Targeting medical treatment to an ailing body part is a practice as old as medicine itself. A Band-Aid is placed on a skinned knee. Drops go into itchy eyes. A broken arm goes into a cast. But often what ails us is inside the body and is not so easy to reach. In such [...]
The zealous immune response to injuries is known to cause paralyzing damage in spinal cord injury (SCI). Engineers have now created unique nanoparticles that redirect immune cells away from the spinal cord, promoting regeneration that helped restore spinal cord function in mice. The study was funded by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and [...]
Scientists at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) have designed a new chip device that provides excellent identification of minuscule blood residues for forensic applications. Criminologists detect microscopic blood drops, as well as DNA, proteins, and low hydrogen peroxide concentrations, using luminol. Not all these can be seen by the naked eye but they [...]
McMaster researchers have developed a novel new gel made entirely from bacteria-killing viruses. The anti-bacterial gel, which can be targeted to attack specific forms of bacteria, holds promise for numerous beneficial applications in medicine and environmental protection. Among many possibilities, it could be used as an antibacterial coating for implants and artificial joints, as [...]
When you hear the word ‘quantum’, you may imagine physicists working on a new ground breaking theory. Or perhaps you’ve read about quantum computers and how they might change the world. But one lesser-known field is also starting to reap the benefits of the quantum realm – medicine. As part of the EU’s Quantum [...]
From an article by Jon Markman at thestreet.com: Using data, machine learning and AI, Alphabet managers are incubating vibrant new businesses in pharma and tech. One or more of these will become exciting stand-alone businesses. This might seem a particularly bad time to be investing in big tech. President Trump said Tuesday morning that his administration [...]
Silicon Valley Bank released its healthcare investments and exits trend report for the first half of 2019. It shows, among other things, oncology losing its first-place status in terms of Series A dollars raised. Venture capital fundraising this year by biopharma startups is on course to fall behind last year, though it will [...]
Researchers have created a new type of tiny 3D-printed robot that moves by harnessing vibration from piezoelectric actuators, ultrasound sources or even tiny speakers. Swarms of these “micro-bristle-bots” might work together to sense environmental changes, move materials – or perhaps one day repair injuries inside the human body. The prototype robots respond to different [...]
Researchers from RMIT University drew inspiration from an emerging tool in biotechnology - optogenetics - to develop a device that replicates the way the brain stores and loses information. Optogenetics allows scientists to delve into the body's electrical system with incredible precision, using light to manipulate neurons so that they can be turned on [...]
Electric vehicles, rockets... and now brain-computer interfaces. Elon Musk's newest venture, Neuralink, aims to bridge the gap between humans and artificial intelligence by implanting tiny chips that can link up to the brain. At a press conference on July 16, Neuralink's ambitious plans were detailed for the first time, showcasing a future (a [...]
