A new AI-powered foot scanner is helping prevent hospitalizations for heart failure patients by detecting early signs of fluid buildup in the feet and ankles. Developed by Heartfelt Technologies, the device uses foot-recognition technology to analyze 1,800 images per minute, identifying edema—a key indicator of worsening heart failure. The scanner can trigger alerts to healthcare providers up to 13 days before hospitalization, allowing for timely intervention. Installed at a patient’s bedside, the scanner operates autonomously, eliminating the need for manual monitoring. It provides continuous real-time data, ensuring that patients receive proactive care. In clinical trials, the device accurately predicted five…

A new FDA-approved low-vibration belt, Osteoboost, is offering a drug-free intervention for osteopenia, a condition characterized by low bone density. Developed by Bone Health Technologies, the belt applies 30 hertz of oscillations per second to stimulate bone cells, mimicking the effects of weight-bearing exercise. Clinical trials showed an average 85% reduction in bone loss among study participants. The technology behind Osteoboost originates from NASA research on counteracting bone loss in astronauts exposed to zero gravity. By stimulating osteocytes, the belt encourages the formation of new bone matter while recycling old cells. This innovation provides a convenient and effective solution for…

A new breathalyzer device developed by Indiana University researchers offers a non-invasive alternative for monitoring blood sugar levels. Inspired by diabetes alert dogs, the device detects specific molecules in breath that correlate with hypoglycemia, providing real-time glucose readings without the need for finger pricks or implanted sensors. This innovation could make diabetes management more accessible and less intrusive for millions of patients. The device, called Isaac by PreEvnt which was developed in collaboration with the Integrated Nanosystems Development Institute at IU Indianapolis, uses nanoscale sensors to identify breath biomarkers associated with blood sugar fluctuations. It is designed to be worn…

Rutgers University engineers have developed a portable device capable of detecting rare genetic mutations from a single drop of blood in just 10 minutes. The device, which combines allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (ASPCR) with electrical impedance detection, was successfully tested on samples from patients with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis, a genetic condition linked to heart failure. Unlike traditional genetic tests that take days or weeks, this new technology offers rapid, point-of-care mutation detection. The device amplifies nucleic acid segments and analyzes DNA sequences using microfluidic chips, making it highly accurate and efficient. Researchers aim to expand its capabilities to detect multiple…

A new smartphone-based digital testing system is poised to transform Huntington’s disease research by providing a more sensitive and reliable way to track disease progression. Developed by University College London and Roche, the Huntington’s Disease Digital Motor Score (HDDMS) quantifies motor function through five simple movement tests, including balance assessment and finger tapping. By regularly performing these tests at home, patients can generate real-time data that helps researchers monitor disease progression. The HDDMS system enhances clinical trials by detecting even small changes in symptoms, allowing researchers to evaluate potential treatments more efficiently. This increased sensitivity means fewer participants are needed…

A new dual-laser photothermal therapy (DLPTT) strategy is revolutionizing breast cancer treatment by enhancing tumor ablation while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Developed by researchers from the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology and their collaborators, this approach uses near-infrared photothermal agents with aggregation-induced emission properties to precisely target cancer cells. The therapy operates in two stages: an initial short 808 nm laser irradiation weakens tumor resistance, followed by a longer 1,064 nm laser treatment that effectively eliminates residual cancer cells. The DLPTT strategy integrates second near-infrared fluorescence imaging and photoacoustic imaging, allowing for deeper tissue penetration and clearer tumor localization.…