The May 2016 science ideas reveal major breakthroughs when it comes to healthcare. Not only are researchers developing tools that make it easier for doctors to diagnose and treat patients, but they are also designing tools that empower consumers to take their health and wellbeing into their own hands.
When it comes to scientific breakthroughs aiding the medical community, many of these tools are designed to help improve the speed and accuracy of diagnoses. For instance, a team of researchers at the Free University of Brussels developed a smart scalpel that can detect brain tumors. Similarly, researchers in Sweden and South Africa teamed up to design a handheld tool for diagnosing ear infections.
Beyond devices used by medical professionals, the May 2016 science trends also reveal that a growing number of tools are being developed to help consumers address common health issues at home. Some examples of these products include wearable sensors that can detect signs of oncoming seizures, wallet-sized EpiPens that are easy to carry and smart bands that can detect the onset of allergic reactions. All of these devices are designed to empower consumers to take their health into their own hands.
Top 65 Science Ideas in May
64
Bacteria-Powered Lighting
Glowee Uses Bioluminescent Bacteria as a Sustainable Source of Light
63
Reclaimed Tire Mosquito Traps
The Ovillanta Traps Are Made Out Of Discarded Automobile Tires
62
Solar-Powered Water Devices
WaterDrop is Capable of Producing Water in the Desert
61
Solar Cell-Embedded Roads
'Solmove' is Designing a Flexible Glass Carpet Filled with Solar Cells
60
3D-Printed Generators
This DIY Hand Crank Generator Can Generate 30 Watts of Power
59
DIY Security Cameras
This Microsoft Project Lets You Build Your Own Security Camera
58
Rainproof Solar Panels
New Solar Cell Technology Could Absorb Energy in Overcast Conditions
57
Floating Solar Panels
The Heliofloat System Allows Solar Panels to Withstand Heavy Seas
56
Camera-Controlled Contacts
Samsung is Aiming to Offer Smart Contact Lenses with VR Capabilities
55
Sun-Filtering Tents
This Dermatological Sun Shade Blocks Out Harmful Rays
54
Solar Energy-Storing Batteries
New Zinc-Manganese Power Units Hold Energy from Renewable Sources
53
Smartphone Spectroscopy Kits
This Blood Testing Kit Can Be Easily Used At Home
52
Wearable Electronic Sensors
The E-Skin Sensors Can Be Fixed to the Skin Like Temporary Tattoos
51
Portable Drug Production Systems
This MIT System Allows Rapid Production Of Numerous Drugs
50
Eco-Friendly Plane Wing Designs
A Collaboration Between NASA and Boeing Could Cut Plane Emissions
49
Mine-Blasting Submersibles
This Remotely Operated Vehicle Can Locate and Destroy Sea Mines
48
Sonic Boom-Preventing Jets
The Quiet Supersonic Flight Could Help Reduce Noise Pollution
47
Allergic Reaction Trackers
'Aibi' is a Wearable Device That Helps Children Monitor Their Allergies
46
Wallet-Sized EpiPens
The AdrenaCard Makes It More Convenient to Carry an EpiPen
45
Hoverboard Fire-Smothering Bags
The iFixit Smother Bag Puts Out Hoverboard Fires Quickly
44
Space Junk-Detecting Systems
The Space Fence System Enables Object Detection In Low-Earth Orbit
43
Tumor-Neutralizing Patches
This Microneedle Patch Can Deliver Immunotherapy Drugs to Tumor Sites
42
Solar-Powered Bus Shelters
London's New Solar Bus Shelters Use Photovoltaic Technology
41
Pee-Powered Batteries
This Microbial Fuel Cell is Powered By Bacteria From Human Urine
40
Pulverized Coal Processing Systems
This Hybrid Energy System Enables Cleaner Coal Processing
39
Drone Traffic Control Systems
NASA's Innovative System Will Monitor and Regulate Drone Traffic
38
3D-Printed Jet Engines
The GE Aviation 'GE9X' Engine was Created Using 3D Printers
37
Boiler Tube Cleaning Robots
These Robots Can Clean Out the Walls Of Power Station Boiler Tubes
36
Battery-Free Computers
Wireless Identification and Sensing Platform Sucks Power Out of Thin Air
35
Martian Housing Projects
RedWorks Aims to Use Martian Soil to Create Buildings on the Red Planet
