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photo: astronaut in the space; Copyright: DLR

DLR

How we benefit from space medicine on Earth

09/12/2024

Many of us don't even realize how much impact space medicine research has had on the development of cutting-edge medical technologies used on Earth. Telemedicine, robotics and miniaturization in particular have made great strides through innovations for space.
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Image: Professor examines a woman's head with brain simulation/ultrasound; Copyright: University of Plymouth

University of Plymouth

Ultrasound as a key tool for brain research

05/12/2024

Ultrasound, once primarily used for imaging, is emerging as a precise and non-invasive tool for brain research and therapy. Researchers from the University of Plymouth, Stanford University, and Attune Neurosciences highlight its potential in a new PLOS Biology article, detailing its applications and challenges.
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Image: Flexible exletroceutical patch placed on an arm; Copyright: Saehyun Kim, the University of Chicago

Saehyun Kim, the University of Chicago

Bioelectronic patch: Tackling antibiotic resistance with electrical stimulation

28/11/2024

Researchers at the University of Chicago and the University of California San Diego have developed a flexible bioelectronic patch that delivers mild electrical signals to bacteria on the skin. This device presents a noninvasive, drug-free method to reduce the harmful effects of bacterial infections, particularly those resistant to antibiotics.
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Image: Symbolic image for the work in the SmartGAIT Lab at Koblenz University of Applied Sciences; Copyright: Koblenz University of Applied Sciences

Koblenz University of Applied Sciences

Studying at the intersection: sports medicine technology

19/11/2024

By combining engineering and sports medicine, students in Germany at Koblenz University of Applied Sciences are being prepared to develop new solutions for patients and athletes. In an interview with MEDICA-tradefair.com, course director Prof. Lukas Scheef describes the unique aspects of this engineering degree.
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Image: Simulation model of the knee joint; Copyright: Fraunhofer MEVIS

Fraunhofer MEVIS

Optimized therapy for cruciate ligament injuries through digital simulation

07/11/2024

The Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS, the University Medical Center Freiburg and Stryker Leibinger GmbH have received an award for their work on a finite element simulation for individual therapy planning for knee injuries. This innovative method enables personalized planning of cruciate ligament operations and could prevent long-term follow-up problems such as osteoarthritis.
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Image: Example illustration of the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test; Copyright: UZH

UZH

AI supports the detection of antibiotic resistance

31/10/2024

A pilot study at the University of Zurich is the first to demonstrate the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in identifying antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Researchers used the GPT-4 model to support the diagnostic process in the laboratory and thus relieve the burden on medical professionals in the fight against increasing antibiotic resistance worldwide.
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Image: Researcher using a pipette to implant cells in a device in a laboratory setting: Copyright: J. Adam Fenster / University of Rochester

J. Adam Fenster / University of Rochester

New tissue-on-chip technology to study viral neuroinflammation

25/10/2024

A project, funded by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) with an initial $2.4 million grant, aims to model the lung-brain connection and develop new therapeutic drugs to prevent and treat neurological symptoms, such as brain fog, associated with viral infections.
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Image: Monitors on a desk showing various kinds of data; Copyright: Anna Schroll/Leibniz-HKI

Anna Schroll/Leibniz-HKI

Investigating gut microbiome in tumor cachexia

24/10/2024

The EU-funded "MiCCrobioTAckle" project is set to explore the role of the gut microbiome in cancer-related cachexia and develop new treatment strategies. Coordinated by the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), the project will also provide advanced training for 12 PhD candidates, shaping future leaders in microbiota medicine.
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Image: Researcher using the new

Patrick Campbell/CU Boulder

A faster, easier way to test blood at the bedside with handheld device

23/10/2024

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder are developing a handheld device that uses sound waves to detect biomarkers from a finger-prick of blood. It delivers highly sensitive results in under 70 minutes, providing a faster and more accessible alternative to traditional lab-based tests. The research was published in Science Advances.
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Image: Woman smiling at the camera while holding point-of-care testing equipment in a laboratory setting; Copyright: Sylvester Cancer

Sylvester Cancer

Mouthwash test for predicting head and neck cancer recurrence

18/10/2024

A study by researchers from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, UC San Diego Health, and other collaborating centers suggests that a simple mouthwash-based test could help predict the recurrence of head and neck cancers.
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Image: Image captured by the 3D photoacoustic scanner; Copyright: Dr Nam Huynh

Dr Nam Huynh

Handheld 3D photoacoustic scanner could improve disease diagnosis

16/10/2024

A research team at University College London (UCL) has developed a new handheld scanner that generates detailed 3D photoacoustic images in just seconds. The device shows potential for clinical use, particularly in diagnosing conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis.
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Image: Five people standing next to each other and smiling into the camera; Copyright: DGKL

DGKL

AI improves leukemia diagnostics: award for Dresden researchers

10/10/2024

Dr. Jan Middeke and Dr. Jan-Niklas Eckardt from Dresden University Hospital have received an award from the German Society for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (DGKL) for their work on improving leukaemia diagnostics using artificial intelligence (AI). The award, worth 15,000 euros, recognizes their research into AI-assisted detection of leukaemia in the bone marrow.
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Image: Medical staff talking to a patient in an ambulance; Copyright: Magnus Andersson

Magnus Andersson

Video support in stroke care: Enhancing early diagnosis

10/10/2024

A study led by Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, demonstrates that real-time video streaming from ambulances to stroke specialists can significantly reduce treatment times for acute stroke patients, improving their chances of recovery. By enabling early diagnosis and direct transport to the optimal hospital, this approach supports faster and more effective stroke care.
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Image: A hand pressing a light switch with its finger, all in red; Copyright: Lars Knaack/INM

Lars Knaack/INM

OptoAssays: New light-controlled tests simplify cost-effective diagnostics

04/10/2024

A team of researchers from the University of Freiburg and the INM - Leibniz Institute for New Materials has developed a bio-based test procedure that can diagnose complex diseases simply and cheaply. These “OptoAssays” use light control to move biomolecules and read out results without mechanical support - with potential applications in on-site diagnostics.
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Image: Close-up of the Optrell mapping catheter; Copyright: umg/hzg, Eva Meyer-Besting

umg/hzg, Eva Meyer-Besting

First time in Germany: use of the new mapping catheter

03/10/2024

The Heart Center of the University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG) is the first in Germany to use the Optrell mapping catheter - a procedure that makes the treatment of complex cardiac arrhythmias more precise and efficient. The new instrument creates high-resolution “maps” of the heart and makes it easier to identify problematic areas for targeted therapy.
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Image: Surgery in process to implant a device; Copyright: University of Chicago Medicine

University of Chicago Medicine

Revi neuromodulation: A new approach to UUI treatment

03/10/2024

UChicago Medicine recently performed the first implantation of the Revi neuromodulation device in Illinois. This minimally invasive procedure offers a novel treatment option for patients suffering from urinary urgency incontinence (UUI). The Revi device aims to improve bladder control without the side effects or limitations of existing treatments.
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Image: Person in protective clothing conducting research in a laboratory and holding a tablet in their hands

Optimizing infection diagnostics with AI, masks and antibody tests

01/10/2024

Due to the increasing global challenges within infection diagnostics, it is becoming ever more important to develop new methods and technologies. Antibiotic resistance, changing disease patterns and new types of infections underline the importance of specific medical technology solutions.
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Image: Image from a simulation of an electric field from the upper body and heart in the chest of a human; Copyright: arterioscope - TU Graz

arterioscope - TU Graz

Early detection: machine learning in cardiovascular diagnostics

27/09/2024

Researchers at Graz University of Technology have developed a method for the early detection of cardiovascular diseases before symptoms occur. Using a machine learning model that analyzes electric fields, potential diseases can be precisely identified. This technology could improve diagnostics and reduce invasive interventions.
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Image: Colorful cell organoid of a retina with a yellow dot of DNA; Copyright: Cassian Afting, AG Wittbrodt

Cassian Afting, AG Wittbrodt

Controlling organoid development with the help of DNA microspheres

27/09/2024

A research team from Heidelberg University and the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research has developed a new method of molecular engineering. This makes it possible to precisely control organoids and improve their complexity. With the help of DNA microspheres, growth factors can be released in a targeted manner to recreate tissue structures more realistically.
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Image: Experimental setup of optical components for two-photon microscope; Copyright: Molly M Bechtel, University of California, Davis

Molly M Bechtel, University of California, Davis

Two-photon microscope enables faster, less harmful brain imaging

26/09/2024

Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have developed a new two-photon fluorescence microscope capable of capturing high-speed images of neural activity with cellular resolution.
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Image: A researcher in a pink lab coat works with a pipette while another scientist in a white lab coat supervises the process in a laboratory setting; Copyright: Gustavo Raskosky

Gustavo Raskosky

Superhydrophobic device to model tumor progression

20/09/2024

Rice University bioengineers have harnessed the lotus leaf's unique properties to create a cutting-edge platform for culturing cancer cell clusters. This system offers a new approach to studying tumor progression and metastasis, providing essential insights into cancer biology and treatment.
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Image: Close-up of a small hexagonal container filled with red liquid, placed inside a clear experimental setup; Copyright: University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster

University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster

Ultrasound promotes blood vessel growth in damaged tissue

19/09/2024

A team of researchers at the University of Rochester has developed a new approach using ultrasound technology to promote the growth of blood vessels in damaged tissue. The method could have significant applications in reconstructive and plastic surgeries, as well as wound healing.
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Image: Fluorescence microscopy image of a lab-grown

Thomas Dennison/University of Cambridge

Lab-grown 'mini-guts' offer new insights for Crohn’s disease treatments

06/09/2024

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed lab-grown "mini-guts" to better understand and treat Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting millions worldwide. These mini-guts, or organoids, mimic the gut lining's key functions and could pave the way for more personalized and effective treatments.
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Image: Man holding stretched 3D-printed material with purple gloves; Copyright: Casey Cass/CU Boulder

Casey Cass/CU Boulder

3D printed custom implants for the heart

05/09/2024

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder, in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania, have developed an advanced 3D printing method to create materials that support human tissue effectively. This new approach could lead to significant improvements in personalized medical implants and tissue repair.
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Image: Images of an ear captured with an otoscopic video camera; Copyright: W. Kim et al., doi 10.1117/1.JBO.29.8.086005.

W. Kim et al., doi 10.1117/1.JBO.29.8.086005.

OCT otoscope enhances ear disease diagnosis

04/09/2024

A new portable otoscope, developed by the Caruso Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Southern California, integrates optical coherence tomography (OCT) to provide high-resolution imaging of the tympanic membrane (TM) and middle ear (ME). This advancement offers clinicians a more comprehensive view of ear health, significantly improving diagnostic capabilities and patient outcomes.
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Image: Person measuring blood pressure with an electronic blood pressure monitor while holding a smartphone in the other hand.

Smarter monitoring of blood pressure with Esperto

03/09/2024

Blood pressure monitoring technology is evolving rapidly, with various non-invasive methods available on the market. But many of the existing devices measure relative changes in blood pressure rather than providing precise, absolute readings. The startup Esperto Medical uses resonance sonomanometry to deliver accurate, real-time blood pressure measurements.
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Image: A close-up of a tube for a tuberculosis test in the laboratory

New biomarker predicts side effects of tuberculosis therapy

29/08/2024

Researchers at the Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, have discovered a biomarker that can predict the risk of nerve disease during tuberculosis therapy.
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Image: Doctor shows patient the human digestive system on a tablet and explains the details.

Gastrointestinal diagnostics: The Sonopill and AutoCapsule projects

29/08/2024

Capsule endoscopy has revolutionized gastrointestinal tract diagnosis over the past decade. The Sonopill program, led by Professors Marc Desmulliez and Sandy Cochran, is at the forefront of integrating ultrasound imaging and therapy into capsule technology.
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Image: Robots interacting with people in a room; Copyright: University of Stuttgart, Institute for Artifical Intelligence

University of Stuttgart, Institute for Artifical Intelligence

Robotics Institute Germany: Progress through AI-based robotics

29/08/2024

The newly founded Robotics Institute Germany (RIG) has started its work. The aim of the consortium, led by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), is to establish Germany as the world's leading location for AI-based robotics. The project is being funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research with 20 million euros.
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Image: Fluorescence image of cells in a culture dish; Copyright: S. Rieck/University Hospital Bonn (UKB)

S. Rieck/University Hospital Bonn (UKB)

Cardiovascular research: Generation of endothelial cells from stem cells

23/08/2024

Researchers at the University of Bonn and the University Hospital Bonn have developed a cost-effective and efficient method to generate functional endothelial cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs).
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Image: Researcher in a white coat standing in a laboratory; Copyright: Markus Fischer/Paul Scherrer Institute PSI

Markus Fischer/Paul Scherrer Institute PSI

AI for the precise characterization of breast cancer stages

22/08/2024

A new study by the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) shows how artificial intelligence (AI) can improve the categorisation of breast cancer stages.
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Image: Medical staff carry cool box on the aircraft.

Heart transplants: Improved outcomes with "heart-in-a-box" technology

22/08/2024

A recent study from the University of Gothenburg, published in The Lancet, highlights a significant improvement in heart transplant outcomes when donor hearts are preserved using hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion, commonly known as "heart-in-a-box," compared to the traditional method of cold static storage.
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Image: A researcher places cells in a centrifuge.

Identifying a high-risk biomarker for gastric cancer recurrence risk

16/08/2024

A recent study led by researchers at the Medical University of Vienna has identified the AF1Q gene as a significant biomarker for predicting the risk of gastric cancer relapse. This discovery could enhance personalized treatment strategies and improve survival rates for patients. The study was published in Scientific Reports.
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Image: Image of a 3D printed blood vessel; Copyright: Dr Norbert Radasci, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh

Dr Norbert Radasci, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh

3D-printed blood vessels offer new hope for heart bypass surgery

15/08/2024

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed 3D-printed blood vessels that mimic the properties of human veins. These artificial vessels could significantly improve the outcomes of heart bypass surgeries by reducing complications such as scarring, pain, and infection.
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Image: Miniature, implantable LED device on the palm of a hand; Copyright: University of Notre Dame

University of Notre Dame

LED Implant: A new approach to deep-seated cancer treatment

08/08/2024

A team of engineers and scientists at the University of Notre Dame has developed a wireless LED device that can be implanted to treat deep-seated cancers. This device, when combined with a light-sensitive dye, not only destroys cancer cells but also activates the immune system to target the cancer. The research findings were published in Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy.
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Image: Two researchers working in a laboratory; Copyright: Anna Stafford/Rice University

Anna Stafford/Rice University

Smallest free-floating bubbles developed for medical imaging

06/08/2024

Researchers at Rice University have created ultrasmall, stable gas-filled protein nanostructures that hold potential for significant advancements in ultrasound imaging and drug delivery.
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Image: Two researchers standing in a laboratory, wearing red light goggles and holding an agar plate in their hands; Copyright: UBT/Andreas Möglich

UBT/Andreas Möglich

Red light as the key to gene activity control

30/07/2024

In a new study, the University of Bayreuth has investigated the sensitivity of bacterial systems for controlling gene activity to red light. These research results open up a wide range of possibilities for the biotechnological application of bacteria. The results of the study have been published in Nature Communications.
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Image: Person lying on a treatment table while an ultrasound is being performed

Autonomous ultrasound: relieving the burden of everyday medical care

26/07/2024

Autonomous robotic ultrasound systems can perform routine examinations and support doctors in the operating room. Prof. Nassir Navab from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) is researching these technologies and demonstrating their potential for everyday medical practice.
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Image: Preview picture of video

Empathic incubator: almost like in the womb

16/07/2024

Premature babies lying in incubators in intensive care units are often heavily wired. Researchers are striving to make this environment more comfortable for everyone involved, in particular by wirelessly monitoring the heart and breathing. The aim is to optimize neonatal intensive care by studying and improving the baby's sensory experience.
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Image: Close-up of the heads of two people performing a surgical procedure; Copyright: Jun-Prof. Benjamin Wolf/University of Leipzig

