Search for: "simulations" - 250 articles found

Article • Exploring safeguards and incident response

Radiology vs. ransomware: How to defend imaging departments against cyberattacks

Cyberattacks on healthcare have reached unprecedented levels, with radiology departments emerging as particularly vulnerable targets. At the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM) 2026 annual meeting in Pittsburgh, four authors of the new ACR/SIIM cybersecurity guidelines outlined the threats facing imaging enterprises – and the strategies needed to defend against them.

News • Opening event

POCUShub Academy to advance point-of-care ultrasound education

GE HealthCare and CAMES have officially opened a new education and training centre designed to expand access to point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) training for healthcare professionals across the Nordics and beyond.

News • NSCLC immunotherapy response prediction

AI-powered “virtual patient” to advance personalised cancer treatment

On the way to a patient's “digital twin”: A novel, AI-powered virtual patient simulation system integrating multimodal data is designed to advance personalised cancer treatment.

News • iPSC-derived assembloids

Heart valve organoid to advance understanding of cardiac conditions

In a first for the field, a team has grown heart valves on organoids. This work is an important step toward better understanding—and treating—a number of serious heart disorders.

News • Multimodal physiological monitoring

Robotic surgery: study tracks surgeons’ stress in the OR

How does performing robotic surgery exact stress on surgeons? A new study monitored brain, muscle, and heart activity to improve surgical training, operating-room design, and surgeon well-being.

News • Skin-like optical phantom

Improving medical device testing for all skin colors

Researchers have developed realistic skin-mimicking models that could help improve the accuracy of optical medical devices and wearable sensors across a wider range of skin tones.

News • Promising technology

AI-based hologram technology to advance multi-focal brain stimulation

A research team has developed a new method that directly optimizes the thickness of a 3D-printed lens to simultaneously and precisely stimulate multiple regions of the brain.

Article • Medical Taiwan 2026: Company and product showcase

AI, imaging and implants: Taiwan's medtech innovators on show

Point-of-care ultrasound, AI-assisted surgery, advanced biomaterials, and much more: At Medical Taiwan 2026, manufacturers once again presented a diverse range of solutions across the medical, health and care expo. We took a closer look at three noteworthy companies and their products on show.

News • Neuroprotective antiviral state in the CNS

Remarkable early warning system helps the brain prepare for a viral attack

Virus-associated molecules in the foot are enough to trigger the network: Research reveals a remarkable mechanism, in which the brain prepares for a potential viral attack within hours of infection.

Video • Virtual environment, real improvements

VR + nerve stimulation shows promise in stroke rehabilitation

Improvements in arm and hand function, tactile and body awareness: Researchers have developed a rehabilitation platform for stroke survivors, which combines VR with targeted sensory nerve stimulation.

News • Patient-specific AF models

'Digital twin' hearts could help treat Atrial Fibrillation

A cross-University paper led by researchers at Queen Mary University of London shows how better ‘digital twins’ could help doctors treating people with Atrial Fibrillation.

Video • 3D augmented-reality imaging

AR could help users wrap their head around medical ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging is notoriously difficult to master, as the operator has to mentally arrange a 3D object from 2D images. A new approach using augmented reality (AR) could help speed up the training.

News • Infection prevention

Needle-free ‘universal vaccine’ could protect from future virus outbreaks

A research team has developed a way to engineer better vaccines that could provide broad protection from thousands of variants of viruses - such as coronaviruses or Ebola - in a single vaccine.

News • Additive manufacturing

3D printed 'lily stent' could speed recovery after weight-loss surgery

To treat gastric leaks after weight loss surgery, doctors usually rely on a device not suited for the task. This may result in further complications. A redesigned stent could help fix this issue.

News • Imaging with minimal diffusion data

Simulations + AI = faster brain MRI scans

A new AI-based method can reduce the time required for certain MRI brain scans by up to 90% while maintaining a high level of accuracy, paving the way for more efficient and accessible neuroimaging.

News • Endoscopy education

Fujifilm builds endoscopy training centre in Milan

Fujifilm has broken ground on a new European Endoscopy Training Center in Milan, set to open in 2027 as a dedicated facility for clinical training and collaboration.

News • Radiation therapy

CT-linac system receives CE Mark for European market

United Imaging debuts its CE-marked uRT-linac 506c at ESTRO 2026 – a CT-linac system with native AI architecture for adaptive radiotherapy workflows.

News • Reasoning like a human

New LLM prompting strategy boosts AI accuracy in healthcare advice

Researchers have discovered that teaching Large Language Models (LLMs) to mimic human intuition and reasoning significantly improves their ability to provide accurate medical care-seeking advice.

News • Women's health

How endometriosis puts the brain in 'pain mode'

Repeated menstrual cycles may do more than trigger endometriosis – they may rewire the brain, a new study finds. Recurring inflammation can sensitize the nervous system, driving lasting pain.

News • Lung function analysis

Wearable RFID tags can monitor breathing

RFID – the same wireless technology that can track pets or locate items – can also be used to measure breathing in patients with impaired lung function contactlessly – in hospital or at home.

News • Behavioural, lifestyle and psychosocial information

“Digital twin” AI links mental health to type 2 diabetes

A new study using a “digital twin” AI model has found that factors such as loneliness, insomnia and poor mental health substantially raise a person’s future risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

News • Sexually transmitted infections

“Cervix-on-a-chip” to help discover new STI treatments

Scientists from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and colleagues create the first-ever immune-capable “Cervix-on-a-chip” to study sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Article • ECR 2026 explores LLM-based vulnerabilities

Poisoned pixels, phishing, prompt injection: Cybersecurity threats in AI-driven radiology

One phishing email sends an entire county’s health service back into the age of pen and paper for months. A hidden prompt is buried within an abdominal CT image: At ECR 2026 in Vienna, cybersecurity experts presented real-world cases that read like ghost stories: tales that exemplify new vulnerabilities in modern AI-driven radiology systems – and how to avoid them.

Article • ECR 2026 imagines the future of the field

Enhanced by AI, but guided by humans: Radiology’s vision for 2050

Diagnostic imaging without actual images, but with sleek and shiny scanners; no more radiology and pathology departments, but virtual patient models and AI-enhanced surgical precision: At this year's European Congress of Radiology (ECR) in Vienna, two leading experts envisioned 2050 as a radically different future of medicine – less Grey's Anatomy, more Star Trek. They made it clear…

Article • Beyond drugs and surgery

Radiation for joint pain? Study validates low-dose approach for knee osteoarthritis

The concept of using radiotherapy for osteoarthritis may seem counterintuitive for many clinicians. Yet a well-designed randomised controlled trial presented at the 2025 ASTRO Annual Meeting in San Francisco suggests that low-dose radiotherapy deserves a closer look. The findings add robust evidence to a therapeutic approach that has long been underutilised outside of German-speaking countries.

News • Microbial interactions

Gut bacteria interactions show promise as health and disease marker

To better distinguish between healthy and diseased gut microbiomes, scientists have created an index that tracks microbial behavior and signals conditions such as colorectal cancer.

Radcal · MAM Accreditation FF

This phantom is specifically designed to assess the performance of digital mammographic systems and meets the IEC 61223-3-2. It evaluates the system's capability to image small structures that are commonly found in clinical settings, such as micro-calcifications, fibrous structures in ducts, and tumor-like masses. Technical Specifications:Dimensions: 311.2 x 190.5 x 41.3 mm / Simulation:…

mamTOMO Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Phantom

The mamTOMO phantom is a novel approach in DBT QA. The phantom incorporates 3D test objects that simulate lesions and nonspiculated masses in a nonhomogeneous background.An associated automated evaluation software assists at all test stages from image processing, statistic data evaluation to extrapolation of threshold diameters for lesion perceptibility.

Anthropomorphic X-Ray Phantoms

Our German-made anthropomorphic phantoms allow repeated X-ray imaging of specific body regions. They are used in X-ray trainings or for specific equipment tests under life-like conditions.The phantoms comprise of real human bones embedded in tissue-simulating materialAvailable phantom versions: Full Body, Head, Hand / Arm, Hip, Foot / Leg, Special Training Phantoms

QRM Coronary Artery Stenosis Phantoms

For the analysis of different case studies for coronary artery disease3 different sets with various plaque and lumen combinationsPlacement of up to three coronary artery phantoms with the specially designed holderSimulation of a (semi-)anthropomorphic measurement environment with the optional thorax phantom

News • 3D/4D visualization method

MRI volume rendering reveals pediatric heart defects in motion

Researchers have developed 3D volume rendering methods for cardiac MRI that display complex structures within the heart and show blood flow. This can guide treatment decisions in pediatric patients.

