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.

The Potential Role of Nanotechnology in Cancer Management

A team of international researchers has recently discovered that nanotechnology may actually be used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. This suggests amazing possibilities, including a more precise way of eliminating tumors with only minimal damage to healthy cells and tissues. It also opens up opportunity for early detection and eradication of cancer cells even before they form into tumors. 

Image source: nyas.org

Most of the work on cancer treatment through nanotechnology is still in progress, but scientists and medical researchers are more than determined to make these treatments a reality. Several international cancer institutes are collaborating with researchers to resolve the major difficulties in the research and development stage. Experts hope to finish this feat within the decade. 

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The main objective of the study is to make cancer detection less painful and invasive. It aims to use highly sensitive nanotechnology to diagnose cancer through blood, urine, or saliva sample from the patient. The creation of nanocrystals for the treatment of patients is also in the works. Nanocrystals help in producing better images of cancer cells that will significantly contribute to improving surgical procedures. The patient will swallow a magnetized nanocrystal with an embedded drug, and through the use of a magnetic resonance scanner, the nanocrystals can be controlled and directed to the tumor. Ultrasound is then used to break the crystal and release the drug to treat and eliminate cancer cells. This allows the drug to concentrate on the tumor instead of spreading all throughout the body and affect even healthy cells, which is a common side effect of chemotherapy. 

Akash Monpara is a student at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore finishing his degree in biomedical engineering. For more about him, visit this page.