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Optical method: compact device for rapid tissue analysis during surgery
24.06.2019
A team of researchers from Jena is presenting a groundbreaking new method for the rapid, gentle and reliable detection of tumors with laser light. For the first time, the Leibniz IPHT will present a compact device for rapid cancer diagnosis during surgery. The optical method will help surgeons to remove tumors more precisely and could make cancer operations possible without a scalpel.
Functional Imaging: The puls of modern oncology
17.06.2019
Medical imaging techniques have developed considerably in recent decades. In addition to morphological imaging techniques more and more functional imaging techniques are used in oncology that can continously record the functions of specific organs locally and regionally in real time. These are groundbreaking for diagnostics, therapies and preoperative preparations.
World Blood Donation Day: A small drop saves lives
14.06.2019
Donating blood - the World Blood Donation Day has been held annually since 2004 on 14th June, the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, discoverer of blood groups. The day is intended to make people all over the world aware of the relevance of blood donations and donors. But what significance does blood donation have for human health? What activities will take place on this day?
Computational system: tool pinpoints gut's bacteria
14.06.2019
A UCLA-led research team has developed a faster and more accurate way to determine where the many bacteria that live in, and on, humans come from. Broadly, the tool can deduce the origins of any microbiome, a localized and diverse community of microscopic organisms.
Surgery devices: 'virtual biopsy' device detects skin tumor
14.06.2019
has developed a new "virtual biopsy" device that can quickly determine a skin lesion's depth and potential malignancy without using a scalpel.
AI: diagnosis of skin lesions is superior to humans
13.06.2019
When it comes to the diagnosis of pigmented skin lesions, artificial intelligence is superior to humans. In a study conducted under the supervision of the MedUni Vienna human experts "competed" against computer algorithms. The algorithms achieved clearly better results, yet their current abilities cannot replace humans.
Wound healing: Molecular bait for hydrogels
12.06.2019
The team led by Brown School of Engineering bioengineer Antonios Mikos and graduate student Jason Guo have developed modular, injectable hydrogels enhanced by bioactive molecules anchored in the chemical crosslinkers that give the gels structure.
Machine learning: superior results for low-dose CT
12.06.2019
Machine learning has the potential to vastly advance medical imaging, particularly computerized tomography (CT) scanning, by reducing radiation exposure and improving image quality. Those new research findings were just published in Nature Machine Intelligence by engineers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and radiologists at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
Ultrasound: restoring dopaminergic pathway at Parkinson's
11.06.2019
While there are several thousand drugs available to treat brain diseases, they cannot penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) into the brain. The BBB, which protects the brain from pathogens, also prevents most drugs from gaining access to the brain functional tissue, a well-known challenge to the treatment of all brain diseases including neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease.
AI: method to improve rare disease diagnosis
11.06.2019
The team under Prof. Tom Lenaerts (VUB-ULB) of the IB² has developed an AI algorithm that makes it possible to identify combinations of genetic variants or abnormalities that cause rare diseases through computer analysis.
Biomarker: Which pancreatic cysts may become cancerous?
10.06.2019
Cysts in the pancreas sometimes develop into the invasive cancer, depending on the type of cyst, but such growths often are not cancerous, creating a quandary for physicians who spot them via CT and MRI scans. Surgery to remove pancreatic cysts is often complex, so there is a need for new tools to identify which such cysts are most likely to develop into cancer and which are not.
Shock wave therapy: Personalized treatment in orthopedic everyday-life
04.06.2019
Tendinitis, myofascial pain syndromes or fractures - shock wave therapy is a noninvasive method with no side effects that promises relief. The intensity of the shock waves can be customized to meet patients’ needs and yields fast positive results. In addition to advising doctor’s offices, clinical facilities, and universities, Kröner Medizintechnik GmbH also offers treatment, support, and care.
Of exoskeletons and service robots – the future of rehabilitation
03.06.2019
For most people, enjoying a good quality of life means having the ability to move freely, safely and independently. Intensive and costly rehabilitation is needed if this is no longer an option after a stroke for example. We are introducing some projects that deliver innovative robotic solutions.
Walking is an issue of mind over matter – how robots assist rehabilitation
03.06.2019
Humans are living longer than ever but still want to continue to live independently as they age. Meanwhile, our motor and cognitive abilities decline as we age, sometimes as the effects of a stroke. The number of people in need of long-term care is growing at breakneck speed. At the same time, fewer and fewer young people choose stressful careers as caregivers.
Rehab with a robot – robot-assisted therapy in neurology
03.06.2019
It takes consistent repetitions if rehab patients want to relearn skills after surviving a stroke. This requires extreme effort. The industrial sector uses robots to perform repetitive tasks or handle jobs that require strength. What has been a fixture in factories for decades is now also making its way into rehabilitation facilities.
