Locusts as a diagnostic tool? | Ultrasound and carpal tunnel

Locusts as a diagnostic tool?

EAST LANSING, MI–We’re not even sure how locusts became a tool in healthcare studies, but researchers at Michigan State University have demonstrated that the insects can “smell” the difference between cancer cells and health cells. That doesn’t mean doctors are going to add locusts to their to their arsenal, along with stethoscopes and thermometers. The work could provide the basis for devices that use insect sensory neurons to enable the early detection of cancer using only a patient’s breath.

Expandable port for brain surgery

ST. PAUL, MN–An expandable port that provides deep brain access and visualization during surgical treatment of stroke, cancer, and other conditions is now on the market. The device, MindsEye, was created by Cerevention, a division of Minnetronix Medical. Mizuho America has secured the exclusive agreement to distribute the port in the U.S.

Using ultrasound in carpal tunnel treatment

EAGAN, MI–Carpal tunnel surgery is the second most common type of surgery, with well over 230,000 procedures performed annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. So it’s a surgical area ripe for innovation. Sonex Health is enrolling the first patient in a clinical study to treat carpal tunnel syndrome with its FDA-cleared UltraGuideCTR and real-time ultrasound guidance. The treatment may reduce the amount of incisions that have to be made, allowing patients to get back to their activities sooner.

Startup uses tech that allows physical therapy at home

CINCINNATI, OH–BandConnect, a University of Cincinnati Venture Lab-backed startup, has created technology that allows physical therapy patients to have an in-clinic experience at home while providing clinicians insight into their patients’ form and progress. Sensors in the handles of the fitness equipment allow physical therapists to monitor their patients’ progress remotely after the workout is complete.