Researchers at Mass General Brigham and MIT have developed a swallowable biosensor capsule that can detect acute mesenteric ischemia—a life-threatening condition caused by reduced blood flow to the intestines—with remarkable accuracy. The device, called FIREFLI (Finding Ischemia via Reflectance of Light), was inspired by the bioluminescent chemistry of fireflies and uses light-based sensing to identify oxygen-deprived intestinal tissue. Acute mesenteric ischemia accounts for less than 1.5% of emergency visits for abdominal pain but has a mortality rate of 55%, largely due to delayed diagnosis. Current diagnostic methods rely on imaging and invasive procedures, which are often too slow to prevent…

“We can rebuild him. We have the technology. We can make him better than he was. Better . . . stronger . . . faster.” These iconic words were part of the opening lines of the hit TV series, The Six-Million Dollar Man, a show about an astronaut who is severely injured in an experimental aircraft and given bionic implants that turn him into a superhuman secret agent. Back in 1973 when it first aired, the show’s premise seemed a distant fantasy. But like Star Trek’s tricorders and Lost in Space’s robot, 1960’s and 70’s science fiction has become much…

A team at the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) has introduced a novel coil design that significantly improves the efficiency and safety of peripheral magnetic stimulation (PMS). This technology allows nerves to be stimulated using magnetic fields without requiring direct contact with the skin or nerve tissue, addressing key limitations of existing non-invasive and invasive nerve stimulation methods. Peripheral nerve disorders such as chronic pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and facial nerve paralysis are typically treated using either implanted electrodes or surface electrical stimulation. However, implanted devices are invasive and can trigger immune responses that lead to scar…

The health division of Kohler, the consumer company best known for their bathroom products, have released Dekoda, a toilet-mounted health monitoring device that uses optical sensors and spectroscopy to analyze human waste. By emitting and measuring light reflected from the contents of the toilet bowl, it can estimate hydration levels, detect potential blood traces, and evaluate stool consistency and frequency. The goal is to capture passive, repeatable biological data that can indicate early shifts in digestive or metabolic health. The companion app organizes this data into longitudinal trends, offering insights into hydration patterns, bowel health, and potential irregularities that could…

Science Corporation’s PRIMA system, a brain-computer interface retinal implant, has demonstrated significant success in restoring functional central vision to patients suffering from geographic atrophy (GA), a late-stage form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The results of a multicenter clinical trial involving 38 patients across 17 sites in five countries were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study found that 84 percent of participants regained the ability to read letters, numbers, and words, and 80 percent showed meaningful improvements in visual acuity. The PRIMA system consists of a tiny subretinal photovoltaic implant paired with specialized augmented-reality glasses.…

Engineers at the University of Texas at Dallas have developed a new method for producing same-day dental restorations using 3D printing and zirconia, a strong ceramic material commonly used for crowns and bridges. This innovation could transform dental care by allowing patients to receive permanent restorations in a single visit, rather than waiting days or weeks. Traditional zirconia restorations require a lengthy process that includes debinding to remove resin binders and high-temperature sintering to harden the material. This can take up to 100 hours, making it impractical for same-day service. The UT Dallas team solved this problem by using porous…

A team of researchers at Binghamton University has developed a new method to improve blood flow in bioengineered tissues using carbon nanotubes. This advancement addresses a major challenge in tissue engineering: how to ensure that artificial tissues receive enough oxygen and nutrients to survive and function properly. The researchers embedded carbon nanotubes into collagen-based scaffolds to create vascular channels that mimic natural blood vessels. These nanotubes enhance the electrical conductivity and mechanical strength of the scaffolds, helping guide the formation of capillary-like networks. In laboratory experiments, the modified scaffolds supported better growth of endothelial cells, which are essential for forming…

Researchers at NYU Langone Health have found that a smartphone-based relaxation program can significantly reduce migraine-related disability among patients who seek emergency care for severe headaches. The program, called RELAXaHEAD, guides users through progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), a technique that involves systematically tensing and relaxing different muscle groups to reduce stress and physical discomfort. In the study, 90 patients who visited the emergency department for migraines were randomly assigned to either use the app daily for 90 days or receive standard care without the app. Those who used RELAXaHEAD reported a 34 percent reduction in migraine-related disability, as measured by…

A team at the University of California, Irvine has created a three-dimensional artificial colon that closely replicates the structure and behavior of human colon tissue. This innovation combines biological materials with embedded electronics to simulate real-time responses to disease and drug treatments. The model is designed to support research into colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and other gastrointestinal conditions, while also enabling personalized medicine approaches. The artificial colon, referred to as the 3D in vivo mimicking human colon, measures approximately 5 by 10 millimeters and includes key anatomical features such as curved surfaces, layered cell structures, and cryptlike indentations. These…

A team from the Laboratory for Advanced Fabrication Technologies at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) has created a miniature device called the Magnetic Endoluminal Deposition System, or MEDS, which functions as a pill-sized bioprinter. Once swallowed, MEDS can be guided through the digestive system using external magnets and activated by a near-infrared laser to release bio-ink directly onto internal wounds such as ulcers or hemorrhages. This approach could eliminate the need for invasive surgery and anesthesia, which are currently required to treat many gastrointestinal injuries. The device is designed like a tiny ballpoint pen. It contains a chamber filled…