In focus for brain-computer interfaces: diamond-based quantum sensors -- COMPAMED Trade Fair
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Fraunhofer IBMT

Fraunhofer ZSI presents innovative modular principle for ultrasonic sensors

10.07.2024

With the development of the Fraunhofer Dynamic Mixing Technologies (FDmix) platform, the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology IPK and FDX Fluid Dynamix GmbH have achieved a milestone in nanoparticle production.
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Picture: Numerous metal sensors hanging next to instrument panels in a factory for the manufacture of special appliances; Copyright: Envato/YouraPechkin

Envato/YouraPechkin

Sensors – hidden heroes?

10.06.2024

They monitor, transmit and control – sensors in medical technology. Hardly any device can do without them. For most people, their health at some point in their lives will depend on whether sensors are doing their job properly. But how diverse are their applications in medical devices?
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Image: Close-up of a miniature sensor for ventilators on a blue background; Copyright: Fraunhofer IPM

Fraunhofer IPM

Sensor takes breathing gas measurement to a new level

10.06.2024

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques (IPM) have now developed an innovative sensor that measures the oxygen content directly in the breath and thus provides precise and continuous values.
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Image: Close-up of a magnetic sensor and a prosthetic hand; Copyright: Qant

Qant

Q.ANT magnetic field sensor: New quantum sensor technology for prosthesis control via nerve signal

14.05.2024

The innovative magnetic field sensor from Q.ANT, a German quantum technology company, opens up far-reaching possibilities for prosthesis control and sensor technology in medical technology and beyond.
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Image: Sensors on a cable with power supply; the implant on a pink background; Copyright: Northwestern University

Northwestern University

Real-time bladder fullness: new technology for bladder dysfunction

15.04.2024

Researchers at Northwestern University (USA) have developed an implant that monitors bladder fullness in real time. The battery-free, flexible device is attached to the bladder wall and transmits the data to a smartphone app.
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Image: This graphic visualizes the PA sensing instrument´s theoretical procedure; Copyright: Khan et al., doi 10.1117/1.JBO.29.1.017002.

Khan et al., doi 10.1117/1.JBO.29.1.017002

Photoacoustic sensing instrument for tissue diagniostics

15.02.2024

In the pursuit of enhancing clinical diagnostics, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Indore have unveiled a new tool—a compact and cost-effective photoacoustic (PA) sensing instrument designed for biomedical tissue diagnosis. This development improves diagnostic practices, patient care and outcomes, offering rapid and accurate insights into breast tissue characterization.
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Image: Biomechanical carbon hand prosthesis for disabled people on the table in the office, another white prosthesis in the background; Copyright: ionadidishvili

ionadidishvili

Hand prostheses: Artificial intelligence makes gripping more intuitive

14.12.2023

A better understanding of muscle activity patterns in the forearm supports a more intuitive and natural control of artificial limbs. This requires a network of 128 sensors and artificial intelligence based techniques.
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Image: A woman with gray hair and sunglasses goes for a walk with a cane. She wears a navigation belt; Copyright: feelSpace

feelSpace

Production of e-textiles: Vibrations lead the way

13.12.2023

The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) have developed a contacting process with which orientation aids - and e-textiles in general - can be produced more economically and conveniently.
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Image: A microscopic image of the newly developed fibers; Copyright: Washington State University

Washington State University

Conductive, cotton-based fiber for smart textiles

12.12.2023

A single strand of fiber developed at Washington State University has the flexibility of cotton and the electric conductivity of a polymer, called polyaniline. The newly developed material showed good potential for wearable e-textiles.
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Image: Researcher takes thin films with tweezers; Copyright: imagesourcecurated

imagesourcecurated

New method for manufacturing tailor-made semiconductor thin films

25.10.2023

In order to produce thin organic semiconductor films automatically and with well-defined properties, researchers – led by Leibniz IPHT in Jena, Germany – have developed a new technological approach for depositing thin films with high molecular precision.
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Image: Close-up of a sensor bracelet demonstrator; Copyright: Fraunhofer IBMT

Fraunhofer IBMT

Bidirectional control of prosthetic hands using ultrasonic sensors

12.10.2023

Researchers at Fraunhofer are working as part of an EU research project to improve control of prosthetic hands down to individual fingers.
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Image: Photo of a car interior. A man sits behind the wheel and operates a screen; Copyright: Fraunhofer IDMT/Anika Bödecker

Fraunhofer IDMT/Anika Bödecker

Vital data: the whole body on the radar

04.10.2023

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology IDMT in Oldenburg have developed a new method for collecting and analyzing vital signs from the human body by using radar.
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Image: Person holding a sensor in hands; Copyright: Kate Myers/Penn State

Kate Myers/Penn State

Wearable sensor for continuous analysis of sweat

03.10.2023

Continuous monitoring of sweat can reveal valuable information about human health, such as the body’s glucose levels. However, wearable sensors previously developed for this purpose have been lacking, unable to withstand the rigors or achieve the specificity needed for continuous monitoring. Now, the research team has created a novel wearable patch that may be up to the task.
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Image: The transverse link with imprinted force sensor measures the stresses acting in the application at any time; Copyright: Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen.

Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen

Integrated sensor technology: the next step in additive manufacturing

28.09.2023

Trends such as Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things are making the precise recording of the condition of machines and components increasingly important. To face the challenges in collecting sufficient data, the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT has developed a sensor infrastructure for smart industrial applications and implemented it using additive manufacturing processes.
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Image: A glass press in a production room enables the automated production of high-precision optical glass components; Copyright: Fraunhofer IPT

Fraunhofer IPT

Research: automated series production of optics with new glass press

21.09.2023

The Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT in Aachen has expanded its machinery with a new system for the automated molding of high-precision optical glass components.
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Image: Schematic structure of a sensor for the detection of viral pathogens; Copyright: TUD

TUD

Diagnostics: pioneering approaches for the detection of viral antigens

20.09.2023

Scientists from the Chair of Materials Science and Nanotechnology at TU Dresden (TUD) have made considerable progress in the development of highly innovative solutions for the detection of viral pathogens in two studies they presented recently.
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Image: In the picture you can see a lotus leaf with water two hands in gloves and the product. ; Copyright: National University of Singapore

National University of Singapore

Nature-inspired pressure sensing technology aims to transform healthcare and surgical robots

22.08.2023

NUS researchers have developed 'eAir', an innovative pressure sensor inspired by the lotus leaf effect. This sensor could revolutionize minimally invasive surgeries by providing tactile feedback to surgeons and improve patient experiences in monitoring intracranial pressure. Its unique design enhances precision and reliability, potentially transforming various medical applications.
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Image: A graphic of blood cells flowing within the body.; Copyright: iLexx

iLexx

Noninvasive technology tests for malaria without a blood sample

10.08.2023

Yale researchers and CytoAstra develop cytophone, a laser-ultrasound platform for noninvasive malaria detection. Funding from Gates Foundation supports prototype development and testing in Burkina Faso. Improved sensitivity offers promising diagnosis and treatment potential, bypassing emerging antigen test challenges.
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Image: A patient is wheeled into a CT scanner. The patient smiles; Copyright: AZ-BLT

AZ-BLT

New imaging technology for a quick look inside a human being

03.08.2023

Physicists at the University of Würzburg have succeeded in making a new imaging technique ready for use on humans. Radioactive markers and radiation are not necessary for this.
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Image: A person works on a machine; Copyright: ThisisEngineering RAEng / Unsplash

ThisisEngineering RAEng / Unsplash

Sensors: when the ­machine reports its status

01.08.2023

Even if the central concern of digitally integrated production or Industry 4.0 is networking industrial systems – the individual machine remains a central focus point of optimization. The reasons: Networking requires interfaces that must first be implemented on the individual machine.
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Image: Image: A man wearing VR glasses and an exoskeleton glove sits in front of a laptop; Copyright: seventyfourimages

seventyfourimages

Brain-Computer-Interface: Focus on diamond-based quantum sensors

28.07.2023

In the NeuroQ project, a consortium from research and industry wants to develop sensitive sensors that enable better control of neural exoskeletons and prostheses under everyday conditions. Dr. Jan Jeske from the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF told us what role artificial diamonds play in this.
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Image: Symbol image for a proof-of-concept air quality monitor that can detect live SARS-CoV-2 virus; Copyright: Joseph Puthussery

Joseph Puthussery

Biosensing: air monitor can detect COVID-19 variants

12.07.2023

Scientists are looking at ways to surveil indoor environments in real time for viruses. By combining recent advances in aerosol sampling technology and an ultrasensitive biosensing technique, researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have created a real-time monitor that can detect any of the SARS-CoV-2 virus variants in a room in about 5 minutes.
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Image: Dynamics of the molecular precursor in the nanochannel during the MOCVD process (left in the picture) and typical SEM cross-sectional view; Copyright: Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology

Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology

Functional surface refinement: control of growth dynamics of finest tin layers

11.07.2023

Nanometer-scale coatings with functional materials play an important role in many sensory, electronic and photonic applications. An international team of researchers – coordinated by Leibniz IPHT in Jena, Germany – has succeeded for the first time in observing novel growth effects of tin coatings on silicon nanometer-structured surfaces.
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Image: Group picture of 16 people, the Newlife consortium at Fraunhofer IZM in Berlin; Copyright: Fraunhofer IZM

Fraunhofer IZM

Pregnancy: intelligent patch for remote monitoring

29.06.2023

A patch equipped with highly sensitive electronics is meant to collect and evaluate vital data. In addition, the sensors will be integrated into baby clothing in order to improve the future of medical monitoring for newborns with the highest level of data security.
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Image: Fraunhofer IAF’s wide-field magnetometer; Copyright: Fraunhofer IAF

Fraunhofer IAF

Materials science: fast magnetic imaging with diamond-based quantum sensor technology

