Meet the manikins (not to be confused with mankinis), medical dummies (spelled "manikin", apparently) used to train future doctors on how to do the bare minimum to keep you alive that the HMO will pay for. There are all types, from the sexy Overweight CPR manikin to the Deluxe Child Crisis manikin. My favorite is the Multi Man CPR manikin, because it reminds me of last weekend. Vote on your favorite, then report back here and we'll compare notes. Next week we'll feature Manikin II: On The Move. [Medical Mainikins on Oobject]

I never thought about this before, but driving around in a car can be especially dangerous for people with severe cases of diabetes. Fortunately for them (and everyone else on the road), a company called Medtronic Diabetes has unveiled its new M-POWERED car—a Lincoln sedan fitted with a system that wirelessly connects a patient's glucose monitor with the dashboard. Once connected, the system will continually update the driver's on his/her health status via audio and visual cues. There is no word on whether or not this system will actually be available for patients anytime soon however. [Medgadget]

The patch is a small rubberized gizmo (with a new efficient battery that lasts eight months) and it sticks to your skin and measures your basal body temperature way more accurately than other systems: this temperature rises minutely during ovulation.

When the wireless reader unit gets the info on your temperature change, it then lets you know the best time to try out some baby-making with symbols on its display, or a readout on your PC— it's got a USB connection. Easy peasy, and no pee samples or early wake-ups for manual temp measurements that similar devices require. Human trials are scheduled for next month, and the device may be on sale as soon as the Fall. [Daily Mail via Dvice]

While details are light on just how the pill manages to hang out in your esophagus for up to 10 minutes even when the patient is sitting up (magnets seem to be involved), the doctor can use a remote to steer the camera armed with LED flash to grab the perfect digestive glamor shots. After that, the pill takes a ride through your stomach and intestines before making a crash water landing.

Clinical trials are already under way. And as unpleasant as having a pill poking away at my chest may sound, it's a lot more enticing than being scoped...from either direction. [fraunhofer via medgadget]

The piddle pack hose is linked to a paperback book-sized pump that drains the wearer's wee into a collection bag. With both male and female models (a pouch for the boys, a sanitary towel for the girls) it could mean that the USAF's planes are safer. Mid-air accidents have occurred, resulting in at least two crashes as F-16 pilots unbuckled to take a leak.

The AMXD costs about $2,000 from Omni Medical Systems, and it's worth having a shufti through the instruction manual, as it's fascinating stuff. [Omni Medical Systems via Wired]

Idzenga's process uses a microphone attached to perineum, which is fancy pants doctorspeak for the patch of skin we layman and immature Gizmodo writers call "the taint." From there, he listens to changes in the sound of flowing urine—specifically for the tell-tale hissing of BPH. More scientifically, the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) reports that the "frequency spectrum of the sound was found to correlate with the narrowing of the urethra. The degree of narrowing can therefore be determined from the recorded urinary sound." Idzenga has since filed a patent for the invention and hopes to have a commercial offering from IQ+ Medical BV out to urologists fairly soon.

So, in the future, if the doctor hears hissing, you have BPH, but you found out without having had a tube shoved into your urethra. Time to pop a few Flowmax for that long distance convertible car ride with your best mates.

The Noveon cooks onychomycosis (toenail fungus) using two near-infrared wavelengths, but leaves healthy tissue untouched, as seen in this diagram. [Medgadget]

The device plucks individual hairs, follicle and all, from the patient's scalp, using suction through a one-millimeter needle guided by cameras and 3D-imaging software. It is mounted on a robotic arm normally used in circuit board manufacturing. The hairs are then implanted back into the patient's scalp.

"It understands what trajectory it needs to get follicles out of the scalp, compensating in real time if the patient moves slightly," says Moll. As well as the transplant itself, the machine can design the hairline on the computer. ("Perhaps Sir would prefer the 'Eddie Munster' instead.")

