Bioengineering

Research funded by NIH at Massachusetts General Hospital has yielded a miniature, point-of-care Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) device that can non- invasively diagnose cancer and has demonstrated superior accuracy and speed when compared to standard biopsy. The micro-NMR does this by analyzing  cells, proteins, nucleic acids, viruses, and bacteria from unpurified biological samples -- all in less than an hour. Using unprocessed samples eliminates the need for a lab and trained technicians.

NIH funded research at Rutgers University has resulted in the development of new materials for biomedical applications. One example is a new resorbable cardiovascular stent that can replace the metal stents currently in use, which remain in the body and often cause long-term complications. This stent also delivers medication and is radio-opaque, allowing imaging and controlled monitoring of the re-absorption process.

Research funded by the NIH at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has resulted in the ability to provide both mouse liver function and human liver function in the same mouse. This capability enables researchers to investigate how human livers metabolize drugs, to test susceptibility to toxicity, and to demonstrate species-specific responses that typically do not show up until clinical trials.

For more information on the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering go to http://www.nibib.nih.gov/
 

Epidural stimulation research funded by the NIH demonstrates remarkable results in humans with severe spinal cord injury. Dr. Reggie Edgerton has found that by increasing the excitability of the body's neural network, a level of function can be achieved, including the ability to stand independently. Perhaps even more remarkable, is the regaining of voluntary control of bladder, bowel, and sexual function.

For more information on the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering go to https://www.nibib.nih.gov/

Mark Prausnitz, Ph.D., of the Georgia Institute of Technology, talks about the potential advantages of using microneedle patches instead of traditional hypodermic needles for annual flu vaccination. Besides being nearly painless to use, the microneedle patches are simple enough for patients to apply themselves, which may encourage more people to get immunized.