Many people around the world (and in the United States) do not have reliable access to medical care. This may be due to geographical factors, financial factors, cultural factors, or a combination thereof. However, mobile phone adoption continues to grow rapidly in both developed and underdeveloped countries. With fast rates of adoption and increasing levels [...]
Posts under ‘Medicine’
Baby hears for first time with Cochlear implant
This video has gone viral, but it’s worth linking here. The expression on eight-month old Jonathan’s face when he hears for the first time, due to a Cochlear implant, is priceless. A reminder of how technology enhances our lives – and a promise of what’s to come. (Via Neatorama)
Successful face transplant said to be most complex to date
Who can forget Isabelle Dinoire, the French woman who received the world’s first successful partial face transplant in 2005 after being mauled by her dog? Prior to the transplant, which included a new nose and mouth, she had difficulty eating or speaking – the transplant has enabled her to do both. Although a handful of [...]
“Artificial pancreas” successfully tested
Back in February I posted about the development of an “artificial pancreas,” which automatically monitored blood sugar levels and could deliver insulin when necessary. Today we learned that the system, which is made up of a blood glucose monitor, two insulin pumps and a laptop computer, was successfully tested in 11 adults with type 1 [...]
Inkjet-like “bioprinters” may be alternative to skin grafts
Researchers at Wake Forest University have invented a “bioprinter” that can apply skin cells to injured areas of skin, such as burns or ulcers. The system, which has been tested successfully on mice, uses a laser to first map the wounded area. Next, the printer applies cells directly onto the wound, which speeds healing: (Kyle) [...]
Bionic eye may restore sight for patients with progressive vision loss
My grandfather suffered from age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), which causes loss of vision over time. By the time he passed away in his late 70s, he was almost blind. ARMD progresses from the “inside” of your visual field to the outside, so those affected are unable to see that which they are looking at directly. [...]
Robotic surgery not evolving quickly enough, say docs
The da Vinci Surgical System was revolutionary when it was debuted by Intuitive Digital in 1999. The system consists of several components, including a console that is situated near the operating table. This console allows the surgeon to control the three to four robot arms that replace the traditional surgeon’s tools. The robotic arms are [...]
Using nanoparticles to deliver targeted gene therapy for cancer
The Journal of Nature published results of a study yesterday that showed nanoparticles can be used to deliver targeted gene therapy that prevents cancer growth. A team at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena used nanotechnology — the science of really small objects — to create tiny polymer robots covered with a protein called [...]
Human body used as conduit for transmitting data
Researchers in South Korea have successfully transmitted data at broadband speeds between two points on a person’s arm using the body itself as a conduit. The technology is very energy efficient when compared to alternatives like wireless data transfer, and therefore may lend itself to health applications: It is difficult to monitor vital signs, such [...]
Using nanotechnology to destroy colorectal cancer cells
The journal Nanotechnology reports a new method for targeting cancer cells using nanoparticles that destroys cancer cells while using healthy tissue unharmed: Led by Carl Batt, the Liberty Hyde Bailey Professor of Food Science, the researchers synthesized nanoparticles – shaped something like a dumbbell – made of gold sandwiched between two pieces of iron oxide. [...]