34
Serpentine Industrial Robots
This Snake Robot Can Inspect and Repair Underwater Equipment
33
Live-Stream VR Surgeries
'Medical Realities' Broadcasted the First Public VR Surgery
32
Infrared Range-Finding Systems
This System Can Convert Personal Vehicles Into Autonomous Ones
31
Seizure-Sensing Earpieces
This Wearable Sensor Can Detect and Measure Signs of Impending Seizures
30
Genetics-Revealing Apps
myGenome Makes Your Full Genome Sequencing Available via Your Smartphone
29
Smartphone-Controlled Greenhouses
The EcoQube Air Desktop Greenhouse Can Be Monitored Via Phone
28
Mind-Tricking Motion Simulators
vMocion Creates the Illusion of Motion for VR Headset Users
27
Brain-Controlled Drone Races
The University of Florida Creates the First Race of Its Kind
26
Double-Sided Pills
This Unique Pill is Perfect For Long-Term Drug Delivery
25
Sensor-Packed Vulture Eggs
These Electronic Eggs Will Help Study Vulture's Habitats
24
Smartphone Node Initiatives
The Phonvert Project Uses Old Phones For Internet of Things Projects
23
Natural Air Cleaning Systems
'Airlabs' is Harnessing Natural Processes to Clean the Atmosphere
22
Grant Application Concierge Services
Instrumentl Helps Research Scientists Apply for Grants
21
Versatile Development Boards
These Internet of Things Development Board Encourages Creativity
20
Diagnostic Ear Devices
This Handheld Tool Easily and Accurately Diagnoses Ear Infections
19
Electric Cargo-Lifting Devices
The RazerLift Electric Lift Lets You Easily Lift and Unload Cargo
18
Flexible Sheet Cameras
This Sheet Lens Could Be Used For Wraparound Camera Applications
17
Sterile Solar-Powered Shelters
The Sterile Box Could Mitigate the Spread of Infections
16
Gravity-Detecting Gadgets
This Prototype 'Gravimeter' Can Detect Impending Earthquakes
15
3D-Printed Artificial Limbs
The Youbionic Bionic Hand is Controlled by Muscle Contractions
14
Astronaut Telescope Auctions
This Memorabilia Auction Features a High-Tech Telephoto Lens
13
Camera-Integrated Laser Cutters
The Mr. Beam II Laser Cutter is Precise and Easy To Use
12
Miniscule Television Antennae
This Tiny Television Antenna Doesn't Compromise On Signal Quality
11
Student-Designed Spacecraft
This Mini Satellite Would Cost Less Than a $1000 to Deploy To Space
10
Tumor-Detecting Scalpels
This Smart Scalpel Can Distinguish Between Tumors & Regular Brain Tissue
9
Wireless Car Charger Systems
This Car Charging System Offers Optimum Efficiency and Power
8
Brain-Inspired Supercomputers
This Supercomputing Platform Was Developed By IBM
7
Pollution-Preventing Printing Plastics
This 3D Printer Plastic Breaks Down Pollutants
6
Bacteria-Boosted Batteries
This Experimental Battery Uses Bacteria to Recharge Itself
5
Trial Patient-Finding Portals
HDP Health Helps the Ill Find a Clinical Trial for Their Condition
4
Crowdsourced Fever Research Apps
The Feverprints App Helps Doctors Collect Fever Data
3
Haze-Reducing Photo Systems
The Spectral Edge Imaging System Sharpens Images Using Infrared
2
Deep-Diving Robots
This Research Robot Will Study Microbes Living Beneath Lake Yellowstone
1
Reconstructive Body Funerals
The Longhua Funeral Parlor Uses 3D-Printing to Rebuild Lost Limbs
Related Ideas
Noninvasive Smartwatch Glucose Monitors
Samsung's Galaxy Watch Will Have Advanced Sensors
Scientific-Grade Smart Rings
The 'Iris' Smart Ring Offers Actionable Insights into Health
Smart Safety Helmets
SmartHat is the Construction Wearable of the Future
Mood-Powered Smartphone Speakers
The Conceptual 'MIX:X' Speaker by Junyoung Lee is Intelligent
Handheld K-Beauty Devices
APR Corp. is Bringing Advanced K-Beauty Tech to CES 2024
Smart Aid Kits
Smart Aid Kit Uses Artificial Intelligence to Support Health
Multipurpose Diagnostic Health Monitors
Withings BeamO Shows Off a Four-in-One Design at CES 2024
Wellness Bone Conduction Wearables
The 'Era Sync' Wearable Device by Luca Persico is Futuristic
Headphone Hair Growth Headsets
The CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Regrowth Device is FDA-Cleared