Less intrusive than the current procedure, which removes strips of the patient's scalp using local anaesthetic, the machine could be undergoing clinical trials by the end of the year. [New Scientist]

A clamshell design, one set of buttons sits on the outside of the device with another set inside. E-Ink drives the displays (for simple reading and power efficiency) and a stethoscope earpiece can issue vocal commands clearly.

While there appear to be a few UI flaws to the device (you make calls on the outside buttons, but the phonebook is on the inside), we really like some of the ideas, like RFID tagging important belongings that could otherwise be easily misplaced, and a "passive" camera that can automatically snag shots of people one talks to (combined with some automatic meta data, this could be pretty darn useful and a nice way to remember the family stopping by).

Hit the comments to talk about what you love/hate about the device. Because sooner or later, we may all need one of our own. [SinguilidDesign via medGadget]

The result is a medical scanner that is ultra-portable and inexpensive enough to make an impact in developing countries. Tests have also determined that the amount of data sent should not prove problematic for the system. In fact, the size of the data in a recent study amounted to less than 6 kilobytes. That having been said, the researchers behind the project hope to go a step further and couple ultrasound scanners with cellphones, which could potentially reduce the cost of a typical $70,000 machine to $1000 or less. Ultrasounds for everyone! [LiveScience]

Unlike old school devices that use a clunky great machine, the Universal ECG can save electrocardiogram data directly to the physician's computer for analysis and sharing, which should save cash on printing out millions of the readouts each day. Though the device probably won't be as accurate as said clunky machine, its portability will surely make it a must for all those hypercondriacs among us. Feeling a little coronary ischemia coming on? (House rules.) [Medgadget]

Its snake/tentacle body is designed to perform cardiac surgery without damaging other tissue on the way in to its destination. Currently their smallest prototype is 12 inches long and just 0.47 across, with 102 degrees of freedom and is joystick-steered by a surgeon. Successful cardiovascular operations have been carried out using CardioArm on cadavers and pigs, and more extensive human trials are upcoming.

It's a technology suited to many different surgeries, but not until it's a tad smaller: ultimately the team plan to miniaturize it to the point that it can get in via a vein. That's sending the biggest shivers down my spine, I can tell you. [TechnologyReview via MedGadget]

For now, the new software tracks the surgeons' eye movements and builds a 3D map of the tissue they're eyeballin'. That image is stabilized and easy for the doc to work with, even though the robot's instruments are in fact moving along with whatever organ they're toying around inside.

The other cyber-surgeon craziness they're cooking up is a virtual overlay that makes tissue see-through: It models what's underneath it, like a tumor, and gives the doctor high-res Ghost in the Shell vision. So, how long before you swallow nanobot pills that'll patch up your heart automatically and then you poop 'em out? [The Guardian]

We imagine skipping class with a sore throat may be much harder when your mum can see you're faking, and viewing your back and scalp wouldn't need awkward straining with mirrors. Then there's always, um... insidey parts. We'll mention its disposable covers, and leave the matter there, eh?

The eight-inch long device uses a pinhole lens with an adaptor for skin close-ups, takes AAA batteries and has a six foot spiral video cable. Available for $159. [Redferret]

Epocrates Executive Available to Discuss iPhone Software Roadmap Demo Epocrates®, Inc., developer of mobile applications used by more than 500,000 healthcare professionals, is excited to announce that it has begun development of its clinical software products for the iPhone operating system. Epocrates was one of only five companies, including Salesforce.com, AOL, EA and Sega, to be highlighted by Steve Jobs during the iPhone Software Roadmap media briefing. "By putting so much computing power into such an elegant mobile device, Apple has opened up tremendous opportunities for application developers," said Kirk Loevner, Chairman and CEO of Epocrates, Inc. "The technology and software in the iPhone OS will allow us to create new and innovative applications that help improve patient safety and provide healthcare professionals with an unsurpassed user experience." How Epocrates is Working with Apple® to Develop Clinical Software for iPhone Epocrates is one of a few companies who have been working directly with Apple to create an application that can be stored directly on the device. This will enable healthcare professionals to always have immediate access to vital clinical information wherever and whenever they need it, regardless of Internet connectivity. When a connection is established, the device will be automatically populated with updated drug and safety information and important medical news. A customized Safari version of Epocrates' free web-based drug reference is currently available at m.epocrates.com, which users can access via an Internet or Wi-Fi connection. Speak With Physicians Using the iPhone Physicians have been extremely vocal in their need for a version of Epocrates software that resides directly on the device. Based on this high demand, as well as the benefit of the product in helping to improve quality of care, Apple selected Epocrates to be closely involved in development efforts. Physicians using the iPhone during patient consultations or "on call" are available to discuss how they helped drive the development of Epocrates software for Apple devices.

