Scientist-led conferences at Harvard, Stanford and MIT
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Optical frame integrated health tracker
VSP Global‘s Project Genesis integrates health tracking technology into optical frames. Steps, calories burned, activity time and distance traveled are calculated by sensors at the part of the frame that touches one’s temple. Building wearable technology into stylish glasses, worn every day to improve vision, increases the potential for mass adoption. The prototype is now…
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Wearable tracks breast cancer side effects, sleep, mood, activity
A pilot study exploring the use of wearables in breast cancer is underway. Polaris Health Directions and the MD Anderson Cancer Center are using the Apple Watch to track multiple factors, increase engagement, and provide immediate feedback and interventions. Side effects, sleep, activity levels and mood will be monitored, and combined with electronic health records…
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Sensor sweater guides senior rehabilitation
Vigour, by Pauline van Dongen, is a sensor sweater developed for geriatric rehabilitation. The knitted cardigan, with integrated stretch sensors, discreetly and continuously monitors upper body movement. Two sensors monitor lower back movement, and one under each arm monitors shoulder and arm movement. Data is transferred to the user, caregiver, or physician. It can be worn…
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Heart rate as diabetes marker
Wearables can effectively monitor heart rate. A recent study shows a new use for this data – predicting diabetes. Penn State‘s Xiang Gao observed an association between faster heart rates and an increased risk of developing diabetes in 73,357 Chinese adults. In the same population, faster heart rates were also associated with impaired fasting glucose levels and…
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Headphones to diagnose brain injury, infection
Robert Marchbanks and Tony Birch at University Hospital Southampton have developed a noninvasive brain pressure test to detect head injuries and infections. The cerebral and cochlear fluid pressure (CCFP) test uses patient headphones to measure ICP via a channel which links the inner ear with the brain. As fluids in the ear and brain are connected, a…
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Intent controlled robotic arm with neuroprosthetic implant
Caltech and Keck researchers implanted neuroprosthetics in a part of the brain that controls the intent to move, with the goal of producing more natural and fluid motions. The study, published in Science, was led by Richard Andersen. A quadriplegic implanted with the device was able to perform a fluid handshaking gesture and play “rock,…
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Intent controlled prosthetic foot using myoelectric sensors
Ossur‘s sensor implant allows amputees to control bionic prosthetic limbs with their minds. Myoelectric sensors are surgically placed in residual muscle tissue. Prosthetic movement is triggered via a receiver. Ossur’s existing “smart limbs” are capable of real-time learning and automatically adjust to a user’s gait, speed and terrain. However, conscious thought is still required.…
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Human cell sensor detects chemical changes early
University of Rochester‘s Spencer Rosero is developing a human cell sensor that, when implanted, detects subtle biological changes to provide advanced warning of health issues. The cells are engineered to detect specific chemical changes. When a variation is discovered, the cells respond, and a fluorescent light glows. The sensor’s camera enables patients and doctors to…
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VR headset + bike sensors gamify fitness
Virzoom is a virtual reality exercise system meant to decrease distractions, and increase focus and fun while riding a stationary bike. Sensors attach to several parts of the bicycle. For example, one on the rear wheel measures speed, and one on the front wheel responds to direction. After connecting via USB to a computer, VR…
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Phone based Parkinson’s research
mPower is a mobile Parkinson’s Disease study, powered by HealthKit. It attempts to understand why people experience different symptoms, and why a person’s symptoms and side effects can vary over time. The process includes surveys and tasks that activate phone sensors. Progression symptoms, including dexterity, balance and gait, are tracked. The goal is to understand variations, improve the…
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Electrical stimulation to accelerate wound healing
University of Manchester researchers are using electrical stimulation to accelerate wound healing. This can be particularly useful for lower limb venous and diabetic ulcers, and for those with compromised immune systems. In a recent study, 1/2 centimeter sized superficial wounds were created on the upper arm of 40 volunteers. One wound was left to heal normally,…
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Implant to enable prosthetic sensations
Washington University‘s Daniel Moran has received a DARPA grant to test a device that would stimulate nerves in the upper arm and forearm of prosthetic users. The goal is for the wearer to be able to feel hot, cold, and a sense of touch. In a related development last year, MC10‘s Roozbeh Ghaffari developed artificial skin…
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