Electrodes Implanted in the Brain Can Restore Vision

by Bruce Brown | December 8, 2020 | Enabling Tech

The brain-to-computer (BTC) interface is especially exciting because of its potential to restore human sensory capabilities. A successful brain-to-computer interface bypasses or replaces natural sensory organs with electronic devices connected directly to the brain....

Tiny Robots in the Blood Kill Tumors [video]

by Bruce Brown | December 7, 2020 | Enabling Tech

We’re intrigued and excited by the medical and health-related possibilities of nanobots: injectable robots 50 to 100 nanometers in diameter (a nanometer is 1 billionth of a meter). Radio frequency waves can activate nanobots that carry miniaturized electronic...

Thin Pressure Sensor Made of Plastic and Gold

by Amantha May | December 7, 2020 | Enabling Tech

We’ve previously covered a variety of adhesive sensors that measure internal biomarkers — such as body temperature or heart rate — while affixed to the skin. Now researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a skin sensor that detects stimuli...

New Study to Help Limb Surgery Patients with Rehab

by Bruce Brown | December 3, 2020 | Enabling Tech

It’s fair to say most of us don’t think about how we move our hands and fingers when we use them for common tasks. We focus on hand and finger positions when we learn new skills such as knitting or try to perfect skills such as holding a golf club, but...

New Study Tests Virtual Reality for Pain Management

by Bruce Brown | November 27, 2020 | Enabling Tech

Opioid use for chronic pain management accounts for the bulk of a global market valued at $25.4 billion in 2018. Unfortunately, long-term opioid use frequently leads to addiction and abuse. Overdose by prescription and illicit opioids currently causes 128 deaths each...

Elephant’s Trunk Inspires New Approach to Robotic Gripping [video]

by Amantha May | November 27, 2020 | Enabling Tech

An elephant’s trunk holds a timeless fascination for children and adults alike. This unique appendage allows the animal to breathe, smell, make sound, drink, bathe, and grasp. Comprising up to 40,000 muscles, the trunk has the strength to lift heavy tree...