Bedside Blood Test

A new handheld, sound-based diagnostic system can deliver precise results in an hour with a mere finger prick of blood. The researchers used tiny particles they call functional negative acoustic contrast particles (fNACPs) and a custom-built, handheld instrument or acoustic pipette that delivers sound waves to the blood samples inside. Read on to learn more.

Infection-Resistant, 3D Printed Metals Developed for Implants

The work could lead to better infection control in many common surgeries, such as hip and knee replacements, that are performed daily around the world. Bacterial colonization of the implants is one of the leading causes of their failure and bad outcomes after surgery.

Microfluidic Chip Tests Drug Sensitivity

Researchers have developed an integrated microfluidic chip (BSI-AST chip) for rapid AST from positive blood cultures (PBCs).

Pocket-Sized Device Could Spot Infected Wounds Faster

Scientists have developed a device that works with a smartphone or tablet to capture medical images that can identify infected wounds. By capturing the heat produced by a wound and the fluorescence of bacteria, it helps clinicians tell the difference between inflammation and a potentially dangerous infection.

Novel Microneedle Array Enables Breakthrough Treatment

A research team has designed a new microneedle patch to offer a highly effective nonantibiotic approach for the treatment of skin infection.

Engineers Develop Low-Cost Human Biomarker Sensor Designs

Penn State researchers have developed a low-cost, RNA-based technology to detect and measure biomarkers, which can help decode the body’s physiology.

3D Printing with Bacteria-Loaded Ink Produces Bone-Like Composites

Researchers have pioneered a 3D printable ink that contains Sporosarcina pasteurii: a bacterium that, when exposed to a urea-containing solution, triggers a mineralization...

Device Diagnoses, Treats H. pylori

Researchers have developed a medical instrument called Clinical Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test Ramanometry for Helicobacter pylori (CAST-R-HP) that holds promise as a powerful new tool in the diagnosis and...

Tiny Swimming Robots Treat Deadly Pneumonia in Mice

The microrobots are made of algae cells whose surfaces are speckled with antibiotic-filled nanoparticles.

Copper Nanowires Combat Spread of Diseases

An ancient metal used for its microbial properties is the basis for a materials-based solution to disinfection. A team of scientists has developed an antimicrobial spray that deposits a layer of...

Antimicrobial Coating for Orthopedic Implants Prevents Dangerous Infections

The coating is customizable to individuals and requires less than 10 minutes to prepare and use.

Liquid Metal Coating Creates Antimicrobial Fabric

A team used liquid gallium to test an antiviral and antimicrobial on a range of fabrics, including facemasks.

Coating Releases Antimicrobial Peptides

A coating can be applied to endotracheal tubes and release antimicrobial peptides that target infectious bacteria with specificity.

Antimicrobial Surface Reduces Bacteria Buildup on Medical Instruments

Researchers have engineered new antimicrobial surfaces that can significantly reduce the formation of bacteria on medical instruments, such as urinary catheters, and reduce the risk of patient infection while in hospital.

Bioactive Implant Coatings Resistant to Most Bacterial Strains

The coatings prevent inflammation or implant rejection.

Molding: Comparing Liquid Silicone Rubber and High Consistency Rubber for Medical Applications

Medical device OEMs often face a tough decision: Use HCR or LSR for medical device component manufacturing?

Creating the Future: Implantable ICD Eliminates Wires & Offers Painless Defibrillation

An award-winning pacing system eliminates shocks, leads, and wires.

Insect Wings Hold Antimicrobial Clues for Improved Medical Implants

A study has identified new ways in which nano-pillars can damage bacteria.

Color-Changing Bandages Sense and Treat Bacterial Infections

According to the World Health Organization, antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health. Sensing and treating bacterial infections earlier could help improve...

Hydrogel Fights Orthopedic Bone Infections

Researchers have a developed a double-duty hydrogel that both attacks the bacteria and encourages bone regrowth with a single application containing two active components.

Ultraviolet Rays Quickly Bash Bacteria on Mobile Devices

Ultraviolet light has been used for more than 30 years as a source of disinfectant. A newly introduced product uses the technology to eliminate bacteria on cell phones, tablets and other...

Hydrogel Adhesive Helps in Wound Healing

Cuts, scrapes, blisters, burns, splinters, and punctures — there are a number of ways our skin can be broken. Most treatments for skin wounds involve simply placing a barrier over them (usually an...

3D Printed Pill Samples Gut Microbiome to Aid Diagnosis and Treatment

A research team led by Tufts University engineers has developed a 3D printed pill that samples bacteria found in the gut — known as the microbiome — as it passes through...

Light and Nanotechnology Combined to Prevent Biofilms on Medical Implants

The insertion of a medical implant in a patient's body carries the risk of bacterial contamination during surgery and subsequent formation of an infectious biofilm over...

An Army of Microrobots Can Wipe Out Dental Plaque

A visit to the dentist typically involves time-consuming and sometimes unpleasant scraping with mechanical tools to remove plaque from teeth. What if, instead, a dentist could deploy a small...

Smart Microrobots Adapt to Surroundings

Scientists have developed tiny elastic robots that can change shape depending on their surroundings. Modeled after bacteria and fully biocompatible, these robots optimize their movements so as to get to...

New Tool Offers Speedy Diagnosis of Bacterial Infections

Using a small and inexpensive biosensor, researchers have built a diagnostic tool that provides healthcare practitioners almost instant diagnosis of a bacterial infection.

Simple Urine Test Could Diagnose Bacterial Pneumonia

A nanoparticle-based technology could be used to improve the speed of diagnosis. This type of sensor could also be used to monitor whether antibiotic therapy has successfully treated the...

Smart Surfaces for Safer Implants

Researchers have engineered surface coatings that can repel everything, such as bacteria, viruses, and living cells, but can be modified to permit beneficial exceptions. The discovery holds significant promise...