Robotics – rehab with motors and sensors
03.06.2019
They work with power, precision and tirelessly. This makes robots an ideal instrument for rehabilitation. In gait or motor training, movement sequences must be repeated thousands of times so that they can be learnt anew. What tires the patient and costs the therapist's time can easily be managed by robot-assisted systems. Learn more about the possibilities of robotics in rehabilitation.
Diagnostics: biomarkers help tailor diuretic use in acute heart failure patients
31.05.2019
Adrenomedullin activity predicts which acute heart failure patients are at the greatest risk of death without diuretic treatment post-discharge, according to late breaking research presented today at Heart Failure 2019, a scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).
Diagnostic test: simple test can tell if you're stressed out
29.05.2019
Stress is often called "the silent killer" because of its stealthy and mysterious effects on everything from heart disease to mental health. Now researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a new test that can easily and simply measure common stress hormones using sweat, blood, urine or saliva.
Big Data: algorithm predicts intensive care patients' chances of survival
27.05.2019
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and Rigshospitalet have used data on more than 230,000 intensive care patients to develop a new algorithm. Among other things, it uses disease history from the past 23 years to predict patients' chances of survival in intensive care units.
Diagnostic test: biomarker can diagnose Alzheimer's in its earliest stages
27.05.2019
Alzheimer's disease is the major cause of dementia and so far, no effective treatment can prevent, delay or stop its progression. We know that AD has an extensive prodromal stage (with initial symptoms preceding the disease) which lasts 15 to 20 years before clinical signs are evident. To envision an effective treatment for AD, we need to be able to accurately diagnose AD at its earliest stages.
Blood test: How effective is stem cell transplantation?
24.05.2019
University of Maryland School of Medicine study shows the potential of transplanted stem cell secretions as a liquid biopsy.
Diagnostic tests: Better detection of prostate cancer
24.05.2019
Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of male cancer deaths worldwide. Deaths from prostate cancer are primarily due to metastasized cancer, in which cancer cells have migrated through the body and begun to grow in other areas. Results reported in Biomicrofluidics, from AIP Publishing, promise a new way to detect this deadly disease through a simple, inexpensive device.
Diagnostic tests: Identifying cancer treatment in five days
23.05.2019
UNIGE researchers have developed a cell co-culture platform that can reproduce a patient's tumour in 3D and test the best treatment combinations for its specific case in just five days.
Wearables: World's first wearable kidney
23.05.2019
An artificial portable kidney that patients who have suffered renal failure could wear is to be created by a research team at the University of Saskatchewan with federal funding.
Microscope: Technology revolutionizes drug development
22.05.2019
The search for new drugs to combat diseases more effectively could be revolutionised through a new £30 million electron microscopy project. Experts would be able to see, for the first time, how a particular drug works within a patient at a cellular level or the molecular processes set in motion by a genetic mutation.
AI: System spots lung cancer before radiologists
22.05.2019
Deep learning - a form of artificial intelligence - was able to detect malignant lung nodules on low-dose chest computed tomography (LDCT) scans with a performance meeting or exceeding that of expert radiologists, reports a new study from Google and Northwestern Medicine.
App: Asthma tracking for children
21.05.2019
An app that allows parents and doctors to monitor a child's asthma has a big impact on managing the disease. When families monitored symptoms with eAsthma Tracker and adjusted care accordingly, children had better asthma control and made fewer visits to the emergency department.
Assistance systems: AI radio for people with dementia
21.05.2019
Radio Me will address key causes of hospital admission for people with dementia, such as agitation and not taking medication correctly. As a result, it is hoped quality of life will improve, and people will be able to remain living independently at home for longer.
Microfluidic chip: New technology to capture tumor cells
20.05.2019
Instead of searching for a needle in a haystack, what if you were able to sweep the entire haystack to one side, leaving only the needle behind? That's the strategy researchers in the University of Georgia College of Engineering followed in developing a new microfluidic device that separates elusive circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from a sample of whole blood.
Neuroimaging: Big data helps improve diagnosis accuracy
20.05.2019
A team of researchers from Osaka University and The University of Tokyo developed MNet, an automatic diagnosis system for neurological diseases using magnetoencephalography (MEG), demonstrating the possibility of making automatic neurological disease diagnoses using MEG.
Do upper and lower GI endoscopies on the same day!
17.05.2019
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have shown benefits from "bundling" upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopies on the same day to remedy what they say is the "disturbingly" large number of older Americans currently being scheduled for the procedures on two different days.
MR-guided treatment for life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia
15.05.2019
In a world first, UHZ has succeeded in treating a patient with life-threatening cardiac arrythmia using MR-controlled radio ablation.
AI: Novel method predicts future risk of breast cancer
14.05.2019
Researchers from two major institutions have developed a new tool with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) methods to predict a woman's future risk of breast cancer.
