Design/​Engineering

Fast, Cheap Test Detects COVID-19 Virus’ Genome — Without PCR

A new test for COVID-19 combines the speed of over-the-counter antigen tests with the accuracy of PCR tests that are processed in medical labs and hospitals. The Harmony...

Wearable Air Sampler Assesses Personal Exposure to SARS-CoV-2

A passive air sampler clip can help assess personal exposure to SARS-CoV-2, which could be especially helpful for workers in high-risk settings, such as restaurants or healthcare...

At-home COVID-19 Test as Good as Lab PCR Tests

Researchers have designed a high-quality assay that can be used in at-home tests for rapid COVID-19 screening. Results from an early preclinical study suggest that tests with the new assay may...

Novel Nanoparticle SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Elicits More Potent Protection

The first generation of COVID-19 vaccines have been highly effective, but also have limitations: their efficacy can wane without a booster shot, and they may be less...

‘Fitbit for the Face’ Turns Any Face Mask into a Smart Monitoring Device

Engineers have developed a new smart sensor platform for face masks that they are calling a “Fitbit for the face.” Dubbed “FaceBit,” the lightweight,...

Researchers Find a Gold-Paved Path Toward Faster COVID-19 Diagnosis

Researchers are using gold nanoparticles to develop a new molecular diagnostic platform that considerably reduces the time required for COVID-19 detection. The RT-PCR test,...

Sugar-Coated COVID-19 Test Takes Advantage of Coronavirus’ Sweet Tooth

Researchers have designed a rapid sensing COVID-19 test to meet the challenge of universal testing and tracking variants. The test takes advantage of the virus’...

‘Pop-up’ Electronic Sensors Detect When Heart Cells Misbehave

Engineers have developed a powerful new tool that monitors the electrical activity inside heart cells, using tiny “pop-up” sensors that poke into cells without damaging...

Low-Cost Ventilator Set to Help People in Low-Income Countries

The ventilators are simpler and cheaper to make than those currently available.

Vote for Medical Design Briefs 2021 Annual Readers’ Choice Awards

Winners will be announced in Medical Design Briefs and online.

Inside Story: Intertek Allentown

Senior scientist Paula McDaniel tells MDB how to find and prevent material failures.

Compact CRISPR System Enables Portable COVID-19 Testing

A new form of CRISPR technology that takes advantage of a compact RNA-editing protein could lead to improved diagnostic tests for COVID-19.

COVID-19: Rapid Screening System Uses Breath-Borne Biomarkers

A non-invasive exhaled breath screening system for COVID-19 (TestBreathNow-TBN) analyzes breath samples using breath-borne VOC biomarkers. The sampling process is completely...

Rapid Test Uses Nanotechnology to Identify Viruses

A device detects viruses like COVID-19 in the body as fast as and more accurately than current, commonly used rapid detection tests. The optical sensor uses nanotechnology to accurately...

Improving Quality of Life Through Medical Advancements

Growing older can bring both joy and hardship into our lives. Tasks that were once easy may become difficult as we age. However, with state-of-the-art technologies, the golden years can...

How Top Trends in Cleaning are Impacting Medical Device Design

Cleaning is a critical aspect of medical device design that is often overlooked during initial planning.

Optical Design Considerations for Additive Manufacturing

Light-based methods open many opportunities for medical applications.

The Three Challenges in Biomedical QC Testing

A robust, optimized mechanical testing program is essential to successful quality control testing.

Gene-Editing Diagnostic Rapidly Detects COVID-19

Blending experts from molecular genetics, chemistry and health sciences, researchers have created a rapid diagnostic technology that detects SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Mass Production Can Make Customized PPE for Healthcare Workers

New research has demonstrated the feasibility of mass producing customized respiratory protection for healthcare workers with a comfortable close-fitting seal that is suitable...

Nanoparticle Vaccine Shows Promise Against COVID-19 Variants

A nanoparticle-based COVID-19 vaccine has elicited immune responses suggesting very potent and broad protection against SARS-CoV-2 in a preclinical study. The results need to be...

Creating Robust Reprocessing Instructions for Reusable Device IFUs

Developing IFUs for reusable devices presents a unique challenge that requires focused attention to ensure patient safety: the reprocessing method.

Saliva-Based COVID-19 Test May Provide At-Home Results in 30 Minutes

Researchers plan to develop an affordable and accurate at-home, saliva-based COVID-19 test, rivaling the simplicity and convenience of pregnancy tests and glucose...

Slowing the Spread of COVID-19 with UV Light

A specific wavelength of ultraviolet (UV) light is not only extremely effective at killing the virus which causes COVID-19, but is also safer for use in public spaces, finds new research.

AI-Driven Dynamic Face Mask Adapts to Exercise, Pollution Levels

Researchers have developed a dynamic respirator that modulates its pore size in response to changing conditions, such as exercise or air pollution levels, allowing the wearer...

Technology Responds Swiftly to Worldwide Pandemics

The products that help stop the spread of communicable diseases range from simple to sophisticated.

The Advancement of Minimally Invasive Device Design

Despite the growth in MIS advancements over the last two decades, these techniques are still in their adolescence. There is much room for growth.

Prototype to Mass Production for Single-Use Instruments

Single-use surgical instruments designed to be disposed or recycled following use offer many benefits over reusable products.

Surgery

What device commonly used in cardivascular procedures is believed to be named for a dentist?