Jun-Prof. Benjamin Wolf/University of Leipzig

TMMR study shows success in cervical cancer treatment

16/07/2024

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignant tumor disease in women worldwide. New research results from a comparative study lasting almost ten years show that total mesometrial resection (TMMR) practiced at Leipzig University Medicine has significant advantages over standard treatment.
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Image: The monitoring patch next to a 25-cent coin for scale.; Copyright: University of Waterloo

University of Waterloo

Monitoring of critical health data with wearable patch

11/07/2024

Researchers at McMaster University and the University of Waterloo have developed a pain-free, wearable patch that continuously monitors blood glucose, lactates, and other critical health indicators, sending results to a smartphone. This new wearable device could transform health monitoring and improve patient care.
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Image: Close-up of an FFP2 mask; Copyright: Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center

Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center

Tuberculosis diagnosis in children with modified FFP2 mask

09/07/2024

The diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in children poses a particular challenge. While adults can often be diagnosed by detecting genetic material in their sputum, this is often not possible in children as they rarely produce sputum.
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Image: Person walking on a perturbation treadmill in a gait laboratory; Copyright: Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg

Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg

Hearables: The new health centers on the ear

04/07/2024

Over the next five years, researchers from the Universities of Oldenburg and Bremen want to investigate what additional tasks hearing aids can take on as part of the HEARAZ (Hearable-centered Assistance: From Sensor to Participation) research training group.
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Image: baby feet; Copyright: HITS

HITS

Digital Twins: Transforming Infant Healthcare with Advanced Metabolic Models

26/06/2024

Researchers at University of Galway and Heidelberg University have developed advanced digital baby models to enhance the understanding of infant metabolism and improve healthcare outcomes. These sex-specific, whole-body computational models simulate the metabolic processes of infants, paving the way for personalized medicine and better diagnosis and treatment of early-life medical conditions.
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Image: Woman working on a computer with data and support from an AI

Supporting nursing staff: AI in long-term care

13/06/2024

Inpatient care in Germany is facing major challenges. According to Statista, the number of people in need of care will increase by 50 percent by 2030, while the supply of nursing staff is expected to continue to decrease.
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Image: Two people in white coats look at a monitor displaying data on genetic material; Copyright: Karin Kaiser/MHH

Karin Kaiser/MHH

Heart health: New tool developed to investigate telomere length

10/06/2024

A research team from Hannover Medical School (MHH) has developed a new molecular tool to investigate the influence of telomerase on the development of heart muscle cells. This study could have significant implications for the treatment and prevention of heart diseases.
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Image: Yellow smart sensor is being put on an arm; Copyright: Jia Zhu/Penn State

Jia Zhu/Penn State

Rewritable, recyclable ‘smart skin’ monitors biological signals on demand

06/06/2024

Penn State researchers have developed an adhesive sensing device that seamlessly attaches to human skin to detect and monitor health. The writable sensors can be removed with tape, allowing new sensors to be patterned onto the device.
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Image: A female scientist with a tablet computer in her hand sits at a workbench in a laboratory – use of AI in the lab; Copyright: YuriArcursPeopleImages

YuriArcursPeopleImages

Artificial intelligence in the laboratory: current developments and applications

28/05/2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of modern laboratories. AI systems based on machine learning and algorithmic analysis are used in various scientific and medical disciplines to automate processes, increase efficiency, and gain new scientific insights.
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Image: A man sits on a beige sofa with yellow cushions, arms crossed and looking down

Lighting the way: Syntropic Medical's promising non-invasive depression therapy

21/05/2024

The development of non-invasive treatments for mental health disorders has become increasingly significant. One such promising advancement comes from Syntropic Medical, led by founder Mark Caffrey. The start-up uses a new kind of brain stimulation that relies on light.
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Image: Two people looking at a tablet while wearing lab coats and protective glasses in a laboratory setting; Copyright: Hannes Woidich/DWI – Leibniz-Institut für Interaktive Materialien

Hannes Woidich/DWI – Leibniz-Institut für Interaktive Materialien

Sonopharmacology research: Andreas Herrmann awarded ERC Advanced Grant

14/05/2024

Professor Andreas Herrmann, a leading researcher at the DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, has been granted an ERC Advanced Grant totaling €2.5 million by the European Research Council (ERC). This funding will support his research into the use of biocompatible ultrasound for medical applications over the next five years.
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Image: Dorsal root ganglia expressing CGRP after muscle injury; Copyright: Mikaël M. Martino

Mikaël M. Martino

Unveiling the role of sensory neurons in tissue repair

10/05/2024

Research from Monash and Osaka Universities highlights the key role sensory neurons play in tissue repair and regeneration, marking a significant advancement for regenerative medicine.
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Image: A person wearing prototype to address mental health disorders with light on their head; Copyright: Syntropic Medical GmbH

Syntropic Medical GmbH

Start-up secures million-euro funding for mental health innovation

06/05/2024

Syntropic Medical, a pioneering neurotech start-up, has received a substantial seven-figure investment to advance its revolutionary approach to treating mental health disorders using flickering light therapy.
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Image: A close-up picture of a capsule; Copyright: Gerard Cummins, University of Birmingham

Gerard Cummins, University of Birmingham

Swallowable sensors advance gastrointestinal health monitoring

03/05/2024

Researchers from Heriot-Watt University and the University of Birmingham, along with colleagues from the University of Edinburgh, have introduced an ingestible capsule equipped with sensors to monitor gut movement, potentially improving gastrointestinal diagnostics and treatment.
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Image: blue prototype for MRI-integrated proton therapy; Copyright: K. Lassig / UKD

K. Lassig / UKD

MRiPT technology: prototype for new approaches in cancer treatment

30/04/2024

MRI-integrated proton therapy (MRiPT) marks a significant advance in cancer treatment by increasing the precision of radiation treatment. In an interview with MEDICA.de, Prof. Aswin Hoffmann presents current technological challenges and highlights the potential benefits of real-time MRI imaging for proton therapy.
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Image: A Fraunhofer IWS laboratory device is held by a person in blue gloves; Copyright: minkus-images.de/Fraunhofer IWS

minkus-images.de/Fraunhofer IWS

Insights into the development of metastases with miniature laboratories

22/04/2024

New developments at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS and partners enable improved research possibilities for cancer therapy using microphysiological systems.
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Image: A man looks through a microscope in the foreground, while a woman stands in the background and explains something to him; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/Andreas Wiese

Messe Düsseldorf/Andreas Wiese

World Laboratory Day: Laboratory medicine in transition

16/04/2024

World Laboratory Day takes place annually on April 23. It is intended to draw attention to the work in laboratories and the achievements of laboratory employees. MEDICA-tradefair.com takes the day as an opportunity to highlight current trends that continue to shape these work environments. These trends will also be a main focus of the MEDICA LABMED FORUM at MEDICA 2024.
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Image: Two researchers are standing side by side, smiling for a photo in a bright corridor with windows, likely within a university or research facility; Copyright: CHUM

CHUM

Liver cancer treatment: Utilizing magnetic field-guided microrobots

12/04/2024

A new medical technique utilizing magnet-guided microrobots for treating liver tumors has been developed by a Canadian research team, offering a potential new approach in oncology.
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Image: Microscopic view of human skin tissue with the top layer of epidermal cells and underlying dermal layers stained in different colors for examination; Copyright: TERM/UKW

TERM/UKW

The potential of nasal cartilage in knee joint treatment

05/04/2024

At the University Hospital Wuerzburg, a promising new treatment for knee joint defects involves the use of nasal cartilage, and it's edging closer to approval with significant EU funding. The new method is using autologous cartilage from the nasal septum, an approach that may seem as enchanting as the term "ENCANTO" implies.
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Image: Three variations of the ultrasound sticker displayed on a fingertip for scale; Copyright: Northwestern University

Northwestern University

Ultrasound sticker for monitoring post-surgical recovery

28/03/2024

Northwestern University and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have developed an ultrasound sticker, offering a new way for clinicians to monitor patients' organ health and deep tissue post-surgery.
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Image: The background is black and in the foreground, there are some sugar tubes and pastilles. Furthermore, there is the almost transparent organ-on-chip; Copyright: Silke Riegger, 3R-Center

Silke Riegger, 3R-Center

Diabetes: technology enhances molecular understanding

26/03/2024

With over seven million individuals in Germany affected by diabetes, science still faces challenges in drug research. However, under the leadership of Prof. Peter Loskill from both the NMI and the University of Tübingen, scientists have devised a method that markedly enhances our understanding at the molecular and cellular levels within the pancreas.
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Image: In the middle of this excerpt of a graphic there is a human body, visualizing the function of the underwater bio-adhesive for healing inner wounds; Copyright: POSTECH

POSTECH

Tailored medical adhesives for personalized healing

26/02/2024

POSTECH researchers led by Prof. Hyung Joon Cha, alongside colleagues, introduced groundbreaking personalized underwater bio-adhesive patches (CUBAP) derived from mussel adhesive proteins. This discovery, featured in Advanced Materials, improves biomedical adhesives, offering tailored internal healing solutions.
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Image: On the left, a man is sitting while wearing an exoskeleton. There is a woman talking to the man and trying to help him get up.

Mobile patient lifts enhance ICU patient recovery

15/02/2024

Discovering new methods to enhance the recovery process for ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) patients is crucial in improving their overall outcomes. A recent study conducted in Tokyo, Japan, sheds light on the efficacy of early mobilization, supported by mobile patient lifts, in facilitating patient recovery.
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Image: Patient using TRICEPS device during stroke rehabilitation; Copyright: TRICEPS BBC Look North

TRICEPS BBC Look North

Portable device to improve post-stroke arm recovery

14/02/2024

A new stroke treatment using a portable, pacemaker-like device that delivers electrical pulses to the brain during rehabilitation therapy is set to undergo trials to enhance arm recovery following a stroke.
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Image: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has shown the need for preparedness for possible future pandemics.

EU-Funded Project PAIR improves pandemic preparedness

08/02/2024

The EU-funded project PAIR has just started in Copenhagen with the participation of 20 partners from seven countries. This five-year project aims to ensure that Europe possesses the expertise and capabilities for advanced point-of-care systems and prognostic models based on artificial intelligence and machine learning.
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Image: Model of a female uterus with a fetus to illustrate growth and pregnancy development

Advancing reproductive medicine: Funding opportunities

29/01/2024

Jena University Hospital and Friedrich Schiller University Jena proudly announce the establishment of the Jena Center for Early Pregnancy and Reproductive Health (CEPRE), a dynamic interdisciplinary initiative aimed at fostering innovative research in women's reproductive health and early pregnancy.
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Image: Two people in a laboratory working with a nanoparticle paste and light. Copyright: Empa

Empa

Smart wound sealing with nanoparticles and light soldering

24/01/2024

Empa researchers have pioneered a novel soldering process that employs nanoparticles and lasers to gently fuse tissue, ushering in a new era in wound closure.
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Image: Person holding a sample in a petri dish; Copyright: Freepik

Freepik

Enhancing urinary tract infection diagnosis with AI

23/01/2024

Researchers at Fraunhofer Austria and the AULSS2 Marca Trevigiana Institute in Treviso have leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline the diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Their advanced AI-based method promises to significantly reduce the workload of laboratories and expedite diagnosis times.
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Image: A high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP) up close; Copyright: UQ

UQ

Protecting against zika virus with a microarray patch

22/01/2024

In the global fight against the Zika virus, researchers are developing a vaccine patch that promises an effective and painless solution. This needle-free vaccine patch, utilizing the high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP).
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Image: Blue and white logo from the EU consortium CERTAINTY; Copyright: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

CERTAINTY: virtual twin for improved cancer immunotherapies

20/12/2023

Together with partners from science, industry and the healthcare sector, the project team led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI aims to develop a virtual twin that will improve treatment with personalized cancer immunotherapies in the future.
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Image: Cell culture plates in an incubator; Copyright: manjurulhaque

manjurulhaque

Detecting side effects of new drugs on the heart more efficiently

12/12/2023

Scientists at the University Medical Center and the University of Göttingen have developed a novel method to predict the side effects of new drugs and therapeutic approaches on the heart more efficiently.
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Image: Close up: orthopaedic implant made from titanium-tantalum; Copyright: NTU Singapore

NTU Singapore

Singapore: advancing 3D printing in healthcare with joint R&D lab

11/12/2023

Singapore General Hospital (SGH) patients are expected to benefit from healthcare innovations, such as customised medical devices and implants, under a collaboration with Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) to set up a Joint Research & Development Laboratory in additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing.
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Image: A sample is placed in a centrifuge by a person wearing personal protective clothing; Copyright: microgen

microgen

TissueGrinder: Improved cell analyses via enhanced-quality sample preparation

07/12/2023

A new method for examining tissue samples could change the way we diagnose and treat cancer. Researchers at the Max Planck and Fraunhofer IPA have developed an automated system based on the principle of enzyme-free tissue processing and the mechanical deformability of individual cells.
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Image: Optical resolution of the latest super-resolution microscopy methods on biomolecules: artistic diagram; Copyright: Universität Würzburg

Universität Würzburg

PicoRuler: Molecular rulers for high-resolution microscopy

06/12/2023

A team from the Rudolf Virchow Zentrum – Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging at Julius-Maximilians-Universität (JMU) Würzburg, led by Dr Gerti Beliu and Professor Markus Sauer, presents a groundbreaking advance for the world of high-resolution fluorescence microscopy.
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Image: Dressing material in open blue containers on a table; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf

Messe Düsseldorf

Healing chronically infected wounds with living dressings

30/11/2023

When a wound heals, ideally the new tissue fully closes a skin lesion. But with chronic wounds, seemingly harmless tissue damages can turn into permanent health problems. In some chronic wounds with infections, antibiotics or disinfectants can no longer get to the germs. To counteract this, Empa researchers have now developed a dressing containing probiotic lactobacilli.
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Image: An artist’s impression of a GELECTO machine interacting with biological cells via sending and reading of electrical and biochemical signals; Copyright: Leibniz-IPF, Ivan Minev

Leibniz-IPF, Ivan Minev

New era of cyborganics – Prof. Ivan Minev receives ERC Consolidator Grant

30/11/2023

Over the next five years, the ERC will provide two million euro of funding for the development of a new class of electronic components that consist almost entirely of water and could make the interface between biological tissue and machine seamless.
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Image: A male radiologist presses the MRI button to examine the female patient and look at the camera; Copyright: anatoliy_gleb

anatoliy_gleb

Imaging: new approaches for medical diagnostics

27/11/2023

Imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) or positron emission tomography (PET) are indispensable today for the diagnosis and localization of many diseases. A newly developed procedure now enables PET to be used specifically on the basis of changes in the human genome.
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Image: A group photo consisting of eleven people in front of a white wall. A confirmation of project funding is held in the camera; Copyright: HIPS

HIPS

Strengthening of drug bioinformatics at the Saarbrücken site

21/11/2023

In the context of the tenure negotiations for Drug Bioinformatics Professor Olga Kalinina, the Klaus Faber Foundation is providing €100,000 to the "bioINFpro" project, thereby enabling her long-term stay at the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) and Saarland University.
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A man in a suit walks through the MEDICA exhibition hall with a microphone; copyright: beta-web | Messe Düsseldorf

eHealth, mHealth, AI, and much more – Highlight tour in the MEDICA START-UP PARK

13/11/2023

Every year, the MEDICA START-UP PARK attracts a lot of visitors. Young, up-and-coming companies present their products here – often for the first time ever. This stand has already been the starting point for the success stories of some companies that are now internationally active. At MEDICA 2023, we are once again taking the opportunity to talk to promising start-ups.
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Image: A surgeon in the operating room performs laser surgery on a patient's eyes; Copyright: Chibelek

Chibelek

Funding partially autonomous surgical robotics development

09/11/2023

The research association ForNeR’s two million euro grant from the Bavarian Research Foundation's Board of Trustees integrates assistive robots for surgery through intuitive interfaces in the operating room. This not only helps patients but also supports operating room staff in performing demanding procedures.
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Image: At the pilot plant, a 3D printer builds the scaffold from the composite material; Copyright: BellaSeno

BellaSeno

Bioactive composite supports healing of broken bones

09/11/2023

A broken bone failing to heal represents an enormous burden for patients. Fraunhofer researchers have worked alongside partners to develop a composite material to be used in the treatment of such non-union cases. The resulting implant is designed to significantly improve treatment success rates and speed up the healing process.
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Image: Rebecca Richards-Kortum smiles at the camera in a lab; Copyright: Brandon Martin/Rice University

Brandon Martin/Rice University

Affordable global health technologies for early cancer detection

06/11/2023

A Rice University-led collaboration from three continents has won up to a five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health to establish a premier research center in the Texas Medical Center to develop affordable, effective point-of-care (POC) technologies that improve early cancer detection in low-resource settings in the United States and other countries.
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Image: Man with long hair and olive green sweater posing: Kristian Franze with brain model; Copyright: Stephan Spangenberg

Stephan Spangenberg

UNFOLD research project receives prestigious ERC Synergy Grant

01/11/2023

Physicist and veterinarian Prof. Dr. Kristian Franze, Director at the Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin (MPZPM) and Director of the Institute for Medical Physics and Microtissue Engineering at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), has been awarded an ERC Synergy Grant.
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Image: Dr Bastian Schmack (left) and Professor Dr Arjang Ruhparwar demonstrate how the plastic bag of reBEAT encloses the heart; Copyright: Karin Kaiser / MHH

Karin Kaiser / MHH

The most natural form of mechanical cardiac support?