News • Dynamic supramolecular peptide therapy

Injection could protect the brain after a stroke

Scientists from Northwestern University have developed an injectable regenerative nanomaterial that helps protect the brain during the vulnerable window after a stroke.

News • Public health compliance

Epidemic spread: individual behaviour matters

In an epidemic setting, even a small proportion of citizens who do not follow public health measures can amplify the spread of contagions and make them expand faster, a new study reveals.

News • Virtual companions, real responsibility

AI chatbots for mental health: experts call for clear regulation

Facing a mental health crisis, more and more people turn to chatbots and AI characters. While they offer new possibilities, they also pose great risks, especially for vulnerable users, experts warn.

News • 3D printed blood vessels

'Artery on a chip' could unravel secrets of strokes

Researchers have developed a new 3D printing technique for blood vessels on glass. This could be a tool for studying stroke causes and testing patient-specific medications without animal testing.

Article • Security’s double-edged sword

Building cyber resilience in the age of AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare, but it also introduces new cybersecurity risks that challenge IT teams. While AI streamlines diagnosis and workflow, cybercriminals are leveraging the same technology to infiltrate hospital systems. Experts addressed these emerging threats and strategies for resilience during the ‘Maximising What You Have for Cyber Resilience – Ask the…

News • Personalized training

Study explores potential of AI in transforming medical education

A new study shows how AI could transform medical education, while calling for stronger collaboration across schools, hospitals, and regulators to make it safe, responsible, and effective.

News • Fueled by glucose

No batteries required: powering medical implants with body sugar

In the future, health monitors and medical devices could be powered by the body’s natural sugars: A new research project aims to harness power from glucose for implantable medical devices.

News • Implant longevity

Smart feature management to extend pacemaker battery life

Pacemakers have a range of different functions, not all of which are needed for every patient – switching off unnecessary features could help extend the battery life of the devices by several years.

News • Non-invasive structured bioink deposition

A pill-sized bioprinter could repair GI tract injuries from the inside

To help repair soft tissue injuries of the gastrointestinal tract like ulcers or hemorrhages, EPFL researchers envision a new class of device: a pill-sized, swallowable bioprinter.

News • Genomic care in the NICU

World record for fastest whole genome sequencing paves the way for POCT usage

In the NICU, a few hours can mean the difference between unnecessary procedures and targeted, life-saving treatment. A new speed record for WGS opens new diagnostic possibilities.

News • Focus on Helicobacter pylori

Towards a vaccine against ulcers, stomach cancer

Scientists are on the way to finding a vaccine to fight off Helicobacter pylori - a bacterium found in over 60% of people - possibly preventing stomach ulcers and lowering the risk for stomach cancer.

News • Virtual, dynamic model

"Immune Digital Twins" to tackle autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases

An international project to create a ‘digital twin’ of the human immune system could help scientists finally tackle grand challenges such as autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases.

Article • Expert perspectives from ESC 2025

Faster, smarter, deeper: how new technologies redefine cardiac imaging

New cardiac imaging techniques continue to uncover the secrets of the heart for cardiologists who know how to use them. At the ESC 2025 Congress in Madrid, four experts explored cutting-edge developments across different modalities. These novel approaches provide a promising glimpse of what the next generation of cardiac imaging is capable of.

News • Precision Oncology Ireland (POI)

Ireland’s largest ever cancer research programme enters next phase

Precision Oncology Ireland (POI), a €28M cancer research programme uniting universities, charities and industry to develop tailored diagnostic and therapeutic solutions, has now entered phase 2.

News • Flying lifesavers

Sending defibrillator drones to respond to cardiac arrests

A new study demonstrates drones can deliver life-saving AEDs in just minutes from an emergency call – potentially doubling survival rates in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.

News • Materials science meets medicine

Exploring why implants fail in the body

Even though many implants such as artificial joints and pacemakers are made of titanium, they occasionally break – but why? A researcher is investigating implant failure and how to prevent it.

News • Patient-specific dose quantification

New method to protect blood during radiotherapy

A newly developed method to accurately quantify how much radiation is absorbed by the blood during cancer treatment could lead to more personalised, preventive, and safer radiotherapy.

News • Vascular disease assessment

New ultrasound technique to predict aneurysm rupture

Using ultrasound imaging, researchers measure the wall thickness of the aorta from within a patient's body, to predict with higher accuracy whether an aneurysm will rupture or not.

News • Neurosurgical simulation performance

Brain surgeon training improved by AI-enhanced human instruction

New research finds that neurosurgery students receiving AI-augmented, personalized feedback from a human instructor have better surgical performance, risk management and skill transfer.

News • Crawling, walking, swinging devices

Magnetic microrobots can move through the body for targeted treatments

Microrobots formed in droplets could enable precision-targeted drug delivery, improving on IV drug delivery that sends only 0.7% of the drug to the target tissue, according to a recent study.

News • Retrieval-augmented generation in contrast media consultations

Eliminating LLM hallucinations in radiology with RAG

A new study shows that retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) can eliminate hallucinations in clinical large language models (LLMs) while protecting patient privacy during contrast media consultations.

Article • Digital resilience

Healthcare cybersecurity: from basics to best practices

Building resilience for digitally driven healthcare: At the HETT (Healthcare Excellence Through Technology) North conference in Manchester, leading IT specialists highlighted the need for high levels of education, awareness and vigilance among healthcare staff in the fight to protect systems against cyberattack.

News • Microgravity-accelerated degeneration

Muscle tissue in space gives new insights on sarcopenia

Muscle tissue undergoes specific changes in space due to the absence of gravity. Investigating these changes opens opportunities for studying sarcopenia, which takes decades to develop on earth.

Video • Empathetic avatar

Virtual AI receptionist “Cassie” to improve healthcare communication

A virtual medical receptionist named “Cassie,” developed through research at Texas A&M University, is designed to transform the way patients interact with health care providers.

News • Imaging

Carotid Plaques Evolve Dangerously Over Time in Asymptomatic Patients

MRI study of 802 patients shows carotid plaques become more complex over six years, with calcified plaques twice as likely to develop dangerous internal bleeding.

News • Colorectal Cancer Screening

CT colonography proves more cost-effective than stool DNA tests

New research demonstrates CT colonography outperforms stool DNA testing in both clinical effectiveness and cost savings for colorectal cancer screening.

News • Cardiovascular research

Thousands of ‘digital twins’ offer new insights into the heart

Creating cardiac ‘digital twins’ at a large scale, researchers hope to gather new insights into heart health. This includes effects of age, sex, and lifestyle factors on heart disease risk.

Article • Insights and perspectives presented at ECR 2025

Nuclear medicine: Innovations, challenges, and new horizons

Nuclear medicine (NM), one of the more mature technologies of diagnostic imaging, has been experiencing a rebirth in innovation and interest. The increasing prevalence of cancer,, an aging global population, and greater longevity, has created a robust demand for nuclear medicine. At ECR in Vienna, presenters explored market perspectives, but also safety and sustainability challenges.

News • Bioengineered scaffolds

New hydrogel to improve CAR T immunotherapy

Researchers developed biomimetic materials inspired by lymph nodes, which could improve cancer immunotherapy. The study highlights the potential of bioengineered scaffolds for cell-based therapies.

News • Synthetic fibrosis distributions

AI generates ‘scarred hearts’ for better cardiac treatments

Researchers have developed an AI tool that creates synthetic yet medically accurate models of fibrotic heart tissue (heart scarring), aiding treatment planning for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients.

News • Adversarial robust image processing

Defense system protects medical digital twins from cyberattack

Medical digital twins can help predict diseases, but are vulnerable to cyberattacks that can lead to incorrect diagnoses. Researchers have developed a new defense system to address this threat.

News • Self-sustaining thermoelectric system

e-Tattoo detects infections from skin temperature

An international research team has developed an intelligent device capable of monitoring the skin continuously and accurately detect temperature variations associated with inflammation and infection.

News • Potential for patients with knee pain

Artificial lateral meniscus makes clinical debut

Researchers have designed an artificial lateral (outer) meniscus that could help patients with chronic knee pain. The first patients have already undergone surgery and begun rehabilitation.