Analyser system: New approach catalogues vast cell number
14.05.2019
Data-sampling method makes "sketches" of unwieldy biological datasets while still capturing the full diversity of cell types. MIT researchers are now bringing that concept to computational biology, with a novel method that extracts comprehensive samples of massive cell datasets that are easier to analyze for biological and medical studies.
Imaging: New technique uses protein of scorpion venom
13.05.2019
A novel imaging technique that uses a synthesized form of scorpion venom to light up brain tumors has shown promise in a clinical trial. The imaging system enables neurosurgeons to better see malignant growths that often are difficult to fully eliminate.
Diagnostics: Novel device for Parkinson’s disease
13.05.2019
Presently there are no disease-modifying therapies for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease; however, one potential strategy for treatment is to prevent α-synuclein aggregation. As a first step, researchers at Osaka University have developed a device that can assess the degree of α-synuclein aggregation in the brain.
mHealth: Atrial fibrillation detection – App supports heart health
08.05.2019
Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of persistent cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm). Researchers estimate that 1.8 million Germans are presently affected by this disease. The condition is difficult to diagnose, frequently goes undetected and may result in a stroke. A new smartwatch medical app is designed to help patients detect atrial fibrillation before it’s too late.
Analzing system: Breakthrough designation KidneyIntelX™
03.05.2019
Renalytix AI plc (AIM: RENX), a developer of artificial intelligence-enabled clinical diagnostics for kidney disease, announces that it has been granted Breakthrough Device designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for its lead diagnostic, KidneyIntelX™. This is the first such designation for an AI-enabled diagnostic for kidney disease publicly announced by any company.
15 seconds for a healthier life - World Hand Hygiene Day 2019
03.05.2019
What can be done in 15 seconds? 15 seconds is a short time and yet these seconds can save lives. Not only people in everyday life, but also the personal of hospitals should take this time to disinfect hands regularly. On the 5th May 2019 is "International Hand Hygiene Day". This day intends to remind society that regular hand hygiene can protect people from infectious diseases.
Imaging: Deep-learning model for lung cancer
02.05.2019
A deep-learning model developed using serial image scans of tumors from patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) predicted treatment response and survival outcomes better than standard clinical parameters.
Computational system: Algorithms for cancer treatments
02.05.2019
While network algorithms are usually associated with finding friends on social media, researchers at the University of Sussex have shown how they could also be used improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment, by predicting the interactions between genes.
Imaging: System helps to remove tiny ovarian tumors
01.05.2019
Ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed only after it has reached an advanced stage, with many tumors spread throughout the abdomen. Most patients undergo surgery to remove as many of these tumors as possible, but because some are so small and widespread, it is difficult to eradicate all of them.
mHealth: Smartphone AI detects diabetic retinopathy
01.05.2019
Researchers at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center revealed that combining a smartphone-mounted device that takes high-quality retinal pictures with artificial intelligence software that reads them, can determine in real- time whether a patient should be referred to an ophthalmologist for follow-up.
Physiotherapy: Quality post-stroke rehabilitation system
30.04.2019
Researchers of Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) and Italian high-tech company Gruppo Fos Lithuania are developing a technology for the personalised care of the patients who have experienced a stroke. After collecting data of physiological parameters, the multimodal system will choose personalised rehabilitation solutions for each patient.
Diagnostics: Test for effective treatment of breast cancer
30.04.2019
A breast cancer test has been found that helps doctors make treatment decisions for some breast cancer patients, following research carried out at Queen Mary University of London and funded by Cancer Research UK.
Software: Advanced radiation therapy for children
29.04.2019
Doctors at Children's Hospital Los Angeles continue to lead the field of radiation oncology by pushing the leading edge of technological advances. A new report by Arthur Olch, PhD, highlights use of specialized software that could advance treatment accuracy for pediatric cancer patients.
mobile Health: Game detects Alzheimer's risk
29.04.2019
A specially designed mobile phone game can detect people at risk of Alzheimer's - according to new research from the University of East Anglia. Researchers studied gaming data from an app called Sea Hero Quest, which has been downloaded and played by more than 4.3 million people worldwide.
World Laboratory Day 2019 – working behind the scenes of medicine
23.04.2019
They are working in the background, but the things they do often decide about the right therapy or can even be life savers: labs and laboratory technology are probably the most important part of today’s medicine. This is why World Laboratory Day aims to draw attention to this "hidden" part of medicine.
ENT: new adhesive structures for medical applications
23.04.2019
In cooperation with the Saarland University Hospital, the INM has developed bioinspired adhesive structures for the treatment of eardrum injuries. The adhesive structures are now to be transferred into a biomedical product.
