Technology

Will we one day grow replacement limbs and organs?

With the development of tissue-growing capabilities, scientists are pursuing different techniques that may allow the growth of artificial organs to repair the human body.

iPads increase residents' efficiency

Doctors-in-training who were given iPads to view patient records and organise care have said that the technology has allowed them to cut an hour a day off their workload.

Can surgeons learn skills on YouTube and Facebook?

Surgeon Dr Martin Young was able to brush up on his bass guitar playing by watching lessons on YouTube.

Microchip that delivers medication developed

A newly developed microchip can time-release medication into the bloodstream of patients via implantation through swallowing, injection or inhalation. The finger-tip sized chip has been in development for a dozen or so years and a recent four-month trial, in which bone-strengthening hormones were delivered to patients with osteoporosis through the microchips, was completed successfully.

Surgical 'crab' robot released

A surgical robot based on the movements of a crab – with a pincer and a hook – has been developed by researchers in Singapore to remove early-stage stomach cancers.

3D printer-created jaw fitted to woman

A 3D-printed lower jaw has been fitted in an 83-year-old woman – a world first, according to doctors. The implant, made of titanium powder and fused together in layers by a laser, was designed through a 3D digital design process and printed within a few hours.

Broadcaster Angela D’Audney’s cancer treatment wish now real

Cancer patients will soon benefit from the first radiotherapy programme of its kind to arrive in New Zealand.

Ultrasound 'zap' may stop sperm

Giving the testicles a dose of ultrasound treatment can halt the production of sperm, says a recent study published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. Research undertaken on rats found that sound waves could reduce sperm count to levels that would qualify as infertility in humans.

Magnetic therapy may help stroke patients

Stimulating the brain with magnetic treatment may help stroke patients recover control in parts of their body that have been paralysed by a stroke.

Cryo-therapy used in key hole surgery with photographs

Two Tauranga women were recently the first recipients of specialist Renal Cryo-therapy surgery using key-hole surgery in Tauranga Hospital. This is the first time the treatment has been offered as part of a suite of less radical forms of urologic surgery in a New Zealand public hospital.

Communication with head injury patients possible

Scientists have discovered a way to communicate with brain damaged patients in a vegetative state.

Lab-grown pituitary glands offer hope

Scientists in Kobe, Japan have grown functioning pituitary glands in a lab. Using stem cells taken from a mouse embryo that were transplanted into mice with lowered pituitary gland function, the implanted glands raised the level of hormones missing in their bodies.

3D modelling could offer clues to operation success

Researchers at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI) have been developing computer software that could allow surgeons to predict how successful an operation will be.

Linear Accelerator at CHCH Hospital officially opened

Canterbury’s newest Linear Accelerator was officially opened in Christchurch today.

Pacific Edge awarded more patents for cancer diagnostics

Dunedin-based biomedical company Pacific Edge has added to its suite of patents with patents having issued in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand for the company’s technology for the detection of gastric cancer.

Waikato: All work and no play for attendants on mobiles

Waikato District Health Board (DHB) recently launched a new integrated system at Waikato Hospital using mobile phone technology to manage services and allocate jobs to attendants to reduce wasted time.

Blood test predicts death

A blood test that measures chromosomes is, according to its developers, able to predict lifespan.

Canterbury to benefit from health info sharing system

A new way of sharing health information will be introduced in Canterbury later this month.

Heart therapy not approved by DHBs

A new form of therapy known as enhanced external counter pulsation (EECP) therapy claims to improve the circulatory system, lower blood pressure, relieve stable angina and enhance overall body functions.

Advance in Development of Patient-Specific Stem Cells

New York, NYA team of scientists led by Dieter Egli and Scott Noggle at The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Laboratory in New York City have made an important advance in the development of patient-specific stem cells that could impact the study and treatment of diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s.