belgium, developed a new neural probe that can sense and stimulate single neurons in the brain. The electrodes of the probe consist of hundreds of small electrodes which can be switched on and off individually. This way it is possible to select unique neurons in the vicinity of the probe for recording and stimulation without having to mechanically move the probe. Potential applications of the probe include fundamental brain research, and also pre- or intraoperative localization of seizure foci for brain surgery.
Nanogenerators power implantable devices: More and more sensors and devices are being implanted into the human body, however powering them remains a tough problem in many cases. Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a flexible nanogenerator that converts small movements of the human body into electricity. It uses freely bendable piezoelectric ceramic thin film nano-material, which generates voltages when pressure or bending forces are applied. Apart from medical applications, it might also be used to power personal mobile electronics or micro robots. Many different energy sources, such as wind, vibration and sound, but also heart beats, blood flow and muscle contraction, can be used with this technology.
A weekly roundup of new developments in medical technology, by MedGadget.com.