Health and Wellbeing
Miniature robot for exploring your inner self (quite literally)
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A fantastic journey in medicine is beginning with recent advances in miniaturisation by Japanese company RF System Lab. The Norika 3 RF Endoscopic Robot Capsule brings the body alive with live video of the patient's gastrointestinal system. Norika 3 uses a 1/6 inch colour 410,000-pixel CCD camera inside a micro capsule that is swallowed by the user. Image technology allows for variable focus by disc type magnets and a profound and dynamic range of microscopic data. The capsule camera travels through the digestive system and can be controlled by rotor coils for tilt control by remote operation with a joystick. Lighting volume can be adjusted and switched to infrared spectrum for multiple analyses. Read More
The 1st Class Sleeper
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The 1st Class Sleeper is a new and vastly improved design based on the same principles as theold blow-up neck support that gives some respite from the discomfort of an extended flight in cattle class.
The light weight pillow folds to the size of a travel umbrella and is great for supporting your back, neck and head when you are in any recliner, though it clearly has a market as an in-flight accessory above all others.
The First Class Sleeper can be purchased on-line at the company's web site for US$ 49.95 Read More
World's first male fertility test for the home
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Given a choice, many men would prefer to bury their heads in sand than see their doctor to determine their fertility. Thankfully, help is on the way with the release of the Element, the first medical test kit for determining male fertility which can be administered in the privacy of the home. Read More
Blood pressure and body fat monitoring wristwatch
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When we first saw this on The Red Ferret Journal, we thought there had been a breakthrough in technology, with them being able to miniaturise a blood pressure and body fat monitor to fit the form factor of a wristwatch but ... then we saw how big it was. Still, the MF-90 Body Fat Blood Pressure Monitor as it is an improvement on anything previously available in home health monitoring. Read More
Boyfriend Arm Pillow a sales success
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September 3, 2004 The Boyfriend Arm Pillow is a Japanese product aimed at Japanese who like sleeping with their head on their partner's chest but don't have a partner to do it with, or have given up on the standard model and are trying to reconstruct a better boyfriend. So far they've got the shape right and have it padded appropriately for comfort, they've eliminated all the sounds and smells of the standard boyfriend and have even added an alarm clock which gently shakes the arm when it's time to get up. Read More
Horseback Riding Machine
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Go horseback riding for a few days and you'll understand why all those rodeo Marlboro man types packs Men's Health abs. Riding stimulates seldom-used muscles in the dorsal and abdominal regions and brings many core health benefits, the most appealing being that the user gets fit without actually having to do anything. Based on the above, Japanese manufacturers of exercise machines are releasing a new range of machines which are proving to be quite a success story in Japan. Aimed at a wide range of people from those who suffer from lifestyle injuries, to the middle-aged and older generations, these new exercise machines have one very special facet to the way they are used: the user does not need to do anything. Read More
Teeth cleaning, without a toothbrush, or water
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Brushing one's teeth is a reviving experience which some of us just can't feel comfortable without. Now there's a new type of toothbrush which could extend the custom considerably - The Oral-B Brush-Up slips onto the human finger and performs most of the functions of a disposable pre-impregnated toothbrush except it doesn't need water. The textured teeth wipes give you a clean mouth and fresh mint breath when you're on the go-no water or sink required. Read More
Contact lenses you wear at night for daytime benefits
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Paragon Vision Sciences has been granted approval by the US FDA for its Paragon CRT Corneal Refractive Therapy contact lens - this new approach involves wearing special contact lenses overnight to achieve corneal reshaping for the temporary reduction of myopia. Read More
Navigation system offers travel autonomy for the blind
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A new device which enables blind people to navigate without other assistance promises unprecedented autonomy for the sight impaired. The Tormes system is a small computer using the Sonobraille platform, which includes a Braille keyboard and voice synthesiser, plus several navigation technologies to give a high degree of positioning accuracy. The system can be queried and responds with verbal directions, like any GPS device in a car, but weighing less than one kilo it can be carried over the shoulder. It can be used in two ways: to guide the user to their destination or to tell them where they are as they walk around. Read More
Omron software scales track weight management
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Omron has created an ingenious set of bathroom scales which combines a built-in, clip-out, pedometer and a software package to enable the monitoring of exercise and overall bodily health.The clever bit which enables connectivity to the PC is the pedometer which clips out of the scales so you an carry it with you to monitor the steps you take, then transfer the data to a PC via a USB connection on the pedometer. The scales also use bioelectrical impedance to calculate body fat percentage and this can then be tracked over time to see the results of your efforts - far better than measuring just weight. Read More
Microsoft plans network through human body
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Microsoft has been awarded a patent for a technology that uses the conductivity of the human body to create a network. The patent covering transmitting power and data using the human body was awarded in late June and is a fascinating insight into the type of personal network we may all be using within a few years, in the words of a company which will almost certainly be one of the defining players in the evolution of human computing. Read More
Ventracor - the heart-assist machine of the future
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Imagine building a car engine which had to run faultlessly for 50 years or more, could never be turned off, must maintain a consistent ultra-reliable 3000rpm, must never overheat (a tolerance of zero degrees), and could never be serviced.
