Biomedical technology news

Researchers develop gene therapy that can target airway and lungs via nasal spray

For gene therapy to work well, therapeutic molecules need to be efficiently delivered to the correct locations in the body—a job commonly given to adeno-associated viruses (AAV).

Vibrating capsule shown to be safe, tolerable in treating chronic idiopathic constipation

A study offers new hope to millions suffering from chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). Published in a recent issue of Neurogastroenterology & Motility, the study, titled "The Vibrating Capsule: Safety and Tolerability ...

Electrical stimulation offers hope for treating spinal injuries

A grid of electrodes placed on the backs of study participants delivered enough low-voltage electrical stimulation through the skin to change the short-term function of spinal cord neurons, a study led by UT Southwestern ...

Smartphone app that detects heart attack and stroke found effective in clinical trial

A potentially lifesaving new smartphone app can help people determine if they are suffering heart attacks or strokes and should seek medical attention, a clinical study suggests.

Nerve stimulation trial demonstrates meaningful improvements for spinal cord injuries

In a new clinical study, researchers from the Texas Biomedical Device Center (TxBDC) at The University of Texas at Dallas demonstrated unprecedented rates of recovery for spinal cord injuries.

Malaria control strategy that efficiently kills parasites in the mosquito could lead to more effective bed nets

A potent combination of antimalarial compounds added to bed nets blocked parasite transmission in mosquitoes while circumventing insecticide resistance, according to a new study led by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School ...

First salivary gland regenerative biobank developed to combat chronic dry mouth

Millions of people are affected by chronic dry mouth, or xerostomia, an agonizing side effect of damaged salivary glands. While chemotherapy and radiation treatment for head and neck cancer are the most common causes of this, ...

Streamlined technique rapidly measures cells' density, reflecting health and developmental state

Measuring the density of a cell can reveal a great deal about the cell's state. As cells proliferate, differentiate, or undergo cell death, they may gain or lose water and other molecules, which is revealed by changes in ...

Liquid biopsy blood test shows superior sensitivity in detecting HPV-associated head and neck cancers

A new liquid biopsy blood test could help detect cases of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated head and neck cancers with significantly higher accuracy than currently used methods, including before patients develop symptoms, ...

Guidance on using Apple Watch for heart health monitoring helps patients and clinicians

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has issued a guidance tool to help clinicians and patients use health data collected while wearing an Apple Watch to effectively track and manage cardiovascular health.

How 3D printing is personalizing health care

Three-dimensional printing is transforming medical care, letting the health care field shift from mass-produced solutions to customized treatments tailored to each patient's needs. For instance, researchers are developing ...

Common analgesic gas aids in opening of blood-brain barrier

Nitrous oxide, a commonly used analgesic gas, temporarily improved the opening of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to allow gene therapy delivery in mouse models using focused ultrasound (FUS), UT Southwestern Medical Center ...

Wearable technologies power study on differences between treadmill, outdoor running on injury risk

When researchers study runners, up until very recently, they have had to conduct these studies in the lab using a treadmill.

EXPLORER shrinks the time it takes for imaging to spot cancer

Researchers in the UC Davis Health Department of Radiology have developed a new way to use EXPLORER, the total-body positron emission tomography (PET) scanner, to speed PET parametric imaging that can detect cancer.

A step toward lifesaving therapy for premature infants in respiratory distress

Wearable sensor could be used to monitor obstructive sleep apnea treatment response

A wearable pulse oximeter and connected software platform show promise for monitoring obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other sleep-related breathing diseases, according to research presented at the ATS 2025 International ...

Better than stitches: Researchers develop biocompatible patch for soft organ injuries

University of California, Los Angeles and University of California, San Diego researchers developed an injectable sealant for rapid hemostasis and tissue adhesion in soft, elastic organs.

A step closer to the confident production of blood stem cells for regenerative medicine

Stem cells can produce any other cell type, it is just a matter of telling them in the right way. From a biological perspective, this means activating the proper genetic program by pressing the right keys, that is, the right ...

No more sticky patches: 3D-printed wearable monitors health through skin gases

Wearable technologies are revolutionizing health care, but design limitations in adhesive-based personal monitors have kept them from meeting their full potential.

Wearable device that mimics CT scans delivers continuous monitoring for heart and lung patients

Researchers have developed a first-of-its-kind wearable device capable of continuously scanning the lungs and heart of hospital patients while they rest in bed—offering a revolutionary alternative to CT scans.

Sweat and saliva testing as an alternative to blood sampling

What if we could monitor patients in the future without taking blood samples every time? TU/e researcher Sophie Adelaars investigated a promising alternative: measuring biomarkers in sweat and saliva. In May 2025, she defended ...

Why you usually need more than a few drops of blood, saliva or urine to detect illnesses

In the 2000s, biotech company Theranos promised to revolutionize blood testing. Founder Elizabeth Holmes claimed Theranos technology could perform hundreds of tests using just a finger-prick drop of blood. If true, their ...

Placenta bandages have far more health benefits than risky placenta pills—a bioengineer explains

Eating a placenta may not give you the health benefits some people want you to believe it has, but using it as a bandage might.