Advancing health through innovation

Technology is leading the way towards better prevention, diagnosis and treatment

MAGNETIC SIMULATION FOR MUSCLE RECOVERY: Called MRegen, this novel medical device makes use of magnetic fields to simulate the biological effects of exercise and promote muscle recovery. PHOTOS: NUS INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
IMPLANTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES FOR DRUG THERAPY: These tiny, implantable wireless devices can deliver light into deep regions of the body to activate light-sensitive drugs for the precise treatment of various cancers, such as brain and liver cancer.
ORGAN-ON-CHIP PLATFORMS FOR DRUG TESTING: Microfluidic human organ-on-chip platforms can remove the reliance on animal models for the testing of drugs for illnesses such as cancer and diabetes.
E-SKIN FOR PROSTHETICS: Various types of e-skins, such as those that are transparent, stretchable, self-healing and with an exceptional sense of touch, are being developed for various applications, including more realistic prosthetic limbs that will help disabled individuals restore their sense of touch.
LIQUID BIOPSY BIOCHIPS FOR DISEASE DIAGNOSIS: Innovative biochips are being developed to detect diseased cells and cellular particles from small amounts of blood obtained through a blood draw. This can lead to quick and accurate diagnosis, as well as real-time monitoring of various diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
SMART INSOLE FOR DIABETIC FOOT ULCER MANAGEMENT: With this smart insole, diabetic patients can use an app to identify where they are putting most pressure on their feet – allowing them to take a break from walking and reduce pressure on the affected areas. This could help cut foot ulcer rates among diabetics.
PRECISION THERAPY FOR PANCREATIC CANCER: By growing pancreatic cancer cells obtained from patients, drug tests can be performed to determine the most precise treatment and doses, so as to reduce side effects and improve survival.
WEARABLE PULSE MONITORING SENSOR: Highly sensitive and ultra-thin, this soft, flexible and stretchable microfibre sensor can be used to monitor a patient’s vital signs and for bandage pressure-sensing during management of venous ulcers.
AI-DRIVEN APP FOR HEALTHY EATING: This mobile app recognises images of food, and runs recommendation algorithms to help users track and improve their diet.
Lim Chwee Teck
Updated
Aug 10, 2019, 05:00 AM
Published
Aug 10, 2019, 05:00 AM
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Singaporeans are living longer than ever, and the country has recently topped the world in life expectancy at 84.8 years.

Longer life can bring opportunities and continual contributions to the community, but this depends on one important factor: health. According to a recent Health Ministry report, 10.6 of those years will be spent in illness.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 10, 2019, with the headline Advancing health through innovation. Subscribe

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