Despite 100 years of automotive technology development, it... Read More
Telehealth a New Solution to Healthcare for Aging Adults
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Viterion TeleHealthcare has demonstrated a pilot program designed to address the growing requirement of home care agencies to link the use of telehealth technology to improved cost and patient outcome benefits. Read More
AWOL - inhaling alcohol
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A new way of consuming alcohol that offers an immediate hit with no hangover the next day has been introduced in the United Kingdom.The new method is known as AWOL, an acronym for 'Alcohol With Out Liquid', and could become a hit in the global club scene due to the euphoric 'high' created when alcohol is vaporised, mixed with oxygen and inhaled. Billed at launch as the 'ultimate party toy', AWOL machines serve bar customers via tubes and could be seen as a modern version of the 'Nargile' or 'Hookah' water-pipe which originated in India and became an important part of society in Turkey and Middle Eastern countries in the 17th century, eventually becoming the height of fashion at sheik Western society parties during the late 19th and early 20th century. Read More
The Chillow - a Non-Electric, Self-Cooling Cushion
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The Chillow Comfort Device is a new non-electric, self-cooling cushion that's designed to provide any pillow with a perpetual "cool spot". In addition to being a sleeping aid, the Chillow is also claimed to offer a variety of health and comfort benefits. Read More
Mathematical model accurately predicts which couples will divorce
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There are no general laws of human relationships as there are for physics, but a leading marital researcher and group of applied mathematicians have teamed up to create a mathematical model that predicts which couples will divorce with astonishing accuracy. The model holds promise of giving therapists new tools for helping couples overcome patterns of interaction that can send them rushing down the road toward divorce. Read More
Convertible High Heels
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High heels are the only acceptable form of shoe for females on a formal occasion, and are almost mandatory in a business power dressing, yet they are very uncomfortable and casue long term health issues. How many times have you seen women walking to work in sensible shoees carrying high heels in their handbag? A new design for adjustable high heels could solve the problem. This shoe solution converts a high 7 cm heel to a low 3 cm heel with one simple twist on/off action. Read More
Tiny telescope implant combats blindness
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Wednesday December 3, 2003 A micro-sized telescopic eye implant is being developed to aid those affected by dysfunction of the macula - a specialized area of the retina that is responsible for the central part of our vision. IMT (Implantable Miniature Telescope) has a tiny wide-angle lens (about the size of a pea) that projects a magnified image onto the retina to reduce the blind spot caused by macular degeneration and improve the ability to see previously unrecognisable images. Read More
Protective clothing goes on the attack
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In the past Gizmo has investigated clothes that monitor your health, give you a massage, repel insects and even provide the body with sustenance, but the No-Contact Jacket concept takes the role of "Smart Clothes" in an entirely new direction by delivering a defensive electric shock to anyone who comes into unauthorised contact with the wearer.The defensive jacket is designed to call attention to violence against women and provide an alternative means of defence against unwanted contact. Read More
Groundbreaking Sexual Stimulation Technology
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June 3, 2004 An American company has just released what is believed to be the first of its type - an electrical sexual stimulation device.Stimulation Systems is a Texas-based company specialising in 'electronic consumer products that bring pleasurable, life-enhancing solutions to the world. Read More
New contraceptive drug gains US administrative approval
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Saturday October 11, 2003: An "extended-cycle" oral contraceptive that reduces the number of periods from 13 to 4 per year has been approved the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Clinical trials have found "SEASONALE" has a comparable safety profile to a more traditional oral contraception.... Read More
USB camera provides close-up skincare
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Monday October 6, 2003: Fujitsu have released a PC-based skincare device in Japan that analyses facial skin quality using a USB mini-camera. Known as the Hada Chekki V01, the product uses specially developed software to determine whether skincare is required based on a facial close-up image provided by the USB camera. Read More
Australian Cocoon benefits surgery patients
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Tuesday September 30, 2003: "Cocoon" is a complete patient warming system designed to maintain normal body temperature before during and after surgery. Manufactured by Australian company Care Essentials, Cocoon utilises a process of warm air passed through micro-porous holes to give an even distribution of airflow across the patient and achieve maximum efficiency. Read More
