Researchers at the University of Toronto, led by Dr. Shana Kelly and Dr. Ted Sargent, are reporting in Nature that they have used a combination of nanoparticles and a microchip to determine the type and severity of a patient’s cancer based on the signature of biomarkers that indicate the presence of cancer at the cellular level.
>Dr. Kelly’s work demonstrates that the cells can be differentiated with these biomarkers because of the cellular genes that indicate aggressive or benign forms. The scanning electron micrograph illustrates the eight variable structures that the system can repeatably track with less than 5% variation. Analysis time is reported to be 30 minutes as compared with contemporary diagnostics tests which can take days.
Posts by: Martin J. Neumann
Cancer Diagnosis Via Semiconductor
Using the Xbox 360 for Cardiac Research
Microsoft Xbox 360 not only can stimulate your mind, but it also is now being used to investigate cardiac abnormalities.
Dr. Simon Scarle, a University of Warwick researcher, has detailed his work in using the Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) of an Xbox 360 to model and simulate cardiac arrhythmia in the hopes of understanding their initiation and propagation, so as to develop better treatments. While computer modeling has been around for decades, the breakthrough in this work is using a faster, cheaper, and commercially mass produced computer to accurately model the complex cardiac electrical system. Normally this type of modeling is constrained to supercomputers and must compete for computational time with a whole host of other important scientific modeling applications.
Retinal Implant Brings Terminator Like Eyes Closer to Reality
We have always had a fascination with robotic eyes, whether in RoboCop or Terminator, and we have previously covered some of the exciting developments in retinal implants. MIT is reporting that its researchers, led by Dr. John L. Wyatt, are working on a retinal implant that bypasses damaged retinal cells in order to give direct visual input to the brain.
The implant works in conjunction with a specially designed set of glasses that have an embedded camera that wirelessly transmits power and image signals to the microchip in the retina which then transmits the signals to the brain. The microchip has receiving coils that surround the eyeball, much like a natural retina. The microchip itself is sealed in a titanium case to avoid corrosion. The chip will receive visual signals from the glasses which activate the electrodes, which in turn fire nerve cells to carry visual input to the brain. The microchip will not restore vision to a perfect standing, but is intended to help a blind patients navigate.
Neuropace Implantable Epilepsy Device Showing Positive Signs in Initial Clinical Study
A clinical trial is underway for a neurostimulator implant that monitors brain activity and then sends an electrical jolt designed to prevent an epileptic seizure. Neuropace has developed the RNS system in Silicon Valley, and is undergoing clinical trials with more than 200 patients across the US. It is being reported preliminarily that RNS implant is effective in treating seizures through the mechanism of responsive stimulation. In this protocol regions of the brain demonstrate erratic electrical signals before a seizure. Through counter electrical stimulation, the seizure can be prevented or minimized.
The RNS is placed under the skull and the electrodes are connected to relevant regions in the brain in order to provide stimulation. The device is controlled wirelessly through an adapter on a laptop which allows a clinician to view the patient’s electrocorticographic (ECoG) activity in real-time and the ability to upload the patient’s ECoGs that have been stored in the RNS neurostimulator.
Bleed to Make Light
Reading by candle light is so 20th century. The next innovation? Using your blood to make light. Yes, your blood. Design artist Mike Thompson has developed a one time use lamp that works by a flourescent reaction between human blood and an active chemical component dissolved in water.
Mike Thompson’s thoughts on this design:
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Update on Wii’s Pulse Oximetry Monitor
We were pretty excited when Nintendo announced at the E3 Expo in June that they would be releasing a pulse oximetry attachment for the Wii. Now, a few more details are emerging.
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata mentioned in a Q & A that Nintendo “would like to deliver the actual product not too late in the year next year.” The software is said to consist of a relaxation or meditation theme, but Iwata did mention the possibility of “measuring how horrified a player is in a horror title.” We cannot wait to start giving patients stress tests by playing Resident Evil.
The Love Affair with Epocrates’ iPhone Applications, and The New OTC Module
We love medical iPhone applications, but now we’re getting the word that we aren’t the only ones. Computing Journal is reporting that Epocrates, Inc. has announced that more than 100,000 physicians are using company’s iPhone software in their clinical practices. The company further claims that this user load puts Epocrates among the elite top five percent of iPhone developers whose products are used for more than a month after the download.
“With a decade to refine our clinical content and mobile applications, we have established Epocrates as the most frequently used guide at the point of care with physicians using it more than six times per day,” said Jeff Tangney, president and chief operating officer for Epocrates. “The iPhone platform has been a terrific vehicle for us to continue to innovate, introducing new features physicians have fully integrated into their workflow.”
Think Your Own Music Outloud
You know that tune you hum to yourself in your head? Or maybe that song that is stuck in your brain? Now, thanks to MRI researchers, you can play that for everyone around you. Dan Loyd and researchers at Trinity College have developed a media player for your brain.
Using MRI images to study active parts of the brain during various tasks or thoughts, pitches are asigned to different regions. These are then used to generate notes played at varying intensities to match the intensity of the active brain region.
Toyota Working on Thought Controlled Wheelchairs
Not to be outdone by Honda with their assisted walking device earlier this year, Toyota has announced that they are working on a wheelchair that can be navigated with brain waves. You think of the direction and the wheelchair goes in that direction.
Photo Credit: YOSHIKAZU TSUNO / AFP