AI performs as well as experienced radiologists
18.04.2019
UCLA researchers have developed a new artificial intelligence system to help radiologists improve their ability to diagnose prostate cancer. The
Wearables: healing glove reaches major milestone
12.04.2019
The revolutionary bioengineered healing glove created by researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute (UTARI) and the University of Washington has completed another key step on the road toward commercialization.
Wearables: wrist band to empower Parkinson's patients
11.04.2019
People with Parkinson's could see their care transformed thanks to a new service involving wearable technology. The project, entitled Developing Home-based Parkinson's Care, will see patients use a wrist-worn device known as a Personal Kinetigraph as part of a new scheme to help them and a specialist team monitor their condition at home.
Imaging: Method to diagnose heart disease in children
04.04.2019
A new study by biomedical engineering researchers at the University of Arkansas could significantly improve methods for detecting and diagnosing congenital heart disease in infants and small children.
AI for better assessment of brain tumor treatment
03.04.2019
A team from Heidelberg University Hospital and the German Cancer Research Centre has developed a new method for the automated image analysis of brain tumors. In their recent publication, the authors show that machine learning methods carefully trained on standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are more reliable and precise than established radiological methods in the treatment of brain tumors.
Machine learning model describes cell development
03.04.2019
From birth through to death, cells lead an eventful existence. Thanks to single-cell genomics, their destiny can be analyzed. But this method destroys the cell. In order to address this problem, researchers at the Helmholtz Zentrum München and the University of Massachusetts use pseudodynamics, a mathematical model that estimates developmental processes from single-cell time series observations.
Stroke: 4D brain perfusion accelerates treatment
01.04.2019
In an ischaemic stroke, rapid treatment is essential. In this moment good imaging data is particularly important to enable doctors to make the best possible decision for therapy. Modern CT scanners are increasingly being used to assess stroke patients because they can show the blood flow to the brain over time.
Functional imaging: a look at the command center
01.04.2019
All information from our body and the environment converges in our brain and is transformed into reactions in milliseconds. It is essential for medicine and research to know what our switching centre looks like. Functional methods are used to observe it more closely during work.
Functional imaging: what makes the brain tick?
01.04.2019
Our brain is the command center of our body. This is where all information and impressions are collected and converted into responses and movements. Modern imaging techniques offer physicians and researchers unique insights into the actions of the human central nervous system. The functional imaging technique allows them to watch our brain in action.
Big Data: Software predicts risk of irregular heart beats
29.03.2019
Combining a wealth of information derived from previous studies with data from more than 500 patients, an international team led by researchers from Johns Hopkins has developed a computer-based set of rules that more accurately predicts when patients with a rare heart condition might benefit--or not--from lifesaving implanted defibrillators.
Smart wristband alerts dangerous health conditions
28.03.2019
Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), Lithuania researchers are developing a smart wrist-worn device for monitoring of atrial fibrillation - a condition, which if left untreated can lead to serious health complications and even death.
Microgels fight off bacteria of implants
27.03.2019
Joint replacements are among the most common elective surgeries - but around one in 100 patients suffer post-surgical infections, turning a routine procedure into an expensive and dangerous ordeal. Now, researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have developed a "self-defensive surface" for these implants that release micro-doses of antibiotics when bacteria approach, reducing infection rates.
Blood Sugar Monitoring: Using Infrared Instead of Invasive Techniques
22.03.2019
Over six million people in Germany have diabetes. It is estimated that almost 400 million people are affected by this disease worldwide. Diabetes sufferers must prick their fingers several times a day to monitor their blood sugar.
Orthopedic implant: More comfortable thanks to full weight-bearing capacity
08.03.2019
Orthopedic implants – they are a necessity when it comes to congenital or acquired limb length discrepancies. However, full weight-bearing during the limb lengthening process is not feasible with previous implant models. For the first time, the 3D Surgery division at the Medical Center of the University of Munich has succeeded in using an implant that facilitates immediate weight-bearing.
Restoring Pulmonary Function
01.03.2019
People suffering from lung disease temporarily need ventilator support because they are unable to breathe naturally. Mechanical ventilation is designed to ensure the survival of these patients. The goal is to adapt the ventilator settings and tailor them the patient's specific needs and prevent lung tissue damage.
All-round care for COPD: diagnosis, treatment, self-management
01.03.2019
COPD affects more than 200 million people in the world. Those affected by this chronic pulmonary disease are often slow to notice the symptoms and get a medical diagnosis. This results in secondary complications and high medical costs. That's why an early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and frequent monitoring are very important. Various devices and tools support this all-round care.
Comprehensive Treatment: It’s All About Breathing
01.03.2019
Coughing, airway obstruction, difficulty breathing: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used to describe progressive and currently incurable lung diseases. The innovative solutions of Philips Respironics help patients to manage each stage of the disease and their medication intake, train the respiratory system and provide respiratory support.