New technique to scan the human body provides alternative to X-Rays
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Saturday September 13, 2003: Scientists and engineers from the Institute of Food Research and Lancaster University in the UK are developing a fast, safe and non-invasive scanner to accurately measure the composition of the human body, both inside and out. Aimed at providing a safe and cheap alternative to using X-rays or MRI scanners, the prototype device uses an electromagnetic technique combined with digital cameras... Read More
Australian Bionic Eye approaches human trials
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Wednesday September 10, 2003: Researchers at the University of Newcastle are at the forefront of international research into ways that new technology can be applied to restore sight to the blind. By using a tiny electronic circuit to deliver controlled, electronic stimulation to the surviving nerve cells of the retina, the team hope to replace some of the physiological events that take place on a normal, healthy retina. Read More
GPS-Enabled Personal Training System
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Saturday August 23, 2003: The Forerunner 201 is an integrated personal fitness tool that uses a GPS sensor to provide users with a range of precise data including speed, distance, jogging pace and calories burned. The GPS sensor provides latitude, longitude and altitude data... Read More
Dual Sports wearable MP3 + heart rate monitor
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Friday June 27, 2003: Dual Sports has integrated a heart rate monitor, digital watch, FM radio and voice recording capabilities into an MP3 player that can be worn during athletic activity. Read More
Sonic Dental Care
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Philips Electronics latest power toothbrush - the Sonicare Elite - uses "sonic" technology that combines high frequency bristle motion and dynamic cleaning action. Read More
'Last Resort' Parachute for High Rise Structures
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February 26, 2005 It's a scenario made even more frightening by graphic television footage in recent times - trapped at the top of a burning building with exits cut-off facing the gruesome choice between jumping or perishing in flames. Developed as a "last resort" in such an emergency, Evacuchute is specifically designed and engineered for building evacuations - the static line parachute is automatically deployed in less than 1.5 seconds and moves the individual away from the building to ensure a safe, low-impact deployment and a controlled descent at low altitude. Read More
SmartAid Bandage to provide next generation wound care
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This sterile bandage contains embedded sensors that can transmit information from a wound to medical personnel. Read More
Battelle scientists look to future of healthcare with Firstlook fetal monitor and smart bandage
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The disparate interests of engineers and artists don't normally intersect in the workplace, but at Battelle they do.
At Battelle's Healthcare Products division, artists and engineers each bring their unique skills and viewpoints to design the healthcare products for the future.
"It's an interesting and necessary, mix," said Larry Barbera, Director of Industrial Design at Battelle Healthcare Products and a 20-year veteran industrial designer at Battelle whose portfolio includes working for Apple Computers and Hewlett Packard.
"When people think of Battelle they think of science, but there is so much more to making a usable product than just making sure it works," Barbera said. "Art and design hit the emotional qualities in people and influences their choices. Good design always makes the product experience more meaningful and positive. Design touches the human element in all we do at Battelle." Read More
Now colour can be measured too
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How tanned is too tanned? Those who like to maintain their bronze glow to the perfect level might appreciate this hand-held device that accurately measures the depth of a tan. PocketSpec Bronz measures the darkness of the skin and registers a "TanTone" number between 1 and 1000... Read More
Environmentally Friendly Alternative for Feminine Hygiene
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The mark of a good invention is that it delivers benefits to the broader community as well as a specific audience. 'The Keeper', a small, internally worn reusable menstrual cup does just that - providing women with a comfortable, inexpensive alternative to tampons... Read More
Bionic eye offers hope to the blind
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Sandia National Laboratories have released a prototype "eye-chip" that may eventually achieve the miraculous goal of restoring sight to the blind. Part of an ambitious project involving several US national labs and Universities... Read More
VitalLink 1200 links patient to physician - virtually
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The VitalLink 1200 System is a "Telemedicine" system designed to provide a direct virtual link between patient and physician by monitoring vital signs and transmitting the information via a wireless LAN connection... Read More