26/10/2023

On the road to gentler mechanical cardiac support, the cardiac surgery clinics of Hannover Medical School (MHH) and the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne (UK) have briefly implanted a novel, groundbreaking circulatory support system in the first five people with advanced heart failure in the world.
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Image: Diagram of synapse formation: Glowing protein shows the development of synaptic vesicles; Copyright: Barth van Rossum, FMP

Barth van Rossum, FMP

Microscopy and fluorescence show how synapses are formed

23/10/2023

How are synapses formed, those points of contact that allow the transmission of information from one neuron to the other? Working with an international team, researchers from the Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) have now uncovered a crucial mechanism and elucidated the identity of the axonal transport vesicles that generates synapses.
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Image: A man in a suit, Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Ahrens, posing in a bright hallway; Copyright: BIPS

BIPS

White paper: improving record linkage for health research

16/10/2023

In Germany, it is currently difficult to link health data from different sources. The Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology – BIPS is now presenting a white paper on this topic.
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Image: “Organ-on-chip” symbol image. Close-up of a biochip on a black background; Copyright: NMI

NMI

Menopause: leveraging organ-on-chip technology for new insights

09/10/2023

Addressing the impact of female menopause on dynamic resilience and exploring preventive and therapeutic strategies is the aim of an international and interdisciplinary research group led by Prof. Dr. Peter Loskill from the NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute and the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen.
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Image: Dartmouth computer science professor Temiloluwa Prioleau holds a type of wearable glucose monitor that provided data for the study; Copyright: Photo courtesy of Temiloluwa Prioleau

Photo courtesy of Temiloluwa Prioleau

Wearable devices show who may need more help managing diabetes

29/09/2023

A new Dartmouth study in the journal Science Advances suggests that how well people with diabetes manage their blood sugar depends on their experience with the condition and their overall success in controlling their glucose levels, as well as on the season and time of day.
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Image: A group of Asian startups point to a whiteboard; Copyright: davidpradoperucha

davidpradoperucha

Cure Xchange Challenge: initiative to incubate innovations by healthcare start-ups

26/09/2023

Cure, a healthcare innovation campus in New York City, has opened applications for its Cure Xchange Challenge, a bold initiative to incubate innovations by healthcare start-ups and entrepreneurs across disciplines and sectors to responsibly and equitably use artificial intelligence (AI) in health.
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Image: Schematic structure of a sensor for the detection of viral pathogens; Copyright: TUD

TUD

Diagnostics: pioneering approaches for the detection of viral antigens

22/09/2023

Scientists from the Chair of Materials Science and Nanotechnology at TU Dresden (TUD) have made considerable progress in the development of highly innovative solutions for the detection of viral pathogens in two studies they presented recently.
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Image: Microscopy image and artistic representation of the CHOOSE system in a human brain organoid; Copyright: Knoblich Lab / IMBA-IMP Graphics

Knoblich Lab / IMBA-IMP Graphics

Autism: brain organoid shows genetic bases

21/09/2023

Technology, developed by researchers from the Knoblich group at the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the Treutlein group at ETH Zurich, permits the identification of vulnerable cell types and gene regulatory networks that underlie autism spectrum disorders.
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Image: Blue immune cells wandering from bottom to top on a black background; Copyright: Jonna Alanko/Science Immunology

Jonna Alanko/Science Immunology

How immune cells migrate

11/09/2023

When fighting disease, our immune cells need to reach their target quickly. Researchers at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) now discovered that immune cells actively generate their own guidance system to navigate through complex environments.
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Image: Woman and man in white coats stand in front of an emergency clinic and pose for the camera; Copyright: Axel Kirchhof | UKE

Axel Kirchhof | UKE

Modifiable risk factors responsible for half of cardiovascular diseases

07/09/2023

Scientists of the Global Cardiovascular Risk Consortium have proven that the five classic cardiovascular risk factors overweight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes mellitus are directly connected to more than half of all cardiovascular diseases worldwide.
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Image: Close-up of two hands in blue gloves preparing a dose of vaccine by syringe; Copyright: Beate Armbruster/University Hospital of Tuebingen

Beate Armbruster/University Hospital of Tuebingen

Protection for cancer patients

05/09/2023

Tübingen T-cell activator offers protection against coronaviruses in immunocompromised patients
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Image: Two men and a woman in white coats work in a laboratory with reaction vessels; Copyright: Karin Kaiser / MHH

Karin Kaiser / MHH

More impact against cancer

04/09/2023

MHH molecular physician Professor Dr. Dr. Schambach wants to use genetically modified natural killer cells to find new therapeutic options against three particularly malignant cancers. The EU is funding the project with 3.8 million euros
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Image: artificial isolated heart on white background; Copyright: ozaiachin

ozaiachin

When the heart loses its nerves

01/09/2023

How do nerves and blood vessels interact in the aging heart? Recent research results from the Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration and the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute at Goethe University Frankfurt shed new light on aging processes in the heart.
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Image: Illustration of a protein structure with its amino acid complexes; Copyright: Kateryna Maksymenko

Kateryna Maksymenko

Innovative computational approach helps design proteins for cancer treatment

31/08/2023

A joint team of researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen and the University Hospital Tübingen has now developed and tested a new computational method to greatly speed up the necessary energy calculations.
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Image: A man and woman pose seated with a dummy syringe that says

Anne Günther/Uni Jena

Timing is key in cortisone treatment of inflammation

30/08/2023

A special type of starch could soon be used as an excipient in medicine to improve the treatment of patients.
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Image: The team at the Institute of PharmaceuticalMicrobiology: Three women and a man in white coats smile for the camera; Copyright: Gregor Hübl/University of Bonn

Gregor Hübl/University of Bonn

Researchers decode new antibiotic

29/08/2023

Cooperation between the University of Bonn, the USA and the Netherlands cracks the mode of action of clovibactin
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Image: Close-up of microtiter plates that are filled with several pipettes; Copyright: LMU

LMU

Immunotherapy: Antibody kit to fight tumors

25/08/2023

A new study highlights the potential of artificial DNA structures that, when fitted with antibodies, instruct the immune system to specifically target cancerous cells.
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Image: Judit Burgaya and Prof. Dr. Marco Galardini in the TWINCORE at a bar table with a laptop; Copyright: Karin Kaiser / MHH

Karin Kaiser / MHH

How harmless turns dangerous

24/08/2023

MHH researcher Prof. Galardini from the RESIST Cluster of Excellence finds causes for bloodstream infections in the genes of bacteria. This will enable better diagnostics and vaccinations in the future.
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Image: Microscopic image: cultivation of muscle stem cells and fibers from reprogrammed connective tissue cells; Copyright: ETH Zürich / Bar-Nur Lab

ETH Zürich / Bar-Nur Lab

Building muscle in the lab

23/08/2023

A new method allows large quantities of muscle stem cells to be safely obtained in cell culture.
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Image: Diagram of a fully synthetic cell-instructive matrix with programmable mechanical properties; Copyright: Elisha Krieg und Yu-Hsuan Peng

Elisha Krieg und Yu-Hsuan Peng

Programmable DNA hydrogels for advanced cell culture and personalized medicine

22/08/2023

The team of Dr. Elisha Krieg at the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden has developed a dynamic DNA-crosslinked matrix (DyNAtrix) by combining classical synthetic polymers with programmable DNA crosslinkers.
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Image: Diagram of a brain, with brain areas marked in colour; Copyright: MPI CBS

MPI CBS

The anatomy of memory: new mnemomic networks discovered in the brain

21/08/2023

Using a novel approach of precision neuroimaging and high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), neuroscientists and physicists at MPI CBS in Leipzig (Germany) and anatomist Menno Witter from the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience in Trondheim (Norway) have now ventured into the depths of the human memory system.
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Image: Jonathan Holzman and Alexis Guidi are exploring the potential of terahertz radiation to improve the quality of medical diagnostic imaging; Copyright: UBC Okanagan

UBC Okanagan

Riding a wave to better medical diagnosis

18/08/2023

New UBC Okanagan research takes aim at improving diagnostic imaging
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Image: A doctor palpates a patient's lymph nodes in the examination room; Copyright: Wavebreakmedia

Wavebreakmedia

Study: Fluidity predicts aggressiveness of cancerous tumours

17/08/2023

Researchers discovered that the consistency of a tumor can have a decisive influence on the further course of cancer.
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Image: Immune cells in blue and vessels in pink in the bone marrow of the skull; Copyright: Cell Press | ©Kolabas et al.

Cell Press | ©Kolabas et al.

A new ally in fighting brain diseases: our very own skull

16/08/2023

Alzheimer's, stroke, multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases cause severe damage due to neuroinflammation mediated by immune cells.
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Image: X-ray image of a lung; Copyright: Shaiith

Shaiith

AI shows how Aspergillus fumigatus gets comfortable in the lungs

14/08/2023

Aspergillus fumigatus strains that infect humans have a significantly altered metabolism compared to other strains in the environment. At the same time, infection with the fungus leads to an apparent change in the human lung microbiome.
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Image: A mammogram image of a breast on a screen; Copyright: ORION_production

ORION_production

AI-supported mammography screening is found to be safe

11/08/2023

Mammography screening supported by artificial intelligence (AI) is a safe alternative to today’s conventional double reading by radiologists and can reduce heavy workloads for doctors.
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Image: Uršula Vide from the Institute of Biochemistry at TU Graz working in the lab; Copyright: TU Graz

TU Graz

Light as on-off switch for enzymes

10/08/2023

Researchers at TU Graz have gained new insights into the functioning of a protein found in bacteria, whose enzymatic activity is activated by blue light.
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Image: Innovative 3D cell culture modell; Copyright: University of Nottingham

University of Nottingham

PeptiMatrix: Platform could replace use of animals in research

09/08/2023

PeptiMatrix is the latest spin-out company from the University of Nottingham, providing access to an innovative 3D cell culture platform that aims to replace the use of animals in research.
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Image: A patient is wheeled into a CT scanner. The patient smiles; Copyright: AZ-BLT

AZ-BLT

New imaging technology for a quick look inside a human being

04/08/2023

Physicists at the University of Würzburg have succeeded in making a new imaging technique ready for use on humans. Radioactive markers and radiation are not necessary for this.
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Image: An older woman in a plaid blouse looks thoughtfully out of the window; Copyright: Lancaster University

Lancaster University

Neurology: researchers identify changes in ageing brain using novel techniques

04/08/2023

Researchers investigating brain activity in older people say the coordination between neuronal activity and the brain’s oxygenation is altered.
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Image: A woman in a pink dress, Franziska Mathis-Ullrich, poses next to a surgical robot; Copyright: FAU/Georg Pöhlein

FAU/Georg Pöhlein

FAU: research project about robotic assistance systems receives funding

03/08/2023

In the “ForNeRo – Seamless and Ergonomic Integration of Robotics into the Clinical Workflow” research network, researchers from FAU and five other research institutions and five companies are developing methods for integrating robotic assistance systems for surgical applications using intuitive interfaces in the operating room.
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Image: Close-up of a boy with a healed minor cut after surgical tape stitches; Copyright: ellinnur

ellinnur

Biomaterials: toolbox for the development of bioadhesives

28/07/2023

The team of Prof. Dr. Thomas Scheibel, Chair of Biomaterials at the University of Bayreuth, has compiled a current overview of the state of research on protein-based bioadhesives.
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Image: View of a laboratory, where a robotic facility has been built; Copyright: Anna Schroll/Leibniz-HKI

Anna Schroll/Leibniz-HKI

Robotics: modular platform for antibiotics research

27/07/2023

The high cost and limited commercial value of new antibiotics discourage their development, as they are used sparingly to avoid resistance. To address this, a new robotics platform aims to simplify the development of active substances to combat the problem of antibiotic resistance. While we cannot always prevent resistance, this approach offers a promising solution.
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Image: It shows the activation of a chemical signaling pathway (ERK pathway; top-right) merged with a simulation of 2D cell areas (bottom-left) in a monolayer of cells; Copyright: Hannezo Group | ISTA

Hannezo Group | ISTA

Cell dynamics: how cells talk to each other

26/07/2023

Like us, cells communicate. Well, in their own special way. Using waves as their common language, cells tell one another where and when to move.
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Image: A stethoscope against a background of lined up ones and zeros, colored blue-purple; Copyright: istock.com/viorika

istock.com/viorika

AI brings hope for children with lyosomal storage disease

20/07/2023

Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly important in drug discovery. Advances in the use of Big Data, learning algorithms and powerful computers have now enabled researchers at the University of Zurich (UZH) to better understand a serious metabolic disease.
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Image: dr Jasmina Gačanin poses for the camera in a hallway; Copyright: Max-Planck-Institut für Polymerforschung

Max-Planck-Institut für Polymerforschung

Jasmina Gačanin investigates living biomaterials

20/07/2023

Dr. Jasmina Gačanin, postdoctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in the department of Prof. Dr. Tanja Weil, has been appointed as a “Peretti-Schmucker Fellow”.
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Image: A telecontrolled robotic arm supports and relieves a person during care activities; Copyright: Kathrin Seibert

Kathrin Seibert

AI: How can you bring health professionals and algorithms together?