Video • Oloid-shaped magnet-driven probe

Virtual biopsy: tiny robot wobbles its way through the gut

Engineers developed a robotic probe that can generate high-resolution 3D ultrasound images from deep inside the gastrointestinal tract. The robot reaches its target with a unique kind of movement.

News • Research on soft wearable actuators

Artificial muscles for tremor suppression

To suppress tremors, such as those from Parkinson's disease, scientists equipped a biorobotic arm with artificial muscles, which compensate for the back-and-forth movement of the tremor.

News • A closer look at the GI microbiome

“Gut-on-a-chip” predicts immunotherapy efficacy against melanoma

The gastrointestinal microbiome holds valuable information that can help predict whether immunotherapy will be successful against melanoma. A new “gut-on-a-chip” is designed to do exactly that.

News • Millimeter-wave sensor technology

Non-contact breathing monitoring for X-ray and CT imaging

To improve breathing monitoring during radiotherapy, researchers have developed a millimeter-wave sensor capable of non-invasively visualizing respiratory movement during X-ray and CT examinations.

News • Automated tumor detection and segmentation

Deep learning helps detect lung cancer on CT

A new deep learning model shows promise in detecting and segmenting lung tumors. The findings of the study could have important implications for lung cancer treatment.

News • From core to penumbra

‘Stroke-on-a-chip’ model to replace animal testing

Researchers are developing a new in vitro model for stroke. If successful, this could significantly reduce reliance on animal models in stroke research by up to 1,000 animals each year across the UK.

News • Results from the PRAIM study

Mammography screening enhanced by AI

Improved breast cancer detection, reduced workload for radiologists: The world’s largest prospective study on AI in Germany’s Mammography Screening Program reveals the technology's benefits.

News • Ultrasound-based lesion detection

Ovarian cancer diagnosis improved by AI

Ovarian cancer is common and often only detected by chance. A newly developed AI-based model could help differentiate between benign and malignant ovarian lesions.

News • R&D platform

Integrating AI into clinical workflows for medical imaging

To advance the transition of AI from research to clinical application, Nvidia announced that Siemens Healthineers has adopted MONAI, an open-source medical imaging framework.

News • Effects of accelerated atrial pacing

Speeding up the heart could benefit heart failure patients

Treatment options for diastolic heart failure are very limited. Using a 'virtual heart' model, researchers now found that speeding up the heart rhythm with a pacemaker could be a solution.

News • Influence in diagnostic decisions

Too much trust in AI? X-ray boxes may lead radiologists astray

When an AI advisor points out an area of concern in a chest X-ray, radiologists are sometimes all too eager to follow their lead, a new study finds. This may lead to incorrect diagnostic decisions.

News • Insights on bias avoidance

New breast imaging technique to improve visibility across skin tones

A new imaging technique reduces skin tone bias in breast cancer detection, improving visibility across diverse skin tones.

News • Imitation learning

Learning surgery steps: Robot see, robot do

Imitation learning could open a new frontier in medical robotics: Researchers 'taught' a robot to mimic a surgical procedure by watching the surgeons' performance.

News • Medica and Compamed 2024

Shining a light on healthcare trends and innovations

This week, the Medica and Compamed 2024 trade fairs offer an enormous variety of innovations and exciting programme formats with a host of highlights, innovations and top-class speakers.

News • Research on new sensing mechanism

Finding signs of lung cancer in exhaled breath

Researchers from China have developed ultrasensitive, nanoscale sensors that in small-scale tests distinguished a key change in the chemistry of the breath of people with lung cancer.

Article • Future treaments discussed at senology congress

How will we treat breast cancer in 2034?

The year: 2034. Breast cancer patients benefit from perfectly personalised diagnostics and therapies. The tedium of follow-up treatments is a thing of the past, thanks to AI, augmented reality and robotics. Just a tale from the realm of science fiction, or could this soon be clinical reality? At the annual meeting of the German Senologic Society, Prof Dr Marc Thill from the Agaplesion Markus…

News • Research aboard the International Space Station

How liver tissue from the ISS may transform tissue engineering

An “out-of-this-world” project has the potential to transform the future of tissue engineering and liver transplantation through research conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Article • Overheard at Semi-Live 2024

Exchanging insights on advances in urological surgery

Telesurgical procedures, new resection techniques, robot-assisted surgery: The sixth Semi-Live conference at University Hospital Heidelberg looked at how surgical approaches have evolved in the last few decades driven by technical advances in the ongoing quest for precision and excellence in patient care.

News • Miniature instrument transport

Robotic "convoy" advances endoscopic surgery

Miniature robots often lack the strength to transport instruments for endoscopic microsurgery. But what if they worked together? Scientists have pursued this idea to perform a surgical procedure.

News • Dynamic network analysis

AI unlocks new path to personalized cancer treatments

A US-Swiss team leverages AI and molecular simulations to uncover new pathways for precision cancer treatments, paving the way for more effective, personalized therapies.

News • Time loss vs. life expectancy gains

Dialysis: Is the tradeoff always worth it?

New research sheds light on the tradeoffs between survival and time spent in inpatient care that dialysis might entail. This could help patients with kidney failure make more informed decisions.

News • Staging and monitoring tool

Diagnosing lung disease with quantitative ultrasound parameters

Using conventional ultrasound, researchers have developed a model that determines whether conditions such as fibrosis or edema are present in the lungs, and gives information about the severity.

News • Glycopeptide probes for antibody detection

New method speeds up pancreatic cancer detection

A new method could lead to a significantly more precise and reliable diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. It is based on the selective detection of specific antibodies in blood samples.

News • Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)

Personalised simulations predict outcomes for blood cancer treatment

Using genomic sequencing data, researchers have created personalised simulations of individual patients that can quantify the impact of genetic mutations on cancer cell behaviour.

News • New technology approach

‘Personalised’ hip replacements to improve outcomes

Using advanced technology from the automotive and manufacturing industries, researchers are driving medical advancement to create ‘personalised’ hip replacements.

News • Brain stimulation

Treating neurological diseases with 3D ultrasound

Researchers have developed a technology for targeted stimulation of the brain with ultrasound. This could be used to treat diseases and conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, depression, addiction, and even the aftereffects of stroke.

Article • Technology applications in diagnostic imaging

How digital twins will support the radiologist of the future

Digital twin technology can transform clinical practice by aiding patient-specific prediction and supporting personalized treatment models. Expert speakers at an ECR 2024 session in Vienna focussed on how radiology will play a leading role in the advance through data acquisition via a range of imaging modalities.

News • Eye pressure monitoring

Early detection of glaucoma with ‘smart’ contact lenses

A prototype “smart” contact lens that measures eye pressure accurately, regardless of temperature. Detecting slight elevations in pressure, this could someday enable wireless glaucoma detection.

News • Tumor proliferation insights

Computational model simulates biomechanical growth of breast cancer

A research team created a computational model that simulates the invasion of cancer cells in breast tumors on a biomechanical level. This could help predict the evolution of breast cancer in patients.

News • Tumor organoid platform

Personalized 3D bioprinting to advance gastric cancer treatment

Using 3D bioprinting to accurately replicate the biological environment surrounding gastric cancer cells, researchers predicted a patient’s response to anticancer drugs during the preclinical stage.

News • Point-of-care testing

New AI tool detects Covid-19 in lung ultrasound images

Using ultrasound imaging to detect Covid-19 infections, a new automated detection tool could help doctors in the emergency room diagnose patients quickly and accurately.

News • Medical technology presentation

United Imaging showcases EU presence, AI-driven solutions at ECR 2024

United Imaging showcased its full portfolio of AI-empowered products at the ECR 2024 in Vienna. The company highlighted its significant EU growth since establishing its regional HQ in 2019.

Interview • Interview with ESR President Carlo Catalano

ECR 2024: Focus on technologies and research – surprises guaranteed

‘Next Generation Radiology: Embracing the future and redefining the field of radiology’: In the run-up to the European Congress of Radiology 2024, we spoke with ESR President Professor Carlo Catalano from Rome, Italy, about the meeting’s content and its intriguing theme.

News • Opportunity for new osteoarthritis treatments

Cartilage regeneration: From the nose to the knee

Patients suffering from cartilage defects in the knee may benefit from a new method in development: Using cartilage from the nose, researchers grow a tailor-made implant.

News • Fertility research

Researchers produce testicle organoids in the lab

A research team created "laboratory testicles" that may significantly advance understanding of the mechanisms involved in sex determination and provide solutions for male infertility.

