Press Releases

Memory impairment, orientation problems and speech difficulties can be signs of the onset of Alzheimer's dementia. This disease is not yet curable, but its progression can be slowed down with medication and supportive measures. The EU project "CombiDiag" is a doctoral network funded under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions of Horizon Europe, aiming to train ten doctoral students in the field of multimodal peripheral markers and their combinatorial use for the diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer's disease (AD). A combinatorial diagnostic protocol may serve as a crucial tool for accurate screening and identification of patients in the earliest stages of AD, before irreversible damage and associated symptoms occur. The aim of the "CombiDiag" project is to develop disease-modifying measures and treatments. The Fraunhofer IBMT is contributing its expertise in the development of printed electrodes for biosensor applications and microfluidics to the project.

The EU project "ArtPlac" is a preclinical research project to develop an innovative technology for medical treatments in neonatal intensive care. The project involves an international research team of physicians and engineers, supported by an organization representing the interests of premature and newborn babies and their families. The Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT is contributing its many years of expertise in the development of microfluidic systems and sensor development and integration to the project. The aim of the project is to develop a combined lung and kidney support device for connection to the umbilical vessels. The Fraunhofer IBMT is developing the sensor concept for monitoring important parameters of the blood flow and the dialysate, such as blood gases and electrolytes. Based on the multi-parametric sensor technology, the settings of the lung and kidney support device can be adjusted by medical professionals depending on the situation. Compared to the therapies currently in use, the new device enables a less invasive approach, which reduces the risk and medical burden for the newborn.

Imagine a world where manufacturing becomes smarter, more efficient, and remarkably innovative. It's no longer just a vision; it's a reality with the unveiling of the groundbreaking “SeConRob“ project (Self-configuring Multi-Step Robotic Workflows). This exciting initiative, supported by Horizon Europe, is set to transform the manufacturing landscape from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2026, with a budget of €2,992,178. We are delighted to introduce you to the key players behind this innovation – PROFACTOR GmbH (Austria), Safe Metal (France), Otto Fuchs (Germany), ACS (Germany), ECL (France), Fraunhofer IZFP (Germany) and Marposs (Italy).

For anyone who has lost a hand, a functional prosthetic hand is of enormous benefit when it comes to everyday activities. So researchers at Fraunhofer are working as part of an EU research project to improve control of prosthetic hands down to individual fingers. Instead of conventional electrodes that detect nerve impulses in muscle tissue in the arm, these rely on ultrasonic sensors. This means commands can be executed with far greater accuracy and sensitivity. In the next stage, researchers want to make the design bidirec-tional, with the brain also receiving sensory stimuli from the prosthesis.

Against the background of an aging infrastructure, determining the condition of critical structures such as bridges, sewage treatment plants or dams is becoming increasingly important in Germany to maintain public safety. But industrial sites also depend on a functioning infrastructure for economic reasons. The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is funding “ImaB-Edge“ with approx. 5.6 million euros.

Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT have been working with international partners to develop a technology platform to help relieve the symptoms of muscle tremors. Tiny biocompatible electrodes in the muscles, combined with external electrodes and controllers, form an intelligent network of sensors and actuators to detect muscle signals and provide electrical stimuli as needed. Together with exoskeletons, the technology could also help people with spinal cord injuries.