All articles by Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Cormica expands European operations with acquisition of Zwisler Laboratorium GmbH
Cormica, a global leader in life sciences testing and consulting, has completed the acquisition of Zwisler Laboratorium, a premier provider of laboratory services headquartered in Reichenau, Germany.
A counterfeit cure
Counterfeit medical devices are a rising problem: a single 2020 operation, coordinated by Europol and involving 27 countries, seized some 33 million devices. Yet if these devices are obviously dangerous to users, and financially troublesome for legitimate manufacturers, solutions are available. One of the most interesting involves holograms. The most modern examples, after all, can quickly confirm genuine devices – and lead to the seizure and destruction of fake alternatives. Andrea Valentino learns more, with help from Dr Mark Deakes of the International Hologram Manufacturers Association.
A new kind of catheter coating
Urinary catheters are an essential medical device. But there’s always a risk that bacteria could colonise, forming antibiotic-resistant biofilms – and ultimately sparking catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). No wonder scientists at Sheffield Hallam University have been hard at work on solutions, developing antimicrobial sol-gel coatings to keep devices clean. Abi Millar talks to Dr Tim Nichol, a microbiology and biosciences lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University, about the work his team is doing to address this problem.
Laser focused
In the world of medical lasers, smaller can be an effective ‘holy grail’. This is both true for the manufacturing of devices and in the laser outputs some of these devices use. With Japanese researchers claiming to have shrunk the size of a laser focal spot to just a few nanometres, Dan Cave speaks with Dr Jon Exley, honorary secretary of the British Medical Laser Association, to find out what practical applications this research might have, and what’s next in the world of laser manufacturing.
Unlocking synthetic cells
From a research perspective, synthetic cells are irresistible. Some scientists look at them to better understand life itself; others so that life may be helped. And with new claims of a ‘world-first breakthrough’ from the University of Carolina around how human-made cells are used in medical applications, could their star yet rise still further? Dan Cave speaks to Dr Petra Schwille, director at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry and steering committee member at SynCellEU, to find out more about how these cells work, ethical dilemmas around their use – and whether touted medical breakthroughs are imminent.
Inspired by nature
The bio-inspired and biomimetic medical market is predicted to grow at a fast rate over the next decade. But where exactly is the focus — and what is driving research and application in this dynamic area? With a new mussel-inspired medical coating making headlines, due to its effective antimicrobial properties, Dan Cave speaks to Salvio Suárez-Garcia, a researcher at the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, and Professor Marc-Olivier Coppens, vice dean at the UCL Centre for Nature Inspired Engineering, to fi nd out more about bio-inspiration and real-world application.
AI and the future of material discovery
What if, rather than depending on trial and error, luck and serendipity in their search for new materials, scientists could instead employ powerful algorithms to discover them faster and more intentionally? Andrea Valentino reports on the work researchers at Google DeepMind are carrying out in this field.
The 5G future
Technological advancements are radically changing how surgeons can conduct surgeries remotely in new and exciting ways. They also have the potential to free up staff time – and slash waiting lists for treatments. But can 5G connectivity keep up to deliver this new world of medicine, and what is still needed to unlock these new opportunities? Lauren Hurrell talks to Mischa Dohler, VP of emerging technology at Ericsson, to learn more.
Dial up the volume
Dialysis has traditionally relied on so-called high-flux hemodialysis technology, which uses diffusion to remove small molecules from the blood. Yet this approach is far from perfect, not least around the quality of fluid required. Over recent times, however, researchers have been experimenting with something called high-volume haemodiafiltration. Incorporating both diffusion and convection techniques, it promises to eliminate larger molecules from the blood, and effectively manage fluid replacement. Monica Karpinski investigates, talking to experts across the sector.
A new dimension in 3D printing
3D printing is now everywhere in medical manufacturing. That’s hardly surprising: from cranial implants to surgical instruments, it can offer vast benefits to patients. At the same time, researchers are perfecting additive manufacturing machines themselves. An excellent new example is so-called VIPS-3DP technology, which allows manufacturers to craft devices of remarkable lightness. Even better, it’s cheaper than older 3D printing methods – and more sustainable. Abi Millar speaks to Professor Yong Huang of the University of Florida, who developed the technique, to learn more.