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Biomedical technology news

Immunology

Gut bacteria engineered to act as tumor GPS for immunotherapies

Immunotherapeutic approaches have substantially improved the treatment of patients with advanced malignancies. However, most advanced and metastatic malignancies remain incurable and therefore represent a major unmet need.

Neuroscience

DNA molecules with 'invisibility cloak' sequences can selectively target diseased cells in motor neuron disease

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute and the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology have developed DNA molecules which contain "invisibility cloak" sequences, preventing healthy cells from reading the messages they ...

Ophthalmology

Stem cell transplants repair macular holes in primate study

Human stem cell transplants successfully repaired macular holes in a monkey model, researchers report October 3 in the journal Stem Cell Reports. After transplantation, the macular holes were closed by continuous filling ...

Diabetes

A new injectable shows promise to prevent and treat hypoglycemia

People with diabetes take insulin to lower high blood sugar. However, if glucose levels plunge too low—from taking too much insulin or not eating enough sugar—people can experience hypoglycemia, which can lead to dizziness, ...

Neuroscience

Study hints at ways to generate new neurons in old brains

Most neurons in the human brain last a lifetime, and for good reason. Intricate, long-term information is preserved in the complex structural relationships between their synapses. To lose the neurons would be to lose that ...

Radiology & Imaging

Exploring how melanin influences clinical oxygen measurements

Obtaining accurate clinical measurements is essential for diagnosing and treating a wide range of health conditions. Regrettably, the impact of skin type and pigmentation is not equally considered in the design and calibration ...

Ophthalmology

New app brings virtual eye care to Bangladesh

A brother-sister duo's startup has partnered with one of the largest eye hospitals in Bangladesh in an effort to make trips to the eye doctor completely virtual.

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes

Schrödinger's COVID: Infected without testing positive?

A few weeks back, my partner and I attended a wedding where, it turns out, love wasn't the only thing in the air. Within 36 hours, a dozen attendees reported positive COVID-19 tests—which means they may have been infected ...

Neuroscience

Engineers light the way to nerve-operated prosthetics of the future

Biomedical and electrical engineers at UNSW Sydney have developed a new way to measure neural activity using light—rather than electricity—which could lead to a complete reimagining of medical technologies like nerve-operated ...

Cardiology

Novel bioink capable of constructing physiological blood vessels

Researchers at the Brigham used bioengineering advancements to improve 3D bioprinting of vascular tissues with functional and mechanical hallmarks. The researchers also showed the possibility of using these vessels for SARS-CoV-2 ...

Sports medicine & Kinesiology

Magnetic sensors to track muscle length

Using a simple set of magnets, MIT researchers have come up with a sophisticated way to monitor muscle movements, which they hope will make it easier for people with amputations to control their prosthetic limbs.

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes

Ventilator-free days comparable with lower, higher SpO₂ target

The number of ventilator-free days does not differ for critically ill adults receiving mechanical ventilation with a lower, intermediate, or higher target for oxygen saturation, according to a study published online Oct. ...

Sports medicine & Kinesiology

Digital nudges encourage more exercise

Text messages, app alerts and emails—so-called "digital nudges"—are effective at pushing us to do things, even exercise. New University of Minnesota research shows these actions used by corporate wellness programs lead ...

Overweight & Obesity

Dig in: Sand serves up a possible cure for obesity

Engineered particles of purified sand could be the next anti-obesity therapy as new research from the University of South Australia shows that porous silica can prevent fats and carbohydrates from being adsorbed in the body.

Health informatics

New study shows how prosthetics care in Cambodia is changing

Researchers from the University of Southampton are helping countries like Cambodia plan future prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) care, thanks to a new study showing how people who have experienced limb loss have changed over ...

Neuroscience

System that uses light stimulation to modulate brain waves

Researchers have developed a system which uses light stimulation to modulate brain waves. This opens up new avenues to explore for possible treatment of conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson's and migraine.

Biomedical technology

Social robots have potential to supplement stuttering treatment

Social robots that interact with humans could be a promising new addition to current treatment tools for people who stutter, according to a recent study looking at how the high-tech helpers might be used in clinics.

Surgery

Flexible surgical needle offers enhanced precision

Engineers from EPFL and the University of Strasbourg have developed an innovative surgical needle whose trajectory can be corrected on the fly, thanks to a flexible tip controlled with a simple button. Intended for use in ...