Scientist-led conferences at Harvard, Stanford and MIT
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Smart watch strap enables customized monitoring
Pebble Time and Time Steel will incorporate a charging and data conductor, enabling the use of custom “smartstraps.” This will empower the wearer to determine–and change–the type of monitoring he or she desires. External companies will develop compatible straps with various health and fitness tracking capabilities. The Pebble could power the straps, or a second battery…
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Bio-ink pens for “do-it-yourself” sensor monitoring
Led by Joseph Wang, creator of the non-invasive glucose monitor ApplySci described in January, UCSD engineers are developing “do it yourself” sensors, drawn directly on skin and smartphones. The simple, cheap sensors could be used in the clinic, at home, or on the battlefield. The bio-inks react with several chemicals, including glucose. Biocompatible polyethylene glycol is…
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Skin biopsy could detect Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s
University of San Luis Potosi‘s Ildefonso Rodriguez-Leyva is developing a skin test for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases that detects elevated levels of characteristic proteins. Based on the hypothesis that that skin is essentially the same as brain tissue, originating from the same source during fetal development, the test might identify biomarkers to help diagnose the diseases…
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Graphene neutralizes cancer stem cells, leaves healthy cells unharmed
University of Manchester‘s Michael Lisanti, Aravind Vijayaraghavan and Federica Sotgia have shown that graphene oxide acts as an anti-cancer agent that selectively targets cancer stem cells. The researchers believe that this could lead to tumor shrinkage and preventing the spread and recurrence of cancer when combined with existing treatments. The team tested a variety of graphene oxide formulations against breast,…
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Paper test detects Ebola in 10 minutes
MIT‘s Hamad-Schifferli Group and Lee Gehrke have developed a paper strip test that can detect Ebola, Yellow Fever, and Dengue Fever in 10 minutes. The strips are color coded, using triangular silver nanoparticles, to distinguish among diseases. The test relies on lateral flow technology, used in pregnancy tests and for diagnosing strep throat and bacterial…
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Cheap, self powered, wireless, disposable health tracker
The University of Tokyo‘s Hiroshi Fuketa has created a flexible, wireless, self-powered, cheap, disposable continuous vital sign monitor. The armband’s temperature sensor measure body heat under the arm, piezoelectric speaker provides audible feedback, and amorphous silicon solar cells provide power. Its organic ink circuits are printed onto a plastic film. Other sensors could be incorporated to…
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Patch detects breast cancer temperature patterns
Cyrcadia Health‘s iTBra contains patches that detect circadian temperature changes within breast cells. The data is sent to a lab via smartphone, and analyzed with Nanyang Technical University developed algorithms. Abnormal temperature and cellular signaling patterns are immediately sent to one’s doctor. The technology detects normal circadian cellular baselines, as well as abnormal patterns…
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Apple Watch issues put wearable accuracy in spotlight
This week the Wall Street Journal reported Apple’s announcement about its highly anticipated watch not featuring planned health monitoring features. It is unclear if the glucose tracker ApplySci detailed this month will still be included. Apple Watch was envisioned as a device full of sensors that could measure heart rate, stress levels, blood pressure and more.…
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Implant could direct images to visual cortex, restore sight
DARPA is in the early stages of developing a “cortical modem” which would enable a simple visual display via a direct interface to the visual cortex. Its projected cost is 10 US Dollars. The project lead is Dr Phillip Alvelda. It was built on Karl Deisseroth‘s optogenetics research — studying and controlling specified cells within living…
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Telescopic lens zooms with a wink
EPFL‘s Eric Tremblay and DARPA have developed contact lenses with integrated tiny telescopic lenses to boost vision. The lens is controlled by smart glasses that respond to the winking of an eye, and provides magnification of up to 2.8 times. This can be a visual aid for Age-related Macular Degeneration and other conditions, in addition to…
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DNA sensor detects cervical, bladder, kidney cancer
University of Twente MESA+ professor Wilfred van der Wiel is developing an electrode to detect cervical, bladder and kidney cancer in DNA. NanoGap is a 100 nanometer wide gap in a metal electrode with receptors that provide notifications when urine DNA is degraded. Hypermethylated DNA is bound to the receptors. By covering the DNA with metal particles, a live…
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Breath test to detect early stage lung cancer
University of Leicester and Owlstone Nanotech are developing a breath test to detect early stage lung cancer. Clinical trials for the device will begin soon. Last year ApplySci described a Cleveland Clinic developed sensor with a similar purpose. The study is being led by Leicester’s Dr Salman Siddiqui. LuCID (Lung Cancer Indicator Detection), based on Owlstone’s GC-FAIMS (Gas…
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