React early, breathe free – comprehensive COPD management
01.03.2019
COPD is considered the third most common cause of death worldwide and mainly affects smokers. It is not curable, but with the right combination of early diagnosis, therapy and self-management, a significant part of the quality of life can be regained. The comprehensive care is supported by various devices and technical tools. Learn more about the all-round care of COPD in our Topic of the Month.
Organ-on-a-chip – Organs in miniature format
01.02.2019
In vitro processes and animal tests are used to develop new medications and novel therapeutic approaches. However, animal testing raises important ethical concerns. Organ-on-a-chip models promise to be a feasible alternative. In a system the size of a smartphone, organs are connected using artificial circulation.
Multi-Organ Chips – The Patients of Tomorrow?
01.02.2019
The liver, nervous tissue or the intestines: all are important human organs that have in the past been tested for their function and compatibility using animal or in vitro test methods. In recent years, TissUse GmbH, a spin-off of the Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin), has launched multi-organ chip platforms. But that’s not all.
Organ-on-a-chip - the mini organs of the future?
01.02.2019
So far in vitro methods and animal experiments have been used to determine the causes of diseases, research therapeutic approaches and predict the effect of drugs. Organ-on-a-chip models now offer a more accurate and ethically justifiable alternative. Find out more about the models, their advantages and future developments in our Topic of the Month.
AI ensures dynamic sitting
22.01.2019
Whether in the office, at school or behind the wheel: we spend a lot of time sitting and often stay in the same position for too long. The possible side effects are stiffness, back problems and pain. The SensA-Chair smart seating solution combats decreased mobility and ensures dynamic sitting.
Better living thanks to telemedicine – “TelePark“- project targets patients with Parkinson’s disease
08.01.2019
Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that primarily affects movement of patients and makes their everyday lives very challenging. It also makes regular doctor appointments and treatment sessions necessary. "TelePark" - a project that collects different movement-related parameters using sensors and apps is designed to improve the quality of life for Parkinson’s patients.
DiaDigital: making sense of diabetes apps
02.01.2019
While they are very useful, health apps have one major drawback: anyone can release and distribute them unchecked. Only some apps require medical device certification. So how can users spot a great, safe and useful app? When it comes to diabetes apps, the “DiaDigital” seal of distinction is the answer.
Diabetes digital – smart support for diabetics
02.01.2019
Monitoring blood sugar levels, counting carbohydrates, calculating insulin doses, and keeping accurate records - diabetes is a data-intensive disease that demands a lot of self-discipline and attention from the patients. Some concerns are patients neglecting to keep a food journal, "fudged" test results or calculation errors. Digital solutions help patients easily manage the large volumes of data.
A digital look inside the human eye – when algorithms diagnose Diabetes
02.01.2019
Diabetes mellitus or simply diabetes has become very common and is often described as a lifestyle disease. More and more people are suffering from this chronic metabolic disorder. Next to established diagnostic procedures, digital retinal screening has shown to be successful - a promising technique that will also play an important role in the diagnosis of other diseases in the future.
Blood glucose monitoring of tomorrow - modern diabetes therapies
02.01.2019
There are 425 million people with diabetes in the world. Heart problems, kidney failure or blindness - these can all be consequences of the metabolic disease. Diabetes patients now have the possibility of being treated digitally.
Electrical Effectiveness - healing methods alongside conventional Medicine
03.12.2018
Conventional medicine is taught at universities and is generally acknowledged. But other therapies have also proven their worth, such as electrical healing methods, which contribute to recovery and a better quality of life. In our Topic of the Month you learn about in which cases they are used, what their benefits are and what the current status of these methods is on the medical market.
Back to health – when electrical pulses provide healing
03.12.2018
Strengthening and healing thanks to the power of electrical pulses - is that really possible? When mobility is restricted or muscles are no longer as strong as they used to be, electrical treatment options can lead to improvement or even cure of diseases. But why are more and more people turning to these alternatives, what are the advantages and what are their limitations and drawbacks?
MoreGrasp – being able to grasp again with paraplegia
22.11.2018
Every year between 250.000 and 500.000 people suffer a spinal cord injury, MoreGrasp is intended to make their lives easier. The project aims to restore the lost gripping function in people with high paraplegia. Researchers at Graz University of Technology have developed a neuroprosthesis that is currently undergoing a feasibility study.
The Future of X-Ray – Interview with PROTEC
14.11.2018
Since Konrad Röntgen discovered X-rays in 1895, this type of diagnosis has been part of everyday hospital routine. But what innovations will there still be in this area of imaging methods in 2018? PROTEC gives us an insight into the fascinating world of X-rays at MEDICA 2018.
Healthcare data to go – Interview with medicus.ai
13.11.2018
New technologies lead to new challenges, but also open up new possibilities. At the stand of Medicus AI at MEDICA 2018, we will find out what they look like specifically for medicine. The company has developed an app that bundles all of a patient's health-related data and helps understand medical reports.