News • Metastasis susceptibility

How chronic stress spreads cancer

Chronic stress can have a significant impact on health, from an increased risk for heart disease to a greater susceptibility of cancer metastasis. New research points out the underlying mechanisms.

News • Research on radiation interaction

Lung tissue model to increase cancer radiotherapy safety

Cancer patients receiving radiotherapy run the risk of injuring their lungs. This can lead to conditions like pneumonitis and fibrosis. A new cell-by-cell model can help make treatments safer.

News • Classification for coronary artery disease

Study: Photon-counting CT improves CAD assessment

Higher image quality, better spatial resolution: A new radiology study demonstrates how photon-counting CT imaging can improve evaluation of coronary artery disease.

News • Cardiovascular disease research

"Heart on a chip": 3D printing cardiac biorings

Researchers have developed a 3D-bioprinted, miniaturized chip to advance the understanding of cardiovascular disease and aid in the development of new precision treatments.

News • Wearable medical device

Vibrating glove helps stroke patients recover from muscle spasms

After a stroke, patients often experience uncontrollable spasms of their arms and hands. Engineers have developed a glove-like wearable medical device that offer relief for the condition.

News • Novel approach to disinfection

Nano-spikes kill off viruses on surfaces

Instead of killing viruses and bacteria with chemical disinfection, a new approach uses minuscule spikes to skewer them. This could be used to prevent surface contamination in hospitals or labs.

News • Appeal for better approval conditions

AI in personalised cancer medicine: “A fundamental change is needed”

AI technology holds promise for personalised cancer therapies. However, rigid and slow approval requirements impede its introduction, say experts – and point out how this might be changed.

News • Study shows significant adverse effects

Global warming: The health cost of urban heat

Heat islands found in many European cities have a clear impact on human mortality risk, comparable to air pollution. A new study has produced the first cost estimate of this impact.

News • Machine learning in sample analysis

Lab-trained pathology AI meets real world: ‘mistakes can happen’

AI models are highly capable in analysing tissue samples – as long as conditions are lab-perfect. Add a little contamination, however, and diagnostic accuracy goes out the window, a new study shows.

News • Cardiac valve simulator

A biorobotic heart for better valve stimulation

Combining a biological heart and a silicone robotic pump, researchers created a biorobotic heart that beats like a real one, with a focus on a valve on the left side of the heart.

News • Prevention through geometry

AI-designed catheter could help prevent bacterial infections

With the help of AI, a team at Caltech has designed a new type of catheter tube that impedes the upstream mobility of bacteria, without the need for antibiotics or chemical antimicrobial methods.

News • Fullness simulator

This vibrating, ingestible capsule might help treat obesity

When your stomach is full after a large meal, certain receptors are activated to tell the brain. A newly developed capsule could provoke this fullness signal early, potentially helping with treating obesity.

News • Shocking discovery

Can an electric 'nudge' to the head help surgeons operate robots?

Operating a surgical robot is complicated, but now, researchers may have found a surprising way to shorten the learning process: with electricity applied to the head.

News • Unexpected behaviour

Pathogens can force their way through the immune defense, new study shows

Breaking & entering – on a minuscule scale: US researchers have shown how some pathogens like Toxoplasma can enter cells using physical force to cause an infection.

News • Out-of-body experience

Virtual reality in therapy: from treating phobias to rehabilitating abusers

In the last few years, virtual reality has become a very significant tool in therapeutic applications, for example, to overcome deep-seated fears or the lack of empathy in abusers.

News • Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response

ASMR videos: Why do they work?

Soothing words, gentle sounds: ASMR videos are known to induce pleasant tingling sensations in viewers. Researchers have now published the first systematic review on why (and how) this works.

News • Detection of lumps

New robot could help diagnose breast cancer early

A team at the University of Bristol has developed a robot manipulator that could carry out clinical breast examinations. The developers hope the device will revolutionise breast health monitoring.

News • Medical diagnosis experiment shows

AI is biased – and humans 'inherit' their flaws

New research from Deusto University in Bilbao, Spain, provides evidence that people can inherit artificial intelligence biases (systematic errors in AI outputs) in their decisions.

News • Neuroscience project completes 10-year runtime

The Human Brain Project: A decade of insights

Today, on September 30th, the Human Brain Project (HBP) formally completes its 10-year runtime as an EU-funded FET Flagship. Three HPB lead figures recount what has been achieved.

News • Heart perfusion simulator

iHEART: a new model to boost cardiac research

A team at Politecnico di Milano developed iHEART, a mathematical and computational model of the human heart designed for studying coronary artery disease.

News • Bioelectronics for cancer screening

Smart devices to capture and release tumour cells

Basque researchers propose a bioelectronic device consisting of gold electrodes coated with a smart polymer capable of capturing and releasing cells in a non-invasive, controllable way.

News • Presented at AACC 2023

AI to predict multiple sclerosis, detect contaminated lab samples

The 2023 AACC meeting saw two exciting AI applications in lab medicine: a predictive algorithm for MS, and machine learning for detecting contaminated lab samples.

News • "Time-travelling" pathogens

Climate change thaws ancient frozen bacteria – how dangerous are they?

Global warming could hasten the release of ‘time-travelling’ pathogens from melting permafrost and ice that have been trapped for millennia, new research finds.

News • Magnet-controlled tentacle

Tiny surgical robot could transform cancer detection, treatment

A tiny robot which can travel deep into the lungs to detect and treat the first signs of cancer has been developed by researchers at the University of Leeds.

News • Dermatology prototype

3D skin bioprinting shows potential for eczema treatment

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a 3D prototype of human skin bioprinted to model inflammatory skin disease such as atopic dermatitis — more commonly known as eczema.

News • Genotype-specific strategy

‘Digital twins’ of patients’ hearts give insights into cardiac health

Scientists have developed a tool to create a digital replica of an individual's heart, which could inform the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

News • Researchers tie up loose ends

The ideal surgical knot (according to science)

Knots are a crucial part of surgery, but surprisingly little is known about how they work. To fill this gap, a team at EPFL started the first physics-based study on the mechanics of surgical knots, and exactly what properties influence their strength.

News • Focused Rotary Jet Spinning

Rapid-production heart valves control blood flow immediately after implantation

A new method for cheaply producing heart valves in the span of minutes shows great promise. The scientists describe the method as "a cotton-candy machine with a hair dryer behind it."

News • Patients' perception of AI avatars

Medical advice from ChatGPT: Can a bot's appearance stir bias?

Chatbots are increasingly becoming a part of health care around the world, but do they encourage bias? New research from the University of Colorado School of Medicine hints at this possibility.

Video • Cardiology & Biomedical Technology

Repairing heart damage: Breakthrough in vascularized heart organoids

Researchers have succeeded in introducing a vascular system into tiny living and beating model human heart muscles, an achievement which it's hoped will accelerate progress toward the ultimate goal of repairing damage from heart disease.

News • AI in intensive care units

Assistance of AI in the decision-making process of clinicians in intensive care units

Clinicians in an intensive care unit need to make complex decisions quickly and precisely, monitoring critically ill or unstable patients around the clock.

News • Neuroscience & Pediatrics

Gene therapy could relieve post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus

Premature infants, especially very low birthweight babies, are at risk for intraventricular hemorrhage. A frequent complication of these brain bleeds is hydrocephalus that can gravely disrupt brain development.

News • Metabolic activity diffusion imaging

New MRI technique reveals cells’ energy activity in organs and tissues

US researchers have developed a way to use MRI scanning to map body cell metabolism, opening up new possibilities for detecting cancers and revealing if a tumor is responding to treatment.

Article • Interventional toolkit for use in space travel

Radiologists shoot for the stars, aim for the Earth

French radiologists received prizes for the best interventional radiology toolkit for use in space travel at the JFR 2022, the annual meeting of the French Society of Radiology (SFR).

News • Non-communicable diseases management

Can the metaverse improve public health?

A new interdisciplinary article suggests ways in which the virtual-reality-based metaverse can help design healthy living environments and combat non-communicable diseases.

News • Systems biology

Lung cancer: new discovery could remove metastatic traits

A Korean research team successfully changed the properties of carcinogenic cells in the lungs and eliminate both drug resistance and their ability to proliferate out to other areas of the body.

News • Workflow assessment

Speeding up surgery times with separate patient preparation

Preparing patients for surgery in a separate space from the operating theatre brings significant benefits in freeing up operating theatre schedules and staff time, according to new research.

