Electronic skin patches

Scientists have created a 3D-printed vaccine patch that provides greater protection than a typical vaccine shot. The trick is applying the vaccine patch directly to the skin, which is full of immune cells that vaccines target. The resulting immune response from the vaccine patch was 10 times greater than vaccine delivered into an arm muscle with a needle jab, according to a study conducted in animals.

Drawing inspiration from nature, a team of international scientists have invented a smart device for personalized skin care that collects and monitors body fluids while sticking to the skin's surface, paving the way for more accurate diagnostics and treatment for skin diseases and conditions like acne.

Microtech Ventures have organised a series of events moving more towards the direction of medical wearables and sensors. Events progressed from "Medical MEMS and Sensors", to "Medical Wearables", and now onto a subset within that of "Cardio Wearables". This online event took place with around 100 attendees in August 2021, with presentations from companies, academics, researchers and physicians across three days.

Engineers have developed a soft and stretchy ultrasound patch that can be worn on the skin to monitor blood flow through major arteries and veins deep inside a person's body.

With the establishment of flexible displays behind us, many have asked what the next big development in display technology will be

MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) skin infections are potentially lethal, especially in patients with compromised immune systems. Vancomycin is one of the main treatments and is given as an intravenous injection. The reason the antibiotic is not given locally is because of its low ability to penetrate the skin. It is not given orally either because of poor absorption through the gut.

Insulin delivery is a critical part of diabetes management, particularly for Type 1 diabetics. Delivery of insulin has been achieved by a number of competing approaches over the last few decades, including direct injection, insulin pens and insulin pumps. This articles looks at the ecosystem as it exists today, including the latest developments around trends such as patch pumps and closed-loop delivery within this evolving commercial landscape.

A soft, flexible sensor system created with electrically conductive yarns could help map problematic pressure points in the socket of an amputee's prosthetic limb, researchers report in a new study.

This premium article covers the major launches and themes in the niche wearable technology product areas of skin patches and e-textiles. Despite the "consumer" focus of the event, much of the discussion and product launches of note focused around health and wellness applications, including products on both the consumer and medical side of the regulatory barriers. This article reviews some of the prominent announcements and companies present at this year's virtual event.