University of California

Scientists Create Model of an Early Human Embryo from Skin Cells

In a discovery that will revolutionize research into the causes of early miscarriage, infertility and the study of early human development - an international team of scientists has generated a model of a human embryo from skin cells.

Merck KGaA (Cultured Meat)

Merck

Sewage-Handling Robots Help Predict COVID-19 Outbreaks

In earlier days of the COVID-19 pandemic, before diagnostic testing was widely available, it was difficult for public health officials to keep track of the infection's spread, or predict where outbreaks were likely to occur. Attempts to get ahead of the virus are still complicated by the fact that people can be infected and spread the virus even without experiencing any symptoms themselves.

Wearable Microgrid Uses the Human Body to Power Small Gadgets

Nanoengineers have developed a "wearable microgrid" that harvests and stores energy from the human body to power small electronics. It consists of three main parts: sweat-powered biofuel cells, motion-powered devices called triboelectric generators, and energy-storing supercapacitors. All parts are flexible, washable and can be screen printed onto clothing.

Weakness is Strength for this Low-Temperature Battery

Nanoengineers have discovered new fundamental insights for developing lithium metal batteries that perform well at ultra-low temperatures; mainly, that the weaker the electrolyte holds on to lithium ions, the better. By using such a weakly binding electrolyte, the researchers developed a lithium metal battery that can be repeatedly recharged at temperatures as low as -60 degrees Celsius—a first in the field.

Using AI to Hunt for Breast Cancer

With the help of microscopy and artificial intelligence, the "E-Morph" test reliably identifies substances that can have oestrogen-like or even opposing effects, according to research

Brain Organoids Grown In Lab Mature Much Like Infant Brains

A new study finds that three-dimensional human stem cell-derived brain organoids can mature in a manner that is strikingly similar to human brain development.

Robot Controlled and Powered by Pressurized Air

Engineers have created a four-legged soft robot that doesn't need any electronics to work. The robot only needs a constant source of pressurized air for all its functions, including its controls and locomotion systems.

Machine Learning to Track Disease Carrying Mosquitoes

Using genetic and environmental data, research team maps landscape connectivity in mosquitoes that are known vectors for dengue, chikungunya and Zika.

New Skin Patch Brings Us Closer to Wearable, All-In-One Health Monitor

Engineers have developed a soft, stretchy skin patch that can be worn on the neck to continuously track blood pressure and heart rate while measuring the wearer's levels of glucose as well as lactate, alcohol or caffeine. It is the first wearable device that monitors cardiovascular signals and multiple biochemical levels in the human body at the same time.

Oura

Oura is a Finnish company that have commercialized the Oura Ring, a smart wearable with multiple sensors for health tracking.

3D Printing Polymers

Researchers have developed the first 3D-printable "bottlebrush" elastomer. The new material results in printed objects that have unusual softness and elasticity — mechanical properties that closely resemble those of human tissue.

Peer-Reviewed Validation of Wireless Earbud for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Nēsos announced the publication of data from a pilot clinical study demonstrating the power of its e-mmunotherapy platform in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The data, published in The Lancet Rheumatology, focuses on a clinical study evaluating the Nēsos developed e-mmunotherapy treatment in a cohort of rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound Jump-Starts Brains After Coma

The scientists used a technique called low-intensity focused ultrasound, which uses sonic stimulation to excite the neurons in the thalamus, an egg-shaped structure that serves as the brain's central hub for processing. After a coma, thalamus function is typically weakened.

Making Masks Smarter and Safer Against COVID-19

A new tool for monitoring COVID-19 may one day be right under your nose. Researchers are developing a color-changing test strip that can be stuck on a mask and used to detect SARS-CoV-2 in a user's breath or saliva.

New Device Detects Which Hand Gestures You Want to Make

Imagine typing on a computer without a keyboard, playing a video game without a controller or driving a car without a wheel. That's one of the goals of a new device developed by engineers, that can recognize hand gestures based on electrical signals detected in the forearm. The system, which couples wearable biosensors with artificial intelligence, could one day be used to control prosthetics or to interact with almost any type of electronic device.

Novasentis

IDTechEx caught up with Francois Jeanneau, CEO of Novasentis. They are ramping up to another product launch following acquisition from Kemet in 2019.

Xidas

Xidas has developed a proprietary micro-engineering method that relies on bonding patterned sheets of different materials to make micro-mechanical and micro-electronic devices. These include sensors, energy harvesters and miniaturized medical devices. The company primarily targets industrial IoT as an application space.

Nanotech Energy

Nanotech Energy produce graphene-based energy storage devices. IDTechEx spoke with Scott Jacobsen (Director of Business Development).

Flexible, Screen Printed Rechargeable Battery with 10 Times More Power

A team of researchers has developed a flexible, rechargeable silver oxide-zinc battery with a five to 10 times greater areal energy density than state of the art. The battery also is easier to manufacture; while most flexible batteries need to be manufactured in sterile conditions, under vacuum, this one can be screen printed in normal lab conditions. The device can be used in flexible, stretchable electronics for wearables as well as soft robotics.