News • Deep learning, infrared and 3D videos

Using AI to classify epileptic seizures

A team of researchers from Portugal and Germany tested an innovative solution to classify seizures, the main symptom of epilepsy, using infrared radar and 3D videos. 

News • Stress reaction in the body

Exploring heat and cold as cardiovascular hazards

Both hot and cold environments trigger a stress response and can lead to cardiovascular problems. Results of a new study are especially interesting in light of the current multiple global crises.

News • Novel approach in pathology

Laser microbiopsy: a minimally invasive method to extract tissue samples

In a recent study, a US research team developed a revolutionary laser-based approach to perform microbiopsies. Their novel method could make biopsies faster, more cost-effective, and less harmful to the patient.

News • Mechanical heart activity captured

Contactless ECG monitoring technique developed

Reseachers from the University of Science and Technology of China have developed a method for contactless electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring through a millimeter-wave radar system.

News • Simulated droplet infection

Watching viruses fail (and what it can tell us about antiviral surfaces)

Researchers tracked viruses passing through face masks and compared their failure on the filter layers of different mask types. This could accelerate the development of surfaces that can kill viruses.

News • AI enables greater mobility

Personalized finger joint implants from a 3D printer

Researchers use AI to develop personalized 3D-printed joint implants so that these delicate finger parts can be replaced when necessary (e.g. after illness or injury).

Sponsored • Digital solutions for radiology

How to accelerate healthcare innovation in AI

Tapping the thriving Radiology AI ecosystem, Bayer recently announced three collaboration agreements for its digital platform, Calantic Digital Solutions, as well as an AI accelerator program.

News • Answer to SARS-CoV-2 mutations

One step closer to 'variant-proof' Covid-19 vaccine

A vaccine design approach that could protect against new variants of SARS-CoV-2 but also potentially protects against other coronaviruses is one step closer to reality as a result of new research.

News • Blood-brain barrier simulation

Artificial brain vessels advance drug testing

German researchers present a novel method for testing chemical agents that could help in the development of drugs against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

News • AI vs. NSCLC

Streamlining lung cancer radiotherapy with Deep Learning

UK researchers developed and validated a deep learning algorithm that can identify and outline a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumor on a CT scan within seconds.

Video • Virtual reality radiation protection training

VR gives ‘X-ray vision’ to radiographers-in-training

Exposure to ionising radiation is a major health concern for many interventional radiologists. To help attain an understanding for radiation distribution in a clinical setting, experts tap into the potential of virtual reality (VR).

Article • MEDIRAD project

Increasing the protection from medical radiation

A Europe-wide project aims to improve medical radiation protection for patients and staff by better understanding and evaluating the health effects of exposure to low-dose ionising radiation resulting from diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

News • Vascular network research

How blood vessels 'remember' a stroke

Networks adapt over time and in this way form a kind of memory. German researchers show that the structure of blood vascular network is dynamic and can adapt to external factors.

News • Protein aggregation

Parkinson's: Why copper could make it worse

Copper exposure in the environment and the protein alpha-synuclein in the human brain could play an important role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, researchers found.

News • Mixed reality

Hologram patients help train doctors and nurses

Cambridge University Hospitals and the Faculty of Education are helping to bring medical training using 'mixed reality' technology a step closer.

News • Novel manufacturing technique

3D printed heart valves to support tissue growth

Researchers have developed 3D printed artificial heart valves designed to allow a patient’s own cells to form new tissue.

News • Breakthrough with the help of computer-based protein design

Immune diseases: Advancing the development of novel drugs

Latest developments in computational protein design enable the simulation of sequence and structural changes in proteins for creating novel agents in human medicine.

News • MetaboliQs

Hyperpolarized nuclear MR: more precise diagnoses

Hyperpolarized nuclear magnetic resonance enables major medical advances in molecular diagnostics, for example for cardiovascular diseases or cancer therapy.

News • Protein malformation

Covid-19: immune reaction may cause amyloid generation

In patients with serious and long-term Covid-19, disturbed blood coagulation is often observed. Now, Swedish researchers found a connection between harmful amyloid production and Covid-19 symptoms.

News • Pneumatic actuators

Soft assistive robotic wearables get a boost

Scientists have created a design and fabrication tool for soft pneumatic actuators for integrated sensing, which can power personalized health care.

News • Neurodiversity

Autism-friendly MRI, for more inclusive medical imaging

Dr Christina Malamateniou spoke to The European Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology about the recent review she led to help make MRI brain scans more accessible to autistic people.

Article • Extended reality

The application of XR in mental health care

Mental disorders are among the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide, and the demand for a viable solution to battle the mental health crisis has risen. The past two decades have witnessed the emergence of extended reality (XR) as a tool for investigation, assessment, and management in mental healthcare.

News • Customized to the patient

Organ-on-a-chip systems go 'plug and play'

A major advance demonstrates first multi-organ chip made of engineered human tissues linked by vascular flow for improved modeling of systemic diseases like cancer.

Video • Telerobotic intervention

Joystick-operated robot could help remote surgical stroke treatment

Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a telerobotic system to help surgeons quickly and remotely treat patients experiencing a stroke or aneurysm.

News • Gait analysis

Precise motion capture system to aid in physiotherapy

The motion capture technology called Precise Marker-less could aid doctors and physiotherapists in their consultations and diagnoses for patients in need of rehabilitation.

News • Connection between genes and disease severity

E. coli: How does an intestinal germ become a pathogen?

In the human intestine, Escherichia coli is mostly harmless, but in certain conditions causes bladder infections and even sepsis - but why? Researchers went to the bottom of this transformation.

News • Neurology

Biodegradable implant to monitor brain chemistry

A wireless sensor could offer doctors a way to monitor changes in brain chemistry without requiring a second operation to remove the implant.

News • Examination bias

Robots with realistic pain expressions can reduce errors

Training robots with realistic pain expressions can reduce doctors' risk of causing pain during physical exams.

News • Pediatric patients

Simulated heart flow model to treat heart disease

The system could enable significant advances for the 40,000 pediatric congenital heart disease patients born each year.

News • Screening performance

MRI reduces breast cancer deaths in women with 3 risk genes

Annual MRI screenings starting at ages 30-35 may reduce breast-cancer mortality by more than 50% among women who carry certain genetic changes in three genes, according to a new modeling analysis.

News • Reducing rejection and waiting times

Transplant organs with universal blood type on the horizon

A new study has proved that it is possible to convert blood type safely in donor organs intended for transplantation. This is an important step towards creating universal type O organs.

News • Calculating cancer

Virtual patient ‘surrogates’ to personalise cancer treatments

Mathematical models used as patient surrogates could help clinicians select the best cancer treatment before going to the patient’s bedside.

News • Public transport

Down the tube: Is the Underground 'Covid safe'?

Is the Underground a safe means of transport in times of Covid-19? A computer simulation, developed at the University of Leeds, has calculated the infection risk.

News • International trials

Simulation training helps hone advanced surgical skills

A large-scale study has found that simulation-based surgical training produced an increase of surgeons’ skills for more complex surgeries.

News • Reduced harm, reduced costs

Prostate cancer: MRI and blood test improve screening

The combination of a novel blood test and magnetic resonance imaging can reduce overdiagnosis of low-risk cancers as well as societal costs in prostate cancer screening, according to a new study.

Article • Chatbots & co

E-mental health: A solution for a rising challenge

E-mental health services could provide a response to these challenges and offer effective ways for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare.

Article • Cardiology helpers

A new era for robotic cardiac interventions

Interventional cardiology is entering a new era with the wider introduction of robotic procedures which bring significant benefits to the medical team and the patient. Two experts outlined the benefits at the ESC 2021 Digital Summit.

News • Research

Quantum sensor to detect SARS-CoV-2 faster

Scientists at have designed a quantum sensor to detect SARS-CoV-2 faster, cheaper, and more accurate than the current gold-standard technique, PCR.

News • Is it broken?

AI accurately detects fractures on x-rays, alerts doctors

A new study has found that AI can help physicians in interpreting x-rays after an injury and suspected fracture. This has the potential to improve diagnostic performance and efficiency.

Article • Game elements

Gamification in diabetes care

The number of gamified mobile applications is rising rapidly—especially in healthcare. Gamified apps or devices are used in many fields, from mental health therapy to stroke rehab to managing metabolic conditions. This article illustrates how gamification is employed in diabetes care.

