How microneedle sensors could watch your blood chemistry

A scan of a microneedle that incorporates electrochemical sensors to detect glucose, lactate, and pH levels.

(Credit: North Carolina State University)

The new tech, developed by a team of biomedical engineers out of North Carolina State University, the University of California at San Diego, and Sandia National Laboratories, employs electrochemical sensors in the hollow channels of microneedles to detect certain molecules. The researchers reported their findings in the chemistry journal Talanta.
Current body chemistry monitoring involves taking samples, often before or after an event. Wearable micro-sensors, on the other hand, could monitor a diabetic's glucose levels in real time to help scientists explore precisely what causes high or low levels, or to warn the user as levels rise or fall.
Customized microneedle sensor arrays could be incorporated into wearable devices such as wristwatches, says Roger Narayan, a biomedical engineering professor at North Carolina State.
The team's proof-of-concept array uses three sensors to measure acidity (pH), glucose, and lactate, but Narayan says other sensors will likely be developed to measure a wider range of molecules.
"Microneedle-based sensors could be used to monitor a variety of physiologically-relevant molecules," Narayan says. "For example ... [to detect] glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter."
And because the needles are so small, you might be able to wear such a sensor safely and comfortably even in the middle of strenuous activities. For instance, it could measure lactate levels (which can indicate exertion) in athletes, soldiers, or the elderly.
Narayan says the team's next steps will include testing these devices in a variety of settings.

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Honey, Can You Print My New Blood Vessels?

This polymer vessel can become an artificial blood vessel. (Credit: Fraunhofer IOF)

If you think that engineering functional human body parts using a printer and laser is a sign of the end of time, you might want to proceed with caution. If you think such a development portends the saving of lives, read on.

Because researchers from an interdisciplinary group of five Fraunhofer institutes in Germany are announcing their successful creation of completely functional blood vessels using 3D printing and intense laser impulses.

First, advances in 3D printing have enabled researchers to print organs inexpensively and quickly using a modified inkjet printer. As in, very modified.

Using special inks, the researchers were able to print a hybrid material containing a mixture of synthetic polymers and biomolecules right from the point of, well, conception. Having biofunctionalized tubes enables living cells to dock onto the material, which is key for the interaction of artificial and natural tissue.

The researchers then applied short, intense laser impulses to the material to stimulate the molecules in such a way as to create an actual network of tiny capillaries.

The end product? Fully functional artificial blood vessels made of polymers and biomolecules that can transport nutrients, which the team will be debuting at the Biotechnica Fair in October. And while they say we are still a long way out from being able to implant 3D-printed organs into live beings, the potential looks increasingly promising.

(as seen on http://news.cnet.com)

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Toyota Plans Nursing Robots For Aging Japan

Credit: Toyota

The Walk Assist Robot is made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic and attaches to the legs of patients who have suffered paralysis to help them walk.

Weighing 7.7 pounds, the device has a position sensor on the thigh area, a pressure sensor on the sole, and a knee actuator that moves the brace based on data from the sensors.

A timing-lock mechanism ensures that the brace doesn't bend when the foot is planted. The device can also be used for physiotherapy when patients are relearning to walk, according to Toyota.

If the Walk Assist Robot looks like part of Cyberdyne's HAL robot suit, then Toyota's Care Assist Robot takes a page from Riken's Riba person mover.

The Care Assist Robot doesn't look like a giant teddy bear, but it's also designed to help reduce the burden on caregivers who have to move bedridden patients.

The wheelchair-like device has a power-assist dolly that can move people to and from a bed, as well as the bathroom and other nearby destinations. As with Riba, a human caregiver is still required to help guide the machine.

The caregiver guides a large arm that supports the patient, taking the weight off his or her back.

"The patient's stress, burden and anxiety is reduced by being gently enveloped in the holding device," Toyota says.

Another device under development is the Balance Practice Assist. It's basically a two-wheeled Segway-like stand that can help people with balance problems.

Users stand on the machine and play sports video games on a screen in front of them while trying to keep their balance. Naturally, a caregiver has to stand by just in case.

Toyota hopes to release the machines in 2013 at the earliest.

(as seen on http://news.cnet.com)

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