Relaxing Brain-Stimulating Headsets
The 'SLEEPISOL+' Headset Provides Four Brainwave Modes
Bone Conduction Hearing Aids
The 'Rezonance' Hearing Aid Concept Prioritizes Comfort
Sea-Inspired Wireless Earbuds
The Conceptual Bose Wireless TWS Earbuds Have a Stemless Design
Connected Menstruation Products
The Emm Smart Menstrual Cup is Integrated with Biosensors
Connected Medication Reminder Holders
The Conceptual Ownum Pod from the Rule Studio is Advanced
Infection-Detecting Wound Coverings
The SmartHEAL Sensor Connects Through RFID to Monitor Wounds
Smart Sleep-Aid Earbuds
LG Breeze is a Sleep-Tech Innovation at CES 2023
Branded eSports Earbuds
These Sony PlayStation Earbuds Have SIE-Developed Wireless Technology
Anxiety-Reducing Earplug Designs
Matter & University of the Arts London Debut the Helical Earplug
AI-Powered Healthcare Pods
CarePods are the World's First Artificial Intelligence Doctor's Offices
Retrofuturism Streaming Headphones
The Conceptual 'FUTUREAHEAD' Headset by Olga Orel is
Digital Health Evaluation Tools
Mayo Clinic Unveils the Solutions Studio for Workflow Integration
Smart Scalp Care Devices
Dr. Finger Volume Booster ver. 2.0 is a CES 2023 Beauty-Tech Innovation
Female-Focused Smart Rings
The Movano 'Evie' Smart Ring Has a Medical-Grade Design
Phygital To-Do List Devices
The Conceptual 'PRESS' Task Device Helps Users Focus
AI-Powered Skincare Devices
The Tri-Light +SABI AI Uses Data to Enhance Users' Skincare Routines
Wearable Skin Sensors
HapSense Helps Scientists Accelerate the Analysis of Cosmetic Products
Waste-Combatting Food Scanners
The OneThird Food Scanners Include Three Models
Illuminated eSports Earbuds
The Conceptual Cyberpunk Earbuds by Tim Chen are Gaming-Ready
Hummingbird-Inspired Ear Cleaners
The 'EarBuddy' Ear Cleaning Device Has a Gentle, Reusable Design
Advanced Heart-Tracking Patches
This Wearable Ultrasound Patch Envisions Real-TIme Heart Scans
Wearable At-Home Body Scanners
ZOZOFIT Brings Cutting-Edge Tech to the Homes of Consumers
Self-Adjusting Smart Pillows
The TESLA Smart Pillow Enhances Sleep with Three Smart Features
Fine-Tuned Aluminum Earbuds
The Latest Technics Earbuds Offer a Customized Fit
Therapeutic Head Wearables
Cognito Therapeutics is Testing a Headset that Treats a Few Conditions
AI-Powered Skin Analyzers
mySkin F.A.I.N Brings Medical-Grade Results to Smartphones at CES 2023
Digital Meditation Service Devices
The Conceptual Headspace Companion by Pascal Grangier is Cute
AI-Informed Glucose Monitors
January AI Launches an AI Health App for Predicting Glucose Response
Sensory Immersion Tools
Lifelines Activate the Body's Natural Stress Relivers
Multipurpose Scent-Releasing Wearables
Researchers at Stockholm University Created the 'Nosewise'
Mind-Training Headbands
Alphabeats Helps Wearers Prime Their Mind to Enter a Flow State
AI-Enabled Brain Implants
Northwell Health's Team Develops a Brain Implant Technology
Eye-Tracking Sleep Masks
SomaSleep is a CES 2023 Innovation Awards Honoree
Discreet Biofeedback Brain Trainers
The Flowtime® Brain Tag Captures Ample Data
Advanced Contextual Awareness Wearables
The Humane Ai Pin Connects Users Without Smartphones
Connected Monitoring Bandages
This Smart Wound Bandage Prototype Monitors for Infection
Temperature-Monitoring Earrings
The Thermal Earring Continually Tracks the Wearer's Temperature
Diet-Recommending Label Tools
Sifter Solutions Releases the 'Scan By Diet' Tool for Tailored Diets
Holistic AI Health Apps
Medikarma Uses Algorithms to Provide Personalized Health Assessments
Dual-Driver Wireless Earbuds
Creative Unveils the 'Aurvana Ace' Wireless Earbuds with MEMS Drivers
Headband Display Headphones
The Conceptual Boinc Headphones Show Off Track Info or Graphics
Pebble-Like Handheld Health Devices
The OPPO OHealth H1 Has a Six-in-One Design
High-Tech Cyber Headphones
Neurable Taps Master & Dynamic to Enhance its Brain-Sensing Headphones
Open-Style Air Conduction Earbuds
