JDRF, ADA redefine Type 1 diabetes framework to encourage early diagnosis, prevention

In an effort aimed at encouraging earlier diagnosis and even potentially prevention for Type 1 diabetes, the JDRF and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) have published a new evaluation of the presymptomatic staging of Type 1 diabetes.  Currently, Type 1 diabetes is typically not diagnosed until the patient in symptomatic–frequently in the emergency room with acute symptoms.

Paraplegic walks by guiding a robotic skeleton with the brain via an EEG system

Robotic exoskeletons to enable paraplegics to walk that are manually controlled have been around for years; arm and hand prosthetics that can be mentally manipulated and enable sensation have also been developed.  Now, researchers have combined some of these capabilities to enable a paraplegic to walk using a robotic exoskeleton controlled by the brain via an electroencephalogram (EEG)-based system.

FDA’s new patient-centric advisory committee to provide additional input on device regulation

The FDA’s device arm (CDRH) announced the launch of the Patient Engagement Advisory Committee to provide additional perspective on topics like patient preference information, risk-benefit determinations and device labeling.  The move is an attempt to ensure that the actual users of devices can influence decision-making, in addition to industry and the medical community.

Study: Cancer-cell mopping implant could stop disease in its tracks

Researchers have long searched for ways to track cancer cells as they proliferate and stop them from spreading. Now, scientists in the U.S. are developing a sponge-like device that can mop up cancer cells as they move through the body, potentially offering an early warning sign to doctors.