Everyone has had to rethink some priorities since the COVID-19 pandemic began circling the world. We’re working hard to make and renew connections in this critical industry with an eye toward personal safety and good health. Tom Salemi, Editorial Director, DeviceTalks Organizing conferences during the COVID-19 pandemic certainly creates new challenges. Most of us can’t […]
Want to save your medical device as a souvenir? It’s easier than you might think
Keeping a medical device that was inside you — or even a removed body part — is actually easier than it might seem, according to a recent story in the Chicago Tribune. Just ask Barbara Brotman. Brotman is a senior assistant director of development communications for University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences and a […]
Wireless preemie monitoring system allows more parental contact
A new, less invasive system for monitoring preterm and critically ill newborns’ vital signs would allow parents skin-to-skin contact with their babies when they otherwise couldn’t have it. The system, designed by researchers at Northwestern University in Chicago, uses ultrathin, skin-like electronic sensing technology to overcome the limitations of traditional systems that require a large […]
8 Alzheimer’s disease breakthroughs you need to know
Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia that can cause problems with memory, thinking and behavior, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. It is the most common form of dementia that gets worse over time. Nearly 6 million Americans presently live with Alzheimer’s— and there’s no cure for it. The disease is caused by protein buildups […]
This tissue paper is made from actual organ tissues
Northwestern University researchers have created biomaterials made from animal organs and tissues that could potentially support natural hormone production in young cancer patients and aid wound healing. The materials, aptly named tissue papers, are made from structural proteins that are excreted by cells and give organs their forms and structures. The tissue papers are thin and […]
7 ways neurostimulation could make our lives better
Neurostimulation is being used for a lot of different things that go beyond motor disorders and diseases. Neurostimulation is used to stimulate certain parts of the brain’s nervous system. It can be invasive with implants or it can be non-invasive with electrode-filled caps and ear clips. The neurostimulation market was worth an estimated $1.9 […]
Study: Nanomedicine shuts down cells that drive cancer growth in glioblastoma
Researchers from Northwestern Medicine have developed lipid polymer-based nanoparticles that target key cancer drivers, called brain tumor initiating cells, in a mouse model of glioblastoma brain tumors. “BTICs are malignant brain tumor populations that underlie the therapy resistance, recurrence and unstoppable invasion commonly encountered by glioblastoma patients after the standard treatment regimen of surgical resection, radiation and […]
Northwestern, University of Calgary win $3m grant for cardiac valve imaging project
Patients who are born with a bicuspid aortic valve have 2 flaps in their cardiac valve instead of 3 – and researchers from Northwestern University and the University of Calgary are planning a 5-year study to evaluate an imaging approach for preventing the complications of this genetic condition. With a $3.3 million grant from the […]
Infertility: There could be a 3D printing solution
New Northwestern University research offers a potential 3D printing solution for women’s infertility – providing hope for cancer survivors who want to start families. The Northwestern researchers successfully 3D printed a bioprosthetic mouse ovary that ovulated when implanted inside a live mouse. Mice with the bioprosthetic ovaries were able to give birth to live pups, […]
Ibuprofen delivered via metal-organic framework sports doubled half-life
Researchers at Northwestern University have published data showing that metal-organic frameworks can be used to extend the duration of ibuprofen. The in vivo mouse study was published in Molecular Pharmaceutics. Metal-organic frameworks are made up of metal ions linked to organic ligands. Since MOFs are porous, researchers pack active ingredients inside of them and use them as […]
6 ways hydrogels are enabling medtech innovation
Hydrogels are water-based biomaterials developed specifically for human use, according to a Biomaterials journal article. They are a water-swollen polymeric material that doesn’t change its distinct 3D structure. They are formed from super-absorbent, chain-like polymers and are not soluble in water. However, their porous surface allows for nutrients and cell waste to pass through. They have shown the […]