18/07/2023

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) can relieve healthcare workers and improve patient care. A survey among healthcare professionals in the medical and nursing sector by the 'Platform Learning Systems' has found that employees are open-minded, but demand changes in their daily work in return.
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Image: Doctor performs an EEG examination on a woman; Copyright: diego_cervo

diego_cervo

Brain stimulation: using electricity to treat depression

17/07/2023

The Center for Responsible Research and Innovation (CeRRi) within the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO, working with the University of Ottawa in Canada, the National Paraplegic Hospital in Toledo, Spain and the University Medical Center Göttingen in Germany, has developed recommended actions for implementing technological solutions to treat mental illnesses.
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Image: Left: Chest radiograph Right: Visualization of the grounds for the AI's judgment; Copyright: Daiju Ueda, OMU

Daiju Ueda, OMU

AI classifies cardiac functions, heart disease

14/07/2023

Osaka Metropolitan University scientists have unveiled an innovative use of AI that classifies cardiac functions and pinpoints valvular heart disease with unprecedented accuracy, demonstrating continued progress in merging the fields of medicine and technology to advance patient care.
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Image: Image showing the preparation of hydrogels that enhance the viability of NK cells; Copyright: KIMM

KIMM

3D bioprinting technology to be used for removing cancer cells

14/07/2023

KIMM develops the world’s first 3D bioprinting technology that enhances the function of NK immune cells. The new technology is expected to improve effectiveness of cancer treatment.
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Image: Images of complex brain structures. On the left these structures are difficult to see, on the right they are shown more clearly; Copyright: Johann Danzl

Johann Danzl

Brain: LIONESS enables insights into complex tissue

13/07/2023

In a new paper, an interdisciplinary team of scientists at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) has come together to present a new way to observe the brain’s structure and dynamics – in a high resolution and without damaging the tissue.
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Image: A scientist in lab uniform inspects a smooth surface; Copyright: StreetOncamara_From_Twenty20

StreetOncamara_From_Twenty20

NOVA project: next generation of antimicrobial coating technologies

07/07/2023

Researchers develop and test highly efficient, environmentally friendly and stable antimicrobial (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal) coating technologies in the NOVA project.
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Image: clock in the background with scattered pills in the foreground; Copyright: rawf8

rawf8

Improved cancer therapy: TimeTeller shows what makes the body tick

06/07/2023

Using the internal clock to optimize chemotherapies in cancer treatment - that is the goal of the start-up TimeTeller. If the drugs are administered at the ideal time of day for chemotherapy, it can reduce side effects and improve the effect. TimeTeller has developed a method for determining the internal clock to make this possible.
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Image: Cross-sectional electron micrographs of individual nerve fibers in MS brain biopsies; Axons sheathed with myelin showing increasingly damage ; Copyright: Leipzig University

Leipzig University

Multiple sclerosis: Myelin may be detrimental to nerve fibres

05/07/2023

Researchers at Leipzig University and Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences in Göttingen have discovered that myelin, which was previously thought to be solely protective, can actually threaten the survival of the axons.
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Image: European Union flags in front of the Berlaymont building, headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels; Copyright: Dmitry_Rukhlenko

Dmitry_Rukhlenko

ETERNITY: EU graduate training on metabolism and neurodegeneration

04/07/2023

In a new, EU funded program, early career scientists are tracking down the connection between metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. DZNE is involved in a leading role.
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Image: Man with short brown hair, glasses and a blue shirt, Prof. Thomas Klockgether, smiles at the camera; Copyright: University Hospital of Bonn (UKB)

University Hospital of Bonn (UKB)

Ataxias: international award for Bonn patient care and research

28/06/2023

The Ataxia Center at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and DZNE have been awarded the title “Ataxia Center of Excellence” by the US National Ataxia Foundation (NAF) for their patient care and research – as the only organization in Europe.
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Image: Two men and three women pose in white coats in a laboratory; Copyright: Universidad de Barcelona

Universidad de Barcelona

New biomarkers of non-small cell lung cancer discovered

27/06/2023

Researchers of the University of Barcelona and the Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) have identified new biomarkers for non-small cell lung cancer, the most common lung cancer.
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Image: knee joint highlighted in red on which the person has placed their hands; copyright: mihacreative

mihacreative

Personalized cartilage replacement helps with knee pain

27/06/2023

Knee osteoarthritis is a widespread form of arthrosis that limits those affected in their everyday lives. The wear and tear in the cartilage tissue often causes pain and movement restrictions. In order to improve treatment, researchers have developed a process that allows artificial cartilage tissue to be individually tailored to sufferers.
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Image: Illustration of an evolutionary development from a natural pangolin to an pangolin-inspired robot; Copyright: MPI-IS

MPI-IS

Medical robot inspired by the pangolin

26/06/2023

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Stuttgart have developed a magnetically controlled soft medical robot with a unique, flexible structure inspired by the body of a pangolin. The robot is freely movable despite built-in hard metal components.
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Image: Fluorine-18-labelled folate PET/CT 3D fusion image of a rat subject with a glioma visible in the central region of the brain; Copyright: Maxwell Miner

Maxwell Miner

PET imaging: discovery can help detect brain tumours

22/06/2023

Folate-based radiopharmaceuticals can be used in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to detect folate receptors in brain tumours. The discovery of folate receptors and their exploitation potential with respect to brain tumours is a new and significant finding in the field.
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Image: A female lab worker in protective clothing scans a barcode on a blood sample; Copyright: svitlanah

svitlanah

6G in healthcare: better wireless technology for better care

20/06/2023

While the 5G cellular technology standard is becoming more widespread in the public sector, development on its successor has already started. The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has launched an initiative to lay the foundations for 6G. This communications technology can also be significant for the healthcare sector.
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Image: A puzzle-like model of a lung made of building blocks on a red background; Copyright: yavdat

yavdat

AI enables first integrated single-cell atlas of the lung

15/06/2023

Can a human organ be mapped on a single-cell level to learn more about each individual cell? And can we learn how different these cells are from person to person? Helmholtz Munich researchers and their collaborators have taken up this challenge and developed the Human Lung Cell Atlas using artificial intelligence (AI)-based techniques.
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Image: Viral Microscope View. 3D illustration of a corona virus in blue color; Copyright: maxxyustas

maxxyustas

Corona: The virus needs only a single door opener

15/06/2023

Why is the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus able to spread so efficiently? Various hypotheses are still circulating in the scientific community. A group of researchers from Würzburg has now found groundbreaking answers.
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Image: Red 3D illustration of a human lungs on a black background; Copyright: Pixabay

Pixabay

Lung: bacterial colonisation also depends on genes of the host

13/06/2023

We know from previous studies that changes in the lung microbiome are associated with diseases such as cystic fibrosis, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Environmental factors such as smoking, nutrition in infancy or the use of antibiotics are important factors for the composition and stability of the microbial community in the lung.
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Image: Renacer bioresorbable membrane against a black background; Copyright: K. Selsam, Fraunhofer ISC

K. Selsam, Fraunhofer ISC

Wound healing: Fraunhofer Institutes develop bioresorbable membrane RENACER

13/06/2023

Treating large-area and internal wounds and promoting their often protracted healing remains a challenging task for medicine. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research (ISC) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM) have developed the bioresorbable membrane RENACER®.
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Image: Nils Wagner, a man with brown hair in a T-shirt, sits at a computer screen on which codes are displayed; Copyright: Dennis Gankin / TUM

Dennis Gankin / TUM

Algorithm helps search for the cause of hereditary diseases

07/06/2023

A Munich research team has developed an algorithm that predicts the effects of genetic mutations on RNA formation six times more precisely than previous models.
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Image: Woman with glasses in a pink blazer, Dr. Sonia Lippke smiles for the camera; Copyright: Constructor University

Constructor University

Post- and long-COVID syndrome: eHealth interventions can help

06/06/2023

Psychological and physical exercises digitally instructed can improve the health of post- and long-COVID patients. These findings were confirmed in a current meta-analysis by a team led by Sonia Lippke, professor of health psychology and behavioral medicine at Constructor University in Bremen.
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Image: Two women, Wiebke Möbius and Sophie Hümmert, at a white electron microscope; Copyright: Swen Pförtner MPI

Swen Pförtner MPI

Multiple Sclerosis: structural changes in brain tissue promote inflammatory processes

31/05/2023

A German-Dutch research team has shown that ultrastructural changes in healthy areas in the white matter of MS patients make the tissue more susceptible to inflammation and the formation of lesions
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Image: PhD student Maja Struczynska with the model of a single fibrinogen molecule; Copyright: Jens Meyer/Uni Jena

Jens Meyer/Uni Jena

Specially coated titanium reduces risk of clots on prostheses

26/05/2023

An international research team led by the german University of Jena has now developed a promising approach to significantly reducing blood clotting on the heart valve material titanium.
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Image: Preview picture of video

Exoskeletons for everyday use: Non-invasive method for controlling prostheses

26/05/2023

Modern prostheses are already smart, but they still have their limits. The Assistive Intelligent Robotics Lab at FAU is therefore also researching an intuitive and non-invasive method for controlling prostheses. In our interview, those involved tell us exactly what they are working on together with neurologists and surgeons from the Erlangen University Hospital.
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Image: The research team: three men and one woman pose next to a screen and a microscope; Copyright: NTU Singapore

NTU Singapore

Why wavy wounds heal faster than straight wounds

19/05/2023

Wavy wounds heal faster than straight wounds because shapes influence cell movements, a team of researchers at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) has found.
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Image: Young woman sleeping in her bed wearing a smartwatch on the wrist; Copyright: KaikaTaaK

KaikaTaaK

Digital biomarkers: a new way to look at diseases?

15/05/2023

We usually use biomarkers from body tissue or blood to diagnose diseases and monitor their progression. This requires taking and analyzing samples from patients at regular points in time. Two new studies shed light on an easier and less expensive method: using wearable sensors to collect movement data and AI to analyze them.
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Image: Prof. Dr. Thomas Scheibel and Vanessa Trossmann in a laboratory for the microscopic examination of cell structures; Copyright: UBT / Chr. Wißler.

UBT / Chr. Wißler.

Regenerative medicine: cell-specific properties of novel spider silk materials

12/05/2023

Materials made of spider silk can be specifically modified or processed in such a way that living cells of a certain type adhere to them, grow and proliferate. This has been discovered by researchers at the University of Bayreuth under the direction of Prof. Dr. Thomas Scheibel.
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Image: Brain immune cells (“microglia”) in culture exposed to amyloid-beta proteins which are involved in Alzheimer’s disease; Copyright: DZNE/AG Milovanovic

DZNE/AG Milovanovic

Tuning brain cells with light

11/05/2023

An international research team, comprising scientists from University Hospital Bonn, DZNE, the Netherlands, and the US has been awarded a US$ 1.3 million grant by the “Human Frontier Science Program” to investigate brain immune cells and manipulate them via light irradiation.
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Image: A man in a white shirt wearing glasses - Prof. Andreas Keller, sits in his office at the computer; Copyright: Saarland University/Oliver Dietze

Universität des Saarlandes/Oliver Dietze

Exploring the molecular mechanisms of ageing

09/05/2023

A team led by bioinformatics experts Andreas Keller and Fabian Kern from Saarland University together with researchers at Stanford University have gained new insights into manifestations of ageing at the molecular level.
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Image: Baby mannequin connected to a ventilator in an incubator; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf

Messe Düsseldorf

With stem cell model on the trail of congenital diaphragmatic hernia

09/05/2023

Researchers have designed a new stem cell model to study congenital diaphragmatic hernia in newborns with underdeveloped lungs. They were able to isolate stem cells from the fluid that is suctioned from the baby’s lungs and normally gets discarded and use them as a foundation for the model.
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Image: Adolescent girl is wearing sensors on her back for motion tracking; Copyright: microgen

microgen

Soft orthotics: creating the perfect fit with a 3D scanner

08/05/2023

Soft textile orthoses are used in the treatment of certain medical conditions. Making these custom devices by hand is difficult, time-consuming, and susceptible to human error. A research project has developed a digital platform designed to simplify the production of soft orthoses.
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Image: Microscopic image of bone-marrow cells of a multiple myeloma patient.; Copyright: Berend Snijder Lab / ETH Zurich

Berend Snijder Lab / ETH Zurich

How to fight blood cancer more effectively

05/05/2023

Despite approved treatments being available, multiple myeloma remains incurable. But researchers at ETH Zurich and University Hospital Zurich set out to improve treatment outcomes by testing hundreds of existing therapeutics outside the body to predict their effectiveness.
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Image: Elderly woman in physical rehabilitation with a dumbbell assisted by a physiotherapist; Copyright: bialasiewicz

bialasiewicz

Physical activity crucial for poststroke recovery

05/05/2023

After a stroke, physical activity can be pivotal to successful recovery. People who spend four hours a week exercising after their stroke achieve better functional recovery within six months than those who do not, a University of Gothenburg study shows.
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Image: 3D-segmentation of different structures related to an infection with the Ebola virus.; Copyright: Petr Chlanda

Petr Chlanda

Luring the virus into a trap

04/05/2023

Heidelberg researchers describe mechanisms that could help prevent infections with the influenza A and Ebola viruses.
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Image: Modern ECG machine in the hospital emergency room for diagnosis of a heart attack; Copyright: nd3000

nd3000

Atrial fibrillation: Targeted drug therapy approach discovered for the first time

04/05/2023

When the heart gets out of rhythm, characteristic processes occur in the heart muscle cells. Among other things, the currents of electrically charged particles (ions) change. In chronic atrial fibrillation, one of these currents is reduced.
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Image: 3D render of the tibias treated with the current clinical treatment option chemotherapeutics or treated with chemotherapeutics plus gene therapy; Copyright: UCD Research and Innovation

UCD Research and Innovation

Novel combination of therapies may provide new treatment option for bone cancer

03/05/2023

New research has identified a potential therapeutic target and developed a unique delivery system to treat osteosarcoma, a bone cancer that primarily affects children and adolescents.
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Image: A spoon piled with bits of plastic. The spoon lies on a salmon-colored background; Copyright: xalien/Shutterstock

xalien/Shutterstock

Tiny plastic particles also find their way into the brain

28/04/2023

With the help of computer models, researchers have discovered that a specific surface structure (biomolecular corona) is crucial for the passage of plastic particles into the brain.
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Image: A female physician and an assistant are looking at MRI images on a screen; Copyright: svitlanah

svitlanah

BioDevCenter: biologicals are the future of medicine

27/04/2023

Not all advances in medical technology immediately catch your eye – take biologicals, for example. These are molecules that are biotechnologically designed for a specific application. In the German state of Baden-Württemberg, the Biologicals Development Center (BioDevCenter) and its infrastructure aim to bring them to market faster in the future.
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 Image: Person walking with his back to the camera on a treadmill in front of a monitor that analyzes and displays information on body posture; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf

Messe Düsseldorf

3D Motion Analysis: Postural patterns in patients with hemophilia

27/04/2023

Usually, the solutions for monitoring heart failure are implantable and thus come with the risks of surgery. A research project has now developed a noninvasive solution based on sensor technology integrated into a wearable belt.
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Image: Several reaction vessels with tissue samples; Copyright: DZHK

DZHK

Collaborative and sustainable - the DZHK's clinical research platform

26/04/2023

At the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), clinical study data and samples belong not to individual clinics but to a superordinate structure - the DZHK. The basis for this is the collaborative clinical research platform launched ten years ago, which makes data and samples from all DZHK studies uniformly recordable.
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Image: An example of virtual staining of tissue. Unstained tissue on the left, chemically stained tissue in the middle and virtually stained tissue on the right; Copyright: Pekka Ruusuvuori

Pekka Ruusuvuori

AI-based method to replace chemical staining of tissue

21/04/2023

Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence-based method for virtual staining of histopathological tissue samples as a part of the Nordic ABCAP consortium.
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Image:An ophthalmologist looking at an OCT image together with the patient; Copyright: olgaseleznovaphoto

olgaseleznovaphoto

FALCO project: Comprehensive glaucoma prevention thanks to low-cost screening system

20/04/2023

Glaucoma is wicked, because the disease often goes undetected until irreversible damage of the optic nerve has occurred. This makes regular eye exams even more important. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging method that facilitates an early diagnosis. However, traditional OCT machines are very expensive. That’s why the FALCO project aims to develop a more cost-effective system.
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Image: A human brain organoid (red) grows on the hammock-like structure of a mesh MEA; Copyright: Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine

Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine

Microelectrode array: hammock for brain organoids

20/04/2023

Novel microelectrode array system enables long-term cultivation and electrophysiological analyses of brain organoids.
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Image: Schematic illustration of organoid bioprinting with artificial intelligence ; Copyright: Cyborg and Bionic Systems

Cyborg and Bionic Systems

Bioprinting technology and AI enable high quality in vitro models

19/04/2023

In the process of organoid manufacturing, bioprinting technology not only facilitates the creation and maintenance of complex biological 3D shapes and structures, but also allows for standardization and quality control during production.
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Image: Woman examines an x-ray of a head via a hologram in a dark room; Copyright: Shutterstock.com/PeopleImages.com - Yuri A

Shutterstock.com/PeopleImages.com - Yuri A

6G Health kick-off: better healthcare with 6G networking

18/04/2023

Starting now, the Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut (HHI) is developing fundamental technology components for 6G-based medical applications in the research project "6G-Health" (Holistic Development of High-Performance 6G Networking for Distributed Medical Technology Systems).
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Image: Johannes Karges smiles for the camera in a light blue shirt and dark blue jacket. In the background is a green area; Copyright: RUB, Marquard