Article • Visualization

Augmented Reality in the OR: matching man and machine

One of the crucial future technologies in surgery is Augmented Reality (AR). Most experts agree that AR will increase safety and efficiency, improve surgical training and decrease costs.

News • Synthetic tissue

Hydrogel material repairs vocal cords

Combining knowledge of chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering, scientists from McGill University develop a biomaterial tough enough to repair the heart, muscles, and vocal cords, representing a major advance in regenerative medicine.

News • Kinematic self-replication

Xenobots: first living robots that can reproduce

AI-designed Xenobots reveal an entirely new form of biological self-replication—promising for regenerative medicine.

Article • Augmented reality in the OR

AR helps surgeons to see, feel and understand

X-ray vision, context-sensitive guidance, coordinator, training assistant and more: augmented reality (AR) has hit the OR. While still in its infancy AR does grow rapidly and has already shown enormous potential. University Professor Dr Rüdiger von Eisenhart-Rothe, Chair of Orthopaedics and Sports Orthopaedics at the Technical University Munich, explains the advantages of different AR…

Article • Pre-, post- and interoperative

Wearable devices in the surgical environment

Wearable technology has become an important part of medicine, from tracking vital signs to disease diagnosis. In surgery, wearable technologies can now assist, augment, and provide a means of patient assessment before, during and after surgical procedures. Wearable technologies are applied before the patient even reaches the operating room, for example in prehabilitation, i.e. pre-treatment…

Sponsored • Trade fair presence

A myriad of French innovations at Medica 2021

This year as every year, the very best in global HealthTech will be converging on Dusseldorf for the Medica trade fair. With more than 127 companies attending the event from November 15-18, France will have one of the largest contingents there. Grouped together under the brand umbrella of “French Healthcare”, the French MedTech companies will be presenting their many innovations to industry…

News • Health IT Forum at Medica 2021

A glimpse into the future of digitalised medicine

"Virtual Care & Digital Therapeutics", "Medical Artificial Intelligence & Robotics", "Fields of Innovation" and "Societal aspects of digitized healthcare" are the topics of this year's Health IT Forum at Medica. New this year: In line with the hybrid event concept of the trade fair, the Expert Panels, Tech Talks and Deep Dive Sessions can be…

Article • Extended realities in the OR

‘XR is fusing surgical reality with medical images’

Leading medical XR experts gathered at Shift Medical to discuss developments on the use of immersive technologies in medicine. We interviewed Doctor Egidijus Pelanis of Oslo University Hospital, about applying extended realities in the operating room.

News • Incubator 2.0

Artificial uterus improves odds for preemies

“An artificial uterus – the incubator 2.0 – will become a reality within 10 years,” says Jasmijn Kok, one of the founders of Juno, a spin-off from the Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands. Together with researchers from the department of Industrial Design from the University, including her twin sister Lyla Kok, she wants to bring a technology that increases the chances of…

Article • Cybersecurity in hospitals

Ransomware: The race between attackers and defenders

Since 2015, the number of known ransomware attacks has not only increased substantially across many industries. Hospitals, and the healthcare industry in general, have also become favorite targets of ransomware attackers, leading to very real incidents in which patient care and patients’ lives have been put at risk.

News • Additional costs that pay off

For women with dense breasts, MRIs are cost effective for detecting breast cancer

New research indicates that MRIs are cost effective for detecting breast cancer for women with very dense breasts detected by mammography. About 10% of women have extremely dense breasts, and current mammography screening guidelines do not recommend additional imaging tests unless there is a strong family history or genetic risk for breast cancer. Such women face two problems. They have increased…

Article • Orthopaedic advances

Virtual training by hip implant simulator

Trainee trauma or orthopaedic surgeons have limited chances to practice hip replacement surgery before their first hands-on case. To change this, a team in the Dynamic HIPS project aim to improve this by creating a dynamic hip replacement simulator for future surgeons to practice the intervention and develop a reality-based feel for the procedure.

News • Biological image analysis

Machine learning accelerates super-resolution microscopy

Scientists use super-resolution microscopy to study previously undiscovered cellular worlds, revealing nanometer-scale details inside cells. This method revolutionized light microscopy and earned its inventors the 2014 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. In an international collaboration, AI researchers from Tübingen have now developed an algorithm that significantly accelerates this technology.

News • Brain cancer research

Researchers 3D-print entire active tumor

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have 3D-printed a first-of-its-kind glioblastoma tumor that mimics a living cancer malignancy, powering new methods to improve treatment and accelerate the development of new drugs for the most lethal type of brain cancer. Glioblastoma is notoriously fatal as it accounts for the majority of brain tumors and is highly aggressive. The average survival time of…

News • Increased processing power

Personalizing cancer treatment with quantum computing

Cancer patients’ medical records can often comprise up to 100 terabytes of individual — and usually very heterogeneous — data, including blood and tumor values, personal indicators, sequencing and treatment data, and much more besides. Up to now, it has been virtually impossible to use this wealth of information efficiently due to a lack of appropriate processing mechanisms. As a result,…

News • Cell delivery vehicles

Bio-inspired nanocontainers could enter cells and release their medical cargo

Nanocontainers can transport substances into cells where they can then take effect. This is the method used in, for example, the mRNA vaccines currently being employed against Covid-19 as well as certain cancer drugs. In research, similar transporters can also be used to deliver labelled substances into cells in order to study basic cellular functions. To take advantage of their full potential,…

News • Tool to identify tumour mutations

Machine learning fuels personalised cancer medicine

The Biomedical Genomics laboratory at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) Barcelona has developed a computational tool that identifies cancer driver mutations for each tumour type. This and other developments produced by the same lab seek to accelerate cancer research and provide tools to help oncologists choose the best treatment for each patient. The study has been published in the…

News • AI in radiology

Deep learning helps visualize X-ray data in 3D

A team of scientists at Argonne National Laboratory has leveraged artificial intelligence to train computers to keep up with the massive amounts of X-ray data taken at the Advanced Photon Source.

News • Immersive technologies

Improving VR use in healthcare education

A new report that could help improve how immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are used in healthcare education and training has been published with significant input from the University of Huddersfield. Professor David Peebles, Director of the University’s Centre for Cognition and Neuroscience, and Huddersfield PhD graduate Matthew Pears contributed to…

News • Promising research tool

World's first digital cancer cell model

Computer models have been standard tools in basic biomedical research for many years. However, around 70 years after the first publication of an ion current model of a nerve cell by Hodgkin & Huxley in 1952, researchers at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz), in collaboration with the Medical University of Graz and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, have finally…

News • Analysis of 2nd and 3rd Corona wave

Rapid tests effectively contain Covid-19

Rapid tests effectively broke Covid-19 infection chains in spring 2021. This is shown by a model developed by researchers of the ECONtribute: Markets & Public Policy Cluster of Excellence of the Universities of Bonn and Cologne, the Collaborative Research Center Transregio 224 EPoS of the Universities of Bonn and Mannheim, and the Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA). According to the…

News • Virtual reality experiment

Using VR to promote Covid-19 vaccination

234 random passersby got the opportunity to try a new virtual reality game, when researchers from the University of Copenhagen visited Fælledparken to test the efficiency of VR technology within health information. During the event, the participants tried their strength against a new VR game that simulates the effect of herd immunity. The game is developed by researchers at the Virtual Learning…

News • Digital patients, promising results

Are 'virtual' trials the future of research?

A study involving virtual rather than real patients was as effective in evaluating a medical device used  to treat brain aneurysms, according to new research. The findings are proof of concept for what are called in-silico trials, where instead of recruiting people to a real-life clinical trial, researchers build digital simulations of patient groups, loosely akin to the way virtual…

News • Unexpected find

Anti-tapeworm drug shows promise against Covid-19

Researchers from the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the University of Bonn have examined the way in which SARS-CoV-2 reprograms the metabolism of the host cell in order to gain an overall advantage. According to their report in Nature Communications, the researchers were able to identify four substances which inhibit SARS-CoV-2…

News • Severe effects

How COVID-19 wreaks havoc on human lungs

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory have published the first detailed atomic-level model of the SARS-CoV-2 "envelope" protein bound to a human protein essential for maintaining the lining of the lungs.

News • Parkinson’s disease

An algorithm for next-gen deep brain stimulation devices

Brown University researchers have developed a technique that could allow deep brain stimulation devices to sense activity in the brain and adjust stimulation accordingly.

