MEDICA: Genetic Testing & Biomarkers
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Patrick Campbell/CU Boulder

A faster, easier way to test blood at the bedside with handheld device

23.10.2024

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder are developing a handheld device that uses sound waves to detect biomarkers from a finger-prick of blood. It delivers highly sensitive results in under 70 minutes, providing a faster and more accessible alternative to traditional lab-based tests. The research was published in Science Advances.
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Image: Woman smiling at the camera while holding point-of-care testing equipment in a laboratory setting; Copyright: Sylvester Cancer

Sylvester Cancer

Mouthwash test for predicting head and neck cancer recurrence

18.10.2024

A study by researchers from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, UC San Diego Health, and other collaborating centers suggests that a simple mouthwash-based test could help predict the recurrence of head and neck cancers.
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New biomarker predicts side effects of tuberculosis therapy

29.08.2024

Researchers at the Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, have discovered a biomarker that can predict the risk of nerve disease during tuberculosis therapy.
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Image: A researcher places cells in a centrifuge.

Identifying a high-risk biomarker for gastric cancer recurrence risk

16.08.2024

A recent study led by researchers at the Medical University of Vienna has identified the AF1Q gene as a significant biomarker for predicting the risk of gastric cancer relapse. This discovery could enhance personalized treatment strategies and improve survival rates for patients. The study was published in Scientific Reports.
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Image: Two researchers standing in a laboratory, wearing red light goggles and holding an agar plate in their hands; Copyright: UBT/Andreas Möglich

UBT/Andreas Möglich

Red light as the key to gene activity control

30.07.2024

In a new study, the University of Bayreuth has investigated the sensitivity of bacterial systems for controlling gene activity to red light. These research results open up a wide range of possibilities for the biotechnological application of bacteria. The results of the study have been published in Nature Communications.
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Image: A female scientist with a tablet computer in her hand sits at a workbench in a laboratory – use of AI in the lab; Copyright: YuriArcursPeopleImages

YuriArcursPeopleImages

Artificial intelligence in the laboratory: current developments and applications

28.05.2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of modern laboratories. AI systems based on machine learning and algorithmic analysis are used in various scientific and medical disciplines to automate processes, increase efficiency, and gain new scientific insights.
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Image: A researcher cultivates bacteria on an agar plate in a laboratory

Plasmids in the human intestine: new findings on their use as biomarkers

27.05.2024

The Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg has published a study in which an international research team reports on the discovery of a potential biomarker from the human intestine. This plasmid could be used in the future to detect fecal contamination or monitor inflammatory bowel diseases. The results were published in the journal Cell.
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Lung check via app

26.03.2024

Imagine that your smartphone, your constant companion in everyday life, could now give you valuable insights into your health – and all you have to do is breathe. The start-up VoiceMed makes it possible.
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University of Birmingham develops diagnostic for traumatic brain injury

05.02.2024

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have unveiled an innovative diagnostic device for the rapid detection of traumatic brain injury (TBI). This groundbreaking technology employs a safe laser directed into the eye, offering a distinct approach to diagnosing TBI.
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Image: Private lecturer Dr. Jonas Schupp sits next to a microscope and smiles for the camera; Copyright: privat

privat

Chronic lung diseases: funding for precision medicine

20.12.2023

Associate Professor Dr Jonas Schupp receives funding for his research into chronic lung diseases.
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Image: Dr Tabea Seeliger and Professor Dr Thomas Skripuletz: Utensils for taking tear and saliva samples; Copyright: Karin Kaiser/MHH

Karin Kaiser/MHH

MS and Sjögren's: the same and yet different

13.12.2023

MHH project investigates differences in neurological symptoms between multiple sclerosis and the rare Sjögren's syndrome.
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Image: A patient on the examination table. Three people in white coats stand next to it and look at an ultrasound image on the screen; Copyright: Karin Kaiser / MHH

Karin Kaiser / MHH

Heart failure: new approaches for treatment shortly before or after birth

06.10.2023

Researchers at MHH want to study the altered lipid metabolism in patients with pregnancy cardiomyopathy (PPCM) and find new biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy.
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Image: The MinION device connected to a computer. The screen shows data from the evaluation; Copyright: Oxford Nanopore

