Medical News Observer

Researchers develop new method to improve bioprinting resolution with Iodixanol

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have made advances in bioprinting 3D-engineered tissues. Bioprinting is a process of creating biological structures and tissues using cells and biopolymer. This study describes a type of bioprinting called digital light processing (DLP). Current bioprinting techniques have challenges in achieving key requirements of high cell density, high…
Predicting newborn health outcomes with electronic health records data

Researchers used electronic health records (EHRs) and advanced machine learning methodologies to predict neonatal outcomes from maternal conditions. The study used data from 32,354 mother-newborn dyads to train and validate the model and found it outperformed currently used EHR-based clinical risk scores. The study identified previously unreported associations between maternal conditions, such as anemia, certain…
AI-powered smart prosthetic socket for thigh amputees

The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) has developed an innovative, customizable prosthetic socket that automatically fills the socket with air upon detecting the empty space inside of the socket in real time based on artificial intelligence. The socket includes an inflatable air bladder that monitors pressure and maintains uniform pressure distribution while walking.…
Researchers develop self-charging air filter-based mask with prolonged electrostatic adsorption efficacy

Researchers from the City University of Hong Kong have developed a self-charging electrostatic face mask that can continuously replenish its electrostatic charge and maintain high filtering performance for up to 60 hours without needing external power sources. The mask, which uses the triboelectric effect between the electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanofiber film and nylon fabric, and…
Verkko: automated genome assembly tool enables complete genome sequencing for multiple species

National Institutes of Health (NIH) researchers have developed a software tool called Verkko, which can assemble complete genome sequences from various species. Verkko uses long, accurate reads and haplotype-specific markers to assemble complete, diploid genomes. The software automates the process of assembling genome sequences, making it more affordable and accessible. The researchers tested Verkko with…
Electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) systems reduce outpatient waiting lists

A review by the Centre for Patient-Reported Outcomes Research and the Institute of Applied Health Research at the University of Birmingham found that digital systems for patients to report symptoms remotely may reduce outpatient waiting lists. Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome (ePRO) systems allow patients to fill out questionnaires and have the results sent back to clinicians…
iTrain – video game app to teach post-stroke care

Researchers from the Kaunas University of Technology in Lithuania have developed an interactive training app called “iTrain” to support post-stroke care. The app is a course that combines a brochure, a Massive Open Online Course, visual material, and a video game to help caretakers learn how to take care of people who have had a…
Chemistry42 – AI-based drug discovery platform

Researchers from Insilico Medicine have published a paper in the Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling on the use of its AI platform, Chemistry42, for designing novel drugs for diseases. Launched in 2020, the platform includes 42 generative algorithms, customizable reward functions, and 3D physics-based modules to dynamically assess and optimize the structures. The company…
Spleen-on-a-chip to model acute splenic sequestration in sickle cell disease

A “spleen-on-a-chip” has been created by researchers from MIT, Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, the Pasteur Institute in Paris, and other institutions. The chip models how the spleen filters out old or damaged red blood cells and helps understand the phenomenon of acute splenic sequestration in sickle cell disease patients, which is made difficult by…
Low-cost humidity sensor to create smart diaper

Researchers at Penn State have developed a low-cost and easy-to-make, and highly reliable humidity sensor using hand-drawn interdigital electrodes from pencil-on-paper treated with NaCl solution. The resulting sensor is highly sensitive and can work over a wide range of relative humidity levels. The applications of the sensor include monitoring respiratory rate, characterizing human skin types,…