While there are other LED gadgets out there that have similar touch technology, this generous gift will surely go a long way in helping alleviate some of the stress that families feel in the waiting room waiting for a child to be born. Now if they could only install one in my local DMV. [Philips]

Philips Electronics Unveils first "Imagination Light Canvas" at the New Mercy Medical Center in Rogers AR;

Encourages Visitors in Waiting Area to "Paint with Light"

Rogers, Arkansas - Philips Electronics (PHG) today unveiled their "Imagination Light Canvas," the first of its kind, during a media tour of the new Mercy Medical Center in Rogers, Ark. The hospital will open its doors on March 16.

The canvas, displayed in the Women's and Children's waiting area, is an interactive light wall, 14-feet long and 6-feet high, that uses touch screen and Philips technologies to animate 1,420 LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights. By using their hands to draw on the wall, visitors can "paint with light", using an entire spectrum of colors and shapes. The images will remain visible for a few minutes and then disappear. The Imagination Light Canvas can accommodate up to six people drawing at the same time, yet only consumes the daily energy equivalent of a single toaster.

The Light Canvas is a gift from Philips employees to the patients and staff of the new hospital.

Paul Zeven, CEO of Philips Electronics North America, stated, "We wanted our gift to harness some of our advanced technologies that would provide the area residents with a positive, healing experience, delivered in a simple, easy-to-use manner, in keeping with our brand promise of 'Sense and Simplicity.'"

"We created the Imagination Light Canvas specifically for the Women's and Children's waiting room of the new hospital," he explained, "to lessen the tension, anxiety and stress that families often experience when waiting for child birth. We predict it will be a big hit with both children and adults."

Susan Barrett, president of Mercy Health System of Northwest Arkansas, stated, "Mercy is extremely grateful to Philips for helping us transform the healthcare environment for our visitors."

The new Mercy medical campus represents an extraordinary effort to transform the way healthcare institutions function. On one hand, it involves core issues such as patient safety and workplace simplification as well as the application of information technology to fundamental processes such as medication management and supply chain management; on the other, it entails replacing a 50-year old building with a new facility that will enable Mercy to continue its mission.

The best part about the technology is that the user is free to wallk, jog, or run with a full-range of motion in both the upper and lower body. And the design of the enclosure is such that the user feels very little of the force needed to hold their weight. It will probably cost a fortune, but a device like this should find a home in plenty of medical facilities and gyms (hopefully) in the near future. Naturally, the Alter-G has the potential to be an invaluable tool for injured patients and the elderly, but it would be an exceptional tool to get those who are just plain fat and out of shape up and moving. [Alter-G via MedGadget]

"There is no doubt that the entertainment industry is helping to drive the direction of high performance computational science," said Professor Peter Coveney of University College London.

Gaurav Khanna, a professor at the University of Massachusetts, uses an array of 16 PS3s instead of a supercomputer to simulate two black holes merging.

"A single high-precision simulation can sometimes cost more than 5,000 hours on the TeraGrid supercomputers. For the same cost, you can build your own supercomputer using PS3s. It works just as well, has no long wait times and can be used over and over again, indefinitely," said Khanna.

