Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is an umbrella term that encompasses the communication methods used to supplement or replace speech or writing for those with impairments in the production or comprehension of spoken or written language. AAC is used by those with a wide range of speech and language impairments, including congenital impairments such as cerebral palsy, intellectual impairment and autism, and acquired conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson's d...

Alcon, the global leader in eye care and a division of Novartis, announced today that it has achieved FDA approval for the CyPass® Micro-Stent, a micro invasive glaucoma surgical (MIGS) device to treat patients with mild to moderate primary open-angle glaucoma in conjunction with cataract surgery. CyPass Micro-Stent is the latest addition to Alcon's surgical portfolio providing an additional option to meet the needs of millions of glaucoma patients. The FDA approval is based on the landmark C...

A dream is successions of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations that usually occurs involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep. The content and purpose of dreams are not definitively understood, though they have been a topic of scientific speculation, as well as a subject of philosophical and religious interest, throughout recorded history. The scientific study of dreams is called oneirology. One aim of neuroscience is to map the brain loci of thoughts and mental experiences. ...

Marya Lieberman of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame and Abigail Weaver, a postdoctoral associate in the University’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, took up the challenge of how people in developing countries could detect low-quality antimalarial drugs without expensive equipment and without handling dangerous chemicals. The solution they developed involves using paper cards, embedded with reagents, that carry o...

University of California, San Diego bioengineers have demonstrated in a study in pigs that a new injectable hydrogel can repair damage from heart attacks, help the heart grow new tissue and blood vessels, and get the heart moving closer to how a healthy heart should. The results of the study were published Feb. 20 in Science Translational Medicine and clear the way for clinical trials to begin this year in Europe. The gel is injected through a catheter without requiring surgery or general anesth...

A team of Harvard University researchers with expertise in 3D printing, mechanical engineering, and microfluidics has demonstrated the first autonomous, untethered, entirely soft robot. This small, 3D-printed robot — nicknamed the octobot — could pave the way for a new generation of completely soft, autonomous machines. In this video, see the octobot in action. It is the first entirely soft, autonomous robot, made by a combination of embedded 3D printing, modeling, and soft lithography. Credit:...

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved an expanded indication for the Sapien XT and Sapien 3 transcatheter heart valves for patients with aortic valve stenosis who are at intermediate risk for death or complications associated with open-heart surgery. These devices were previously approved only in patients at high or greater risk for death or complications during surgery. Edwards Lifesciences is an American medical equipment company specializing in artificial heart valves and he...

Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design graduate Liron Gino has designed a set of jewellery-like devices that allow people that have challenge hearing to experience music through vibration. The Vibeat collection is an alternative to headphones that features a necklace, bracelet and pin with circular modules attached to them. What is music like when you can't hear it? It's a question that sounds like a philosophical debate on par with trees falling in the woods and single hands clapping, but thi...

Smart ring claims to measure calorie and protein intake and a whole lot ... bio-impedance sensor and optical heart rate sensor to capture data The BioRing utilizes three sensors - 3-axis accelerometer, bio-impedance and optical HR sensor give you an unique insight into your body and diet. When you eat, your food consists of primarily carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Carbs are broken down into glucose, which is transported into your cells with the help of insulin. When glucose enters yo...