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
Continuous Hormone Trackers
Clair is a First-of-Its-Kind Wearable for Women
Battery-Free Smart Sensors
Georgia Tech created ultrasonic tags for passive home tracking
Longevity Wearables
The Hume Band Helps Wearers Discover Habits That Speed Up and Slow Down Aging
Screen-Free Fitness Devices
Luna Band Provides Real-Time AI Health Guidance at CES 2026
Brain-Body Training Tools
SHOSABI Combines 3D Motion Sensing with Proprietary AI
Neck-Based Silent Speech Sensors
POSTECH Introduced the Multiaxial Strain Mapping Sensor
Hair Growth-Focused Devices
Appotronics Debuts a New Line of Personal Wellness Devices at CES
Digital Twin Medical Solutions
Dr. Twin AI Reduces Diagnoses Challenges with AI Decision-Making
Brain Tracking Headphones
Neurable’s 'MW75 Neuro LT' Headphones Combine Wellness with Audio Tech
Scar Recovery Devices
SCAR Pairs AI-Powered Dermatological Diagnosis with Targeted Therapy
Less-Invasive Neural Implants
Tsinghua University & Neuracle Introduced Their NEO Device
Open-Ear Audio Earrings
The Peripherii Priamble Blossom Collection Integrates Oversized Botanical
Smart Health Scales
Withings Body Scan 2 Tracks 60+ Biomarkers at CES 2026
Electronic Skin Platforms
Amorepacific's Skinsight is a CES 2026 Innovation Award Honoree
Meditation Wearable Systems
Flow Meditation Adapts Real-Time Biofeedback into Immersive Routines
Innovative Sleep-Focused Tech Expansions
Muse is Expanding Its AI Sleep Platform
Advanced Digital Stethoscopes
Eko Health Reimagines the Stethoscope with CORE 500
Wearable Breathing Trackers
Alveos One Learns Patterns and Creates Personalized Routines
Revolutionary Medical Imaging Systems
Omnizare is Showcasing Its Dielectric Tomography Scanners
AI Camera-Equipped Earbuds
The Ordo Buds Leverage Visual Intelligence for Greater Context
ECG Emotion-Tracking Smart Rings
The Dreame AI Smart Ring Offers Access to Ample Data
Sleep-Focused Brainwave-Monitoring Personal Devices
LumiMind Debuts LumiSleep at CES 2026
Life Sciences-Focused AI Tools
Expert.ai Targets the Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Sector
Brain Activity-Focused Research Partnerships
MeSpace & Neurable Embbark on an Investigative Study
Brain Stimulation Wearables
Mave's 20-Minute Sessions Enhance Focus, Mood and Stress Regulation
Seamless Health-Tracking Services
WHOOP Has Introduced a New Service — Advanced Labs
Smart Data-Driven Pest Control
Rentokil Initial plc Uses Data Aggregates to Benefit Hygiene
Rewards-Based Beauty Devices
Sephora Expanded its Rewards Catalog With High Tech Skincare Tools
AI Conversation Headphones
Proactive Hearing Assistant is a Audio Prototype for Isolating Speech
Comfort-Conscious Open-Ear Headphones
The JBL Sense Lite Earbuds Deliver OpenSound Awareness
Sweat-Based Pregnancy Wearables
MoleSense's Molecular Wearables Redefine Maternity Care
Gemstone AI Earbuds
AI Smart Gemstone Earpiece Turns Wireless Audio into a Jewelry-Style Wearable
Sleep Cycle Trackers
Ultrahuman Launches the 'Respiratory Health PowerPlug'
Next-Generation Medical Imaging Devices
Carestream Debuts the Lux HD 35 and Lux HD 43 Detectors
Neurotechnology Gaming Headsets
Neurable x HyperX Headset Interprets Brain Signals for Gameplay
Voice-Activated Beauty Devices
The MediSpa Inclusive Beauty System Includes an AI Coach
Multi-Sensory Spa Experiences
111SKIN and Myndstream Created Two Bespoke Sonic Journeys for Guests
Accessible Wearable Image Sensors
Sony Semiconductor Solutions Group Boasts a Ring Camera Design
Consumer Brain-Sensing Platforms
Neurable Licenses Its Mind-Reading Tech To Wearable OEMs
Wearable Brain-Computer Interfaces
Sabi develops a beanie that converts thoughts into text
Portable Brain Scanners
The MWI Brain Scanner Combines Microwave Imaging & AI-Driven Analysis
Human Microbiome-Powered Meditation Experiences
Seed Health & Open Develop an Auditory Experience
Consumer Longevity Diagnostics
Tally Health Expands At-Home Epigenetic Age Testing
AI-Powered Smart Sleep Headbands
Somnee's New Sleep Headband is Considered Next-Generation
Communication-Analyzing AI Wearables
The SCOPLE Wearable AI Device Determines Emotions and More
AI Sleep Coach Earbuds
SOND Dreambuds Tracks and Responds to 12 Physiological Signals
Neuroscience-Informed Sleep Technologies
