Press Releases 2017

Medical technology, biotechnology and laboratories - The Fraunhofer IBMT exhibits at the world's leading trade fair for the medical sector MEDICA 2017 from 13 to 16 November 2017 in Düsseldorf in Hall 10, exhibition stand G05: Smartphone-compatible ultrasound hand scanner, Augmented Reality in medicine, modular toxicity and drug analysis platform, LabBag® - low-cost 3D cell culture.

Human stem cells are considered a major new hope in the field of medicine. In the future, it is expected that they will make it possible to treat a wide range of ailments such as neurodegenerative diseases. With LabBag®, Fraunhofer researchers have developed an all-in-one system in the form of a transparent bag that provides a cheap, fast and sterile way for scientists to grow, differentiate and freeze stem cells. The cell models produced can be used for toxicity tests and drug development. Having successfully tested the system, researchers will present a prototype at the MEDICA trade fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, from November 13 to 16.

Human trafficking is a worldwide problem, and a serious crime that inflicts long-lasting emotional and physical scars on its victims and violates their human dignity. As part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary research project, the Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT has developed a portable, non-invasive, ultrasound scanning device to identify underage victims trying to cross borders illegally. It was specifically designed as a means of uncovering, fighting and preventing human trafficking. The PRIMSA system will be presented at the world’s leading forum for the medical industry, MEDICA 2017, in Düsseldorf, Germany, from November 13 to 16, 2017 (Hall 10, exhibition stand G05).

The technology of sonar - the measurement of structures under water with sound signals - is used for many years in the field of seafloor mapping, in the fishery industry or for the search for sunken objects. The sonar systems used for these tasks are usually designed for long measurement distances and therefore provide a rather low spatial resolution. Many applications under water demand a high-resolution visualization of the surrounding environment on short distances. Optical video cameras are often used for this purpose. However, these systems are often inapplicable in turbid waters leading to the abort of operations in some cases. By the help of new 3D sonar systems, these tasks can be accomplished more efficiently and precisely.

The higher the concentration of tumor cells in the bloodstream, the greater the risk of metastasis. The number of circulating tumor cells indicates how well a patient is responding to therapy. Fraunhofer researchers have developed a new microhole chip that enables cells to be identified and characterized reliably within minutes.