News • Neuroscience

A deep dive into the brain

Researchers from ETH Zurich and University of Zurich have developed a new microscopy technique that lights up the brain with high resolution imagery. This allows neuroscientists to study brain functions and ailments more closely and non-​invasively.

News • Public health strategy

Covid-19: Delay in second vaccine dose may prevent deaths under certain conditions

Delaying the second dose of Covid-19 vaccines, at least for people aged under 65, could result in up to 20% lower mortality, but only under certain conditions, finds a US study published by The BMJ. These conditions include a one dose vaccine effectiveness (efficacy) of 80% or higher and vaccination rates of 0.1% to 0.3% of the population per day. If these conditions apply, the researchers say…

News • Robotic navigation

Helping robots find their way in crowded emergency rooms

Computer scientists at the University of California San Diego have developed a more accurate navigation system that will allow robots to better negotiate busy clinical environments in general and emergency departments more specifically. The researchers have also developed a dataset of open source videos to help train robotic navigation systems in the future. The team, led by Professor Laurel Riek…

News • Vigorous ventilation

Covid-19: Why faster air exchange in buildings is not always beneficial

Vigorous and rapid air exchanges might not always be a good thing when it comes to addressing levels of coronavirus particles in a multiroom building, according to a new modeling study. The study suggests that, in a multiroom building, rapid air exchanges can spread the virus rapidly from the source room into other rooms at high concentrations. Particle levels spike in adjacent rooms within 30…

News • M.O. of Darobactin unveiled

Novel antibiotic deceives bacteria through mimicry

An increasing number of bacterial pathogens are resistant to antibiotics. And the most dangerous pathogens share a common feature: a double membrane that is difficult to penetrate. Even when antibiotic agents are able to break into this shell, the bacteria just pump them right out again. But a recently discovered compound called Darobactin manages to circumvent these protective measures and kill…

News • Bioengineering

Producing transplantable livers in the laboratory

Researchers at the Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center (HUG-CELL), hosted by the University of São Paulo’s Institute of Biosciences (IB-USP) in Brazil, have developed a technique to reconstruct and produce livers in the laboratory. The proof-of-concept study was conducted with rat livers. In the next stage of their research, the scientists will adapt the technique for the production of…

Interview • Interventional Radiology

Endovascular simulator – your coach for complex interventions

With interventional procedures becoming more and more complex the demands on the interventionalists are also increasing. Endovascular simulators allow practical angiography training. In December 2020, the University Hospital Essen, Germany, was the first European facility to install Mentice’s VIST G7+. Professor Dr Jens Theysohn, senior physician at the Institute of Diagnostic and…

News • A much-needed update

New 'double antibody' delivers dual strike SARS-CoV-2 and its variants

The Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) in Switzerland developed a second-generation ‘double antibody’ that protects from SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing Covid-19, and all its tested variants. It also prevents the virus from mutating to resist the therapy. Antibody-based immunotherapy was already shown to be effective against Covid-19 but faces two main obstacles: it needs to work…

News • Delay in treatment for serious illness

Digital Covid-19 'symptom checkers' may do more harm than good

Digital Covid-19 ‘symptom checkers’ may stop some patients from getting prompt treatment for serious illness, suggests an international case simulation study. Both the US and UK symptom checkers consistently failed to identify the symptoms of severe Covid-19, bacterial pneumonia, and sepsis, frequently advising these cases to stay home, the findings indicate. The availability and use of…

News • Collagen 'pushing'

Supercomputer illustrates mechanical process of cancer growth

According to the World Health Organization, one in six worldwide deaths have been attributed to cancer; however, these fatalities were not due to initial malignant tumors—the deaths were caused by the spread of cancer cells to surrounding tissues and subsequent tumor growth. These tissues, which consist largely of collagen, have been the focus of a recent collaborative study by a team from…

News • Pandemic forecast modelling

Exploring the uncertainties in Covid-19 simulations

Computer modelling to forecast Covid-19 mortality contains significant uncertainty in its predictions, according to an international study led by researchers at University College London (UCL) and Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) in the Netherlands. Their article ‘The Impact of Uncertainty on Predictions of the CovidSim Epidemiological Code’ was published in Nature Computational…

News • Longer lasting implants for younger people

Engineering more durable artificial joints

A £4 million research project will develop a new generation of artificial joints that last longer, produce fewer side effects and are better suited for younger people. The international collaboration, led by the University of Leeds and funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme, will focus on improved design and testing to reduce the chance that the implants develop faults and fail, or cause…

News • Alternative therapies

Artificial aorta can reduce patients' blood pressure

Over 23 million people around the world suffer from heart failure. The disease is usually treated with a transplant, but because donated hearts are hard to come by, there is an ongoing need for alternative therapies. With new developments in cardiac assistance systems, we can delay the need for a transplant – or even eliminate it altogether,” says Professor Yves Perriard, head of EPFL’s…

News • Promising alternative to heart transplants

'Artificial aorta' to reduce blood pressure

Engineers at EPFL’s Center for Artificial Muscles have developed a silicone aorta that can reduce how hard patients’ hearts have to pump. Their breakthrough could offer a promising alternative to heart transplants. “Over 23 million people around the world suffer from heart failure. The disease is usually treated with a transplant, but because donated hearts are hard to come by, there is an…

News • Promising agents

The effect of vitamins, steroids and potential antivirals on SARS-CoV-2

Evidence is emerging that vitamin D – and possibly vitamins K and A – might help combat Covid-19. A new study from the University of Bristol published in the journal of the German Chemical Society Angewandte Chemie has shown how they – and other antiviral drugs – might work. The research indicates that these dietary supplements and compounds could bind to the viral spike protein and so…

Interview • IT analysis and study

Optimising OR procedures in orthopaedic surgery

Could surgical procedures for hip or knee arthritis be improved? IT specialists at Leipzig University Hospital’s Innovation Center for Computer-Assisted Surgery (ICCAS), and physicians in the Department of Orthopaedic, Trauma and Plastic Surgery department, analysed and optimised the operating room (OR) setup, legwork and instruments handling. We asked project manager Juliane Neumann, at…

News • Aneurysm operations

4D simulation increases safety in brain surgery

Aneurysm operations in the brain rank among the most delicate procedures in neurosurgery. The highest demands are placed on surgeons when choosing the type of intervention, planning the route and carrying out extremely delicate procedures on the blood vessel. A new training technology co-developed between Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and ARTORG Center of the University of Bern, will…

News • Alternative to traditional surgery

Focused ultrasound shows promise for Parkinson’s treatment

A scalpel-free alternative to brain surgery has the potential to benefit people with Parkinson’s disease symptoms that are much more severe on one side of the body, new research suggests. More testing is needed, but the approach, which uses a technology called focused ultrasound, could offer a new option for patients whose symptoms are poorly controlled by medications and those who cannot or do…

News • Simulated system

New AI approach to find treatments for brain disorders

Getting computers to “think” like humans is the holy grail of artificial intelligence, but human brains turn out to be tough acts to follow. The human brain is a master of applying previously learned knowledge to new situations and constantly refining what’s been learned. This ability to be adaptive has been hard to replicate in machines. Now, researchers at the Salk Institute have used a…

Sponsored • In-vitro diagnostics

Join Mindray at 2020 AACC Virtual Event

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News • Fractional exponents

New approach for more accurate epidemic modeling

A new class of epidemiological models based on alternative thinking about how contagions propagate, particularly in the early phases of a pandemic, provide a blueprint for more accurate epidemic modeling and improved disease spread predictions and responses, according to a study published recently in Scientific Reports by researchers at the University of California, Irvine and other institutions.

Article • Real-time radiation plans, X-core MRI

Significant advances in medical physics

To target ionised radiation as precisely as possible, imaging a tumour is vital in radiotherapy planning. ‘Today, imaging is used increasingly during the therapy itself,’ explained Professor Mark Ladd during the 51st annual meeting of the German Society for Medical Physics (DGMP).

Article • Resecting brain tumours

Benefits of ultrasound in neurosurgical oncology

Italian neurosurgeon Professor Francesco Di Meco, explored the current and potential role of intra-operative ultrasound in neurosurgical oncology during the annual meeting of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) this October. The extent of resection is considered a prognostic factor in operative neuro oncology surgery and image-guided surgery is being regarded as one of the…

Article • Assessing potential values

5G: The impact of wireless technology in healthcare

In a virtual roundtable 5G discussion five healthcare IT experts, three senior executives from major USA medical centres and two consultants, discussed questions posed by members of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS).