RUB, Marquard

Ultrasound activates anticancer agent

14/04/2023

Chemotherapy treatments produce strong side effects. A new agent that accumulates in the tumour tissue and is activated there by ultrasound waves does not have this problem.
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Image: Example image for the spatially resolved analysis of a gene on a section of kidney tissue; Copyright: Daniel Kokotek

Daniel Kokotek

New method makes rare cell types visible

13/04/2023

In cooperation with Helmholtz Munich, Professor Matthias Meier from the Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine at Leipzig University and his research group have developed a new, effective and comparatively inexpensive method to make rare cell types, cell communication types and disease patterns visible in tissue.
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Image: Graphic with the headline “Nanoreactors” that show the structure of a bead with annotations; Copyright: BLINK DX

BLINK DX

BLINK DX: revolutionizing digital PCR

11/04/2023

The polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, plays a major role both in the diagnosis of infectious diseases and in research. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the term has become widely known. At MEDICA 2022, the BLINK AG from Jena, Germany, presented the BLINK Beads, a technology that is bound to revolutionize the applications of PCR.
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Image: Close up of both hands and forearms with characteristic monkeypox on a blue background; Copyright: Shutterstock.com/Marina Demidiuk

Shutterstock.com/Marina Demidiuk

App for AI-assisted detection of monkeypox skin lesions

07/04/2023

A paper produced as part of the DAKI-FWS project (data and AI-supported early warning system to stabilize the German economy) will be featured in the prestigious journal Nature Medicine.
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Image: Cornel Amariei, a man with brown hair in a blue shirt, poses for the camera with white high-tech glasses; Copyright: Oana Graur

Oana Graur

Patent: high-tech glasses replace guide dog

07/04/2023

The technology of “the glasses that replace the guide dog” has just been patented in the USA. The European Union patent will follow, and it could well be introduced to the market during the course of next year.
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Image: Three men and a woman in white lab coats pose for the camera in a laboratory; Copyright: Universidad de Barcelona

Universidad de Barcelona

Microfluidics physics-based device to predict cancer therapy response

06/04/2023

A team of experts has designed a microfluidic device called microfluidic dynamic BH3 profiling (μDBP) that predicts the effectiveness of cancer treatment quickly and automatically.
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Image: ENT doctor or dentist with a medical instrument examining the oral cavity; Copyright: YuriArcursPeopleimages

ONWARD Medical NV

PANDORA test could pave the way for better oral cancer detection

06/04/2023

Surrey scientists have developed a proof-of-concept test called PANDORA that was shown to be over 92% accurate at identifying patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The test was also shown to be more than 80% accurate at identifying patients with pre-cancer or oral epithelial dysplasia (OED).
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Image: Group picture in front of the BSL 3 high-security laboratory; Four women and three men in business attire; Copyright: Helmholtz Munich/Matthias Balk

Helmholtz Munich/Matthias Balk

Helmholtz Munich: research infrastructure for pandemic management and prevention expanded

05/04/2023

From now on, an improved research infrastructure for pandemic management and prevention will be available in the Greater Munich area: on the 29th of March 2023 a new biosafety level 3 laboratory was introduced at Helmholtz Munich.
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Image: ARC trial participant in active therapy: ARC Therapy is designed to deliver targeted, programmed spinal cord stimulation; Copyright: ONWARD Medical NV

ONWARD Medical NV

Kick-off: new Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network "ReWIRE"

05/04/2023

Through ReWIRE, next-generation scientists will be trained to develop translational breakthrough therapeutic solutions for patients with paralysis caused by traumatic spinal cord injuries.
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Image: medical syringe lies on several doses of vaccine; Copyright: erika8213

erika8213

AI meets zebrafish: is this the future of drug discovery?

04/04/2023

New drug candidates must undergo lengthy testing using animal models before being given to participants in human trials. This means many active ingredients must already be sorted out in test series because they either do not have the desired or even have an adverse effect. These test series require many test animals. The use of zebrafish larvae could lead to a reduced demand in this setting.
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Image: Smiling female doctor in a practice, using a tablet; Copyright: westend61

westend61

Platform for the rapid development of digital health applications

03/04/2023

Fraunhofer FIT presents a toolbox for the rapid development of digital health applications. It can help to respond to urgent needs in the healthcare market. The platform integrates applications, methods and solutions from several national and European research projects.
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Image: Illustration of a mitral valve prolapse compared to a healthy valve; Copyright: DZHK - Michael Fausser

DZHK - Michael Fausser

Mitral valve repair: surgery or interventional treatment?

31/03/2023

A leaking mitral valve can be repaired surgically or with catheter-based techniques. A so-called mitral valve prolapse is particularly common, in which part of the valve protrudes (prolapses) into the left atrium. The American PRIMARY study investigates which method is most suitable for repairing mitral valves in patients with degenerative mitral valve insufficiency who are at low surgical risk.
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Image: Three women and a man are smiling and looking at their laptops while sitting in a library; Copyright: Uni Tübingen

Uni Tübingen

Targeted computer modelling to accelerate antiviral drug development

31/03/2023

Andreas Dräger from the University of Tübingen is working on a computer-based method that can help to accelerate the time-consuming identification and development of antiviral agents.
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Image: Man with long brown hair and glasses, Viktor Jirsa, smiles at the camera; Copyright: private

private

Advances in brain modelling open path to digital twins for brain medicine

30/03/2023

In the current edition of The Lancet Neurology, researchers of the Human Brain Project (HBP) present the novel clinical uses of advanced brain modelling methods. Computational brain modelling techniques that integrate the measured data of a patient have been developed by researchers at AMU Marseille as part of the HBP.
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Image: A man in a blue sweater, with short grey hair and glasses is looking into the tube of a tomograph, in which a phantom is positioned – Prof. Franz Pfeiffer; Copyright: Astrid Eckert / TUM

Astrid Eckert / TUM

COVID-19 and beyond: a deeper look into the lungs with dark-field X-rays

28/03/2023

Imaging reaches its limits when it comes to looking at the lungs: Alveoli are tiny, balloon-shaped air sacs in our lungs. These tissue structures are micrometers in diameter and currently cannot be visualized directly. Meanwhile, they exhibit early changes prompted by lung diseases such as COVID-19. Dark-field X-ray images could visualize these signs in the future.
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Image: The SPUR tool, a plastic dispenser, can help patients living with Type 2 Diabetes take their medications correctly; Copyright: Kingston University

Kingston University

Medication adherence tool predicts hospital admissions of Type 2 Diabetes patients

28/03/2023

A pioneering behavioural diagnostic tool developed by Kingston University, London and healthcare technology company Observia to help patients take their medication as prescribed is the first holistic model in the world to accurately predict hospital admissions and readmissions in people living with Type 2 Diabetes, according to a new study.
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Image: Study co-authors in white coats (from left) Caleb Bashor, Antonios Mikos and Letitia Chim; Copyright: Gustavo Raskosky/Rice University

Gustavo Raskosky/Rice University

Upgraded tumor model optimizes search for cancer therapies

27/03/2023

Rice University researchers developed an upgraded tumor model that houses osteosarcoma cells beside immune cells known as macrophages inside a three-dimensional structure engineered to mimic bone. Using the model, bioengineer Antonios Mikos and collaborators found that the body’s immune response can make tumor cells more resistant to chemotherapy.
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Image: Close-up of a sample tray and analyzer in the laboratory; Copyright: Fraunhofer IPK / Larissa Klassen

Fraunhofer IPK / Larissa Klassen

New technologies for producing mRNA-based pharmaceuticals

24/03/2023

Together with partners from science and industry, Fraunhofer IPK is researching how mRNA therapeutics and other medication can be better produced and more effectively applied.
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Image: Newborn baby lies on his stomach in an incubator; Copyright: mvaligursky

mvaligursky

Incubators: method to reduce alcohol absorbed from disinfectants used

22/03/2023

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba showed the association between the concentration of evaporated alcohol from alcohol-based disinfectants used for incubators and the amount of alcohol absorbed by premature infants.
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Image: Close-up of a scientist wearing protective clothing looking through a microscope; Copyright: ckstockphoto

ckstockphoto

Smart microscopy works out where to take the picture

16/03/2023

Researchers at Lund University in Sweden have now developed a software solution for smart, data-driven microscopy, which makes this possible.
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Image: Detailed measurement of how the motor protein kinesin-1 (red) walks on microtubules (white); Copyright: Max-Planck-Institut für medizinische Forschung

Max-Planck-Institut für medizinische Forschung

Further advance in super-resolution fluorescence microscopy

16/03/2023

Scientists led by Nobel Laureate Stefan Hell at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research in Heidelberg have developed a super-resolution microscope with a spatio-temporal precision of one nanometer per millisecond.
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Image: A baby with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia is ventilated in an incubator; Copyright: Colourbox

Colourbox

Stem cell model: research into malformation of the newborn lung

15/03/2023

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is one of the deadliest birth defects. To better understand and treat this condition in the future, an international team of researchers involving Leipzig University Hospital designed a new cell model in the laboratory and tested a drug therapy on it.
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Image: Black cones show water molecules being oriented in the electric field at the interface with the lipid; Copyright: Carlos Marques / ENS Lyon

Carlos Marques / ENS Lyon

Standard model of electroporation refuted

15/03/2023

Technology developed at the University of Freiburg enables experimental test. The new findings could help to improve the transport of active substances into cells
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Image: Medical research Close-up of a microplate; Copyright: manjurulhaque

manjurulhaque

RIANA: Viennese start-up develops novel, precise anti-cancer drugs

14/03/2023

The technological basis is a proprietary platform technology for the discovery of drugs that target cancer-causing protein-protein interactions (PPIs).
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Image: A small dark box, a mobile impedance spectrometer; Copyright: Fraunhofer ISC

Fraunhofer ISC

Innovative in vitro eye irritation test to replace standard animal testing

10/03/2023

Researchers at the Translational Center for Regenerative Therapies TLC-RT of the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC want to work with partners to replace animal testing.
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Image: A man in fine striped shirt with glasses, Prof. Dr. med. Tobias Moser, smiles at the camera; Copyright: MBExC/spförtner

MBExC/spförtner

Optical cochlea implant: ERC Proof of Concept Grant for Tobias Moser

02/03/2023

In the ImageTox project, the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) and the CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security are pooling their expertise in the fields of drug discovery and artificial intelligence (AI).
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Image: The photo shows the scanning of a blood sample in a laboratory at CiiM.; Copyright: Karin Kaiser / MHH

Karin Kaiser / MHH

What leads to severe COVID-19 diseases?

01/03/2023

Infection with SARS-CoV-2 leads to severe disease in some people, while others do not get ill or only experience mild disease. But why is this the case? Unfortunately, we do not know exactly. We do know that an overactive innate immune system is causing severe COVID-19 disease, but it is unclear how this is regulated.
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Image: old man falls to the ground and touches his forehead; Copyright: LightFieldStudios

LightFieldStudios

Balance ability predicts cognitive impairment

28/02/2023

In a study recently published in BMC Geriatrics, researchers from the University of Tsukuba have revealed a new measure of physical balance that could help to identify individuals who are at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD).
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Image: Two men in dark clothes posing in front of the experimental station Alvra of the Swiss X-ray free-electron laser SwissFEL; Copyright: Paul Scherrer Institut/Markus Fischer

Paul Scherrer Institut/Markus Fischer

Using light to switch drugs on and off

27/02/2023

In the ImageTox project, the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) and the CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security are pooling their expertise in the fields of drug discovery and artificial intelligence (AI).
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Image: Man is grabbing his throat with one hand, touches the larynx; Copyright: towfiqu98

towfiqu98

Vocal cord paresis: surgical treatment to reverse paralysis

27/02/2023

The paralysis of the vocal folds, the vocal fold paresis (also known as vocal cord paralysis) is a condition in which most patients cannot control the movement of the muscles that control the voice. This can make it hard to speak, prompting a reduction in speech volume that makes it challenging to understand the person. Some patients may even have difficulty breathing.
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Image: Researchers at HIPS work with zebrafish larvae to detect potential side effects of new drugs at an early stage; Copyright: Dietze / HIPS

Dietze / HIPS

HIPS and CISPA join forces to make future active ingredients safer

23/02/2023

In the ImageTox project, the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) and the CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security are pooling their expertise in the fields of drug discovery and artificial intelligence (AI).
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Image: Immune cell trafficking in diabetic cataract formation.; Copyright: HAWK

HAWK

Imaging: role of immune cells in early diabetic cataract development

22/02/2023

The team of researchers, led by Prof. Dr. Ali Hafezi-Moghadam, Director of the Molecular Biomarkers Nano-Imaging Laboratory (MBNI), in collaboration with Professor Dr. Christoph Rußmann, Dean of the Health Campus and a Visiting Professor at MBNI, found early signs of damage in the eye before the onset of type 2 diabetes.
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Image: Model of AR glasses that can be worn for fall prevention; Copyright:

Lorenz Assländer

Fall prevention with AR glasses

21/02/2023

Older people have a much higher risk of falls and serious injury arising from a fall. Researchers involved in the “Augmented Balance" project aim to develop augmented reality (AR) glasses to help improve balance and prevent falls.
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Image: The project team, consisting of 15 people, poses in front of a gray wall; Copyright: The Project Team / Claudia Pock

The Project Team / Claudia Pock

Multinational research consortium to advance nanomedicine manufacturing

15/02/2023

Gattefossé, InProcess-LSP, Knauer, Microfluidics, Skyepharma, and the University of Graz join the RCPE-led European Consortium for Continuous Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (ECCPM) to jointly develop a modular, flexible toolkit to advance industrial-scale production of lipid nanoparticles.
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Image: A man in a white coat and with safety goggles, Hongji Yan, holds a test tube in his hand and is looking at the camera; Copyright: Vaibhav Srivastava

Vaibhav Srivastava

Mucus-based gel improves bone graft results, promotes healing

14/02/2023

Molecules from mucus can be used to produce synthetic bone graft material and help with the healing of larger bone loss, a new study found.
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Image: A white electrospun Renacer membrane (5 x 5 cm) on a black background; Copyright: Fraunhofer ISC

Fraunhofer ISC

Bioresorbable membrane for healing internal and external wounds

10/02/2023

Fraunhofer researchers have succeeded in using the bioresorbable silica gel Renacer to produce an electrospun membrane that is neither cytotoxic to cells nor genotoxic.
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Image: A woman with black hair in a white coat sits in a research laboratory and operates a microscope; Copyright: wichayada69

wichayada69

Funding to produce biodegradable antiviral and antibacterial materials

08/02/2023

A new junior research group at Freie Universität Berlin, which will investigate the production of biodegradable antiviral and antibacterial materials, with one of the goals of synthesis being new alternatives to conventional antibiotics, will receive a total budget of more than 1.8 million euros from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) over the next five years.
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Image: Chung-Hao Lee, Ph.D., at the University of Oklahoma, smiles at the camera in a business suit; Copyright: University of Oklahoma

University of Oklahoma

Researchers designing device to improve brain aneurysm treatment

03/02/2023

Under the direction of Chung-Hao Lee, Ph.D., at the University of Oklahoma, a five-year research project will lead to the design of a device that can be customized to better treat unique aneurysms, the irregular bulge in a blood vessel that can be deadly.
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Image: Patient testing a brain-computer interface developed by Charité to control an exoskeleton hand; Copyright: AG Klinische Neurotechnologie, Charité Berlin

AG Klinische Neurotechnologie, Charité Berlin

Controlling neural exoskeletons more precisely with diamond sensors

02/02/2023

In the recently launched NeuroQ lighthouse project, the project partners develop highly sensitive diamond-based quantum sensors that will enable paralyzed people to control neural exoskeletons more precisely.
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Image: During their journey through the blood, blood proteins accumulate on the surface of nanoparticles. 3D illustration; Copyright: MPI-P

MPI-P

New insights into the utilization of nanotechnology-based drugs

01/02/2023

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research have now followed the path of such a particle into a cell using a combination of several microscopy methods. They were able to observe a cell-internal process that effectively separates blood components and nanoparticles.
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Image: A physiotherapist is doing a leg exercise with a woman who is wearing an orthosis; Copyright: Wavebreakmedia