There is even compensation for colorblindness, and people with 20/70 and 20/200 accuity can get 20/20 to 20/40 vision wearing the device. Rather like the warnings on sleeping tablets, the manufacturers do not suggest you drive (or, let's assume, operate heavy machinery) when using it. All this tech doesn't come cheap, however: the SightMate is available for around $3,500—that's $2,500 more expensive than most video glasses. [Eyetonomy via DailyTech —Thanks Kyle and Demetrius]

"Never in your life have you ever swallowed anything and it's still sticking out of your mouth, but once you do it, it's easy," he said of the device. It consists of seven fiber optic cables in a capsule about the size of a painkiller, with a 1.4-mm tether that allows the doctor to move the camera around and pull it back up once the exploration is finished.

Testing starts at the Seattle Veterans' Administration hospital next year. Once given the thumbs-up, the reusable gadget (disinfect, rinse, repeat, I guess) is expected to be used in the fight against oesophagal cancer. Normal endoscopes are considerably bigger and can only be swallowed after the patient has been sedated (and liberally greased up, probably).

[CNN]

The researchers will ideally find a means to reconstruct the environment immediately before an asthma attack. So far tested by six volunteers, it may be extended to trials in children. Hopefully, one of the triggers of an asthma attack doesn't prove to be "wearing a 1-lb. sensor array around your neck." [New Scientist]

A medical team from Sunderland and Durham Universities in the UK believe this could help combat the disease, having already tested the idea on mice. In that test, the mice gained better learning ability afterwards. A human test will go ahead in the summer.

Current therapy for Alzheimer's sufferers doesn't correct for cell-loss, which is why this technology may be promising. Infrared treatment, thought to stimulate cell re-growth, was developed first for cold sores (better known by snickering bloggers as "mouth herpes") and according to doctors at the research company Virulite, shining IR lasers at Alzheimer's sufferers led to improvements in eight out of nine cases.

The helmet design uses the same principle, and its trials on real people will use levels of IR equivalent to sunshine in the hope of reversing some of the crippling damage caused by this disease. No word yet when we'll be able to use TV remotes to try and stave off Alzheimer's at home. [BBC News and Daily Mail]

We suspect a lot of processor power may have to be squeezed into a watch to give the caution function any usefulness, but as a design touchstone it's pretty neat and is a step toward medical devices that look good as well as help people. [Yanko Design]

The boffins are confident the robot will be able to aid in general laparoscopic surgery, but the researchers are intending its use to be specially designed for heart bypass operations. The benefits of such procedures against traditional surgery are numerous; patients have a reduced recovery time and incisions are rarely sizable. Given the miniscule scale in which the i-Snake needs to function, it will be quite a feat to have a working model that packs in all the desired features, but if anyone can do it, a team of leading researchers with $4.2 million are probably the best chaps for the challenge. [BBC News]

A student at Braunschweig University of Art called Nicole Schmeidel came up with the idea after watching a film of an 8-year old kid using a clunky insulin pump. Her device, named COR, combines a better delivery system with wrist-watch styling that she hopes will improve the quality of life of diabetics. Multiple piezo-electric transducers, originally designed for European satellites, turn the movements of the wearer into electrical current, which is then stored and used to drive pumps that deliver insulin intravenously.

Nicole intends it to look "like a watch and not a medical device," so its display switches to watch mode when the pump is not operating. The design won an award at the recent Design Technology Student Awards at the Materialica trade fair in Munich, so she is hoping to get COR into production and onto the wrists of diabetes sufferers as soon as possible. – Kit Eaton
[ESA via Eureka]

First of all, photodiodes are attached to a TFT substrate produced using its proprietary amorphous silicon technology. The X-rays are detected photon by photon, before being converted into visible light, which is converted in turn to electrical signals that can be displayed as diagnostic images on a flat panel screen.

The machine also has an image enhancement function to eliminate almost all of the digital image noise interference, in order to provide the highest radiography sensitivity in the industry. The FPXD will not just be confined to medical use, as Samsung has plans to adopt the technology so that it will work with CAT scans, airport security and building inspections. [Samsung Press Release]