A clean kidney: Break then glue
08.11.2018
Not enough exercise, an unhealthy diet: Kidney stones develop when urine contains too many insoluble compounds and are now one of the most common diseases worldwide. The ailment annually affects 1.2 million people in Germany alone. The stones are broken up and taken out via endoscopic surgery. Now it’s possible to remove even the tiniest residual fragments. The solution: a biocompatible adhesive.
Digitization: Hospitals as Popular Targets?
02.11.2018
It’s safe to say that patients and their prompt medical care take center stage at any hospital. Digitization of the healthcare sector is quickly advancing to make this a reality: data is stored in a digital medium, devices are linked together. But how safe are hospitals in the age of innovation?
Healthy aging: further research needed on measurement methods in geriatrics
22.10.2018
Today’s society is faced with an aging population. The past has seen the development of many methods for measuring body composition in older adults. However, some of these techniques are not available to medical practices and hospital facilities or are in dire need of optimization.
Lung Imaging – Keeping the Respiratory System Healthy
05.10.2018
Many people have damaged or suboptimally functioning lungs. An accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment are vital to protect this life-sustaining organ. Modern imaging solutions help physicians and patients understand what happens inside the lungs.
Back pain: The research project Ran Rücken is intended to help
10.09.2018
About eight in ten Germans suffer from back pain during their lifetime. Too much or the wrong movements can also cause problems. "Ran Rücken", the interdisciplinary research project aims to determine the right minimum dose of exercise that proves effective. (Explanatory note: "Ran Rücken" can be loosely translated as "Target the Back")
Master plan Smart Hospital: well-connected is half cared for
03.09.2018
Artificial intelligence makes the diagnosis, robots perform the surgery and physicians manage all processes via touchscreen – is that what hospitals of the future will look like? And how far away are we actually from this future? Many hospital facilities are already on their way to becoming Smart Hospitals with the latest technology and where everything and everyone is linked and connected.
Diagnosing diseases with big data
01.08.2018
All of us generate data every day without even realizing it – sometimes it happens unconsciously and unintentionally. At this point, we are made of data and not just in the eyes of tech companies but also from a healthcare system perspective. Our electronic health records are a smorgasbord of data for example.
Video streaming, apps, and smart glasses: telemedicine on standby
02.07.2018
Looking at the trends and innovations in emergency medicine, it is apparent that the idea of an ambulance as a kind of mobile emergency room that comes to patients, connects them with health professionals and makes a diagnosis en route to the hospital, is gaining momentum. The increased usage of telemedicine plays a big part in this development.
The STEADY project: Managing depression with wearables
01.06.2018
These days, smartphones and wearables of all kinds more or less "incidentally" collect lots of personal data about our lives. Many people have privacy and security concerns – and rightfully so – especially if mountains of data fall into the wrong hands. But what if patients collect their own data and get help to use it for their own purposes?
The cure is in the capsule: carbon monoxide to treat chronic inflammation
22.05.2018
This unusual ally can be extremely valuable in the fight against inflammation in the body: CO (carbon monoxide). As a therapeutic gas, it also promises relief for inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases. Having said that, it is difficult to transport the active ingredient to the exact desired location.
Between austerity measures and growth pressure - Latin America's medical market
03.04.2018
A region whose states make up the world's third largest economy and which has few linguistic differences - Latin America is an attractive market for foreign companies at first glance. This also applies to the medical market. However, various factors are contributing to the fact that this market is growing only slowly in most countries.
Personalized medicine: a paradigm shift is gaining momentum
01.03.2018
Personalized medicine does not follow a "one-size-fits-all" treatment approach but emphasizes a "tailor-made" paradigm, meaning a treatment is customized to each individual person's case. For patients, this increases the chances of treatment success and means fewer side effects. While the approach originates in the field of oncology, it is now also increasingly applied to other disease patterns.
Personalized cancer medicine: customized treatment
01.03.2018
Everyone is different. This statement also applies to our health. Cancer, in particular, can look and progress differently depending on the individual person. That’s why every patient ideally also needs a customized treatment that is tailored to their individual needs. But how feasible is this idea?
Everything flows: transportation and material flows in hospital logistics
01.02.2018
During a visit to the hospital, patients naturally expect to receive comprehensive care. Not only does this include the proper treatment, but also a hospital bed and regular meals for example. Patients typically don't ask about the transport logistics this entails for the hospital.
Patient science: patients research cystic fibrosis
22.01.2018
Research does not always occur in laboratory settings. As part of citizen science, citizens collect data and make it available for research projects. Now, this approach is also adopted in medicine by way of patient science: in a new project, patients take part in cystic fibrosis research. The goal is to improve the lives of those who are affected by this chronic disease.
