The Importance Of Biomedical Sensors

The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering defines sensors as "tools that detect specific biological, chemical, or physical processes that transmit or report this data." Monitoring devices have multiple and multifunctional sensors that are used for a variety of purposes, including monitoring of critical physiological parameters and clinical diagnosis.

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There are many different types of sensors, ranging from simple to sophisticated. The thermometer is one simple medical instrument that makes use of a sensor for measuring and monitoring body temperature. Home pregnancy tests also consist of sensors that detect hormones indicating pregnancy. On the other hand, medical equipment such as pulse oximeters, dialysis machines, oxygen concentrators, and blood sugar monitoring devices consist of novel and more complex sets of sensors.

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Sensors play an important role in improving healthcare practices and advancing biomedical research. Through them, researchers study diseases in detail and tailor further sophisticated technologies that will greatly benefit people with chronic illnesses and severe disabilities. Current research in biosensors explores the use of sensors as assistive devices for PWDs.

Biomedical sensors are relatively inexpensive and are used in numerous healthcare procedures. They are versatile tools that can be instrumental in lowering health costs and increasing efficiency in diagnosis and treatment. Advances in bioengineering allow the development of sophisticated sensors that can be valuable in medical care and research.

Visit this Linkedin page for more information about Akash Monpara, a biomedical engineering student at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

Developing Bioengineering Assistive Devices for PWDs

Biomedical engineering works towards innovating technological devices to ameliorate problems faced by people with disabilities. Through rehabilitation engineering, the application of science and technology that caters to the needs of PWDs, state-of-the-art assistive devices are being developed to enhance the quality of lives of PWDs.

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Assistive technology is defined by the law as any item, piece of equipment, or product used to increase or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. This includes a broad range of devices, strategies, and services aiding the accomplishment of a physical activity. Prosthetics and orthotics design and assistive technology production are just some of the direct applications of biomedical engineering.

With advances in the field of biomedical engineering, innovations in prosthetic designs are continually fostered. Few experimental prostheses have been integrated with body tissues, and these devices can respond to commands from the central nervous system. Development of these highly advanced artificial devices can closely approximate normal movement and utility. Aside from devices aiding mobility, biomedical engineers are also working on assistive devices for people with sensory impairments. Bioengineers develop auditory and tactile vision substitution systems, digital hearing aids, and electronic enunciators for people with visual or auditory impairments.

Tapping the expertise of biomedical engineers is crucial to achieve our vision of a more inclusive and PWD-friendly society.

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Akash Monpara is a biomedical engineering student at Johns Hopkins University. Learn more about this field by subscribing to this blog.