Brain micro-electrodes create new possibilities: Neurosurgeons from the University of Utah have developed new tiny electrode arrays that do not penetrate the surface of the brain, potentially preventing many of the side effects common to modern high precision electrodes. Similar to electrocorticography arrays, the micro-ECoG devices may be small enough for permanent placement under the skull. 
Tongue controller looks promising for the paralyzed: A new tongue controller designed to give quadriplegics the ability to operate external devices like wheelchairs and computers showed promise in a clinical trial. Tests of its capabilities for the severely handicapped, presented at the annual meeting of the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America, show that it’s intuitive and precise enough for patients to quickly become acquainted with it in a short period of time.
Six-pound ultrasound: SonoSite released a new, portable ultrasound NanoMaxx system that weighs only 6 pounds. The company claims that the point-of-care ultrasound produces imagery similar in quality to the firm’s flagship M-Turbo model.
A glucose meter for the Nintendo generation: Paul Wessel, the parent of a diabetic child, noticed that although his son regularly misplaces his blood glucose meter he never forgets his Nintendo Game Boy. And so the idea for a meter that plugs into the device was born. Bayer’s diabetes division will soon be releasing the DIDGET plug-in module for the Nintendo DS and DS Lite based on the Sonomax’s CONTOUR glucose meter. The device turns glucose testing into a game and rewards points and game features for compliance with a proper testing schedule.
A weekly roundup of new developments in medical technology, by MedGadget.com.