Ozlo Has Acquired the Neuroscience Firm Segotia
AI-Powered Focus Booths
The Neuro Wellness Enhancing Booth Supports Recovery & Mental Clarity
AI-Forward Health-Monitoring Technologies
Yuwell Medical Showcased Its Health-Oriented Portffolio
AI-Driven 3D Body Scanners
ShapeScale's Solution Targets the GLP-1 and Biohacking Era
AI Note-Taking Earbuds
TicNote Pods Feature Built-In 4G Connectivity & Advanced AI
AI-Guided Health Rings
CUDIS's New Ring with an AI-Agent Coach Launches This Week
Tech-Enhanced Medical Solutions
Bruin Biometrics Introduced Several Technological Enhancements
Interchangeable Beauty-Tech Systems
SkinTune Unlocks Different Treatments from a Single Device
AI-Driven Neurofeedback Systems
The NeuroFeedback 2.0 System Supports People and Animals Alike
Diabetic Jewelry Designs
Isletta Creates Sensor Shells to Beautify Essential Medical Devices
Disruptive Headphone Technologies
Linkage Global Collaborates on Two Headphone Models
AI Neuro Diagnostics
Empedoc AI Enables Personalized, Efficient Neurological Diagnostics Worldwide
Note-Taking Smart Rings
The Pebble Index 01 Doesn't Track Health Metrics
Belt-Based Wearable Sensors
The Vital Belt Performs Millimeter-Wave Sensing at the Belt Position
Awareness-Promoting Medical Initiatives
Newmedical Technology Emphasizes Care and Education
Implantable BCI Systems
Borui Kang Medical Technology Introduced an Implantable BCI System
AI-Powered Aesthetic Systems
MediSpa AI Pro 3.0 Connects Skincare with Daily Health Data
Wearable Private Media Hubs
Perisphere Integrates High-Fidelity Audio, a Swing-Down Display & More
Bluetooth-Scanning Privacy Apps
Nearby Glasses by Yves Jeanrenaud Alerts Users of Smart Glasses
At-Home Fertility Trackers
Surearly SMART Offers Couples Connected Ovulation & Hormone Testing
Blood Pressure-Measuring Wearables
RingConn Debuts New Health Monitoring Capability
Sculptural Earbud Statement
Balenciaga Sculptural Earbuds Concept Blurs Fashion and Technology
Real-Time Vitality Trackers
tSense is a Non-Invasive Saliva Sensor That Measures Testosterone
EEG-Powered Sleeping Earbuds
NextSense SmartBuds Respond According to Brain Activity
AI-Integrated Autism Diagnostic Tools
Cognoa and the University of Missouri Test CanvasDx
Empowering Senior-Focused Frameworks
Digital Medicine Society Pioneers Tech-Enabled Aging at Home
AI-Powered Fragrance Development
Unilever Expands Fragrance R&D With New India Hub
Open Healthcare AI Toolkits
Google MedGemma 1.5 Expands Multimodal Medical AI Capabilities
Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Clinics
Naya Health Debuts a Clinic in a London Neighborhood
Personalized Neuromodulation Wearables
Cala Health Launches Its Cala kIQ Plus Device
Community Health AI Alliances
WellSpan and Philips Co-Develop AI Tools for Diagnostics and Imaging
Multi-Channel Wristband Prototypes
Neuranics Announces Breakthroughs in Its Technology
AI-Powered Reproductive Platforms
OTO Fertility Takes Reproductive Insights to the Next Level
Science-Backed Adventure Collaborations
Toyota, AllGear Digital & Immersion Neuroscience Partner
Travel Audio Therapy Apps
Samsung's Hearapy App Tackles Motion Sickness with Sound
Biometric Digital Planning Tools
Lifestack 2.0 Integrates with Wearable Devices
At-Home Family Healthcare Devices
Withings Receives Approval for Its BeamO Device
AI-Powered Therapy Pods
The AI Multi-Therapy Rejuvenation Pod Integrates 10 Therapies
Wearable Olfactory VR Modules
Institute of Science Tokyo Introduced Scent Headset Prototype
Rapid Surface Hygiene Scanners
BactiSee Improves Sanitation with Five-Minute Bacterial Detection
Data-Capturing Breath Trainers
The DOJO Air Helps Improve a User's Breathing and More
AI-Assisted Sleep Stimulators
Muse Deep Sleep Boost Uses Brain Activity to Improve Slow-Wave Sleep
Comprehensive Health Monitoring Systems
Outlive Biology Tests Its Real-Time Longevity Platform
Accessibility-Focused Wireless Technologies
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group Emphasizes Access
Professional-Grade Portable AI Gadgets
iFLYTEK Debuts its AI Recorder S6 & AI Translation Earbuds
Smart Pet Thermometers
The Dr.PetCare Smart Thermometer Unites Infrared Sensing with Ear Imaging
AI-Powered AR Eyewear
Snap and Qualcomm Develop Intelligent Glasses with On-Device AI
