Understanding human vision through Deep Learning
24/01/2022
By adapting techniques from the domain of artificial intelligence, such as deep learning, cognitive scientists from Osnabrück will study the core principles of human vision over the next five years.
People with hearing prostheses use timbre of voice to recognise emotions
17/01/2022
Cochlear implants can help people with hearing loss to perceive acoustic stimuli. Unlike hearing aids, which usually only amplify the volume of sounds, the electronic prostheses directly stimulate the auditory nerve. But can these implants also register "nuances" in communication?
Cochlear implant as a sensor
07/01/2022
In close collaboration, researchers from the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Freiburg have developed a method to convert the stimulation electrodes of common Cochlea implants into electrochemical sensors.
Virtual Reality could help make therapy easier
06/01/2022
If you find opening up to a therapist too daunting, new research shows you're not alone – and you might soon have a new option. The Edith Cowan University (ECU) study found 30 per cent of people prefer to talk about negative experiences with a virtual reality avatar, rather than a person.
Virtual reality archery is "Braille" for orientation of blind people
05/01/2022
Researchers at the IIT-Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (Italian Institute of Technology) developed an acoustic virtual reality-based archery game, enabling blind people to experience for the first time this type of technology, which is typically focused on vision. Researchers’ aim was to understand how blind people move and orient themselves in space, and they did so in an engaging way.
Cochlear implants linked to new bone formation and increased hearing loss
09/12/2021
The majority of cochlear implant recipients develop new bone formation that adversely affects long-term hearing preservation, according to a study appearing in Radiology.
With smartphones against blindness
03/12/2021
Damage to the retina due to diabetes is now considered the most common cause of blindness in adults. This makes early detection of so-called diabetic retinopathy all the more important. But for diabetics living in poorer areas of the cities in India, there is a lack of adequate ophthalmological care. Therefore, the University Hospital Bonn has launched a smartphone-based telemedicine DR screening.
Cochlear implants: Using light to improve hearing
01/12/2021
Cochlear implants are devices that partially restore hearing in wearers. Unfortunately, the signal transmission from the implant to the auditory nerve is still rather basic, thus limiting the sound quality. Future implants could be more accurate in this setting by using light versus electrical pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the ear.
Implants for the senses – Hearing and seeing with technology
01/12/2021
We can replace certain functions of the body with implants nowadays, others we cannot. When it comes to the human senses, we are still quite at the beginning. The technologies and materials we can use are way to coarse compared to our nervous system. But implants can also help us to maintain senses.
Implants: When technology makes sense – quite literally
01/12/2021
Disease, injury, or a condition you were born with – reasons why some people must live without one or several of their five senses. Fortunately, there are many modern sensory aids that help replace one sense with another, which is especially the case when it comes to vision and hearing. Given technology's advancements, can artificial or biological implants someday soon be a viable alternative?
Glaucoma: Microimplant monitors intraocular pressure
01/12/2021
Chronic conditions require close monitoring to ensure a successful therapeutic outcome. Unfortunately, patients aren't always able to perform their own measurements and the exam intervals between appointments are frequently too long. An innovative implant is designed to address this gap in glaucoma care and treatment and enable patients to make intraocular pressure measurements on their own.
Diabetes retinal screening through deep learning
11/11/2021
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a complication of the retina brought about by diabetes, is one of the most frequent reasons for vision loss in European adults between 25 and 60 years of age. When detected early, treatment can effectively reduce or prevent vision loss. To date however, national screening programs have been available in only a few countries and even then, they are costly.
Alzheimer's disease: early detection using an eye exam
22/03/2021
Alzheimer's disease is still incurable, but if detected early enough, countermeasures can improve treatment and slow the progression. Unfortunately, there is still no reliable early detection test at this juncture. This might soon change thanks to a non-invasive spectroscopy of the retina.
Training and rehabilitation: fit thanks to hover technology
01/07/2019
Amateur and professional athletes are susceptible to sports injuries, balance disorders or deficits in motor function and posture. Prevention and the right training can help avoid these incidents, while targeted therapy can support a return to sports after an injury.
Sports medicine – keep moving to stay healthy
01/07/2019
Physical activity plays a big role in today's society. Whether you are an amateur or professional athlete – incorporating exercise into your life positively impacts your mental and physical health. Ideally, sport should be fun, pressure-free and not overburden you. But can you measure individual performance and align it with sports?
Sports medicine - performance values in best health
01/07/2019
Those who integrate physical activities into their own lifestyle live healthier and more balanced. But where are the physical limits? Can health status measurements also be carried out on the road? Discover more about how sports medical examinations contribute to maintain performance and minimize health risks in our Topic of the Month.
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.
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.