Medical
Lower healthcare costs could mean less human interaction
May 20, 2013 3:23 pm | by Stephanie Carmichael, Contributor | Blogs | CommentsFor those who live alone, good medical care is all the more important. The machine-to-machine (M2M) communications business is growing, and the prevalence of wireless connectivity could push down the price of healthcare for the elderly, especially — but at the greater cost of human interaction.
Nickel-based energy storage system provides long life in high temperature
May 17, 2013 4:39 pm | Varta Microbattery | Product Releases | CommentsAnnounced today by VARTA Microbatteryis the addition of HVCAP35, a Nickel (Ni) based energy storage system to the V-Cap Series. VARTA Microbattery's new Ni based energy storage system is a hybrid technology that combines the high energy density advantage of batteries, with the high power advantage of supercapacitors.
Security risks found in sensors for heart devices, consumer electronics
May 17, 2013 12:43 pm | by EurekAlert! | News | CommentsThe type of sensors that pick up the rhythm of a beating heart in implanted cardiac defibrillators and pacemakers are vulnerable to tampering, according to a new study conducted in controlled laboratory conditions. Implantable defibrillators monitor the heart for irregular beating and, when necessary, administer an electric shock...
The future of Google Glass
May 16, 2013 3:49 pm | by Kasey Panetta, Managing Editor | Blogs | CommentsThere has been a lot of talk about Google Glass lately, mostly due to the prototype debut, but one interesting aspect of that public viewing is that developers –outside of GoogleLand—can take a crack at coming up with interesting uses for the technology. By allowing new voices into the conversation, the world is seeing even more possibilities for Google Glass.
400W AC/DC power supplies certified to EN 60601 3RDedition
May 16, 2013 2:55 pm | MicroPower Direct, LLC | Product Releases | CommentsThe MPU-400M series, available now from MicroPower Direct, is a family of compact 400W AC/DC power supplies that are certified to EN 60601 3RDedition. These power supplies offer a unique combination of high power, safety features, robust performance and compact construction.
Intelligent sensor hub integrates programmability, precision in a single package
May 15, 2013 3:40 pm | Freescale Semiconductor | Product Releases | CommentsFreescale Semiconductor is introducing a new Xtrinsic intelligent sensor hub that serves as an advanced sensor fusion platform. The Xtrinsic FXLC95000CL sensor hub integrates an on-board accelerometer with capability to manage multiple external sensors. The solution provides
Much ado about nothing: The impact of the medical device excise tax
May 15, 2013 1:32 pm | by Michael Lewis, Writer, Money Crashers Personal Finance | Blogs | CommentsStudents of military strategy learn quickly the advantages of choosing when and where to fight, rather than wasting resources on trivial issues. An impartial observer would wonder about the wisdom of the excessive rhetoric, over-the-top hyperbole, and political posturing surrounding the medical device excess tax.
Controllers designed for applications greater than 15 Amps
May 15, 2013 10:39 am | Oven Industries, Inc. | Product Releases | CommentsOven Industries is now offering a high-powered temperature controller mounted on a heat sink that creates a seamless transition between heating and cooling devices, as it serves as the commander of thermoelectric modules. With a bi-directional or unidirectional H-bridge configuration, the controller has many benefits.
Wearable robots getting lighter, more portable
May 9, 2013 10:47 am | by CARLA K. JOHNSON, AP Medical Writer | News | CommentsWhen Michael Gore stands, it's a triumph of science and engineering. Eleven years ago, Gore was paralyzed from the waist down in a workplace accident, yet he rises from his wheelchair to his full 6-foot-2-inches and walks across the room with help from a lightweight wearable robot.
Improved material for 'laser welding' of tissue in intestinal surgery
May 9, 2013 10:46 am | by EurekAlert! | News | CommentsA new "solder" for laser welding of tissue during surgical operations has the potential to produce stronger seals and expand use of this alternative to conventional sutures and stapling in intestinal surgery, scientists are reporting. Their study, which involves use of a gold-based solder...
Illuminated pushbutton switches offer RGB color options
May 8, 2013 11:51 am | E-Switch | Product Releases | CommentsE-Switch announced its LP6 Series LED illuminated pushbutton switch includes a color option. The switch is available with either SPST or DPST circuit options, and it is a momentary switch. It offers a 15-mm square sculptured cap with LED color options that now include
Non-magnetic inductor said to be world’s smallest
May 7, 2013 10:11 am | Gowanda | Product Releases | CommentsGowanda Electronics introduced what is asserted to be the world’s smallest non-magnetic molded RF inductor series, SMG1812. The overall size of the new SMG1812 is more than 40 percent smaller than Gowanda’s SMG3013 Series. The SMG1812 was designed specifically for
Portable device provides rapid, accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis, other bacterial infections
May 6, 2013 12:11 pm | by EurekAlert! | News | CommentsA handheld diagnostic device that investigators first developed to diagnose cancer has been adapted to rapidly diagnose tuberculosis and other important infectious bacteria. The portable devices combine microfluidic technology with nuclear magnetic resonance to not only diagnose but also determine the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.