News • Improving imaging

Light up diseases with 'photonic lanterns'

Researchers at Heriot-Watt University have developed a new technique that will allow medical professionals to see disease deep inside the human body in 10 times more detail. Professor Robert Thomson and his team want to improve endoscopies, when long, thin optical fibres are used to look inside the body. The new technique will open up a route to unprecedented imaging resolution, says Thomson, and…

Article • Creating instruments, implants & more onsite

Reforming surgical procedures with 3D printing hubs in hospitals

Increasingly, hospitals use 3D printing in surgery because the technology can enable fast, unique production of patient-tailored tools at relatively low costs. ‘As the technology itself is developing and accelerating at a fast pace, hospitals may be left behind if they choose not to adopt these advances,’ said Limor Haviv, surgical 3D printing designer at 3D4OP. Today, 3D printing is used in…

News • Risk assessment

Understanding the spread of COVID-19 on public transport

Researchers at Newcastle University are involved in a study to understand the risks of COVID-19 transmission on public transport and to identify the best measures to control it. Known as Project TRACK (Transport Risk Assessment for Covid Knowledge), the study will conduct fieldwork on buses and trains in London, Leeds and Newcastle, including the Metro system in Tyne and Wear.

News • Simulation model for pathological mechanisms

Understanding the progress of viral infections

It is only 120 millionths of a millimetre in size but can bring entire countries to a standstill: the Corona virus. Even if it were to disappear one day, viral infections will still be among the most frequent and difficult-to-treat diseases in humans. Even decades of research have only produced a few standardized vaccines and strategies for treatment to combat just a small number of viruses. Nor…

News • Gathering sonography experience

Partnership to provide ultrasound online interactive training

Royal Philips and LeQuest, a provider of online interactive simulation-based training for the use of medical devices, announced a partnership to provide online interactive training for the Philips Ultrasound Affiniti system. As a result, medical staff can train individually at their own convenience without the need for equipment, avoiding the resulting loss of operational time on the system, as…

News • Artificial neurons

Nanodevices identify mutations in viruses

Scientists from Texas A&M University, Hewlett Packard Labs and Stanford University have developed a new nanodevice that acts almost identically to a brain cell.

Article • Video consultation on the rise

“A patient’s home has to become a mobile diagnostic centre”

There are many reasons why for some patients a visit to the doctor’s office is difficult or well-nigh impossible – limited mobility after surgery, old age, or a handicap. For others, particularly in rural areas, the doctor is often far away and/or difficult to reach due to poor public transport. In times of corona, another important issue emerged: infection protection.

News • Hospital germs

The reasons for different adhesion mechanisms of bacteria

Researchers have shown why hospital germs adhere strongly to surfaces from which water simply rolls off, but bind so poorly to surfaces that are easily wetted by water.

Article • Rapidly meeting a surging demand

The science behind 3-D printed nasal swabs

Medical device approved 3-D printers are producing clinically safe and effective nasopharyngeal swabs for COVID-19 testing. A nasal swab may seem rudimentary, but is essential for testing COVID-19. Diagnostic test kits and components – nasal swabs, collection vials, and chemical reagents – have been in short supply worldwide, especially in March. Ironically, nasopharyngeal swabs are…

Article • Sterilising with VHP, EO or HPGP

Sterilisation study puts cleansing methods to the test

A new study from the USA highlights how low temperature sterilisation can jeopardise effective cleansing of medical tools and lead to transmission of dangerous bacteria to patients. Steam sterilisation was shown to be the most effective and robust sterilisation technology. However, the researchers, working at the University of North Carolina, also showed that vaporised hydrogen peroxide (VHP)…

News • Electrostatic interactions

New research exposes weak spot in SARS-CoV-2

Northwestern University researchers have uncovered a new vulnerability in the novel coronavirus’ infamous spike protein — illuminating a relatively simple, potential treatment pathway. The spike protein contains the virus’ binding site, which adheres to host cells and enables the virus to enter and infect the body. Using nanometer-level simulations, the researchers discovered a positively…

News • Researchers use supercomputer

New insights into hepatitis B

Researchers at the University of Delaware, using supercomputing resources and collaborating with scientists at Indiana University, have gained new understanding of the virus that causes hepatitis B and the "spiky ball" that encloses the virus's genetic blueprint.

News • Droplet spread simulation

Mathematical model to predict the spread of airborne diseases

A new mathematical model is helping develop the current understanding of how airborne diseases such as COVID-19 can spread during breathing and aerosol generating procedures. Researchers from Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh have developed a mathematical model of droplet migration. Dr Cathal Cummins of Heriot-Watt’s School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences and…

Video • Improving first aid

New 3D CT scanning method shows what happens during CPR

Rapid first aid during cardiac arrest makes the difference between life and death. But what happens to the heart and the internal organs when people come running and begin to give well-meaning but heavy-handed heart massage as they attempt to keep the person who has suffered a cardiac arrest alive? A research collaboration between the Department of Forensic Medicine at Aarhus University and the…

News • Nanoparticles

Luminescent substance allows accurate viewing of body parts

Researchers have designed a fluid that works like a luminous ink to obtain very sharp images of damaged tissues, organs and cartilages in diagnostic tests. This new compound, still in the laboratory phase, reduces adverse effects on the human body because it allows lower amounts to be injected and the dose to be targeted only at the affected area.

News • 3D microprinted scope

World’s smallest imaging device focuses on heart disease

A team of researchers led by the University of Adelaide and University of Stuttgart has used 3D micro-printing to develop the world’s smallest, flexible scope for looking inside blood vessels. The camera-like imaging device can be inserted into blood vessels to provide high quality 3D images to help scientists better understand the causes of heart attack and heart disease progression, and could…

Video • COVID-19 video

Coughing visualization shows benefits of wearing a good mask

Coupling function with fashion, cloth and home-sewn face masks are available in a variety of forms and fabrics. While experts underscore that wearing a mask is effective in helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19, not all masks — or the materials with which they’re made — contain virus particles equally. In a new video, University of Wisconsin–Madison engineer Scott Sanders demonstrates…

News • Coronavirus protection

COVID-19: The best (and worst) materials for masks

It's intuitive and scientifically shown that wearing a face covering can help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. But not all masks are created equal, according to new University of Arizona-led research. Amanda Wilson, an environmental health sciences doctoral candidate in the Department of Community, Environment and Policy in the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of…

News • COVID-19

‘Mini-Brains’ suggest SARS-CoV-2 can infect brain cells

Scientists have found that organoids (tiny tissue cultures made from human cells that simulate whole organs) known as “mini-brains” can be infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

Interview • Abbott cardiovascular

An increasingly dynamic cardiovascular presence

In the world of laboratory diagnostics, ‘Abbott’ is a household name. Few people however are aware of the fact that the company, headquartered in Illinois, USA, is also leading in other fields. A number of innovations in cardiac and vascular diagnostics and therapy might soon put Abbott in the limelight. Dr Angela Germer, Regional Director DACH, and Volker Keller, Head of Marketing DACH,…

News • high-density EEG

A deeper look inside the brain

Understanding the source and network of signals as the brain functions is a central goal of brain research. Now, Carnegie Mellon engineers have created a system for high-density EEG imaging of the origin and path of normal and abnormal brain signals.

News • Organic lungs, synthetic muscles

Biohybrid model re-creates respiration mechanics

Benchtop tools for studying the respiratory system misrepresent the interdependence between the diaphragm, abdomen and lungs. Meanwhile, computational models often hide the mechanisms in a black box computation, without a clear picture of what transpires in the process. This means students form a poor understanding of respiratory mechanisms and makes it hard to train clinicians for real scenarios…

News • Bone cement research

Developing self-healing bone replacements

Our body is able to treat many injuries and wounds all by itself. Self-healing powers repair skin abrasions and enable bones to grow back together. However, doctors often have to lend a helping hand to repair bones after a fracture or due to a defect. Increasingly, bone replacement materials are being used, which partially or completely restore the form and function of the bone at the site of the…

News • Robotic innovation

Micro robot rolls deep into the body

A team of scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) in Stuttgart invented a tiny microrobot that resembles a white blood cell travelling through the circulatory system. It has the shape, the size and the moving capabilities of leukocytes and could perhaps be well on its way – in a rolling motion of course – to revolutionize the minimally invasive treatment of…