Oxford Nanopore

Nanopore sequencing and DNA barcoding method gives hope of personalised medicine

03.10.2023

With the ability to map dozens of biomarkers at once, a new method could transform testing for conditions including heart disease and cancer.
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Image: Dr. Marina Dziuba in the laboratory with bacterial cultures to produce magnetic nanoparticles; Copyright: Christian Wißler/UBT

Christian Wißler/UBT

EXIST funding for bacterial magnetic nanoparticles

28.09.2023

BioMagnetix uses bacterial magnetic nanoparticles as innovative materials for biomedical applications. The founding team aims to develop and continuously improve high-quality and highly functional magnetic nanoparticles for imaging techniques and therapeutic purposes, such as cancer treatment.
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Image: Laboratory worker holds a test tube with blood samples in his hands, test tubes with biomaterial; Copyright: svitlanah

svitlanah

New blood marker can identify parkinsonian diseases

20.09.2023

Is it possible that a single biomarker can detect all types of diseases related to dopamine deficiency in the brain? Yes, that's what a research group in Lund is discovering.
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Ryan Hull

Pathogen detection through electronic detection of DNA nanoballs

19.09.2023

Researchers at Karolinska Institute have developed a novel method using DNA Nanoballs to detect pathogens, aiming to simplify nucleic acid testing and revolutionize pathogen detection.
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Image: Nurse prepares patient for blood test; Copyright: seventyfourimages

seventyfourimages

New blood test gives very high accuracy to screen for Alzheimer’s disease

08.09.2023

A new blood test called p-tau217 shows promise as an Alzheimer's disease biomarker, and when used in a two-step workflow very high accuracy to either identify or exclude brain amyloidosis, the most important and earliest pathology.
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Image: A bald man in a white coat stands in a laboratory and looks over at other people; Copyright: Joakim Palmqvist

Joakim Palmqvist

Advanced biosensors to detect tumors, viruses and bacterial diseases

06.09.2023

Linnaeus University is partnering with industry and healthcare to develop advanced biosensors, investing SEK 35 million in a project aimed at faster and cost-effective diagnoses of aggressive lung cancer, viral, and bacterial diseases, potentially enabling self-testing at home.
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Image: Two men and a woman in white coats work in a laboratory with reaction vessels; Copyright: Karin Kaiser / MHH

Karin Kaiser / MHH

More impact against cancer

04.09.2023

MHH molecular physician Professor Dr. Dr. Schambach wants to use genetically modified natural killer cells to find new therapeutic options against three particularly malignant cancers. The EU is funding the project with 3.8 million euros
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Image: Illustration of a protein structure with its amino acid complexes; Copyright: Kateryna Maksymenko

Kateryna Maksymenko

Innovative computational approach helps design proteins for cancer treatment

31.08.2023

A joint team of researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen and the University Hospital Tübingen has now developed and tested a new computational method to greatly speed up the necessary energy calculations.
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Anne Günther/Uni Jena

Timing is key in cortisone treatment of inflammation

30.08.2023

A special type of starch could soon be used as an excipient in medicine to improve the treatment of patients.
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lassedesignen/Shutterstock

Multiple sclerosis: new biomarker for early diagnosis

12.07.2023

A study conducted by researchers from the Department of Neurology at MedUni Vienna and University Hospital Vienna has demonstrated for the first time that diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) can be significantly improved by additionally measuring the thickness of retinal layers in the eye.
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Image: Woman in a laboratory collecting blood samples; Copyright: Prostock-studio

Prostock-studio

Molecular tumor profiling: blood test to determine the optimal cancer therapy

11.07.2023

If a tumor is diagnosed, tissue samples are usually investigated to determine the molecular tumor profile for personalized cancer treatment. However, tissue biopsy cannot be performed in all affected individuals. Therefore, the University Hospital Zurich has licensed a liquid biopsy for the analysis of more than 300 genes and offers this test as a modern diagnostic method to tumor patients.
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Dmitry_Rukhlenko

ETERNITY: EU graduate training on metabolism and neurodegeneration

04.07.2023

In a new, EU funded program, early career scientists are tracking down the connection between metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. DZNE is involved in a leading role.
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Image: A woman with dark hair and a white coat sits in a laboratory and smiles at the camera; Copyright: Alex Dolce, Florida Atlantic University