App lets amputees skip office visit, take programming bionic limbs into their own hands
May 3, 2013 2:06 pm | by KATHY MATHESON Associated Press | News | CommentsDouble-amputee Jason Koger used to fly hundreds of miles to visit a clinician when he wanted to adjust the grips on his bionic hands. Now, he's got an app. Koger came to Philadelphia this week to demonstrate the i-limb ultra revolution, a prosthetic developed by the British firm Touch Bionics.
On-site asbestos detector offers promise of better workplace safety
May 2, 2013 2:27 pm | by Eurekalert! | News | CommentsAsbestos was once called a miracle material because of its toughness and fire-resistant properties. It was used as insulation, incorporated into cement and even woven into firemen's protective clothing. Over time, however, scientists pinned the cause of lung cancers such as mesothelioma on asbestos fiber inhalation.
HEALTHBEAT: Not 'Star Trek' tricorder, but new smartphone tools may help people monitor health
May 2, 2013 9:34 am | by LAURAN NEERGAARD AP Medical Writer | News | CommentsIt's not a "Star Trek" tricorder, but by hooking a variety of gadgets onto a smartphone you could almost get a complete physical - without the paper gown or even a visit to the doctor's office. Blood pressure? Just plug the arm cuff into the phone for a quick reading.
Alan Alda wants scientists to cut out the jargon
May 2, 2013 9:30 am | by FRANK ELTMAN Associated Press | News | CommentsAmong the procedures Army surgeon Hawkeye Pierce performed on "M.A.S.H." was an end-to-end anastomosis. Most of the viewers, actor Alan Alda concedes, had no idea he was talking about removing a damaged piece of intestine and reconnecting the healthy pieces.
Germ-zapping 'robots': Hospitals combat superbugs
April 29, 2013 10:39 am | by MIKE STOBBE, AP Medical Writer | News | CommentsThe rise of superbugs, along with increased pressure from government and insurers, is driving hospitals to try all sorts of new approaches to stop their spread: Machines that resemble "Star Wars" robots and emit ultraviolet light or hydrogen peroxide vapors. Germ-resistant copper bed rails, call buttons and IV poles...
US device will screen for fake medicines overseas
April 25, 2013 10:34 am | by MATTHEW PERRONE, AP Health Writer | News | CommentsU.S. health officials are making a high-tech screening device available in Africa to help spot counterfeit malaria pills in hopes that the technology may eventually be used to combat the fake drug trade worldwide. The Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday that U.S. partners in Ghana will begin using a U.S.-developed handheld device...
Researchers devise X-ray approach to track surgical devices
April 16, 2013 11:34 am | by NC State University | News | CommentsResearchers from North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) have developed a new tool to help surgeons use X-rays to track devices used in “minimally invasive” surgical procedures while also limiting the patient’s exposure to radiation from the X-rays.
Two-Watt UV LED promises energy and space savings
April 15, 2013 10:13 am | by Lumex, TitanBrite, UV, LED, solid state lighting | Lumex Inc. | Product Releases | CommentsLumex announced the launch of its TitanBrite 2W UV LED. Available in a standard 405nm wavelength (purple), it is asserted to provide twice the power output of standard high power LEDs for a wide range of applications. The TitanBrite 2W UV LED (SML-LXL8047UVC Series) is said to
ADC offers excellent AC and DC performance with true bipolar input range
April 12, 2013 2:40 pm | Mouser Electronics, Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. | Product Releases | CommentsMouser Electronics is now stocking the industry's smallest true bipolar +/-5V, 18-bit analog-to-digital converter from Maxim Integrated. MAX11156 SAR ADC offers excellent AC and DC performance with true bipolar input range.
Tactile switch rated to 10 million life cycles
April 9, 2013 5:07 pm | E-Switch | Product Releases | CommentsE-Switch announces a new long life sealed tactile switch, the TL6200. The TL6200 series tact switch offers a long operating life of 10 million cycles and is rated to IP67 standards. This tact switch comes in both SMT (gullwing) and thru hole termination options, and offers multiple actuator lengths.
Robot hot among surgeons but FDA taking a new look
April 9, 2013 10:00 am | by LINDSEY TANNER, AP Medical Writer | News | CommentsThe biggest thing in operating rooms these days is a million-dollar, multi-armed robot named da Vinci, used in nearly 400,000 surgeries nationwide last year - triple the number just four years earlier. But now the high-tech helper is under scrutiny over reports of problems, including several deaths that may be linked with it and the high cost of using the robotic system.
Technique finds software bugs in surgical robots, helps ensure safety
April 8, 2013 10:57 am | by Carnegie Mellon | News | CommentsSurgical robots could make some types of surgery safer and more effective, but proving that the software controlling these machines works as intended is problematic. Researchers have demonstrated that methods for reliably detecting software bugs and ultimately verifying software safety can be applied successfully to this breed of robot.
