The NHS is expanding the use of high-resolution skin imaging, known as teledermatology, to accelerate cancer diagnoses and treatment for tens of thousands of patients. The technology involves taking detailed images of skin spots, moles, or lesions using a small lens attached to a phone camera. This enables dermatologists to review double the number of patients in a day and will be rolled out to all areas of the country by July 2023. Using teledermatology in GP practices and community diagnostic centers will allow faster diagnoses without the need for specialist appointments or travel. The NHS is also trialing the use of magnifying lenses with artificial intelligence to assess skin lesions for the presence of cancer. These efforts aim to reduce waiting times and improve the accuracy of skin cancer detection, ultimately leading to earlier treatment and improved patient outcomes.
Scientists from the University of Bath have developed a 3D-printed implant to treat patients with osteoarthritis in the knee. The tailored osteotomy for knee alignment treatment aims to preserve the patient’s existing knee joint and make surgeries quicker and safer. The procedure involves using 3D HTO plates to realign the knee, providing greater stability, comfort, and weight-bearing capacity than generic plates. Safety trials have been conducted virtually, and the technique has received approval from regulatory agencies. The development is expected to benefit younger patients who do not require a full knee replacement, providing an alternative option for preserving joint function. Further trials comparing traditional knee replacement and the new technique are underway, intending to make the treatment widely available.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in regenerative medicine by developing a handheld bioprinter capable of directly printing biocompatible structures and tissues within the body. This innovative device overcomes the limitations of previous designs by allowing the printing of multiple materials and providing control over the physicochemical properties of the printed tissues. The handheld bioprinter has vast potential in regenerative medicine, enabling applications such as tissue and organ repair, drug development and testing, and custom orthotics and prosthetics. The study’s findings, published in Biofabrication, offer significant benefits to the field.