Wavebreakmedia

Muscles and nervous system: Space research helps combat degeneration

30/01/2023

Injuries do not just happen to athletes: along with surgeries, they are often the reason for prolonged bed rest. Meanwhile, extended physical inactivity can trigger changes in muscles and the nervous system. Sports medicine wants to counteract these negative effects and use insights from space research in the future.
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Image: Kid in wheelchair is happy with father on the beach, Excited to see the sea on a vacation; Copyright: gaysorn1442

gaysorn1442

Wearable tech, AI, clinical teams combine to change face of clinical trial monitoring

30/01/2023

A multi-disciplinary team of researchers has developed a way to monitor the progression of movement disorders using motion capture technology and AI.
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Bild: DNA strand assembly from different elements. 3D illustration; Copyright: iLexx

iLexx

The architecture of shattered genomes

27/01/2023

Hunting for disease clues in the dark matter of our DNA. Scientists have reconstructed the chromosomes of patients with an extremely high number of aberrations in their genome that could alter the expression of nearby genes and potentially cause disease. Their results were published in Nature Communications in October 2022.
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Bild: Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium responsible for the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea. 3D illustration; Copyright: iLexx

iLexx

Bacterial electricity: Membrane potential influences antibiotic tolerance

27/01/2023

The electrical potential across the bacterial cell envelope indicates when bacteria no longer operate as individual cells but as a collective. Researchers at the University of Cologne's Institute for Biological Physics have discovered this connection between the electrical properties and the lifestyle of bacteria.
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Image: An elderly man sits at an eye diagnostic device and is examined by a doctor; Copyright: Beachbumledford

Beachbumledford

Controlled manufacture, storage and freezing of artificial retinal cells

25/01/2023

Fraunhofer researchers have now developed a new method for the production and clinical application of stem-cell-based retinal implants, which could contribute towards the successful treatment of AMD.
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Image: Close-up Of A Man Checking Blood Sugar Level At Home With Glucometer And Test Strips; Copyright: dolgachov

dolgachov

Type 2 diabetes: Machine learning can predict poor glycemic control from patient information systems

13/01/2023

The risk for poor glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes can be predicted with confidence by using machine learning methods, a new study from Finland finds.
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Image: Position of molecules on nanoparticle surfaces as a 3D illustration; Copyright: Max-Planck-Institut für Polymerforschung

Max-Planck-Institut für Polymerforschung

How optical microscopes allow detailed investigations of nanoparticles

06/01/2023

In their project "Supercol"- funded by the European Union - scientists want to achieve the investigation of nanoparticles with light.
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Image: Small moldecules - illustration in orange; Copyright: Aalto University

Aalto University

Gaining unprecedented view of small molecules by machine learning

06/01/2023

A new tool to identify small molecules offers benefits for diagnostics, drug discovery and fundamental research. A new machine learning model will help scientists identify small molecules, with applications in medicine, drug discovery and environmental chemistry.
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Image: Physical therapist putting electrostimulation belt on a patient; Copyright: 9_fingers_

9_fingers_

Electrical current to fight COVID-19: The intelligent electric pill

28/11/2022

In 2020, Prof. Eugenijus Kaniusas and his research partners hypothesized that stimulating the auricular vagus nerve has anti-inflammatory effects in severe COVID-19 cases. In 2022, they were able to confirm this hypothesis thanks to a clinical trial.
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Image: Preview picture of video

Together for the newest technology – Highlight tour at the Fraunhofer joint stand

15/11/2022

Several Fraunhofer institutes present their latest technology in the field of medical technology and health at MEDICA 2022. Automation processes, polymers and digital networking are just some of the topics to be found at the stand. We talked to some of the institutes during our highlight tour.
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Image: Entrance area of Messe Düsseldorf,

Messe Düsseldorf / ctillmann

MEDICA 2022: Where Healthcare is going

03/11/2022

The time has come: MEDICA 2022 opens its doors! Whether start-ups, current research results from sports medicine or exciting contributions from the laboratories of this world - you will find all of this bundled at the trade fair center in Düsseldorf from November 14 to 17. For a brief overview of what visitors can expect in our forums and conferences, see our Topic of the Month.
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Image: Woman with sensors on the upper body on a runner; Copyright: pixelaway

pixelaway

Movement analysis with electromagnetic wave-based sensor technology

03/11/2022

Wearable technologies are widely used in today’s sports medicine. Whether they home in on a diagnosis or track people’s various parameters, wearables, and smart textiles are here to provide information and support. The MEDICA MEDICINE + SPORTS CONFERENCE will showcase some of the latest trends and research developments pertaining to sports medicine.
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Image: small empty test tubes with lids in different colors; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/C. Tillmann

Messe Düsseldorf/C. Tillmann

RNA technologies make targeted immune activation possible

03/11/2022

MEDICA 2022 is right around the corner, ready to deliver insights into the advancements and innovations in laboratory medicine. One of the key topics of the MEDICA LABMED Forum is RNA technologies and the wide range of applications that involve cell biology. RNA technologies not only enable Covid-19 vaccines but promise an array of treatment options for genetic diseases, in and beyond oncology.
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Image: Sleeping female patient in hospital bed with oxygen ventilator; Copyright: Wavebreakmedia

Wavebreakmedia

Breathe again: Diaphragm stimulation after prolonged mechanical ventilation

24/10/2022

For the past two years, the Greifswald University Medical Center has been collaborating in an international study in which a therapy using electrostimulation of the diaphragm is designed to wean patients off artificial respiration. The innovative system aims to achieve faster independence from the ventilator.
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Image: Preview picture of video

Digital patient model for chronic diseases – A dashboard for more targeted diagnoses and therapies

05/10/2022

In the MED²ICIN lead project, a digital patient model for chronically ill persons has been developed. A particularly clear, web-based dashboard shows, among other things, the course of the disease, medication responses and recommendations for action. In addition, the data can be compared with a large pool of data from other patients.
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Image: A flexible endoscope being prepared for a treatment; Copyright: GabiStock

GabiStock

Body follows head: Bridging the gap between rigid and flexible endoscopes

04/10/2022

A successful endoscopic intervention hinges on two key factors: the endoscope must have excellent maneuverability and high structural rigidity. Unfortunately, today's devices cannot meet both requirements at the same time. Tim-Lukas Habich wants to change that by bridging the gap between flexible and rigid robots.
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Image: The arms of an endoscope; Copyright: Madeleine Waltner

Madeleine Waltner

Actuators, sensors, controllers: The robot-assisted flexible endoscope combines all three

04/10/2022

The rise of robotics in medicine will result in more applications in this sector in the future. This necessitates the design of robotic systems that meet the requirements for the respective medical implementation. Scientists at the Institute of Medical Device Technology at the University of Stuttgart are developing the systems, components, sensors, and control technology to meet this demand.
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Image: A medical professional places their hands on a table and holds a stethoscope. One of their hands is a myoelectric prosthesis; Copyright: LightFieldStudios

LightFieldStudios

Smart surgery, endoscopy, robotics: rethought and optimized for the times

04/10/2022

Overall technical progress does not stop at the operating rooms of this world. Whether it's completely new ideas or robotic optimizations of classic methods – research teams are coming up with contemporary answers to long-standing questions using the diverse possibilities of the present day.
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Image: 3D rendering of an operating room with C-arm and robotic-assisted surgery system; Copyright: tridsanu

tridsanu

Accessing the surgical area: Digitization is coming to the OR

01/10/2022

Innovative medical technology is driving the digitization of healthcare institutions and is opening a world of possibilities. This is especially the case for minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery.
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Image: Scientist works with medical test tube to analyze green liquid; Copyright: DC_Studio

DC_Studio

Diagnosing breast cancer through liquid biopsy

22/09/2022

Breast cancer diagnosis usually includes invasive testing with tissue biopsies. The samples have to be extracted from the cancerous tissue or cells. To make the process easier on the patients, the project LIBIMEDOTS is currently developing a different approach with liquid biopsy technology.
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Image: Thierry Nordmann (left) & Lisa Schweizer are standing in the lab, each with a pipette in hand and a microtiter plate in front of them; Copyright: Susanne Vondenbusch-Teetz, MPI for Biochemistry

Susanne Vondenbusch-Teetz, MPI for Biochemistry

Deep Visual Proteomics: tracking down cancer

08/09/2022

Proteins are frequently called the building blocks of life because they are found everywhere, including in our cells. This makes them an important factor when it comes to diseases. As a result, mapping the protein landscape can be a crucial ally in the fight against diseases. Now, a German-Danish team has developed a method that provides researchers with unprecedented insights into cancer.
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Image: scanning electron microscope image of red blood cells in the blood clot; Copyright: Empa

Empa

Personalized treatment of acute stroke: diagnostics with 3D virtual histology

23/08/2022

Every minute counts when someone is having an acute stroke. If the cause is a vascular blockage caused by a blood clot (thrombus) in the brain, detailed insights into the thrombus composition is critical to remove or dissolve it successfully and help restore blood flow. But that’s often easier said than done when "time is brain".
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Image: A woman with long blonde hair and black glasses smiles at the camera - Anna Rising, research group leader; Copyright: Lena Holm

Lena Holm

Scientists develop gel made from spider silk proteins for biomedical applications

19/08/2022

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences have discovered that spider silk proteins can be fused to biologically active proteins and be converted into a gel at body temperature.
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Image: Person in the laboratory holding cell samples under a microscope; Copyright: MICROGEN@GMAIL.COM

MICROGEN@GMAIL.COM

Molecular markers: predicting the most effective treatment for IBD

09/08/2022

Early effective treatment can help manage this condition and improve the quality of life of patients. A research project aims to identify molecular markers to better assess the chances of success of certain biological therapies and subsequently determine the best individualized treatment plan.
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Image: Two men are sitting in front of a laptop computer and are talking about an image on the screen - Josch Konstantin Pauling, Nikolai Köhler; Copytight: LipiTUM

LipiTUM

MoSBi: Algorithm identifies disease subtypes

01/08/2022

Doctors have always used symptoms, imaging, and laboratory data to define and diagnose diseases, but at times it is simply not enough: while patients may have the same illness, it may exhibit different changes at the molecular level. A team from the Technical University of Munich has developed the so-called MoSBi algorithm and makes it available to researchers to identify molecular differences.
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Image: Two drops of water on a screen that shows a pattern of colored bars; Copyright: ktsimage

ktsimage

Big Data in genetics: reaching diagnosis through heaps of data

01/08/2022

Most laboratory tests only produce small amounts of data that are already sufficient for successful diagnosis. It becomes more difficult with genetic questions: whether it is about a genetic disease or the properties of tumors, there are large amounts of data that must be considered. Both research and medicine need help to identify the connections and patterns in the data to find a diagnosis.
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Image: surgical team of three people around a cardiac surgeon in an operating room looking at an echocardiogram on a screen; Copyright: westend 61

westend61

Is it a heart attack or something else? How artificial intelligence can support diagnostics

22/07/2022

Chest pain, shortness of breath, a brief loss of consciousness – warning signs that suggest a heart attack. But it might also be Takotsubo syndrome, also known as stress cardiomyopathy or broken heart syndrome with symptoms that resemble a heart attack. Yet it is of utmost importance to differentiate between the two conditions to initiate the right treatment.
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Image: Chip with adipose tissue is held in place by hands in purple disposable gloves; Copyright: Berthold Steinhilber

Berthold Steinhilber

Ex vivo obesity research thanks to the adipose-on-chip system

08/07/2022

Ex vivo studies of human obesity without animal testing? The Adipose-on-Chip system offers a solution that allows scientists to gain better insights into various obesity-linked secondary diseases and comorbidities in the future.
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Image: Two female researchers examine the odor of a sample in a laboratory setting; Copyright: microgen@gmail.com

microgen@gmail.com

Digital nose facilitates early detection and diagnosis

22/06/2022

Many diseases can be treated successfully if they are diagnosed early. Research into a “digital (electronic) nose” is one promising development to facilitate early detection and diagnosis. That’s because body odors and their molecular composition are an early indicator of various diseases that often remain undetected in the early stages.
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Image: Man with mask is doing sports; Copyright: PantherMedia / Marushy99

PantherMedia / Marushy99

FFP2, N95, and KN95 masks: Does wearing them affect endurance and athletic performance?

08/04/2022

Does wearing a mask diminish athletic performance? Do we fatigue faster while wearing a face mask during exercise? Our subjective perception might suggest that a mask or face covering restricts us. A study by the University of Wuppertal explored the physiological effects of wearing KN95 or FFP2 (European Union standard) face masks.
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Image: Patient having a throat examination performed by the remote-controlled robot; Copyright: TU Munich

TUM

Telediagnostic solutions: expert exams with no physical contact

01/04/2022

Applications of telemedicine surged in popularity in efforts to reduce the COVID-19 infection risk for both medical professionals and patients. Unfortunately, the services typically lack a proper diagnostic option.
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Image: Man with a VR headset on his head is exercising with a rubber tape; Copyright: videoreality GmbH

videoreality GmbH

Chronic pain: Virtual Reality helps alter pain perception

22/03/2022

The cause of chronic back pain can be hard to find. Pain sufferers are typically advised to embark on regular exercise, combined with physical therapy and pain management training to overcome potential psychological and emotional factors. Virtual reality applications could become an innovative treatment tool in this setting – targeting pain perception right in the brain.
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Image: Several medical masks as well as other disposable waste products in a trash can; Copyright: PantherMedia / Fotofabrika

PantherMedia / Fotofabrika

How to reduce plastic waste: innovative process promises recycling of single-use face masks

01/03/2022

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the use of disposable face masks. Discarding them has become an environmental challenge on a global scale. This has prompted the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE and the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT to develop an innovative recycling process for used plastics.
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Image: a smiling man stands in front of a white 3D printer; Copyright: Gabriel Salg/Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg

Gabriel Salg/Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg

Using 3D printing to create insulin-producing cells

22/02/2022

3D printing opens a world of endless possibilities – for both industrial and medical applications. A cross-national project recently created tissue that produces insulin, spelling hope for patients with diabetes.
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Image: Care workers in overalls in a patient room; Copyright: PantherMedia / Wavebreakmedia ltd

PantherMedia / Wavebreakmedia ltd

Better management of hospital resources in pandemic times through DNA measurement

15/02/2022

For nearly two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has kept a firm grip on the world and caused many intensive care units to hit full capacity. It would help medical professionals tremendously if they could make a reliable prognosis the moment patients are hospitalized. cfDNA screening could play an important role in the assessment of COVID-19 severity in patients.
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Image: Hand-made duty roster; Copyright: PantherMedia  / Mathias Fengler

AI: Automating healthcare workforce planning

01/02/2022

The shortage of healthcare workers is a social challenge that must be properly addressed. Pradtke GmbH teamed up with the Bochum Institute of Technology gGmbH and contec GmbH in the research project titled "AI-powered healthcare workforce planning and management" (KI-unterstützte Personaleinsatzplanung und-steuerung im Gesundheitswesen, KI-PEPS).
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Image: The Harmony COVID-19 test; Copyright: Mark Stone/University of Washington

Mark Stone/University of Washington

Fast and cheap test can detect COVID-19 virus' genome without need for PCR

25/01/2022

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new test for COVID-19 that combines the speed of over-the-counter antigen tests with the accuracy of PCR tests that are processed in medical labs and hospitals.
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Image: A prototype wearable sensor,; Copyright: KAUST; Olga Kasimova

KAUST; Olga Kasimova

Fitness sensor warns when you're at your limits

04/01/2022

Wearable device alerts users about muscle fatigue by monitoring pH levels of sweat. Ultrathin nanomaterials, known as MXenes, are poised to make it easier to monitor a person’s well-being by analyzing their perspiration.
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Image: PASPORT, a new saliva-based COVID-19 ART test; Copyright: Duke-NUS Medical School

Duke-NUS Medical School

COVID-19 saliva Amplified Antigen Rapid Test is as sensitive as PCR test

09/12/2021

A potentially game-changing Antigen Rapid Test (ART) technology to diagnose COVID-19 has been developed by scientists in Singapore. Using a proprietary on-kit amplification technique, a person's saliva can be self-administered or tested for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
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Image: a woman is getting her eyes scanned for diseases; Copyright: PantherMedia / Robert Przybysz

