A new flexible, self-healing hydrogel that could replace cartilage can be stretched it to 21 times its length before breaking. (Source: Jeong-Yun Sun/Harvard University)
bobj, glad you liked the article. I hope you were doing all that running on earth, not concrete. This technology is very much in its infancy, as are most of the discoveries I write on reported by universities, instead of commercial companies. That said, hydrogels as a class have a history as cartilage replacements already, so the timeline might be shorter than "normal," if there is such a thing. I guess growing up in Silicon Valley makes me appreciative of Heiseneberg. Anyway, I also have hip issues, although so far only in winter.
Given that Hydrogels are already being used for cartilage replacement, what would the best case scenario be for getting this new material approved for use? Would clinical trials first be required?
Charles, they are clamming that more than 90% of cartilages can regenerate through magnetic therapy within 6-9 months. Moreover, they had shown me some of the cases of their old patients. But when I check with other medical professionals, they said, it's a like a form of alternate medicine and so far it's not medically proven. Bit confusing!!
Ann, as of now knee replacement surgery is the only proven and effective treatment for cartilage wear & tear. Ofcource there are some treatments in alternative medicines like Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Magnetic therapy etc. But such treatments are not widely accepted and even not medically proven. They will first do the treatment for pain management and for most of the patients that's enough to get relief.
Mydesign, I looked into various forms of magnetic "healing" back in the 1990s. Some alternative medicine methods actually work, sometimes or even a lot of the time. But so-called magnetic therapy is just a false claim. You're right, surgery is the only proven method of treating cartilage problems. Too bad it's so expensive.
As a person with an ACL replacement (1988) and subsequent wear damage to the meniscus and surrounding cartilage, I can only hope this material is approved for surgical applications within the next few years.
"You're right, surgery is the only proven method of treating cartilage problems. Too bad it's so expensive."
Ann, in my country knee replace surgeries are cheaper when compare with the magnetic therapy for cartilage regeneration. A complete single knee replacement cost you less than $3000. At the same time for magnetic therapy they are charging $500-600 per sitting and it require minimum of 6-9 sittings.
Mydesign, I knew the cost of surgery is much lower in non-Western countries, but that's hugely less. And the cost for magnetic therapy looks a lot higher than here (at least the last time I checked several years ago).
Inspired by the hooks a parasitic worm uses to penetrate its host's intestines, the Karp Lab has invented a flexible adhesive patch covered with microneedles that adheres well to wet, soft tissues, but doesn't cause damage when removed.
Engineers at the University of California, San Diego are designing a robotic arm that takes inspiration from the loose, flexible, yet very strong structure of the armored plates on a seahorse's tail.
Researchers at the Missouri University of Science & Technology have designed a new nanoscale material that can transmit light faster than the 186,000 miles per second it usually takes to travel through air.
It has often been said that as California goes, so goes the nation. This spring, the state's wind power is setting energy generation records and solar energy generation is expected to rise sharply during the second half of 2013.
The latest model of Liquid Robotics' Wave Glider autonomous, unmanned marine vehicle (UMV), the SV3, is reportedly the world's first hybrid wave- and solar-power-propelled unmanned ocean robot.
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A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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