New Atlas

Good Thinking Audio available

Fidget spinners could be used for cheap, off-the-grid blood testing

Ben Coxworth January 25, 2019

When it comes to frivolous gadgets, fidget spinners would seem to be one of the most … well, frivolous. Recently, however, scientists from National Taiwan University discovered that the devices could be used for blood sample analysis in impoverished regions.

Fidget spinners typically only cost a few dollars

Medical Audio available

Malaria spit-test promises detection up to a week before symptoms appear

Rich Haridy January 6, 2019

A team of researchers have revealed an innovative new salvia test that promises to quickly and cheaply screen for the presence of malaria parasites up to a week before any symptoms appear.

It's hoped a new saliva test that offers early detection of malaria will reach the market ...

Medical

Cancer breath testing moves into large clinical trials

Rich Haridy January 2, 2019

A clinical trial is launching in the UK to test a new Breath Biopsy technology with the goal of finding molecular biomarkers in breath samples that can be used to diagnose a variety of different cancers.

The two year study will try to capture breath signatures unique to a handful of different ...

Computers Audio available

From weapons to works of art: The year in artificial intelligence

Rich Haridy December 26, 2018

In 2018 we witnessed developments that pave the way for a future where AI systems could heal us, harm us, or even teach us. Here are the highlights from a fascinating year of advances in artificial intelligence.

In 2018 we paved the way for a future where AI could heal us, harm us, ...

Medical

From gene-edited babies to male contraceptives: The most exciting medical innovations in 2018

Rich Haridy December 20, 2018

Alongside new discoveries in gut-brain communication and the genesis of Alzheimer’s disease, the FDA advanced acceptance of psychedelic medicines, from psilocybin to marijuana. But looming over all of these milestones was the controversial alleged birth of the world’s first gene-edited baby.

The birth of the world's first CRISPR gene-edited baby cements 2018 as a major year in ...

Medical Audio available

Electric-paper sensors could replace diabetic finger-pokes

Ben Coxworth December 20, 2018

There may soon be yet another alternative to the painful finger-prick blood glucose tests which diabetics have to endure on a daily basis. Scientists in Saudi Arabia have developed a paper-strip sensor that gauges blood glucose via a patient's saliva.

Sahika Inal, Shofarul Wustoni and Eloise Bihar (l-r) inspect a set of the inkjet-printed sensors

Science

Biosensors developed to detect whether cancer is likely to spread

Rich Haridy December 5, 2018

A new study is reporting the development of novel biosensors that can detect the metastatic potential of individual cancer cells. The research is hoped to produce a system that can accurately let doctors know how likely a cancer is to spread, helping inform what treatment to administer.

Scientists are developing a biosensor to detect and measure whether a cancer cell is likely to ...

Medical Audio available

Budget biosensor detects infections in real time

Ben Coxworth November 29, 2018

Ordinarily, it takes two to five days to determine if harmful bacteria are present in a patient's biological samples. Within that time, any infection that's present could get much worse. A newly-developed biosensor, however, is capable of analyzing samples on the spot.

Asst. Prof. Mohammad Zarifi with the business end of the biosensor

Medical

Prototype device listens to lungs to check the heart

Ben Coxworth November 29, 2018

One of the key symptoms of congestive heart failure is fluid accumulation in the lungs. Currently, people need to visit a clinic in order to check for such accumulation. Thanks to a new device, however, they may soon be able to perform checks whenever they want, in their own home.

The device takes the form of a stethoscope-like acoustic sensor which is hard-wired to a smartphone

Medical Audio available

Heart attack-detecting smartphone app almost as accurate as an ECG

Rich Haridy November 11, 2018

A newly developed smartphone app has shown promise for determining if a person is suffering from a serious heart attack. A study into the app's accuracy revealed it was almost as effective as a traditional electrocardiogram (ECG) at identifying a serious form of heart attack.

A smartphone-based system has proven almost as accurate as conventional ECG diagnostic tools for detecting a ...