Decoupling Transmission and Transduction for Improved Durability of Highly Stretchable, Soft Strain Sensing: Applications in Human Health Monitoring.

This work presents a modular approach to the development of strain sensors for large deformations. The proposed method separates the extension and signal transduction mechanisms using a soft, elastomeric transmission and a high-sensitivity microelectromechanical system (MEMS) transducer. By separating the transmission and transduction, they can be optimized independently for application-specific mechanical and electrical performance.

Circulatory Support: Artificial Muscles for the Future of Cardiovascular Assist Devices.

Artificial muscles enable the design of soft implantable devices which are poised to transform the way we mechanically support the heart today. Heart failure is a prevalent and deadly disease, which is treated with the implantation of rotary blood pumps as the only alternative to heart transplantation. The clinically used mechanical devices are associated with severe adverse events, which are reflected here in a comprehensive list of critical requirements for soft active devices of the future: low power, no blood contact, pulsatile support, physiological responsiveness, high cycle life, and less-invasive implantation.

Adequate levels of dietary sulphur amino acids impart improved liver and gut health in juvenile yellowtail kingfish ().

The sulphur amino acids methionine (Met) and cysteine (Cys) and their derivative taurine (Tau) are metabolically active molecules with interlinked roles in nutritional requirements. Deficiencies in these nutrients are linked to poor growth and health; however, the impacts of these deficiencies on organ structure and function are largely unknown. This study examined the effects of dietary Met, Cys and Tau fed at different levels on yellowtail kingfish (YTK) liver histology and surface colour, plasma biochemistry and posterior intestine histology.

DynaRing: A Patient-Specific Mitral Annuloplasty Ring With Selective Stiffness Segments.

Annuloplasty ring choice and design are critical to the long-term efficacy of mitral valve (MV) repair. DynaRing is a selectively compliant annuloplasty ring composed of varying stiffness elastomer segments, a shape-set nitinol core, and a cross diameter filament. The ring provides sufficient stiffness to stabilize a diseased annulus while allowing physiological annular dynamics.

A new open-access platform for measuring and sharing mTBI data.

Despite numerous research efforts, the precise mechanisms of concussion have yet to be fully uncovered. Clinical studies on high-risk populations, such as contact sports athletes, have become more common and give insight on the link between impact severity and brain injury risk through the use of wearable sensors and neurological testing. However, as the number of institutions operating these studies grows, there is a growing need for a platform to share these data to facilitate our understanding of concussion mechanisms and aid in the development of suitable diagnostic tools.