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Introduction of iPad mini has triggered mixed reaction among the consumers.  Some analyst reported excitement in the users owing to its small size, but some analyst rated the iPad mini low on consumer preference index owing to its high starting price of $329 and some of the features missing as compared to previous version of iPad like retina display.  iPad has an edge as medical tablet over its...

There is ongoing effort to develop technologies to monitor glucose without the need of pricking your finger.  Some of the technologies include, transdermal device, Raman spectroscopy through skin, fluorescent hydrogel, etc.  Scientists have successfully developed an electrochemical sensor device that can measure blood sugar levels from tears instead of blood. This could save the world’s 350...

Biomaterial is any matter, surface, or construct that interacts with biological systems. Biomaterials can be produced either naturally or synthesized in the laboratory using a variety of chemical processes utilizing metallic, polymeric or ceramic components. They are often used and/or adapted for many medical applications, and thus comprise whole or part of a living structure or even a biomedical...

Erectile dysfunction is a sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis during sexual performance. Medtronic, one of the medical device giants, tested use of stents in opening up arteries in penis to help erectile dysfunction. Penile erection is the hydraulic effect of blood entering and being retained in sponge-like bodies within the penis....

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)  also called a bi-ventricular pacemaker an important device for treatment for symptoms associated with congestive heart failure (CHF) caused by weakening of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy). This device is implanted in the body of the patient. A CRT system consists of the pulse generator and three thin, insulated wires called leads. The pulse generator is...

Vital signs are measures of various physiological statistics, often taken by health professionals, in order to assess the most basic body functions. The act of taking vital signs normally includes recording body temperature, pulse rate (or heart rate), blood pressure and respiratory rate, but may also include other measurements. Smartphones are becoming popular devices for to capture these...

A contact lens is a corrective, cosmetic, ortherapeutic lens usually placed on the cornea of the eye. It has been estimated that 125 million people use contact lenses worldwide (2%), including 28 to 38 million in the United States and 13 million in Japan. A study reported in 2010 revealed increase in eye diseases like ulcers due to use of contact lens. Also, in 2010 complaints of abnormal...

Apple release of iPhone 4S has created excitement among the smart phone users. Apple fans queued up in front of Apple store, some dressed as Steve Jobs, dedicated the 4S to Steve Jobs referring it as “for Steve”. Along with iPhone 4S, Apple released iOS 5 for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch which has added features. However, there is one new feature, which brings body area network...

Lipids are integral part of the body and are essential for functioning of the body at molecular level. Researchers have been utilizing fluorescent proteins to visualize lipid molecules.  A professor at University of Illinois, Chicago demonstrated the first successful quantification of membrane lipids in a living cell in real time. Lipids constitute a broad group of naturally occurring molecules which...

Ultrasound-based diagnostic imaging technique used for visualizing subcutaneous body structures including tendons, muscles, joints, vessels and internal organs for possible pathology or lesions. Obstetric sonography is commonly used during pregnancy and is widely recognized by the public. MobiSante show cased its mobile based ultrasound device in Mobile Health Expo in late 2010. Food and...