The headset will be designed to give first responders the ability to share and access patient data more easily, saving time and improving patient care. The head-worn device will feature a camera and microphone. The applications will be voice controlled, so the responder can look up patient records and enter new patient data by voice alone, and the camera will provide direct video communication between the responder and medical staff, allowing the experts to assess the situation and...

A new HIV test able to deliver results visible to the naked eye could greatly benefit impoverished countries that lack sophisticated laboratories. The test involves adding serum from a blood sample to a solution of gold nanoparticles that react in a specific way when exposed to the HIV biomarker p24. If p24 is present, the nanoparticles will gather in an irregular pattern that turns the solution blue, while the absence of p24 will cause the nanoparticles to separate into ball...

The idea is to develop a technique that could one day allow the early diagnosis of diseases through saliva. Saliva contains complex sets of molecules that can be used to create an impression of the person's general health, and by identifying biomarkers in the saliva scientists can develop tests that will produce accurate results. It is believed that in time the non-invasive saliva sampling method of diagnosing disease could be just as useful as blood tests. And since 20...

A paper-based blood test for liver damage could be of particular use in developing countries, where liver damage is widespread as a side effect of drug treatments. The test consists of a pattern of channels and wells on a piece of absorbent paper. A drop of blood placed on the paper is absorbed and sent to the test wells, which have been spotted with chemicals that will change color when they detect certain markers in the liquid. The chip works simply and without the need for much...

A new chewing gum designed to treat motion sickness takes effect more quickly than capsules or pills. The gum contains the active ingredient dimenhydrinate, a commonly-accepted medication for motion sickness. As the gum is chewed, the drug is absorbed through the space between the user's cheek and gums, which allow the medication to reach the user's system more quickly than conventional ingestion methods.

A new mattress-based patient monitoring system may help take the burden off medical staff. The system will monitor heart rate, respiration rate and patient movement through contact-free sensors placed under the mattress. The data will be converted to translate the patient's large body movements and respiratory motion pattern into more precise vital sign information, which will be displayed on the bedside, nurse's station and other necessary locations.

A new robotic wheelchair will go where no wheelchair has gone before--climbing over curbs and tackling stairs. The wheelchair will feature four independently powered wheels mounted on five axes. Sensors next to the wheels will scan obstacles to determine if they can be rolled over, signaling the wheels to change to legs if necessary. An on-board computer will help keep the chair steady and the legs properly aligned, allowing the legs to step on or over the obstacle. The legs will...

Soup may soon be safer to eat with the development of a "bandage" for tongues, designed to help ease the pain of burns. The "bandage" is made up of a medicated strip that has been imbedded with the anesthetic benzocaine, already found in throat lozenges. As it dissolves, the strip releases a controlled dose of the pain-killing drug along with a non-toxic "therapeutic polymer" to promote healing.

A new insulin delivery device will be the most secure remote-controlled medical device on the market. The device will carry a week's supply of insulin and work with the Android-powered phone. The phone will feature an integrated glucose meter and a dedicated SIM card for communication with the pump, and will operate for seven days on a single eco-friendly battery. A temperature sensor in the pump will warn the user if the insulin is being exposed to too much heat while a separate...

The new knotless tissue control devices will allow surgeons to stitch and secure tissues without needing to tie knots in the sutures. The devices will be lined with barbs, which will be spaced 1mm apart and form a spiral along length of the string. The barbs will help maintain the tension in the suture while also providing anchor points that will eliminate the need to tie knots, thus allowing surgeons to close wounds more rapidly and reduce the amount of time patients are under...