UCSF professor Philip Starr published a paper suggesting that Deep Brain Stimulation works by reducing overly synchronized motor cortex activity. He believes that this explains why surgically implanted electrodes improve movement, tremor, and rigidity in Parkinson’s patients. Little is known about why and how DBS works. This has held back efforts to improve the therapy. […]

A Harvard and Mass General developed device may bring rapid, accurate molecular diagnosis of cancer and other diseases to remote locations. The smartphone-based device creates holograms to collect detailed microscopic images for digital analysis of the molecular composition of cells and tissues. The study’s authors believe that “because the system is compact, easy to operate, […]

With the goal of personalizing healthcare, improving outcomes and cutting costs, IBM’s Watson Health will aggregate massive amounts of disparate patient data. The company has struck deals with Apple, Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic to collect and use more information from devices. To address privacy concerns, IBM is offering ways to strip personal information from wearables and […]

Tel Aviv University Professor Dan Peer is developing a nanoparticle-based process to target glioblastoma cells, previously considered untreatable. Nanoparticles were injected into tumors, acting as the drug delivery system. Nucleic acid, with interference RNAs, attached to receptors expressed specifically on glioma cells, and stopped the activity of a key protein that regulates the rapid reproduction of […]

EPFL researchers have developed a sensor that can identify the presence of a head and neck cancer through breath analysis. Nico de Rooij‘s micro-sensors detect volatile organic compounds which vary in presence and concentration depending on one’s health. The sensor includes a silicon disk covered by a polymer and suspended by four tiny “bridges” with integrated […]

Priscila Kosaka from the Microelectronic Institute of Madrid is in the early stages of developing a nanosensor to detect cancer from blood samples before symptoms appear. It is not expected to be on the market for another 10 years, but could one day eliminate the need for biopsies. Kosaka claims that the technology is 10 million […]