The JBL Soundgear Sense Let Listeners Hear What's Around Them
Bone-Conduction Bluetooth Headsets
These Headphones Are Ideal For Both Business & Lifestyle Use
Soft Brain-Computer Interface Concepts
Researchers at MIT and Harvard Develop a Hydrogel Scaffold
Crowdfunded Ear Cleaners
The 'Morfone' Cleaners Ears More Efficiently than Swabs or Scoops
AI Noise Reduction Apps
Unfear by Samsung Helps People with Autism Cancel Out Triggering Sounds
AI-Powered Gut Health Apps
The Ayble App Helps People Recognize Their Trigger Foods
AI-Powered Disinfectant Devices
UVCeed Shared a Solution for the "Tripledemic" at CES 2023
AI-Powered Nap Timers
The Somvai Napping Device Uses Radar to Track Movement and Breathing
Health-Tracking Sleek Wearables
The Ring One Features a Plethora of Tracking Technology
AI Cancer Detection Tools
'TensorScan' is a Web-Based Tool that Identifies Malignant Cells
User-Powered Health Trackers
Baracoda is Unveiling BHeart & Patent-Pending Technology at CES 2023
AI-Powered Measuring Tools
3DLook's New AI Tool Helps Accurately Measure the Body for Shopping
Professional Open-Ear Headsets
The EKSA S30 Offers Up to 70-Hours of Use Per Charge
Tremor Therapy Wearables
Cala kIQ Improves the Lives of People with Essential Tremor & Parkinson’s
AI-Powered Sleep Headsets
The FRENZ Brainband Tracks and Stimulates the Brain in Different Ways
Self-Sanitizing Earbuds
Audio-Technica Launches Is New 'ATH-TWX9' Earbuds
Wearable Robotic Medical Technology
Researchers Built a Technology That Helps People with ALS
Neural Technology Earbuds
The Wisearphones Smart Earbuds Provide a Seamless User Experience
AI-Enabled Smart Bandages
This Flexible Bandage Helps Monitor Wound Healing Proactively
Generative AI Healthcare Tools
Productive Edge Debuts New Healthcare Solutions Using Generative AI
Ergonomic Hearing Aid Earbuds
The Conceptual 'Claro' Hearing Aid Has an All-in-One Design
DIY Bone Conduction Hearing Aids
Mearsun Boasts Self-Fitting Capabilities and AI Features
Revolutionary In-Ear Monitors
The 'UE Premier' Monitors Boast An Incredible 21 Drivers Per Piece
AI-Designed Medical Trials
Insilico Medicine is Trialing an AI-Backed Lung Disease Drug
Intelligent Hockey Player Helmets
The Bearmind Helmet Detects for Injuries and More
Stroke Recovery Wearable Systems
This System Uses a Earpiece & Watch to Help Prompt Mobility
Sleek Wireless Gaming Earbuds
Sony Unveils a Look at the Pulse Explore Earbuds for Gameplay
Remote Rehab Solutions
Sensoria® Health Debuts a Range of Patient-Monitoring Wearables
Sensory Conduction Headphones
Sonic Lamb Headphones Allows Wearers to Feel the Music and Hear It
Sonic Cell Campaigns
The Most Beautiful Sound Captures the Sound of Dying Cancer Cells
Non-Invasive Urine Devices
Withings 'U-Scan' Monitors Reproductive and Metabolic Health with Urine
Fitness-Tracking Smart Rings
The Ultrahuman Ring Helps Track Health-Related Information
Neurological Sleep Monitors
The 'Neurovista' is a Portable BMI Device that Fosters Healthy Sleep
Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids
Sennheisesr Launches its New Modern Wireless Hearing Aids
Audio-Enhanced Wireless Earbuds
Sennheiser Launches the Conversation Clear Plus Feature
Clinical-Grade Telehealth Exam Systems
The Nonagon N9+ Has Received FDA Clearance
AI-Powered OTC Hearing Aids
AVAtronics Debuts AI-Enriched Wideband Technology
Metabolism-Enhancing Platforms
Signos is a Health-Focused Wearable and App Platform
Wearable Ultrasound Patches
Researchers Have Developed a Way to Offer Real-Time Heart Scans
Health-Focused Smart Rings
Samsung Showcases the Galaxy Ring to Track Health Stats
AI-Powered Body Scanners
The 'FitMe' 3D Body Scanner Measures Body Fat and More
Plant Disease-Monitoring Patches
This Patch Can Identify Signs Of Disease and Stress In Plants
Revolutionary Hearing Aids
JIUYEE Launches the Real Pro Bluetooth Intelligent Hearing Aids
Pebble-Shaped Urine Scanners
Withings Designs the New U-Scan Device that Analyzes Health
Quickly Accessible Health Information
YouTube's Announced First Aid Information Shelves
