wearable devices Archives - Medical Design Sourcing

Scientists report wearable breakthrough in electric control of DNA

In what they believe is a wearable breakthrough, researchers stimulated engineered cells to control insulin expression in mice. [Illustration by Nathan Devery via Adobe Stock]

Researchers at ETH Zurich in Switzerland say they’ve made a wearable breakthrough, developing an electrogenetic interface to enable transgene expression in human cells.

They call their work DART, for direct current (DC)-actuated regulation technology. It uses power “to generate non-toxic levels of reactive oxygen species that act via a biosensor to reversibly fine-tune synthetic promoters,” they said in a paper published in Nature Metabolism.

“We designed an electrogenetic interface consisting of genetic components that render human cells responsive to DC-triggered electrostimulation and enable exclusive, DC-adjustable transgene expression,” the researcher said.

The researchers bel…

iRhythm plans silent AFib screening pilots, high-level hires and Zio Watch evaluations

iRhythm’s Zio XT cardiac monitor [Image from iRhythm]

iRhythm Technologies (NSDQ:IRTC) has big plans for 2022 and its remote external electrocardiogram monitors as the medical device developer gears up for growth.

President and CEO Quentin Blackford is looking to hire an international general manager among other roles in the coming months, he told Medical Design & Outsourcing after presenting at this month’s 2022 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, where he laid out his vision for profitably scaling the company.

Asked by MDO whether Blackford is planning a reorganization or restructuring after he discussed the cost-consciousness side of his growth plans, an external spokesperson offered more details from the CEO.

“At a leadership level, we are actively structuring our C-suite in order to create long-term sustainable growth,” Blackford said. “The goal is to enable iRhythm to be a glo…

FDA clears AFib notification on Apple Watch

An FDA letter confirms that Apple (NSDQ:AAPL) received 510(k) clearance for an irregular heart rhythm notification on the Apple Watch.

The letter, dated Oct. 22, stated that, after reviewing Apple’s 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device, the FDA determined that the device is substantially equivalent to legally marketed predicate devices for the indications Apple sought.

Get the full story at our sister site, MassDevice.

3 pitfalls to avoid when choosing fasteners for wearables

[Photo courtesy of YKK]

Though they’re a small component, fasteners play a critical role in device performance.

Keith Glaser, YKK (U.S.A.)

Medical wearables technology — devices worn on the body or clothing that diagnose, treat or alleviate disease, or help mitigate injuries — has advanced significantly in recent years. While many people think of fitness trackers and health watches, this booming market also includes items like orthopedic braces, wearable injectors and compression garments.

Fasteners play a critical role in product performance, even though they are a small component of the overall device. They are probably the most frequently touched part of the product, used to attach it to the body or make it tighter or looser based on user need.

Let’s explore three key pitfalls to avoid when choosing fasteners that can result in underperforming wearables, wasted time and money and missed opp…