Alex Dolce, Florida Atlantic University

Sickle cell disease: portable tool for diagnosis, monitoring receives U.S. patent

30.06.2023

Using microfluidics, flow cytometry and electrical impedance, Sarah Du recently received a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a novel invention that will offer patients a better way to manage their disease.
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Image: Two young men in white coats, Dr. Jonas Hall and Dr. Niklas Klümper, pose in front of the camera in a research complex; Copyright: University Hospital of Bonn (UKB)

University Hospital of Bonn (UKB)

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma: improved prediction of therapy response

29.06.2023

The study demonstrates a significant improvement in predicting the response to therapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma by incorporating the level of inflammation, which was assessed using two straightforward blood parameters, alongside the conventional imaging-based approach.
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Image: Two men and three women pose in white coats in a laboratory; Copyright: Universidad de Barcelona

Universidad de Barcelona

New biomarkers of non-small cell lung cancer discovered

27.06.2023

Researchers of the University of Barcelona and the Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) have identified new biomarkers for non-small cell lung cancer, the most common lung cancer.
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Image: A female lab worker puts a sample vial with blood from a rack into a centrifuge; Copyright: seventyfourimages

seventyfourimages

Blood biomarkers plus genomics in the prediction of disease risk

16.06.2023

Being to identify people at high risk of chronic disease means that they can be targeted with prevention measures before they become sick. Polygenic risk scores, where genomic information alone is used to assess the risk of developing diseases, have been receiving a lot of attention recently.
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Image: Red 3D illustration of a human lungs on a black background; Copyright: Pixabay

Pixabay

Lung: bacterial colonisation also depends on genes of the host

13.06.2023

We know from previous studies that changes in the lung microbiome are associated with diseases such as cystic fibrosis, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Environmental factors such as smoking, nutrition in infancy or the use of antibiotics are important factors for the composition and stability of the microbial community in the lung.
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Image: Several tubes of blood in a laboratory for a blood test; Copyright: mirarahneva

mirarahneva

Neurosurgery: blood tests can show impact on the brain

31.05.2023

Damage to the brains of patients operated on for brain tumors may be assessed by measuring biomarkers in the blood pre- and postoperatively. A new study by University of Gothenburg researchers shows that the increase in markers tallies well with the impairment caused by insufficient blood flow.
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Karolinska Institutet

New method reveals bacterial reaction to antibiotics in five minutes

26.05.2023

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have developed a molecular method able to detect whether or not bacteria respond to antibiotics within minutes.
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Image: A doctor takes a saliva sample from a patient in an examination room; Copyright: Prostock-studio

Prostock-studio

TimeTeller: tenth spin-off of the BIH Digital Health Accelerator

25.05.2023

An interdisciplinary team led by Prof. Angelo Relógio, a scientist at Charité’s Molecular Cancer Research Center (MKFZ) and Institute for Theoretical Biology and the MSH Medical School Hamburg, has developed a non-invasive method for profiling a person’s unique circadian rhythm.
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Image: A computer that evaluates stool samples using bioinformatic methods; Copyright: Anna Schroll/Leibniz-HKI

Anna Schroll/Leibniz-HKI

Model shows intestinal bacteria influence growth of fungi

22.05.2023

The bacteria present in the intestine provide information about the quantities of fungi of the potentially disease-causing Candida genus.
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Image: 3D cross section of a kidney; Copyright: European Cooperation in Science and Technology

European Cooperation in Science and Technology

Imaging chronic kidney disease

12.05.2023

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has shown a high potential to distinguish biomarkers for CKD, but renal MRI biomarkers are currently underused in research and clinical practice.
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Image: Three men and a woman in white lab coats pose for the camera in a laboratory; Copyright: Universidad de Barcelona

Universidad de Barcelona

Microfluidics physics-based device to predict cancer therapy response

06.04.2023

A team of experts has designed a microfluidic device called microfluidic dynamic BH3 profiling (μDBP) that predicts the effectiveness of cancer treatment quickly and automatically.
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Image: Study co-authors in white coats (from left) Caleb Bashor, Antonios Mikos and Letitia Chim; Copyright: Gustavo Raskosky/Rice University

