During this month of May, scientists managed to find a new way to treat glaucoma and monitor blood glucose. In addition, studies have brought to light the benefits of a little-known therapy to treat long covid. See the five most interesting scientific innovations of the period in question.
MedTech | The 5 most interesting scientific innovations of the month [03/22] MedTech | The 5 most interesting scientific innovations of the month [04/22] Silk lens and prosthesis
A prosthesis made of silk is similar to human cartilage (Image: Liufuyu/Envato Elements)
An article published on the 3rd in Horizon Magazine shed light on a new material used in the creation of prostheses and contact lenses: silk, made by the mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori). There is still no forecast of when silk will reach the market in these devices, but the scientists responsible have already highlighted benefits for patients with presbyopia.
In the knees, the idea is to insert the prosthesis and then fill with tissue fluid. In practice, the material will allow the fabric to regenerate and will be absorbed in the end.
Contact lens capable of treating glaucoma
The lens delivers medication to the eye as needed (Image: Prostock-studio/Envato)
Scientists at Sun Yat-Sen (China) have developed a smart contact lens capable of treating glaucoma, a serious disease caused by increased intraocular pressure, leading to loss of vision. The lens has an outer layer that has six small copper plates arranged in a ring around the pupil, responsible for detecting ocular deformation.
The inner layer of this lens – which represents one of the most interesting scientific innovations of the month – is loaded with a medicine that is released only when the lens “deems it necessary”, that is, when it receives a signal from the computer through an antenna.
Microneedles to monitor glucose
On the 9th, a study conducted by scientists at the University of California (USA) highlighted a device with microneedles, capable of monitoring blood glucose and alcohol levels, simultaneously and in real time. The device works like an adhesive, and the microneedles detect biomolecules present in the fluid that surrounds the cells under the skin. Then the information is passed to an application.
For detection, the tips of the needles have different enzymes, which react to glucose, alcohol and lactate, an acid produced by muscles, red blood cells and brain cells during certain physical activities. These reactions generate small electrical currents, and the results are displayed in the app.
Healing biodegradable foam
Skin injuries can be treated in an innovative way, thanks to scientists (Image: Diana Polekhina/Unsplash)
As we reported this month, researchers at Vanderbilt University (USA) described the discovery of a biodegradable foam capable of healing skin wounds. The experiments conducted on pigs were successful.
The idea of ??foam is to stop the inflammatory process and improve blood supply. In practice, the technology reduces the reactive oxygen elements released during necrosis and inflammation, which in turn decreases oxidative stress. As the regenerated tissue replaces the damaged tissue, the product degrades. Human trials are expected to start soon.
Light-based therapy to treat long covid
Therapy uses light to contain long-term consequences of covid-19 (Image: CEPOF/Agência Fapesp)
The list of the most interesting scientific innovations of the month of May ends with a light-based therapy, capable of treating long covid. The idea comes from Brazilian researchers, and the information was published in the scientific journal Laser Physics Letters. They developed a boot to recover the circulatory system, which uses laser technology.
Light is applied to stimulate metabolism and contribute to cell proliferation and healing or on photosensitizing molecules and an external light source to produce reactive oxygen species and inactivate potentially harmful microorganisms.