Biomedical engineering

Caltech researchers have developed a revolutionary medical imaging technology, photoacoustic vector tomography (PAVT), that noninvasively images deep blood vessels and analyzes blood flow. This groundbreaking method surpasses traditional imaging techniques by providing detailed insights into both the presence and dynamics of blood vessels. (Artist’s concept.) Credit: SciTechDaily.comCaltech’s new photoacoustic vector tomography (PAVT) technology enables groundbreaking noninvasive imaging of deep blood vessels and detailed…

Restoring natural sensory feedback results in functional and cognitive benefits for leg prosthesis users. Credit: Pietro ComaschiA few years ago, a team of researchers working under Professor Stanisa Raspopovic at the ETH Zurich Neuroengineering Lab gained worldwide attention when they announced that their prosthetic legs had enabled amputees to feel sensations from this artificial body part for the first time. Unlike commercial leg prostheses, which simply provide amputees with stability and support, the ETH researchers’…

Schematic illustration showing the role of GQDs, derived from erythrocyte membranes, as peroxidase–mimic enzyme for tumor catalytic therapy. Credit: FHIPSA team led by Professor Wang Hui at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has developed a metal-free nanozyme using graphene quantum dots (GQDs). This innovation is aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of tumor chemodynamic therapy (CDT).The study was published in the journal Matter.GQDs represent a promising and…

Amir Alavi is leading a groundbreaking project at the University of Pittsburgh to develop “metamaterial” orthopedic implants for spinal treatment, funded by a $557,000 NIH grant. By leveraging generative AI and the unique properties of metamaterials, Alavi aims to create spinal fusion cages that enhance healing and surgical success. This research could transform spinal surgery, offering new solutions for bone injury and disease treatment. Above are examples of bone implants designed with metamaterials. Credit: Amir…

MIT engineers have developed an ingestible capsule that vibrates in the stomach, simulating fullness by activating stretch receptors, which in animal studies reduced food intake by about 40%. This non-invasive approach, potentially useful for weight control, is seen as a cost-effective alternative to current obesity treatments.Ingesting the device prior to eating may induce a sensation of satiety, deceiving the brain into believing that it’s time to stop eating.When you eat a large meal, your stomach sends signals to your…

A team from Duke University has created a speech prosthetic that translates brain signals into speech, aiding individuals with neurological disorders. While still slower than natural speech, the technology, backed by advanced brain sensors and ongoing research, shows promising potential for enhanced communication abilities. (Artist’s concept) Credit: SciTechDaily.comA prosthetic device deciphers signals from the brain’s speech center to predict what sound a person is trying to say.A team of neuroscientists, neurosurgeons,…

The biosensor and reader are designed to be used at home or at a point of care. The system can transmit results wirelessly to physicians, patients, and patient’s caregivers and family. Credit: David Baillot/University of California San DiegoThe next steps involve testing saliva and urine samples with the biosensor.An international team of scientists has created a handheld, non-invasive device that can detect biomarkers for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases. This biosensor can also wirelessly send the findings to a…

Confocal microscopic image shows mesenchymal stem cells (green) captured within nanovials (pink). The nanovial technology was developed by UCLA’s Dino Di Carlo and colleagues. Credit: Shreya Udani/UCLAUCLA stem cell scientists ID surprise genetic instructions for boosting protein secretion, with big implications for biotech and cell therapy.Mesenchymal stem cells, found in bone marrow, secrete therapeutic proteins that could potentially help regenerate damaged tissue.A UCLA study examining these cells challenges the…

Investigators are developing synthetic programmable bacteria to help kill cancerous tissue. Credit: Texas A&M Engineeringhttps://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1009258https://chat.openai.com/c/6cfb1180-0a40-409b-b230-817e653d2c44 Texas A&M University researchers are co-leading a $20 million project to develop a $1 cancer treatment.What if a single one-dollar dose could cure cancer?A multi-university team of researchers, supported by federal funding, is developing a highly efficient bacterial therapeutic to…

Recent research at Caltech has made significant improvements to a photoacoustic imaging technology called PATER, now evolved into PACTER. This new version simplifies the technology by reducing the need for multiple sensors, enables three-dimensional imaging, and eliminates the necessity for calibration before each use. These advancements make the technology more practical and efficient for medical imaging applications. Credit: CaltechCaltech’s improved photoacoustic imaging technology, PACTER, simplifies procedures,…