AI Clinical Reasoning
Harvard Researchers Found AI Models Outperforming Doctors in Key Tasks
Personalized Neuroaesthetic Experiences
113 Spring's Emergence Service Supports Creative Expansion
Low-Tech Smart Pillboxes
The Pill Guardian Supports Elderly Patients in Disconnected Regions
Brain Tumor-Focused Mri Systems
Esaote Debuts a Specialized Mri System for Brain Tumor Operations
AI Neurological Monitoring Tools
Neurophet Supports Alzheimer’s Treatment Decisions with Analysis
Sensor-Guided Tea Cups
The SoundSip Smart Tea Cup Uses Sensors to Encourage Mindful Tea Drinking
AI-Driven Medical Services Expansions
The Greek Government Partners with Sword Health
AI-Powered Oculomotor Headsets
neuroClues Launches a CE-Marked Eye-Tracking Device
Romantic Hearing Aid Ads
Specsavers' Advance 65 is Positioned as "The Relationship Aid"
Proactive Vitals Monitoring Features
Samsung Launches Its Samsung Health Vitals System
Sleep-Focused Research Collaborations
Sleep Cycle Enters Partnership with Delphi Group
Portable Breathwork Coaches
Seesaw Health Spotlights Its Breathwork Coach - Essential+
Customer Insight Tools
Listen Labs Automates Interviews And Delivers Actionable Insights
Personalized Health Podcasts
Eternal's Weekly Episodes Pull from Wearable Data, Scans and Labs
Personalised Immersive Wellness
Emergence at 113 Spring is a New Multi-Sensorial Wellness Curation
Semantic Hearing Headphones
Hearvana AI Develops Sound Bubble Headphones For Targeted Listening
AI Drug Platforms
Insilico Medicine And GenEditBio Deploy AI To Speed Rare-Disease Work
Non-Intrusive Animal-Tracking Tools
Seismi Debuts Tech for Pets and Agricultural Livestock
AI-Driven Diabetes Systems
DiabetesPro Uses Artificial Intelligence to Predict Blood Sugar Drops
Personalized Binaural Head Models
Sound Particles 3D Prints Employee Ears to Train Binaural Tech
Industry-Advancing AI-Powered Innovation Tools
3M is Presenting a Suite of Tech Advancements
Conscious Shopping Assistants
Better Buy Reveals Product Risks And Suggests Healthier Alternatives
Medical Learning Tools
MapMed Turns Medical Notes Into Interactive Learning Systems
AI Health Insights
Emmo Provides Fast, Reliable AI Insights From Your Health Reports
Hearing-Focused Promotional Campaigns
Big Sky Audiology Debuts the Improve Your Hearing Challenge
Cognitive Learning Tools
Brain Newsletter Delivers Weekly Cognitive Improvement Ideas
Dementia Diagnosis-Focused Collaborations
Neurophet and the Florey Institute Continue to Partner
Human Health Research Tools
Alethios Strives to Streamline Human Health Research
Ad-Free Clinical Evidence Tools
Heidi Evidence Is A Free Clinician Research Feature
Dietitian Guidance-Informed Health Technologies
Fay Advances Withings' Health-Focused Service
EEG Foundation Model Advances
Intellihealth MANAS-1 Enables Early Brain Screening
Soil-Powered Sensors
Northwestern Researchers Developed Microbe-Fueled IoT Devices
Cancer Support Tools
iCliniq Tes Provides AI Guidance For Prostate Cancer Care Decisions
Patient-Specific Surgical Instruments
CustoMED Launches 3D-Printed Patient-Specific Instruments
Brain Training Devices
BrainBlink Uses 60-Second Cognitive Games to Interrupt Doom-Scrolling
Comprehensive Tactile Sensing Infrastructure
Ensuring Technology Debuts Two Hardware Innovations
Consumer Metabolic Intelligence
Signos Uses AI and Glucose Tracking for Weight Management
Sleep Safety Rings
The Hearo System Supports People with Hearing Loss to Sleep in Peace
Research Workflow Automation
Streamline Evidence-Based Research With Cure AI’s Smart Tools
Administrative Automation Features
MobiHealthNews Highlights HIMSS26 AI Assistants
Assistive Brain-Sensing Headsets
The Think2Switch™ Delivers Tech-Enabled Accessibility
Health Intelligence Platforms
Gyroscope Uses Data And Coaching To Guide Long-Term Health Decisions
Passive Health Monitoring
Google uses smartphone cameras to track heart rate during daily use
Comprehensive At-Home Health Bundles
MOBI Notes the Efficacy of Its Smart Home Clinic
AI Health Advisors
MedVisor AI Provides Instant Health Insights Backed By Experts
AI Research Assistants
The Science App Provides Balanced Access to Peer-Reviewed Research
Smart Health Organizers
AidWise Helps You Manage Medicines And Track First Aid Essentials