PantherMedia / Robert Przybysz

Deep Learning: How artificial neural networks can support diagnostics

03/12/2021

The use of artificial intelligence and deep learning in medical diagnostics is growing rapidly. Ubotica’s neural network is based on deep learning and detects the presence of diabetic retinopathy in retinal images. Dr. Holger Pfeifer talks about the project successes, and reveals the obstacles researchers must continue to overcome in adopting deep learning systems.
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Image: Professor Dr. Danny Jonigk and Christopher Werlein; Copyright: Karin Kaiser / MHH

Karin Kaiser / MHH

New X-ray technique shows vascular damage in intact COVID-19 lungs for first time

05/11/2021

When the coronavirus enters the lung, it causes massive tissue damage. Now, an international research team has been able to demonstrate for the first time, using a highly innovative X-ray technique in a non-destructive manner, that severe COVID-19 causes massive remodelling of the finest blood vessels by causing normally separate blood systems to join together with unusual frequency.
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Image: The new procedure is intended to detect the causes of back problems more efficiently; Copyright: SZB

SZB

Back problems: AI will provide personalised diagnosis

02/11/2021

Back problems are generally regarded as a widespread disease with many sufferers struggling with pain. A team of researchers from TU Kaiserslautern, the University Medical Centre in Mainz and several companies is working on a method that will enable more efficient monitoring of malpositions and strains on the back. Artificial intelligence methods are also being used.
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Image: lexandra Hansard, Sanjay Gokhale and George Alexandrakis; Copyright: UT Arlington

UT Arlington

Wearable device could reduce racial disparities in blood measurements

29/10/2021

Bioengineers and scientists at The University of Texas at Arlington, in collaboration with Austin’s Shani Biotechnologies, LLC, have developed a new noninvasive technology that may help real-time monitoring of key blood parameters, such as hemoglobin, especially in Black patients.
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Image: Professor Dr Peter Hillemanns and PD Dr Matthias Jentschke with the HPV self-tests; Copyright: Karin Kaiser/MHH

Karin Kaiser/MHH

Prevention of cervical cancer with HPV self-testing

28/10/2021

Cervical cancer is one of the most common diseases of the female reproductive organs. Human papilloma viruses are almost always responsible for cervical cancer and the corresponding precancerous lesions. As part of the statutory preventive medical check-up, women from the age of 20 can have a cell smear taken from the cervix once a year, the so-called Pap test, to detect cell changes.
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Image: The researchers incorporated their sensor into a prototype with a fiber optic tip that can detect changes in fluorescence in the test sample; Copyright: MIT

MIT

Carbon nanotube-based sensor can detect SARS-CoV-2 proteins

26/10/2021

Using specialized carbon nanotubes, MIT engineers have designed a novel sensor that can detect SARS-CoV-2 without any antibodies, giving a result within minutes. Their new sensor is based on technology that can quickly generate rapid and accurate diagnostics, not just for Covid-19 but for future pandemics, the researchers say.
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Image: Ion track nanotechnology from GSI Materials Research creates a highly sensitive nanopore.; Copyright: GSI/FAIR

GSI/FAIR

New sensor for SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses based on GSI nanotechnology

12/10/2021

Easy and fast detection of viruses are crucial in a pandemic. Based on single-nanopore membranes of GSI, an international interdisciplinary team of researchers developed a test method that detects SARS-CoV-2 in saliva, without sample pretreatment, with the same sensitivity as a qPCR test, and in only 2 hours. On top, the sensor can distinguish infectious from non-infectious corona viruses.
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Image: a robot arm holding a small glass; Copyright: PantherMedia / Bork

PantherMedia / Bork

The smart lab: Between manual work and digitization

01/10/2021

In the laboratory, there is some work that is time-consuming and monotonous – making it the perfect place for digital solutions such as artificial intelligence or robotics. But what work can these systems really take on in a meaningful way, in which areas of the lab are they present today, and where do they still need to be improved?
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Image: Data sheets and ampoules on a desk; Copyright: PantherMedia / eaglesky (YAYMicro)

PantherMedia / eaglesky (YAYMicro)

Diligent helpers in data analysis: How AI becomes transparent and reproducible

01/10/2021

Huge amounts of data are generated in the laboratory every day, which have to be analyzed by hand. This is where artificial intelligence (AI) comes into play as a perfect helper: Because it evaluates such data volumes faster than humans ever could. The only problem with AI is: when it is developed, there is hardly any guideline or standard that makes AI systems comparable with each other.
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Image: Production of the new surgical masks that can deactivate the SARS-COV-2 virus that is responsible for COVID19; Copyright: Asociación RUVID

Asociación RUVID

Researchers release masks that instantaneously deactivate SARS-CoV-2

20/09/2021

Researchers released a new type IIR surgical mask with an intelligent fabric that can instantaneously deactivate the SARS-COV-2 virus that is responsible for COVID19.
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Image: a tiny plaster with some gel on it; Copyright: NTU Singapore

NTU Singapore

New therapy for chronic wounds

10/09/2021

Scientists from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), the Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS), and local biotech start-up Celligenics are working together to develop accessible and affordable therapies to accelerate healing in chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers and bed sores.
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Image: Senior woman holding the hand of a doctor; Copyright: PantherMedia/Lighthunter

PantherMedia/Lighthunter

Rehab device enables stroke patients with arm disabilities to do more physical training

02/09/2021

The GribAble device, created by researchers at Imperial College London and clinicians at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, consists of a lightweight electronic handgrip that interacts wirelessly with a standard PC tablet to enable the user to play arm-training games.
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Image: Portable genomics device; Copyright: Philippine Genome Center Mindanao

Philippine Genome Center Mindanao

SARS-CoV-2: portable sequencing platform for developing countries

02/09/2021

Philippine Genome Center Mindanao (PGC Mindanao) has partnered with Accessible Genomics, a group of volunteering scientists from all around the world to implement a low start-up cost genomic sequencing platform for laboratories in developing countries.
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Image: a woman with dark hair doing sit ups, wearing a fitnesstracker; Copyright: Robert Bosch GmbH

Robert Bosch GmbH

Avoid injuries, improve training – with self-learning sensors

01/09/2021

Artificial intelligence, sensors, wearables: they all collect and process data from their wearers. They are particularly popular in sports, because users no longer have to rely on their intuition, but can optimise their training based on sober, exact data. However, wearables are often criticized for being not only practical gadgets but also data krakens.
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Image: Drawing inspiration from nature, a team of international scientists have invented a smart device for personalized skin care modeled after the male diving beetle; Copyright: McGill University

McGill University

A skin crawling treatment for acne

01/09/2021

Drawing inspiration from nature, a team of international scientists have invented a smart device for personalized skin care modeled after the male diving beetle. This tool collects and monitors body fluids while sticking to the skin’s surface, paving the way for more accurate diagnostics and treatment for skin diseases and conditions like acne.
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Image: Scientist with pipette in laboratory ; Copyright: PantherMedia/alexraths

PantherMedia/lucadp

Genetic test better than blood test for cardiovascular diseases

31/08/2021

Determining an individual’s blood group based on genetic tests instead of merely traditional blood tests can provide a better picture of the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
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Image: Closeup view with selective focus of shiny glittering  water balls hydrogel; Copyright: PantherMedia/PhotoChowk

PantherMedia/PhotoChowk

Improving strength, stretchiness and adhesion in hydrogels for wound healing

31/08/2021

Scientists use the adhesive capabilities of mussels as a model for optimizing hydrogels’ mechanical properties.
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Image: Emergency cardiology. ecg with supraventricular arrhythmias and brief atrial fibrillation ; Copyright: PantherMedia/Olga355

PantherMedia/Olga355

Screening for atrial fibrillation could reduce risk of stroke

30/08/2021

Screening for atrial fibrillation in 75- and 76-year-olds could reduce the risk of stroke, severe bleeding and death, according to a study at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden that has been published.
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Image: Woman wearing a FFP2 facemask in a Flower store, Copyright: Gettyimages

Gettyimages

Optimal usage time for face coverings

23/08/2021

Researchers from Surrey's renowned Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE) explore two key questions: how long a mask should be worn; and when should it be discarded, recycled or washed to optimise its usage time.
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Image: Participant trains in the Ekso GT during an inpatient gait training session; Copyright: Kessler Foundation

Kessler Foundation

High-dose gait training with robotic exoskeleton after acute stroke

09/08/2021

Preliminary findings by Kessler researchers show that the use of a robotic exoskeleton during inpatient rehabilitation for acute stroke may improve function. Gait training in the robotic exoskeleton can provide high-dose therapy soon after stroke, when it is likely to have its maximal effect on functional ambulation.
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Image: a woman doing a breath test; Copyright: PantherMedia / imagepointfr

PantherMedia / imagepointfr

Breath test to determine correct treatment for epilepsy

03/08/2021

Epilepsy affects some 50 million people worldwide and pharmaceutical treatment of the disease is a tightrope walk, as the dose must be tailored precisely to the individual patient: "Slightly too little and it isn't effective. Slightly too much and it becomes toxic," explains Professor Pablo Sinues.
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Image: a transportable device that visually resembles a pistol; Copyright: REACT

REACT

Life-saving device rapidly stops bleeding from knife wounds

05/07/2021

Joseph Bentley, a final year Product Design and Technology student, has designed REACT – a new method for rapidly stopping catastrophic blood loss from a knife wound that could be carried out by first responding police officers while waiting for an ambulance.
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Image: a man and a roboter in the theatre; Copyright: PantherMedia/ekkasit919

PantherMedia/ekkasit919

Exploring possible applications of robotic surgery

09/03/2021

Robotics has been gaining importance in many areas of life for years, not least in medicine. Robots are already being used in the operating room today, but they do not always play the leading role – a circumstance that will certainly change in the long term.
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Image: disinfection of a door handle around which coronaviruses are flying; Copyright: PantherMedia/AntonMatyukha

Necessity is the mother of invention – innovations in the corona pandemic

01/03/2021

Keeping your distance, washing your hands, wearing a mask – such protective measures have been the order of the day since the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic began. But appropriate products or procedures are not suitable for everyone, are often unavailable or, despite everything, carry a residual risk. The need for new, better solutions is high. But necessity is the mother of invention.
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Image: Finger of a woman touches sketch of a luminous light bulb; Copyright: PantherMedia/Andreus

Hygiene and disinfection: innovations against Covid-19

01/03/2021

When urgently needed products such as masks become scarce or conventional disinfection processes reach their limits, inventiveness is called for. And there is usually plenty of it in times of crisis. What innovations has the current corona pandemic already produced? How can they supplement or even replace existing products and processes?
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Image: stretchy skin patch; Copyright: Wang lab/UC San Diego

Wang lab/UC San Diego

Wearables: skin patch as an all-in-one health monitor

17/02/2021

Engineers at the University of California San Diego have developed a soft, stretchy skin patch that can be worn on the neck to continuously track blood pressure and heart rate while measuring the wearer's levels of glucose as well as lactate, alcohol or caffeine. It is the first wearable device that monitors cardiovascular signals and multiple biochemical levels in the human body at the same time.
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Image: Preview picture of video

Tissue Engineering and Bioprinting – From artificial heart valves and printed humans

27/01/2021

Drug research and artificial skin replacement - these are the areas in which tissue engineering and bioprinting are already used today. What else could be possible in the future? We asked Dr. Nadine Nottrodt from Fraunhofer ILT and Prof. Sabine Neuß-Stein from RWTH Aachen University Hospital!
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Image: young man in profile looking at his smartphone laughing; Copyright: PantherMedia/yacobchuk1

mHealth for asthma: Help me manage it myself!

11/01/2021

According to the WHO, around 600 million people worldwide suffer from chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma. Key in the fight against these diseases is therapy adherence, but many sufferers often find this difficult. The result is increased hospitalization, which ultimately comes at the expense of the healthcare system. Smart and mobile technologies could change that.
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Image: Asthma monitoring device is taped to the chest; Copyright: Respia

Breathe a sigh of relief with Respia

01/01/2021

There are many different kinds of mobile devices to help people with chronic diseases. Asthma is one of those diseases, which can be monitored with wearables to improve everyday life. Especially for parents, the stress and anxiety which come with asthma-afflicted children can be reduced with a reliable solution like Respia.
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Image: Sense Glucose Earring on a model; Copyright: The University of Huddersfield

The University of Huddersfield

Sense Glucose Earring for managing type 1 diabetes

10/12/2020

A product design graduate from the University of Huddersfield has defeated thousands of entries from around the world to become one of the finalists of the 2020 Global Grad Show with their design for a discrete earring that monitors blood sugar levels and delivers feedback in real-time.
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Image: lung sound recording device; Copyright: TU Graz

TU Graz

COVID-19: Screening system for lung sound analysis

08/12/2020

Our bodies constantly make sounds that are not always audible to the naked ear. The occurrence of certain noises or changes in normal sounds can be an indication of illness. Using the example of the lung, a research team at Graz University of Technology has been intensively engaged in noise recording and the development of computer-aided analysis methods as a supplement to medical diagnosis.
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Image: wound-healing gel; Copyright: RUDN University

RUDN University

Wound-healing gel with metabolic products of trichoderma

07/12/2020

Researchers from the Department of Biochemistry of RUDN University developed a wound-healing gel based on a substance that is produced by Trichoderma fungi. The results of the study were published in the Nov.-Dec. 2020 issue Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy journal.
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Image: Illustrations of various 3D-printed prostheses, implants and organs; Copyright: PantherMedia/annyart

Printed life – possibilities and limits of bioprinting

01/12/2020

Implants, prostheses and various other components made of plastic, metal or ceramics are already being produced by additive manufacturing. But skin, blood vessels or entire organs from the printer – is that possible? For years now, intensive research has been underway into the production of biologically functional tissue using printing processes. Some things are already possible with bioprinting.
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Image: 3D printer with a human heart inside, next to a box with

Bioprinting: life from the printer

01/12/2020

It aims at the production of test systems for drug research and gives patients on the waiting lists for donor organs hope: bioprinting. Thereby biologically functional tissues are printed. But how does that actually work? What are the different bioprinting methods? And can entire organs be printed with it? These and other questions are examined in our Topic of the Month.
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Image: cell matrix; Copyright: TU Wien

Multi-photon lithography: printing cells with micrometer accuracy

01/12/2020

How do cells react to certain drugs? And how exactly is new tissue created? This can be analyzed by using bioprinting to embed cells in fine frameworks. However, current methods are often imprecise or too slow to process cells before they are damaged. At the TU Vienna, a high-resolution bioprinting process has now been developed using a new bio-ink.
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Image: three vials, one with hydrogels, one with bio ink and one with unmodified gelatine; Copyright: Fraunhofer IGB

"Cells are highly sensitive" – material development for bioprinting

01/12/2020

The big hope of bioprinting is to someday be able to print whole human organs. So far, the process has been limited to testing platforms such as organs-on-a-chip. That's because the actual printing process already poses challenges. Scientists need suitable printing materials that ensure the cell's survival as it undergoes the procedure. The Fraunhofer IGB is researching and analyzing this aspect.
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Image: Physician checks function of an arm prosthesis; Copyright: PantherMedia/belahoche

PantherMedia/belahoche

Bionic prosthesis: easy to put on, intuitive to use

22/09/2020

Patients who receive a prosthesis after the amputation of a limb often have to train for weeks or months until they can control the technology and use it in everyday life without problems. At the Medical University of Vienna, the world's first bionic prosthesis has now been developed that has a closed control loop and enables immediate, intuitive use.
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Image: Application of AR sonography; Copyright: Fraunhofer IGD

Fraunhofer IGD

Augmented reality ultrasound: putting the focus on patients

10/08/2020

This is how a conventional ultrasound scan works: patients lie down on a table next to the ultrasound machine. A doctor uses a probe to scan the part of the body in question, while he or she looks at the pictures on a monitor. In other words, the physician either focuses on his/her hand on the patient or the monitor. The Fraunhofer IGD wants to change this process as part of the "sonAR" project.
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Image: Nurse checking surveillance monitor at the bedside and writing down patient data on a clipboard; Copyright: PantherMedia/Kzenon

