bob's blog

Researcher Looks to Venus Flytraps to Develop Artificial Muscles

A scientist at the University of Maine is studying the movement of Venus Flytraps in an effort to develop bionic enhancements or replacements.

DNA Origami Structures Could Spur Development of Future Medical Devices

Three DNA origami templates were designed so that quantum dots would arrange themselves (a) in the corners, (b) diagonally (three dots), and (c) in a line (four dots). NIST researchers found that putting the quantum dots closer together caused them to interfere with one another, leading to higher error rates and lower bonding strength.

Want Medical Diagnostic Devices? Try Carbon Nanotubes!

A carbon nanotube treated with a capture agent—shown in yellow—can bind with and detect a target protein—shown in purple. This process changes the electrical resistance, enabling the creation of a sensor.

Electronics Based on Oxide Thin Films Could Further Medical Device R&D

Researchers at North Carolina State University (NC State; Raleigh) have developed what they say are the first functional oxide thin films that can be used efficiently in electronics, paving the way for new high-power devices and smart sensors. And because oxides are more inert than other materials used in electronic applications and therefore biocompatible, the new technology could also eventually find its way into medical device applications.

Fast-Bonding, Self-Healing Hydrogel Has Potential Suture, Drug-Delivery Applications

A new self-healing hydrogel material developed by bioengineers at the University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego) binds in seconds and forms a bond that is strong enough to withstand repeated stretching. In the medical device realm, the material could potentially be used in a range of applications, including medical sutures and as an adhesive to heal stomach perforations or for controlled drug delivery to ulcers.

Medtronic Brings Realization of Artificial Pancreas One Step Closer

Late last year, I reported that many experts would be willing to place bets on the efficacy of an artificial pancreas to treat diabetes...if only FDA would permit it.

Rensselaer Researchers Develop Postsurgery Orthopedic Implant Sensor

Used to perform in vivo monitoring of orthopedic surgery sites, a sensor developed by Rensselaer researchers can be attached to a range of orthopedic implants.

An implantable sensor developed by researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, NY) can transmit d

Wireless, Self-Propelled Medical Implant on the Horizon

Prototype of Stanford's wireless, self-propelled chip measures 3 mm wide x 4 mm long.

Medtech Trends and Technologies at MD&M West

From materials and machines to syringes and software, MD&M West has it all. Compared with the shows that took place during the deepest, darkest days of the Great Recession, this year's medtech event to end all medtech events is taking place in the midst of greater, if guarded, optimism.

Mimicking Natural Sensors, Scientists Create Highly Precise Biosensors

By creating biosensors with rationally tuned dynamic ranges, scientists from UCSB and the University of Rome Tor Vergata have developed a DNA-detecting biosensor that could eventually help improve medical diagnostic applications.
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