Intensive care medicine: More safety thanks to aviation knowledge
08.12.2017
What do intensive care medicine and aviation have in common? In both fields, mistakes can quickly put people's lives at risk. That's why high safety standards should be a matter of course for both. Having said that, medicine lags behind by comparison because staff members often lack the opportunities to train for emergency situations and the proper tools to prevent patients from being harmed.
Serious Games - getting healthy while playing games
14.11.2017
Gaming is an activity that children as well as adults enjoy. They are fun and challenge our stamina. That’s why serious games are increasingly becoming popluar in physiotherapy and rehabilitation. MEDICA 2017 demonstrates already what applications are available here.
mHealth: Doctor in your pocket
02.10.2017
Since the eHealth Law took effect on January 1, 2016, it has become apparent that digitization also affects the healthcare system. Its objective is to improve the digital infrastructure of healthcare. For several years, a subcategory of electronic healthcare solutions has enjoyed increasing popularity: mHealth.
New Additions to MEDICA 2017 – MEDICA LABMED FORUM, MEDICA START-UP PARK, and MEDICA ACADEMY
02.10.2017
This year, expect a series of exciting innovations that include the informative and practice-oriented MEDICA ACADEMY, the START-UP PARK for newcomers and networkers from the startup arena and the interdisciplinary MEDICA LABMED Forum.
Medical devices: the road to the finished product is not easy
08.09.2017
These days, many groups make various demands of medical device developers: manufacturers, users, patients and government agencies. Given all of these interests and concerns, the developers face many challenges. In this interview, we put some of them under the microscope and examine how they can be sidestepped or entirely avoided.
Imaging techniques: ultrasound, MRI, CT, catheters and other procedures to keep a healthy heart
01.09.2017
Many people are affected by heart disease today because - among other reasons- our modern unhealthy lifestyle is taking a toll on our hearts. A reliable diagnosis and treatment are crucial for patients with heart disease since all other organs depend on the pumping of our vital organ. Modern imaging techniques are a key to understanding the heart.
Point-of-care testing: helpful when things need to happen quickly?
01.08.2017
Advances in technology and analysis techniques, as well as the increasing miniaturization of laboratory equipment and processes, make it possible: patient-side laboratory testing, better known as point-of-care testing or POCT. There are many POCT projects and all of them promise a rapid diagnosis as well as economic advantages. But are these tests also suited for everyday medical testing?
Laser surgery: usability, flexibility, treatment quality
03.07.2017
The scalpel is considered the classic surgical instrument and as such, has remained unchanged for quite some time. However, today’s technology opens up a world of new possibilities for cutting tissue. Next to high-frequency electrosurgical scalpels that work with electric power, surgeons also use a variety of different lasers. They promise great usability and better treatment.
Physician Assistant - profession with perspective
22.06.2017
The doctor's profession is exhausting and involves many different activities. For a long time, there have been discussions about how doctors can be supported by other specialists. One solution: help from so-called physician assistants.
Modular Emergency Hospitals – Quick disaster response
08.06.2017
After earthquakes or other types of disasters, infrastructures are often damaged and local hospitals destroyed. A modular hospital, developed under the direction of the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department is designed to be ready for these types of disaster situations and support the emergency response.
"XoSoft" Project – Wearable Intelligent Exoskeleton
01.06.2017
After a stroke or as a result of aging, there are many situations when people are impaired in their walking ability and rely on a personal assistant or auxiliary aids and services. The XoSoft Project offers a solution: a soft exoskeleton that can be worn like a pair of leggings and stiffens or softens, depending on the situation.
Exoskeletons, Serious Games and Co.: New Technologies in Rehabilitation
01.06.2017
A stroke, an accident or just because you are aging – there are many reasons to take advantage of physiotherapeutic or rehabilitative measures. More and more new technologies are designed to support patients in this process. They run the gamut from sensor technology and robotics to exergames and virtual reality.
SilverFit – Training and gaming for the elderly
01.06.2017
Movement is good for health, but people do it less and less as they age. The Dutch company SilverFit wants to counteract this. Their devices that combine sport and game are primarily aimed at elderly people. Their goal: to give people joy, fun and motivation to move – both in rehabilitation and in daily life.
FAQ: Some questions concerning India
02.05.2017
There are recurring questions that companies are seeking to invest or produce in India. Here are some questions and their answers.
Irreversible Electroporation – Last hope for liver cancer patients
24.04.2017
Liver cancer is the fifth most common malignant tumor in the world. The tumor can be removed through surgery or by utilizing thermal ablation techniques. If a treatment with conservative methods is no longer possible, there is an alternative: irreversible electroporation (IRE). The effectiveness of this method was now confirmed by a clinical study.
Hospital-acquired infections: pathogens know no borders
03.04.2017
Many aspects are uniformly regulated in Europe, however, hospital hygiene and MRSA prevention, for example, are not. The Netherlands plays a pioneering role in the fight against hospital-acquired infections. The country is an often-cited role model. But can other countries simply adopt the same system? And what makes it so different? MEDICA asked expert Prof. Alexander W. Friedrich.