PantherMedia/Kzenon

Big Data: early warning system for the ICU

03/08/2020

Patient monitoring systems in the ICU sound up to 700 alarms on average per patient per day, which boils down to one alarm every two minutes. An excessive number of them are false alarms. This generates vast amounts of data, which can make it difficult for doctors and nurses to identify the most critical alarms to manage. It also has a negative effect on the treatment of intensive care patients.
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Image: Person with VR glasses in a room; Copyright: EXXETA AG

EXXETA AG

Gamification: facilitating a gradual return-to-play

08/06/2020

Professional athletes depend on a speedy recovery from sports injuries or surgery because their livelihood depends on their physical fitness. Returning to competition too soon after injury can have negative health consequences. Standard tests are now combined with virtual reality to determine the optimal time to return to play.
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Image: The new medical device Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI); Copyright: IBI

Molecular Imaging: fast and reliable stroke detection

02/06/2020

After a stroke, a patient’s life depends on getting acute care at a hospital. Vital monitoring systems ensure safe and effective treatment. An innovative tomographic imaging system is designed to help prevent the patient’s risky journey to radiology and to enable bedside monitoring of cerebral blood flow.
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Image: Ambulance on the road; Copyright: PantherMedia / inhabitant

PantherMedia / inhabitant

Mobile stroke units: improved outcomes for ischemic stroke

02/06/2020

If someone is having a stroke, you call an ambulance. But getting to the hospital can be time-consuming. To prevent long-term disabilities and death, patients need to be treated as quickly as possible. According to a recent study by the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, mobile stroke units play a key role in this setting.
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Image: UV Visual Lift; Copyright: by UVentions

by UVentions

Hygiene: Smart protection against pathogens like the coronavirus

23/03/2020

Germs such as bacteria, viruses or pathogenic fungi can spread from one person to another through direct contact when we shake hands or touch objects. People touch door handles and push elevator buttons in public places and constantly move in and out of spaces. Regular manual high-level disinfection is practically impossible. UVentions GmbH has found an intelligent solution for this problem.
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Image: Endoscope capsule (left) next to an endoscope tube (right); Copyright: panthermedia.net/phonlamai

panthermedia.net/phonlamai

A new type of endoscopy – small, easy, comfortable

22/01/2020

Patients have to undergo a gastroscopy to rule out gastrointestinal conditions. Many dread this procedure since a thin, flexible tube is being pushed through the esophagus and stomach. Ovesco Endoscopy AG has teamed up with other project partners in the nuEndo research project to develop a capsule endoscopy device that is tiny, easy to swallow and makes the test more comfortable for the patient.
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Image: Athlete with knee pain; Copyright: panthermedia.net/Wavebreakmedia Itd

Endoprostheses: between possibility and reality

01/01/2020

When natural joints lose their ability to function, they can be completely or partially replaced by artificial joints, also called endoprostheses. Endoprostheses must be of a certain quality, as they should remain in the body as long as possible. In addition to some risks, endoprostheses can also contribute to a mobile and carefree life for young and old.
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Image: patient with pain in fingers; Copyright: panthermedia.net/Milkos

APRICOT-project: implant "help(s) patients heal themselves"

01/01/2020

Today, people tend to live longer, while an increasing number of patients suffer from osteoarthritis. Even younger generations are now at a higher risk of getting osteoarthritis due to the frequent use of mobile devices. The EU research project APRICOT aims to develop a novel type of implant for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hands – helping patients heal themselves.
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Image: cemented artificial hip endoprostheses; Copyright: panthermedia.net/coddie

Endoprostheses: regaining independence and mobility

01/01/2020

Joints can suddenly or gradually deteriorate and lose their natural strength, whether it’s due to accidents, diseases or simple wear and tear. In some of these cases, implants of artificial joints – endoprostheses - can help. As a joint replacement, they are designed to stay in the body for as long as needed and as such improve the patient’s quality of life and mobility.
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Image: doctor consoles patients before surgery; Copyright: panthermedia.net/luckybusiness

Endoprosthetic surgery: modern and traditional approaches

01/01/2020

Surgery is required if you need an artificial joint. Patients and doctors must select the type of surgery that’s best suited and choose between robot-assisted, traditional or minimally invasive surgical approaches. Post-operative risks should be kept to a minimum, while benefits should outweigh any possible complications.
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Image: diagnostic test on a table; Copyright: beta web GmbH/Melanie Prüser

beta web GmbH/Melanie Prüser

Single-use tests: sensitivity and easy use combined for diagnostics

12/12/2019

Diagnostic testing usually takes some time and a sterile environment to get the results. To cut down on the costs and effort spend on these tasks there are different diagnostic tests. One of them are single-use tests offered by SensDx S.A. The technology behind them not only makes the process faster and easier, but provides the opportunity to expand into home use in the future as well.
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Image: white flat sensor module: the smart care plaster moio.care; Copyright: MOIO GmbH

Wearables: more freedom with the smart care patch

02/12/2019

Too many people in need of care and not enough health care professionals – we all know the problem. For years, research is underway to find digital solutions for AAL to support the growing number of older & sick adults. These new technologies aim to both alleviate caregiver burden and enhance everyday life of people in need of care with a minimum level of constraint whilst promoting independence.
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Image: several people standing around a bed with a stand-up function on which one person sits; Copyright: Ralf Lienert/Allgäuer Zeitung

AAL Living Lab: research, education and raising awareness

02/12/2019

Smart home systems are a perfect example of how technology can make our daily lives easier. The fact that they can use a tablet to adjust lighting and blinds in every room benefits older adults in more ways than one. These types of technical systems are a part of Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) and create a safe living environment for older persons.
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Image: elderly woman with a tablet on her lap; Copyright: panthermedia.net/Lev Dolgachov

Ambient Assisted Living: sensors for seniors

02/12/2019

Our ageing society is confronted with fewer and fewer workers. One of the many consequences is a shortage of skilled nursing staff. Ambient Assisted Living should solve this problem. By equipping the living environment of elderly people or people in need of care with (technical) assistance systems, they are to be given more self-determination and security. The nursing staff also benefits.
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Image: elderly woman in a wheelchair showing a nurse something on a tablet; Copyright: panthermedia.net/mark@rocketclips.com

Smart care: safety and support thanks to AAL

02/12/2019

Average life expectancy keeps increasing, while birth rates are declining – at least when it comes to most industrial nations. The coming decades will see a decreasing number of gainfully employed people versus more and more senior citizens and people in need of care. It's a trend that already pushes healthcare to the brink. That's why we desperately need new concepts. One of them is AAL.
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Image: Blood sample labelled

panthermedia.net/olanstock

Cardiac diagnostics – prompt and personalized

08/11/2019

If physicians suspect an acute myocardial infarction, they first order an ECG. This test is very established and allows cardiologists to quickly diagnose acute heart attacks – though the test does not detect less common heart attack symptoms. So far, those patients had to wait up to twelve hours before a heart attack could be accurately diagnosed or ruled out. But things are about the change.
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Image: Flags are blowing in the wind to the backdrop of a dark evening sky; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/ctillmann

Medicine at the pulse of time: Innovations and trends at MEDICA 2019

04/11/2019

Soon, the world's largest trade fair for medical technology will open its doors again: More than 5.000 exhibitors will present their newest products and ideas at MEDICA from 18 to 21 November. You will not only meet well-known companies here, but also lots of young start-ups. Or, you can visit the MEDICA forums and conferences to experience a rich program of lectures and discussions.
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Image: Modern diabetes therapies; Copyright: beta-web GmbH

Digital and personalized diabetes management

21/10/2019

Digital blood glucose measurement via a sensor on the arm, glucose values in an app and data evaluation with the help of software: diabetes experts, product specialists at Roche Diabetes Care Germany and a patient talk in our report on MEDICA.de about the future of diabetes treatment.
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Image: Volker Bruns; Copyright: Fraunhofer ISS

Fraunhofer ISS

AI software: "iSTIX opens your world to the possibilities of digital pathology"

08/10/2019

The healthcare market offers a multitude of microscopes that make cells visible to the human eye. The same applies to AI-based software for image analysis. After taking the microscopic images, scientist are faced with large volumes of scans with usually low resolution. Yet when all aspects merge together, they open up a the world of digital pathology.
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Image: MEDICA START-UP PARK; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/ctillmann

MEDICA START-UP PARK: "For those, who want to experience the startup-spirit"

01/10/2019

When the halls of MEDICA are open to the world to showcase medical innovations, one joint exhibition booth is guaranteed to attract special attention - the MEDICA START-UP PARK. The startups that present their advances in this setting are interesting to visitors and investors, yet long-time exhibitors and big businesses can also benefit from building relationships with these young companies.
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Image: Connection of medical devices; Copyright: panthermedia.net/everythingposs

MEDICA START-UP PARK 2019: Experience tomorrow's innovations today

01/10/2019

The medical market is booming - medical ideas and visions for the future are more in demand than ever. Especially at MEDICA START-UP PARK 2019 young founders want to present their product innovations. Develop business contacts, meet investors and experience an international environment in just one place. Discover in our Topic of the Month what makes MEDICA START-UP PARK unique.
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Image: Wojcech Radomski; Copyright: StethoMe

Telemedicine: easy breathing with AI for respiratory tract

01/10/2019

Pneumonia, COPD or cystic fibrosis – people with such lung diseases have to consult their doctor regularly. Little children have to undergo certain measurements by the doctor, too. In order to save people`s need to visit a doctor, telemedicine offers many ways to do examinations at home.
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Image: Man with mouthguard and laboratory glasses holding Petri dish up; Copyright: panthermedia.net/kasto

panthermedia.net/kasto

Cardiac Tissue Engineering: a heart out of the Petri dish

23/09/2019

For patients waiting for donor organs, every day can mean the difference between life and death. Making things even more complicated is the fact that not every organ is a compatible match with the patient. It would mean enormous progress if we could grow organs from the patient's own cells in the lab. That's why patients with heart disease place big hope in tissue engineering.
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Image: Robot points with his finger at CT images of the brain, in the background a CT device; Copyright: panthermedia.net/phonlamai

Man vs. machine – the benefits of AI in imaging

02/09/2019

Radiology is a field that produces large volumes of data, which can no longer be managed without the help of intelligent systems. This is especially true when it comes to the interpretation of medical images. While this takes physicians years of training and experience, several hours of work and the highest level of concentration, AI only requires a few seconds to accomplish the same task.
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Image: CT image of the lungs with AI-supported automatic highlighting, quantification and measurement of anatomy and deviations; Copyright: Klinikum Nürnberg

AI in radiology: reliable partner for diagnosing CT images

02/09/2019

More patients, more examinations, more CT images – in radiology there is too much work for too few physicians. CT scans are evaluated in the shortest possible time, which leads to anomalies being overlooked. Artificial intelligence, on the other hand, works with constant speed and performance, which is why radiological routine increasingly relies on its support.
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Image: Robot looks at huge amount of CT images of the brain; Copyright: panthermedia.net/phonlamai

AI in imaging: how machines manage our Big Data

02/09/2019

In modern medicine, especially in the field of imaging, huge amounts of data are produced – so much that radiologists can hardly keep up with diagnosing the images. Artificial Intelligence could be the solution to this problem. But how exactly can it help in this task? How can man and machine work together? And what else will be possible in the future with the support of intelligent systems?
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Image: Participants of the German Medical Award 2018; Copyright: German Medical Award

German Medical Award

German Medical Award 2019 celebrates the future of (patient) care

22/08/2019

The German Medical Award will take place on November 18, 2019, as part of the MEDICA trade fair in Düsseldorf. The ceremony emphasizes the commitment to excellence in cutting-edge care for patients. Doctors, clinical centers and companies in the medical and healthcare industry can demonstrate their achievements in medicine and management in hopes of receiving the coveted award.
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Image: Laboratory situation - Prof. Popp shows a young man a small object in his hand; Copyright: Leibniz-IPHT/Sven Döring

Leibniz-IPHT/Sven Döring

Tumor excision: triple imaging for unique diagnostics

08/08/2019

After their tumor has been removed, some patients have to return to the hospital to undergo surgery again. That's because the tumor was not precisely identified and was subsequently not completely removed. That's both an ethical and financial dilemma. A new surgery-adjacent procedure is designed to rapidly and accurately detect tumors.
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Image: Two petri dishes with different kinds of agar plates on which bacterial cultures are growing; Copyright: panthermedia.net/photographee.eu

Antibiotic resistance: technical tricks against pathogens

01/08/2019

An untreatable infection is a nightmare for physicians and potentially life-threatening to the patient. Unfortunately, more and more pathogens emerge that are resistant to drugs, especially antibiotics. We need to use our drugs smartly and come up with technical solutions as well to prevent our weapons from blunting in the future.
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Image: Marathon runner; Copyright: panthermedia.net/adamgregor

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?
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Image: Cyclist; Copyright: panthermedia.net/rcaucino

Performance diagnostics: success in sports – testing the limits of performance

01/07/2019

Stationary or mobile - competitive athletes rely on regular health assessments. They must deliver peak performance and be physically fit during competitions. But when do they reach their physical limits? Are there any devices that provide information, no matter where the test subject is located?
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Image: Sports shoes of an athlete; Copyright: panthermedia.net/ Daxiao_Productions

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.
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Image: Woman uses robot arm to grab something on the table; Copyright: RWTH Aachen/RPE & inRehaRob

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.
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Image: Boy with robotic gait trainer on treadmill; Copyright: panthermedia.net/olesiabilkei

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.
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Image: triangular table at which three patients do various robotic rehabilitation exercises; Copyright: Hocoma, Switzerland

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.
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Image: Preview picture of video

Multi-organ chips: Drug research without animal testing at vasQlab

15/05/2019

New active substances that are suitable for drugs are initially tested in animal experiments. However, the results cannot always be transferred to the human organism. At the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Prof. Ute Schepers from vasQlab explains how active substances can be tested in human tissue without endangering human health.
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Image: Wrist with smartwatch, which measures the pulse rate; Copyright: panthermedia.net / Lev Dolgachov

panthermedia.net / Lev Dolgachov

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.
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Image: Patient during an fMRI examination; Copyright: panthermedia.net/Chris De Silver

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.
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Image: CT scan open; Copyright: panthermedia.net/SimpleFoto

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.
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Image: Dosage inhaler and stethoscope in front of a shelf; Copyright: panthermedia.net/liudmilachernetska@gmail.com

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.
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Image: Preemie doll with drug delivery system on the nose; Copyright: Fraunhofer ITEM/Till Holland

Fraunhofer ITEM/Till Holland

Gentle medication for the little ones – with every breath

22/02/2019

According to the WHO, ten percent of babies worldwide are born prematurely. Since most organs of these tiny babies have not fully developed yet, it can quickly lead to complications and disorders and most notably affect the lungs of the premature infants. What's more, infections require gentle treatment, as the preemies themselves are fragile and susceptible – making this a challenging situation.
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Image: Cells in a Petri dish; Copyright: panthermedia.net / devserenco

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.
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Image: Cell cultivation in a Petri dish; Copyright: panthermedia.net / matej kastelic

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.
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Image: Man and woman in a laboratory presenting a multi-organ chip; Copyright: TissUse GmbH

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.
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Image: Graphic rendering of several cells in a petri dish; Copyright: panthermedia.net/dani3315

Organ-on-a-chip systems: limited validity?

01/02/2019

Organ-on-a-chip systems are technically a great enhancement of medical research because they facilitate testing of active ingredients on cell cultures in the chambers of a plastic chip. This replaces animal testing and improves patient safety. That being said, they are not a true-to-life replication of the human body and can only simulate a few functions and activities.
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Image: Sock TelePark; Copyright: Marc Eisele, University Hospital Dresden

Marc Eisele, Universitätsklinikum Dresden

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.
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Image: Woman with diabetes and a sensor; Copyright: panthermedia.net / Click and Photo

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.
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Image: digital capture of an eye; Copyright: panthermedia.net / cosmin momir

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.
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