Gustavo Raskosky/Rice University

Upgraded tumor model optimizes search for cancer therapies

27.03.2023

Rice University researchers developed an upgraded tumor model that houses osteosarcoma cells beside immune cells known as macrophages inside a three-dimensional structure engineered to mimic bone. Using the model, bioengineer Antonios Mikos and collaborators found that the body’s immune response can make tumor cells more resistant to chemotherapy.
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Image: Close-up of a female hand holding the orange ribbon symbolizing the fight against leukemia; Copyright: JoPanwatD

JoPanwatD

AI finds targets for CAR-T cell therapy against acute myeloid leukemia

20.03.2023

Unlike other forms of blood cancer, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cannot currently be treated with CAR-T cell immunotherapy. The reason is that specific molecular targets with which certain immune cells could specifically target AML cells are lacking, which would permit the immune system to attack cancer.
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grafvision

Epilepsy could become easier to pinpoint with blood test

17.03.2023

Researchers from Lund University in Sweden have discovered higher levels of immune proteins in the blood before and after an epileptic seizure.
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Rawpixel

Bracelet sensor assesses troponin levels to aid heart attack diagnosis

13.03.2023

An experimental wrist-worn device was found to predict troponin-I and obstructed arteries with 90% accuracy in five minutes, according to research.
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Image: Logo of the EU project miGut-Health, black, violet and green colors on a white background; Copyright: Eurice Office

Eurice Office

Personalised health blueprint to prevent and predict inflammatory bowel disease

07.03.2023

Project led by PMI member Prof. Andre Franke aims to empower people affected by Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis by developing interdisciplinary solutions for improved disease prevention and health promotion.
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RUB, Marquard

AI with infrared imaging enables precise colon cancer diagnostics

23.02.2023

Researchers at the Centre for Protein Diagnostics PRODI at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, are using artificial intelligence in combination with infrared imaging to optimally tailor colon cancer therapy to individual patients.
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Pressmaster

AI analyses cell movement under the microscope

22.02.2023

The enormous amount of data obtained by filming biological processes using a microscope has previously been an obstacle for analyses.
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Image: Immune cell trafficking in diabetic cataract formation.; Copyright: HAWK

HAWK

Imaging: role of immune cells in early diabetic cataract development

22.02.2023

The team of researchers, led by Prof. Dr. Ali Hafezi-Moghadam, Director of the Molecular Biomarkers Nano-Imaging Laboratory (MBNI), in collaboration with Professor Dr. Christoph Rußmann, Dean of the Health Campus and a Visiting Professor at MBNI, found early signs of damage in the eye before the onset of type 2 diabetes.
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Image: A man in a white coat and with safety goggles, Hongji Yan, holds a test tube in his hand and is looking at the camera; Copyright: Vaibhav Srivastava

Vaibhav Srivastava

Mucus-based gel improves bone graft results, promotes healing

14.02.2023

Molecules from mucus can be used to produce synthetic bone graft material and help with the healing of larger bone loss, a new study found.
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Image-Source

Predicting dementia using neural network characteristics

13.02.2023

In many neurodegenerative conditions, brain changes occur before symptoms emerge. But now, researchers from Japan have found a new way to distinguish these conditions in the early stages according to changes in brain activity patterns.
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Image: Prof. Dr. Aldo Faisal smiles at the camera in an institute building; Copyright: privat.

private

Smart clothing and Artificial Intelligence: Diagnosis and monitoring of neurological diseases

01.02.2023

International research groups led by Prof. Dr. Aldo Faisal, Professor of Digital Health at the University of Bayreuth, have developed a novel set of tools for diagnosing and monitoring neurological diseases based on body-worn sensors (wearables) and artificial intelligence.
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Image: Dr Anke Katharina Bergmann in a white coat, holding a tablet, is standing in front of a virtual map of Europe; Copyright: Karin Kaiser / MHH, Freepik.com

Karin Kaiser / MHH, Freepik.com

MHH leads EU large-scale project for personalized cancer care

26.01.2023

CAN.HEAL aims to expand the available innovations in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment in the Member States in order to improve care for all patients in the EU. The project focuses on measures of personalized medicine. Genomics is an important cornerstone for this.
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gstockstudio

New blood test differentiates neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease from other dementias

23.01.2023

A new blood test that can track and follow the neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease – and exclude other dementias.
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Image: Two men in white coats are standing at a microscope in the laboratory; Copyright: National University of Singapore

