Implant

Medical Audio available

3D-printed material is designed to treat difficult bone injuries

Ben Coxworth March 29, 2019

​For some time now, we've been hearing about implantable scaffolding-like material that helps heal injuries to bones. Scientists have now developed a new type of that material, aimed specifically at difficult-to-treat osteochondral injuries.

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Mighty microgels could make for safer implant surgery

Ben Coxworth March 27, 2019

Although joint replacement surgery typically goes off without a hitch, potentially-dangerous infections can occur after the operation. Scientists from New Jersey's Stevens Institute of Technology are addressing that problem, with a new type of highly-targeted bacteria-killing gel.

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Flexible, high-performance transistors pave the way for mini medical sensors and implants

Dario Borghino February 28, 2019

Scientists at Columbia University have developed flexible, functional, waterproof transistors. These could find use in building miniaturized medical sensors, brain-machine interfaces, or long-term implants.

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Potential Parkinson's treatment delivers protein directly to the brain

Ben Coxworth February 27, 2019

​It was just last month that we heard about a brain implant which dispenses a protein to stop seizures in epileptic rats. An unrelated study now suggests that a brain implant in humans, which delivers that same protein, could be used to treat and even reverse the effects of Parkinson's disease.

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Medical

Implant uses copper to fight bone infection

Ben Coxworth January 30, 2019

​Resulting from bone-breaks, deep puncture wounds, severe tooth decay or other causes, osteomyelitis is a bone infection that in serious cases may lead to amputations or even death. It's also notoriously difficult to treat, although a newly-developed implant could help change that.

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Medical

Smart artificial knee could reduce the need for replacement surgery

Ben Coxworth January 29, 2019

​When a young person receives an artificial knee joint, they're left in a bit of a quandary – they're expected to stay active, yet too much of the wrong activity may cause the device to wear out prematurely. An experimental new implant could help address that situation.

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Brain implant shows promise for stopping seizures

Ben Coxworth January 21, 2019

​There may be new hope for people who suffer from epilepsy. A recent study has shown that an experimental implant reduces seizures in epileptic rats by 93 percent, and that the effects remain after the device has been removed.

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Medical

Wireless blood-flow sensor dissolves when its job is done

Ben Coxworth January 8, 2019

​When someone has had blood vessel surgery, it's important for doctors to check that the vessel doesn't become blocked as it heals. Such blockages could someday be detected earlier and more easily than ever, thanks to an experimental new biodegradable blood flow sensor.

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Wirelessly-activated implant treats bladder problems using light

Ben Coxworth January 3, 2019

Currently, if people have urinary problems such as incontinence or an overactive bladder, medication and/or electronic nerve-stimulating implants are required. An experimental new implant may work better, however, treating the problem using integrated micro-LEDs.

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Incredible battery-free implant battles obesity by suppressing appetite

Rich Haridy December 17, 2018

A remarkable new implantable device developed by engineers at University of Wisconsin–Madison promises a new way to battle obesity. By gently stimulating a nerve that links the stomach to the brain, the device tricks your brain into thinking you're full.

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