News
Gentle Touch and the Bionic Eye
May 2, 2013 12:20 pm | by Inderscience Publishers | CommentsNormal vision is essentially a spatial sense that often relies upon touch and movement during and after development, there is often a correlation between how an object looks and how it feels. Moreover, as a child's senses develop, there is cross-referencing between the various senses.
Seahorse's Armor Gives Engineers Insight into Robotics Designs
May 2, 2013 12:18 pm | by University of California - San Diego | CommentsThe tail of a seahorse can be compressed to about half its size before permanent damage occurs, engineers at the University of California, San Diego, have found. The tail’s flexibility is due to its structure, made up of bony, armored plates, which slide past each other. Researchers are hoping to use a similar structure to create a flexible robotic arm equipped with muscles made out of polymer, which could be used in medical devices.
Printable 'Bionic' Ear Melds Electronics and Biology
May 2, 2013 11:59 am | by Princeton University, Engineering School | CommentsScientists at Princeton University used off-the-shelf printing tools to create a functional ear that can "hear" radio frequencies far beyond the range of normal human capability. The researchers' primary purpose was to explore an efficient and versatile means to merge electronics with tissue.
New Imaging Technique to Visualize Bio-Metals and Molecules Simultaneously
May 2, 2013 11:53 am | by RIKEN | CommentsMetal elements and molecules interact in the body but visualizing them together has always been a challenge. Researchers from the RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies in Japan have developed a new molecular imaging technology that enables them to visualize bio-metals and bio-molecules simultaneously in a live mouse.
Olympus Introduces World's Only Fully Rotatable HD Bronchoscopes
May 2, 2013 11:44 am | by PRNewswire | CommentsOlympus, a precision technology leader in designing and delivering innovative Medical and Surgical solutions, among other core businesses, announced today the commercial availability of its 510(k) cleared BF-190 bronchoscopes. The new BF-190 bronchoscopes offer unparalleled maneuverability and flexibility through the combination of their unique Rotary Function and wider tip angulation...
United Medical Devices Wins Verdict Against Playsafe
May 2, 2013 11:37 am | by PR Newswire | CommentsLOS ANGELES, May 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- This past Monday April 29th, a Santa Monica jury returned a unanimous verdict in favor of United Medical Devices and against Playsafe, LLC. United Medical Devices had retained Playsafe as a distributor for brand condoms in various territories...
CMTP Issues Guidance for Clinical Utility Studies of Molecular Diagnostics in Oncology
May 2, 2013 11:01 am | by The Associated Press | CommentsThe Center for Medical Technology Policy (CMTP) has issued an Effectiveness Guidance Document (EGD) for molecular diagnostics tests in oncology that provides specific study design recommendations for researchers and test developers to evaluate the impact of their tests on patient health...
Physical by Smartphone Becoming Real Possibility
May 2, 2013 3:35 am | by LAURAN NEERGAARD - AP Medical Writer - Associated Press | CommentsIt's not a "Star Trek" tricorder, but by hooking a variety of gadgets onto a smartphone you could almost get a complete physical — without the paper gown or even a visit to the doctor's office. Blood pressure? Just plug the arm cuff into the phone for a quick reading. Heart OK? Put your fingers...
Study Demonstrates Significant Pain Reduction with DFINE Star Tumor Ablation System in Spinal Metastases
May 1, 2013 4:40 pm | by DFINE, Inc. | CommentsDFINE, Inc., the developer of minimally invasive radiofrequency (RF) targeted therapies for the treatment of vertebral pathologies, released study results highlighting the clinical benefits of advanced Targeted-Radiofrequency Ablation™ (t-RFA) therapy for the management of patients experiencing painful spinal lesions.
May Is the Ideal Time to "Window Shop" for Hearing
May 1, 2013 4:40 pm | by PR Newswire | CommentsWASHINGTON, May 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of Better Hearing and Speech Month, the Better Hearing Institute (BHI) is encouraging people with questions about their hearing to take advantage of the warm days of spring and go out and "window shop" by visiting a...
Benefits of Using Hologic's Breast Tomosynthesis Mammography Technology Supported in Published Italian Study
May 1, 2013 4:06 pm | by The Associated Press | CommentsHologic, Inc. (Hologic or the Company) (NASDAQ: HOLX), a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of premium diagnostics products, medical imaging systems and surgical products with an emphasis on serving the healthcare needs of women, today announced the publication of the final results...
Virtual Patient Advocate Delivers Preconception Care to Improve Pregnancy Outcomes
May 1, 2013 2:42 pm | by Boston University Medical Center | CommentsResults of a pilot study suggest that a virtual patient advocate (VPA) could help influence positive changes and help women have healthier pregnancies. Developed at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), Boston Medical Center (BMC) and Northeastern University, "Gabby" is an innovative tool developed to deliver preconception care (PCC).
Plasma Surgical Announces Expanded Indications for Use for the PlasmaJet® Surgery System
May 1, 2013 12:44 pm | by The Associated Press | CommentsROSWELL, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 1, 2013--Plasma Surgical, creator of the PlasmaJet®, an advanced energy medical device designed as a safe and effective alternative to traditional electrosurgery instruments, announced today that it has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug...
Study Finds Possible Alternative to Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery
May 1, 2013 11:02 am | by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center | CommentsScientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center used a catheter to re-direct the flow of bile from the bile duct into the small intestine, producing the same metabolic and weight-loss benefits as bariatric surgeries such as gastric by-pass. They named the procedure bile diversion, or BD.
A Text Message a Day Keeps the Asthma Attack Away
May 1, 2013 10:56 am | by Georgia Institute of Technology | CommentsIn a study by the Georgia Institute of Technology, pediatric patients who were asked questions about their symptoms and provided information about asthma via SMS text messages showed improved pulmonary function and a better understanding of their condition within four months, compared to other groups.