National University of Singapore

Scientists identify blood biomarker for cognitive impairment and dementia

02.01.2023

A recent study by a team comprising researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the National University Health System (NUHS) revealed that low levels of ergothioneine (ET) in blood plasma may predict an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, suggesting possible therapeutic or early screening measures for cognitive impairment and dementia in the elderly.
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Image: Scientist works with medical test tube to analyze green liquid; Copyright: DC_Studio

DC_Studio

Diagnosing breast cancer through liquid biopsy

22.09.2022

Breast cancer diagnosis usually includes invasive testing with tissue biopsies. The samples have to be extracted from the cancerous tissue or cells. To make the process easier on the patients, the project LIBIMEDOTS is currently developing a different approach with liquid biopsy technology.
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Image: Person in the laboratory holding cell samples under a microscope; Copyright: MICROGEN@GMAIL.COM

MICROGEN@GMAIL.COM

Molecular markers: predicting the most effective treatment for IBD

09.08.2022

Early effective treatment can help manage this condition and improve the quality of life of patients. A research project aims to identify molecular markers to better assess the chances of success of certain biological therapies and subsequently determine the best individualized treatment plan.
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Image: Two men are sitting in front of a laptop computer and are talking about an image on the screen - Josch Konstantin Pauling, Nikolai Köhler; Copytight: LipiTUM

LipiTUM

MoSBi: Algorithm identifies disease subtypes

01.08.2022

Doctors have always used symptoms, imaging, and laboratory data to define and diagnose diseases, but at times it is simply not enough: while patients may have the same illness, it may exhibit different changes at the molecular level. A team from the Technical University of Munich has developed the so-called MoSBi algorithm and makes it available to researchers to identify molecular differences.
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PantherMedia / angellodeco

The smart lab: The shift to more digitization is picking up speed

01.10.2021

They have probably never been in the spotlight as much as during the pandemic: laboratories. In Germany alone, around 73 million COVID-19-tests have been evaluated since the beginning of 2020. And even away from Corona, laboratory physicians have a lot to do – blood, urine and aspirates have to be evaluated every day. That results in an enormous amount of work, just in terms of organization.
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Image: Drawing inspiration from nature, a team of international scientists have invented a smart device for personalized skin care modeled after the male diving beetle; Copyright: McGill University

McGill University

A skin crawling treatment for acne

01.09.2021

Drawing inspiration from nature, a team of international scientists have invented a smart device for personalized skin care modeled after the male diving beetle. This tool collects and monitors body fluids while sticking to the skin’s surface, paving the way for more accurate diagnostics and treatment for skin diseases and conditions like acne.
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Image: A group of researchers is discussing a chemical structural formula in front of a whiteboard; Copyright: PantherMedia/depositedhar

Intelligent implants: when the material is the key to the solution

01.02.2021

Today we use implants to stabilize or compensate for injuries inside the body and to aid in the healing process. Implants cannot act autonomously and treat the patient if they deem it necessary. However, it is just a matter of time before this happens because research on intelligent implant materials that respond to stimuli is on the cusp of a breakthrough.
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Image: A woman sits on a couch and blows into a measuring device; Copyright: Bosch

Vivatmo me: monitor your asthma treatment at home

01.01.2021

Allergic asthma is a chronic disease that makes regular monitoring essential to keep it under control. This is the only way to determine whether the prescribed medication is effective or whether the patient needs a treatment adjustment. Vivatmo me is a breath analyzer device for home use and helps keep asthma patients safe and confident between visits to the doctor.
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panthermedia.net/olanstock

Cardiac diagnostics – prompt and personalized

08.11.2019

If physicians suspect an acute myocardial infarction, they first order an ECG. This test is very established and allows cardiologists to quickly diagnose acute heart attacks – though the test does not detect less common heart attack symptoms. So far, those patients had to wait up to twelve hours before a heart attack could be accurately diagnosed or ruled out. But things are about the change.
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Functional Imaging: The puls of modern oncology

17.06.2019

Medical imaging techniques have developed considerably in recent decades. In addition to morphological imaging techniques more and more functional imaging techniques are used in oncology that can continously record the functions of specific organs locally and regionally in real time. These are groundbreaking for diagnostics, therapies and preoperative preparations.
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