Bloodborne pathogens quickly ID’d by melting their DNA

A new technique, which involves melting bacterial DNA found in blood samples, could deliver diagnoses of potentially fatal infections faster than ever before. Results may be obtained in a few hours, instead of days.Continue ReadingCategory: Medical, Sc… Continue reading Bloodborne pathogens quickly ID’d by melting their DNA

Sound can successfully remove microplastics from water

There’s no debate that microplastics present an ever-increasing ecological and health threat, with scientists just starting to understand the extent of these tiny particles and their impact on organisms, from marine life to humans. A 2019 study reveale… Continue reading Sound can successfully remove microplastics from water

Simple 3D-printed sperm-sorting device could help couples conceive

If a couple is having difficulty conceiving a child due to low-quality sperm, in-vitro fertilization is always an option … although it frequently isn’t successful. A simple new device could help, by selecting only the best sperm to do the job.Continue … Continue reading Simple 3D-printed sperm-sorting device could help couples conceive

Artificial embryo heart system grows blood stem cells on demand

Blood stem cell donation is an important medical procedure, but it’s subject to constant shortages. Researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) have now demonstrated how a microfluidic device that mimics the embryonic heart can produce bloo… Continue reading Artificial embryo heart system grows blood stem cells on demand

Dissolvable implant kills pain by cooling nerves – no drugs required

Nobody wants to suffer physical pain if they don’t have to, yet they also don’t want to risk developing an addiction to pain-killing opioids. That’s where a new drug-free implant comes in, as it reduces pain by cooling nerves.Continue ReadingCategory: … Continue reading Dissolvable implant kills pain by cooling nerves – no drugs required

“Smart” pacifier could warn of dehydration in newborn babies

Presently, in order to check electrolyte levels in newborn babies, blood samples are drawn from the infants twice a day. Soon, however, a “smart” pacifier could be used to non-invasively collect that same data.Continue ReadingCategory: Health & Wel… Continue reading “Smart” pacifier could warn of dehydration in newborn babies

miniPUMP heart-on-a-chip pumps liquid using real human heart cells

When conducting cardiac research, it would be ideal if experiments could be performed on actual living human hearts. Scientists have developed what may be the next-best thing, in the form of a tiny mechanical heart powered by real cardiac cells.Continu… Continue reading miniPUMP heart-on-a-chip pumps liquid using real human heart cells

Chip selects best-performing sperm by getting them to swim upstream

When performing artificial insemination, the better the motility of the sperm, the greater the chances of a successful pregnancy. That’s where a new microfluidic chip comes in, as it selects only the most vigorous, “highly-motivated” sperm from the her… Continue reading Chip selects best-performing sperm by getting them to swim upstream

Immune-system-on-a-chip could speed up future vaccine development

The immune system is incredibly complex, but a new breakthrough could help scientists unravel more of its secrets. Researchers at Harvard’s Wyss Institute have created a more accurate model of the human immune system in a microfluidic chip, providing a… Continue reading Immune-system-on-a-chip could speed up future vaccine development

Sweat-analyzing smartwatch could warn wearers of elevated stress

It’s important for people with conditions such as depression and anxiety to know when they’re becoming stressed, so they can initiate coping strategies. An experimental new smartwatch could someday warn them, by detecting a stress hormone in their swea… Continue reading Sweat-analyzing smartwatch could warn wearers of elevated stress