Adaptable AdhFix patches could replace metal plates on broken bones

Presently, orthopedic surgeons use screwed-in metal plates to hold unstable broken bones together. There may soon be a less problematic, more customizable alternative, though, which incorporates a light-cured composite material.Continue ReadingCategory… Continue reading Adaptable AdhFix patches could replace metal plates on broken bones

Gel patch may one day deliver MS drugs through the nose into the brain

Getting traditionally administered drugs into the brain can be challenging, due to the body’s protective blood-brain barrier. There may be new hope, however, in the form of a patch that gets shoved up the patient’s nose.Continue ReadingCategory: Medica… Continue reading Gel patch may one day deliver MS drugs through the nose into the brain

Microneedle patch designed to sock it to skin infections

Microneedle patches already show a great deal of promise as a painless alternative to hypodermic needles. A new one, however, could find use as a more effective means of treating serious bacterial infections of the skin.Continue ReadingCategory: Medica… Continue reading Microneedle patch designed to sock it to skin infections

Accidental discovery may lead to new treatment for mouth dryness

Although we may all get a dry mouth from time to time, for some people it can be an ongoing debilitating condition. There could be new hope for such folks, however, thanks to a recent accidental discovery.Continue ReadingCategory: Medical, ScienceTags:… Continue reading Accidental discovery may lead to new treatment for mouth dryness

“Micromotors” could more effectively treat rheumatoid arthritis

Although the drinking of hydrogen-gas-infused water can help treat rheumatoid arthritis, the effects are limited. Scientists have developed what could be a better alternative, though, in the form of tiny injectable gas-emitting “micromotors.”Continue R… Continue reading “Micromotors” could more effectively treat rheumatoid arthritis

Oxygen-sensing, color-changing bandage could prevent chronic wounds

Chronic skin wounds such as pressure ulcers can become very serious if left untreated, potentially even leading to amputations. A new “smart” bandage could help, by changing color before such wounds occur in the first place.Continue ReadingCategory: Me… Continue reading Oxygen-sensing, color-changing bandage could prevent chronic wounds

Two more coma patients’ brains jump-started with ultrasound

Five years ago, we heard how a team at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) had used ultrasound to seemingly “jump start” a patient out of a coma. At the time, the scientists wondered if such results could be repeated, or if their success w… Continue reading Two more coma patients’ brains jump-started with ultrasound

Biannually-injected hydrogel could keep glaucoma at bay

Presently, glaucoma is treated via daily-administered eye drops, surgery, or implanted devices – none of which are guaranteed to be successful. In the future, however, it’s possible that a twice-yearly injection could do the trick.Continue ReadingCateg… Continue reading Biannually-injected hydrogel could keep glaucoma at bay

Inexpensive antivenom could reportedly be used by “anyone, anywhere”

While snakebite antivenom is certainly a lifesaver, it’s also expensive, time-consuming to produce, and must be administered by trained clinicians. A new low-cost type of antivenom, however, could conceivably be self-applied right away, on the spot.Con… Continue reading Inexpensive antivenom could reportedly be used by “anyone, anywhere”