27.06.2023

Microscopic imaging of magnetic fields, enabled by quantum sensing, allows the measurement of the unique magnetic fingerprint of objects. This opens the door for fundamentally new applications in various fields such as materials testing or biomedicine. The system offers a unique compromise of sensitivity, resolution and speed.
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Image: The hydrogel composite is demonstratively stretched by Alexandre Anthis; Copyright: Empa

Empa

Sensor patch for abdominal surgery

22.06.2023

Researchers from Empa and ETH Zurich have developed a plaster with a sensor function to ensure that wounds in the abdomen remain tightly closed after an operation.
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Image: R2R printed electronic components on paper ; Copyright: K. Selsam/Fraunhofer ISC

K. Selsam/Fraunhofer ISC

CircEl-Paper: Recyclable paper-based electronics

06.06.2023

Billions of tons of electronic waste are produced in the EU every year. With a novel approach, the new EU project "CircEl-Paper" could sustainably improve the recycling process for electronics in the future.
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Image: Super-miniaturized IoT sensor; Copyright: Fraunhofer IZM

Fraunhofer IZM

World's smallest impedance spectroscopy system in form of a pill

23.05.2023

Imagine a scenario where you simply just throw in a pill to identify an error—this is now one step closer to reality thanks to the work done by researchers at Fraunhofer IZM in cooperation with Micro Systems Technologies (MST) and Sensry GmbH. As small as a piece of candy, the waterproof IoT sensor can reliably measure the properties of liquids even in hard-to-reach places.
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Image: Barnika Chakraborty, Professor Rainer Adelung and Dr Leonard Siebert; Copyright: Julia Siekmann, Uni Kiel

Julia Siekmann, Uni Kiel

New sensors for healthier indoor air

16.05.2023

People spend an average of 22 hours a day indoors, where furniture, carpets or wall paints can release harmful solvents over time. The scientists in the international doctoral programme "SENNET" aim to detect such pollutants. They want to develop reliable sensors based on special, porous materials.
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Image:  the three-in-one hybrid material

Lunghammer - TU Graz

Smart artificial skin in application check stage

09.05.2023

The smart skin developed by Anna Maria Coclite has many potential applications – from robotics and cosmetic surgery to prosthetics. With an ERC Proof of Concept Grant, the researcher is now exploring its possible practical applications.
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Image: Functional model of capsule; Copyright: SIAT

SIAT

Capsule X-ray dosimeter for real-time radiotherapy monitoring

19.04.2023

In radiotherapy, precision in targeting tumor tissue while minimizing damage to healthy tissue is crucial. Monitoring the dose of radiation delivered and absorbed in real-time, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, poses significant difficulty.
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Image: Close up: Multisensory stamp and forming parts on a white background; Copyright: Fraunhofer IST

Fraunhofer IST

Multisensory tools for digital process monitoring

13.04.2023

The Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST presents innovative solutions for real-time data acquisition directly in the running process.
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Image: A smart bandage rests on a gloved finger; Copyright: Caltech

Caltech

'Smart' bandages monitor wounds and provide targeted treatment

05.04.2023

A new kind of smart bandage developed at Caltech may make treatment of chronic wounds easier, more effective, and less expensive. These smart bandages were developed in the lab of Wei Gao, assistant professor of medical engineering, Heritage Medical Research Institute Investigator, and Ronald and JoAnne Willens Scholar.
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Image: Four people pose next to a technical apparatus,Dr. Philip Wollmann, Dr. Wulf Grählert, Oliver Throl and Livia Szathmáry (from left); Copyright: Amac Garbe/Fraunhofer IWS

Amac Garbe/Fraunhofer IWS

Sharp hyperspectral eye for chip production

23.03.2023

Precise two-dimensional analysis of high-tech layers in microelectronics, battery factories or even in the automotive sector approaches within reach. A measuring system developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS.
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Image: An active fiber fabricated by the thermal drawing; Copyright: Sato et al

Sato et al

Navigating complex biological systems with smart fibers

09.02.2023

Instrumenting integrative actuators and sensors within a single active device at the microscale is constrained by current manufacturing technologies. Now, a team of researchers has developed a flexible polymer-based actuatable fiber which is capable of being integrated with smart materials and biosensing composite materials.
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Image: Wound dressing with sensor applied; Copyright: phwt

phwt

Wound dressing with sensor monitors healing process

06.02.2023

Is the wound healing or is it infected? Physicians must change the bandage to find out because wounds are covered with non-transparent dressings. What happens under the wound dressing is a “black box”. Armin Haas and Professor Kai-Uwe Zirk want to change that. COMPAMED.de asked them about their approach.
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Image: Patient testing a brain-computer interface to control an exoskeleton hand; Copyright: AG Klinische Neurotechnologie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin

AG Klinische Neurotechnologie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Controlling neural exoskeletons more precisely with diamond sensors

01.02.2023

Brain-computer interfaces are able to restore some mobility to paralyzed people by controlling exoskeletons. However, more complex control signals cannot yet be read from the head surface because conventional sensors are not sensitive enough. A collaboration of Fraunhofer IAF, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, University of Stuttgart and other industrial partners has taken up this challenge.
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