Medical
‘Mini-Brains’ created in lab to study neurological diseases
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health say they have developed tiny 'mini-brains' made up of many of the neurons and cells of the human brain – and even some of its functionality – and which can be replicated on a large scale.
New technique allows researchers to fine-tune gene editing
Taking advantage of advanced microscopy techniques, a team of University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers has developed a highly efficient method for more precisely editing genes in populations of cells and viewing how individual cells change, in real time. The method could increase researchers' ability to target genetic defects while leaving the rest of the genome alone.
Disabled violinist composes for the first time in 27 years
Rosemary Johnson was a promising violinist and member of the Welsh National Opera Orchestra when she was involved in a devastating car crash 27 years ago. The accident left her in a coma for seven months, and the resulting brain damage has robbed her of most of her ability to talk and move. But thanks to new software that reads people's brain waves, Johnson has been able to compose music for the first time since 1988, and has had the chance to ha...
Researchers use laser to 'weld' neurons
A research team based in the Faculty of Engineering has developed a method of connecting neurons, using ultrashort laser pulses—a breakthrough technique that opens the door to new medical research and treatment opportunities.
Graphene shown to safely interact with neurons in the brain
Researchers have successfully demonstrated how it is possible to interface graphene – a two-dimensional form of carbon – with neurons, or nerve cells, while maintaining the integrity of these vital cells. The work may be used to build graphene-based electrodes that can safely be implanted in the brain, offering promise for the restoration of sensory functions for amputee or paralysed patients, or for individuals with motor disorders s...
The feasibility of 'printing' replacement tissue
Using a sophisticated, custom-designed 3D printer, regenerative medicine scientists at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have proved that it is feasible to print living tissue structures to replace injured or diseased tissue in patients. Reporting in Nature Biotechnology, the scientists said they printed ear, bone and muscle structures. When implanted in animals, the structures matured into functional tissue and developed a system of blood vesse...
The evolution of medical machines
High precision gear expert, Harmonic Drive, has released an infographic tracking the evolution of medical machines, from the dawn of the humble stethoscope to modern medical robots. Machines have been synonymous with innovation and the advancement of the human race for centuries, and the way they interact with our lives is becoming increasingly symbiotic. From the motorcar and smartphone to industrial automation and medical devices, ou...
No more medical shock horrors
REO UK has launched PROMED, a series of large electrical transformers designed to provide fully isolated power in operating theatres and other medical environments. The transformers are fully compliant with the EN 60601 medical directive, offering low current leakage and efficient isolation.
Robotically driven system could reduce cost of drug discovery
Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University have created the first robotically driven experimentation system to determine the effects of a large number of drugs on many proteins, reducing the number of necessary experiments by 70%. The model, presented in the journal eLife, uses an approach that could lead to accurate predictions of the interactions between novel drugs and their targets, helping to reduce the cost of drug discovery.
Fibre-optic technology could heal wounds faster
A new technique which delivers light deeper into human tissue than previously possible has been developed by researchers at the University of St Andrews and Harvard Medical School. The new method, published in the journal Nature Communications, could help heal wounds faster and treat tumours more efficiently. Through a process called photochemical tissue bonding, light is applied to a wound to stimulate healing.