R&D

Sensor Tracks Stress Hormone in Real Time

A prototype of a fluorescence-based sensor provides continuous detection of cortisol concentrations in real time.

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.

Nontoxic, Flexible Energy Converters Could Power Wearable Devices

Researchers report the design and fabrication of single-wall carbon nanotube thermoelectric devices on flexible polyimide substrates as a basis for wearable energy converters.

All-in-One Device Uses Microwave Power

An innovative system may provide a new option to use directed energy for biomedical applications.

System Prints Biological Tissue in 30 Seconds

A novel system can print biological tissue in just 30 seconds.

Studying Shellfish Helps Develop New Adhesives

Chemists are studying shellfish to develop new, safer, and more sustainable adhesives for a variety of uses, including bandages and other medical applications.

3D Printed Implants with Antibiotics

Researchers have fabricated antibiotic-containing 3D scaffold implants at high temperatures.

Reduced Heat Leakage Improves Wearable Heat Harvester

A flexible heat harvesting device shows better efficiency at retaining heat to power the device.

Kirigami-Style Fabrication Enables 3D Nanostructures

A new technique that mimics the ancient Japanese art of kirigami may offer an easier way to fabricate complex 3D nanostructures for use in applications, including healthcare.

Ultra-Sensitive, Small Optomechanical Ultrasound Sensor

An optomechanical ultrasound sensor on a silicon photonic chip provides unprecedented sensitivity due to an innovative optomechanical waveguide.

Bioactive Implant Coatings Resistant to Most Bacterial Strains

The coatings prevent inflammation or implant rejection.

Algorithms, Wearables Help Monitor Parkinson’s

Scientists have developed algorithms that, combined with wearable sensors, could help clinicians to monitor the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

Low-Voltage, Low-Power Pressure Sensors Monitor Health

Ionic hydrogels with tiny pyramidal microstructures help to increase the pressure sensitivity that can be measured.

Microcomb Could Detect Diseases

Tiny photonic devices could be used to monitor a person’s health.

Biosensor Measures Extracellular Hydrogen Peroxide

Researchers have developed a sensor for measuring concentrations of hydrogen peroxide in the vicinity of cell membranes, with nanometer-resolution.

Artificial Pancreas System Upgraded with AI Algorithm

A new reinforcement learning (RL) based artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm calculates the amount of insulin needed for a diabetic patient and injects it automatically.

Wearable Sensor Measures Lactate Concentration in Real Time

Researchers have developed a soft and nonirritating microfluidic sensor for the real-time measurement of lactate concentration in sweat.

AI System Enables Contactless Heart Monitoring

A smart speaker acts as a contactless monitor for both regular and irregular heartbeats

Wearable Sensor Monitors Health Using Saliva and Tears

Wearable sensors would be placed near the tear duct or mouth to collect biofluid samples.

Device Creates 3D Images of Skin

A research team has developed a portable device that produces high-resolution 3D images of human skin within 10 minutes. The team says the portable skin mapping (imaging) device could be used to assess the...

Self-Sterilizing Polymers Work Against SARS-CoV-2

Researchers have demonstrated that a family of self-sterilizing polymers are effective at inactivating coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 — the virus that causes COVID-19.

Fast, Cheap COVID-19 Antibody Test

A cost-efficient COVID-19 antibody test costs less than $2 per test and is used with a desktop detection system that is suitable for point-of-care situations like clinics and physician offices.

Textile Sensor Patch Could Detect Pressure Points for Amputees

A textile sensor can detect pressure points on the socket of a prosthetic limb.

Artificial Aorta Reduces Blood Pressure

A silicone aorta can reduce how hard patients’ hearts have to pump.

Nanothermometers Improve Temperature Imaging

NIST researchers are in the early stages of a massive undertaking to design and build a fleet of tiny ultra-sensitive thermometers.

Flexible Screen-Printed Rechargeable Battery

The device can be used in flexible, stretchable electronics for wearables as well as soft robotics.

Nanobiomaterial from Mites Shows Promise

A new nanomaterial from the silk produced by the Tetranychus lintearius mite has the ability to penetrate human cells without damaging them and, therefore, has promising biomedical properties.

Platform Monitors Gut Microbiome

Scientists are developing a platform that can monitor and model the real-time processing of gut microbiome serotonin activity.

Spiderwebs Inspire 3D Photodectors

Researchers used some architectural features from spiderwebs to develop 3D photodetectors for biomedical imaging.