Wireless 3D-Audio Earbuds
Samsung's Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Can Record Lifelike In-Depth Audio
Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
Deluxe by Linner Depends the New MEMS Speaker Technology
Health-Monitoring Activewear Fabrics
This Fabric Sensing System is Integrated with Electrodes
At-Home Healthcare Technologies
Best Buy Health and PwC Strategy& are Making Care More Accessible
AI-Powered Health Communication Platforms
Humetrix is Set to Introduce SOSQR Global at CES 2024
Breast Cancer AI Suites
GE HealthCare Launches a New AI Suite for Early Breast Cancer Detection
Electric Brain Stimulation Apps
Roga Unveils Its New Stress-Reducing Wearable
Spoilage-Spotting Food Sensors
This Sensor Lets You Know When Your Meat Or Chicken Is Going Bad
Digitized Skincare Platforms
Skin Surveyor Fuses Skin Health and Technology
Cognitive Performance Measurement Wearables
The 'Pylot' Productivity Wearable Uses EEG
Wellness-Centric Wearable Gadgets
The Apollo Neuro Wearable is Described to be a Wearable Hug
Data-Driven Bluetooth Inhalers
TEVA UK Unveils the 'GoResp Digihaler' for Asthmatic Patients
Inexpensive Wired Earbuds
Sennheiser Announces the New Affordable Earphones In Its IE Range
Non-Contact Smart Thermometers
HiiTCHECK is a CES 2024 Innovation Awards Honoree
Medical Search Engine Chatbots
Google Cloud's Mayo Clinic Partnership Aims to Revolutionize Care
Hearing-Enhancing Headgear
This Sports Headgear Helps Deaf Athletes Pick Up Sounds Better
Self-Folding Surgical Tools
The 'MaSoChain' is Designed For Minimally Invasive Surgeries
Perimenopause Support Apps
'Bearable' Helps Women Track and Manage Menopause-Related Symptoms
Heart-Monitoring Earbuds
Sennheiser's New Innovation are Revolutionizing Audio Technology
Tic-Tackling Wrist Wearables
This Wearable Curbs Involuntary Tics Caused By Tourette's Syndrome
PTSD-Aiding Wearable Technology
Bio Ware is a New Gadget that Helps with Treating PTSD
Digital Medication Management Features
Samsung Health Medications Tracking Offers Detailed Info
Disease-Detecting Medical Wristbands
Teltonika is Developing a Heart Disease-Detecting Band
Attention-Grabbing Hearing Aids
The Overtone Hearing Aid Fashionably Reimagines the Device
Headband-Style Wireless Earbuds
SWOTT Debuts the Advanced 'Neckon 102' Neckband Earphones
Wearable Electrotherapy Solutions
The 'ElectroGear' Fosters Muscle Healing and Recovery
Immersive Spatial Audio Earbuds
The JLab Epic Lab Edition Earbuds Have ANC Technology and More
Body-Scanning Wellness Subscriptions
Zozofit 2.0 Introduces Body Shape Scanning via a Smartphone
Smell-Oriented Virtual Masks
The City University of Hong Kong Designs a Wearable Smelling Gadget
Transformational Cell Phone Tools
The Make-Roscope Transforms Your Phone into a Microscope
Women's Health AI Systems
Cercle is an AI Solution Bridging the Gap in Women's Healthcare
AI-Backed Telehealth Platforms
'Summer Health' Unveiled a Set of AI Features to Improve Services
X-Ray Vision Headsets
MIT Scientists are Working on a New X-AR Headset to See Through Objects
Cancer-Detecting AI Devices
The 'DermaSensor' Can Detect Three Forms Of Skin Cancer
Cancer-Detecting Smart Bras
Kemisola Bolarinwa Pioneers a Smart Bra to Detect Breast Cancer
IVF-Supporting Medical Devices
This Device Carries Out Sperm Selection to Boost IVF Cycle Success
Baby-Monitoring Smart Crib Concepts
Anuj Pate and Piyusha Naik Create the Wee Watch Rib Concept
Food-Monitoring AI Cameras
Imperial College London Presents its New CoDiet Camera
Summarized Neuroscience News
Neurotech News Summarizes the Science World Without the Jargon
Augmented Reality Microscope Prototypes
Google Prototypes an ARM with the Department of Defense
Fitness-Focused Sport Headphones
These Creative Outlier Headphones Come in Two Models
Early Diagnosis Tools
machineMD is Tool for Early Diagnosis of Brain Tumors and other Diseases
Bulbous Ultrasonic Patches
MIT Works on a New Bubble-Like Patch that Uses Ultrasonic Waves