Light instead of darkness – Seeing with the Argus II Implant
29.03.2017
Retinitis pigmentosa is a hereditary eye disorder, which can lead to night blindness, restriction of the peripheral visual field and ultimately to blindness. The University Hospital Aachen, Germany, implants the Argus II retinal prosthesis system made by the Second Sight Company. It allows people with retinitis pigmentosa to perceive light and improve orientation.
Pneumonia in Children: Ultrasound or X-Rays?
08.03.2017
Pneumonia is the most frequent respiratory disease in children and can even cause death. That is why it is extremely important to make an accurate diagnosis as quickly as possible. If this requires imaging tests, normally X-rays are taken. But there is an alternative: ultrasound.
Collect Data? Utilize Data! – The Blessings of Big Data
01.03.2017
Genome data, MRI images, and blood test results – data collected in the medical sector is not only very heterogeneous but also extremely extensive. However, it is important to not only collect this data but to also utilize it. After all, processed, linked and analyzed data provides many opportunities in research, hospital management and ultimately also for the individual patient.
Medical Databases: One for All, All for One
01.03.2017
In the "KDI – Clinical Data Intelligence Project", researchers are trying to consolidate various types of data to make them useable and useful to both medical professionals and scientists. This is a tremendous undertaking, considering the data volumes from different sources. In this conversation with MEDICA, Dr. Martin Sedlmayr explains the project setup.
Working in pediatric hospice - not the place for sadness
21.02.2017
Work in children's and youth hospices is both fulfilling and trying. What the employees and honorary staff have to do, how the work is organized and what the special thing in the workplace hospice is, can be found in the video.
Medical Device that fits in your pocket: music for Tinnitus relief
08.02.2017
Listening to your favorite music for at least 90 minutes a day and treating your tinnitus with it? Almost sounds too good to be true. Yet more and more German statutory health insurance providers pay for this treatment. We wanted to know more about it and spoke with Jörg Land, the CEO of Sonormed GmbH, about Tinnitracks.
Stents versus Eye Drops: a new approach to aid glaucoma patients
01.02.2017
Using stents to treat glaucoma is not a new procedure but they have not been implanted into patients on a regular basis until only recently. But this is about to change, which is why MEDICA.de asked what these glaucoma mini-stents are able to do and who may be a good candidate for them. Professor Norbert Pfeiffer answered our questions.
Swallowing Disorders – avoiding errors related to medication administration
27.01.2017
Dysphagia creates a stressful situation for patients. Added to this is the fact that acute errors in the treatment of swallowing disorders keep occurring when patients are administered drugs. How can patients with swallowing difficulties receive better care? We visited the Hüttenhospital Dortmund and asked Dr. Martin Jäger, an expert in this particular field.
Project TeleView – Telemedicine for refugees
23.01.2017
Refugees who come to Germany struggle with language and cultural barriers – also when it comes to medical issues. Patients are often not able to state their medical history or acute conditions, which requires extra time and means increased costs for medical offices and shelters. The telemedicine project TeleView seeks to offer a solution to this problem.
Telemedicine – Immediate and lower-cost care
12.01.2017
Long waiting times in medical practices are not a rarity. The telemedicine can provide remedy. The program of the Institute for Applied Telemedicine at the Heart and Diabetes Center NRW in Bad Oeynhausen is aimed primarily at chronically ill people. Daily, they send their body values via telecommunication to the institute.
Hospital construction: infection prevention through architecture?
09.01.2017
Hospitals apply many infection prevention and control measures. They all have one thing in common: they are individual parts of an overall concept that is aimed at preventing the spread of highly infectious and resistant pathogens in hospitals. Nevertheless, previous hygiene concepts ignore one aspect of hospitals: the architecture of the actual hospital facility itself.
Working with children with cancer – More than just a job
02.01.2017
Our topic title "pediatric (children’s) oncology" evoked strong emotional reactions from several mothers and fathers of our staff. "This hits too close to home for me, I couldn’t write about it", or "How do people manage to deal with this?". And we are only on the sidelines; physicians, caregivers and nurses at the hospital, hospice or families at home are the ones that have the real tough job.
"Always be honest" – How to communicate with critically ill children
02.01.2017
When children suffer from a critical or terminal illness, the first impulse of adults is often to not tell the children and sugarcoat the situation. Yet it is just this type of behavior that frequently causes children to emotionally withdraw.
Children's Tumor Center: consolidated treatment under one roof
02.01.2017
Treatments for children need to be different from treatment for adults – this also applies in oncology. Having said that, children do not just need new and different treatment concepts that still necessitate research. They also require the support from their families, who need to be nearby during treatment.