Medical technology 2020 – a review
Covid-19 gave many of these predictions for 2020 an entirely new spin: while some of the hyped trends turned out to play only bit-parts others became box-office hits in the new normal.
sensors
Neurofeedback to help those who wear prostheses
Transmitting sensory signals from prostheses to the nervous system helps leg amputees to perceive prosthesis as part of their body.
Multifunctional sensor system could revolutionize smart contacts
Researchers have demonstrated a novel multifunctional ultrathin contact lens sensor layer with transistors that may revolutionise the manufacture of smart contact lenses.
Bionic touch does not remap the brain
Neuroscientists have demonstrated that the brain does not remap itself even with long-term bionic limb use, posing challenges for the development of realistic prosthetic limbs.
Ultra-thin sensitive strain sensors
Researchers have developed a new range of nanomaterial strain sensors that are 10 times more sensitive when measuring minute movements, compared to existing technology.
Earable computing: A new research area in the making
CSL's Systems and Networking Research Group (SyNRG) is defining a new sub-area of mobile technology that they call "earable computing."
Sense Glucose Earring for managing diabetes
A product design graduate has developed a discreet item of wearable technology that monitors blood sugar levels and delivers feedback in real-time.
Wearable shines light on benefits of outdoor lighting
A device could help scientists better understand the health benefits of outdoor lighting and lead to wearables that could nudge users to get more outdoor time.
Designing soft and sensitive robotic fingers
Scientists have designed a 3D printable soft robotic finger containing a built-in sensor with adjustable stiffness.
Micro-supercapacitors to self-power wearables
A stretchable system that can harvest energy from human breathing and motion for use in wearable health-monitoring devices may be possible.
Smartwatch can detect early signs of illness
Researchers have developed a smartwatch app designed to alert users when their bodies show signs of fighting an infection, such as elevated heart rate.
Wearable may signal you're developing COVID-19
A smart ring that generates continuous temperature data may foreshadow COVID-19, even in cases when infection is not suspected.
Paper-based sensor rapidly detects COVID-19
Researchers have developed a rapid, ultrasensitive test using a paper-based electrochemical sensor that can detect the presence of the virus in less than five minutes.
The role of mhealth in monitoring Covid-19 patients
Researchers have examined how mobile technologies have been used in monitoring and mitigating the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
A blood oxygenation biosensor for premature babies
Researchers have developed a wireless sensor that monitors the health of the baby's brain in a simple, inexpensive and comfortable way for the child.
Sensor detects scarred or fatty liver tissue
Engineers have developed a diagnostic tool, based on nuclear magnetic resonance, that could be used to detect fatty liver disease and liver fibrosis.
Robot hands one step closer to human
The Shadow Robot Dexterous Hand is a robot hand, with size, shape and movement capabilities similar to those of a human hand.
Brain-controlled computers are becoming a reality, but major hurdles remain
More researchers and companies are moving into the brain-computer interfaces, yet major challenges remain, from user training to the reality of invasive brain implant procedures.
Breath gas analysis detects cancer
Researchers are developing solutions designed to enable the analysis of breath gas to assist with the diagnosis of disease.
E-skin has a strong future stretching ahead
A material that mimics human skin in strength, stretchability and sensitivity could be used to collect biological data in real time.
A pressure sensor at your fingertips
An ultrathin pressure sensor for the skin measures how fingers interact with objects to produce useful data for medical applications.
COVID-19: AI system monitores vital health signs
A key symptom of COVID-19 – oxygen saturation – is now being estimated remotely from a camera, thanks to research from University of South Australia (UniSA).
Motorized sensors speed up disease diagnosis
A new approach uses a nanosensor to speed up detection of trace amounts of biomarkers for early-disease diagnosis, while retaining high levels of sensitivity.
Rapid POCT for opioids in the bloodstream
Point-of-care electrochemical sensors using revolutionary nanocarbon technology can rapidly test for opioid concentrations in the bloodstream.
Medical training platform for unique learning experience
Why do people learn new skills at different speeds? A medical training aid is addressing this question by blending sensory technology with psychological insight.
'Skin' sensor gives robots human sensation
Researchers at Cornell University have developed stretchable sensors that gives robots and VirtualReality a human touch.
Sensor for smart textiles survives hammers
An ultra-sensitive, resilient strain sensor that can be embedded in textiles and soft robotic systems survived being tested by a washing machine and a car.
Implantable sensor could safely biodegrade
Researchers reported they designed a flexible and implantable sensor that can monitor various forms of nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) gas in the body.
Graphene – the versatile wonder material
Graphene has a vast variety of practical applications in the creation of new materials. But what exactly is graphene and what makes it so special?
