Help! I've Cut Myself and I Want to Save a Life kits, which can be bought over the counter, contain plasters and bandages for covering small cuts, as well as cotton swabs. A small amount of blood from a cut can be caught on a swab and posted to a marrow donor registry in a pre-paid envelope, which also comes in the simple green and white package.

Graham Douglas, a member of creative agency Droga5, came up with the idea after his twin brother was diagnosed with Leukaemia and an unknown bone marrow donor saved his life.

"Unfortunately, the marrow donor registry is one of the most underrepresented donor programs in the world," says Douglas. "It's no wonder really - most people think registering as a marrow donor is painful and complicated, when really all it takes is a couple of drops of blood."

Douglas' idea aims to catch potential donors when they are already bleeding, and give them all the necessary components to send their sample to a donor registry easily.

He set up the scheme with pharmaceutical company Help Remedies and international marrow donor registry DKMS, and registrants have tripled as a result.

Help Remedies create colour-coded medicine packets named after symptoms rather than ingredients, for example paracetamol labelled Help! I've Got a Headache.

The annual D&AD Awards honour exemplary design and advertising projects. One White Pencil is awarded each year to reward creativity for social good.

Other winning projects at this year's D&AD Awards, which took place earlier this week, include Thomas Heatherwick's Olympic Cauldron, BarberOsgerby's Olympic Torch and the new UK Government website.

Last year, Apple was named best design studio of the pasty fifty years at a special ceremony commemoration the awards' 5oth anniversary, while D&AD president Neville Brody described plans to remove creative subjects from the school curriculum in the UK as "insanity".

More medical design we've featured includes Christmas stockings filled with blood for donation and a range of pill containers by Yves Behar.

See more design for health »
See more stories about D&AD »

The post Help! I Want to Save a Life by Graham Douglas
for Help Remedies and DKMS appeared first on Dezeen.

Dubbed Robohand, the prosthesis was conceived by Richard Van As, a South African carpenter who lost four fingers from his right hand in a work accident.

He got in touch with Ivan Owen, a mechanical props designer from the USA, and the pair designed a set of mechanical fingers printed from plastic with a Replicator 2 desktop 3D printer, donated by Makerbot.

"[The Makerbot] dramatically increased the speed at which we could prototype and try out ideas, and gave us the ability to both hold a physical copy of the exact same thing, even though we were separated by 10,000 miles," says Van As in the movie.

They then tried making a complete hand for a child with amniotic band syndrome, a condition that causes babies to be born with missing or severely shortened fingers.

The resulting Robohand is worn around the wrist and lower arm like a gauntlet and driven by the motion of the wrist.

Bending the wrist forwards causes the cabling to pull the fingers closed, while moving it back releases the fingers.

The digits, knuckle block and wrist hinges are all printed by the Makerbot and joined by cabling and stainless steel bolts, all of which are easy to find and replace.

"With the Makerbot, as [the child] grows, all we do is scale it up and print him another one, and the hardware just gets taken from that and put on the new hand," explains Van As, adding that old hands can then be reused by other children.

The 3D print files for the Robohand are open source and available to print from the Thingiverse website.

Other uses of 3D printing in medicine include a 3D-printed bionic ear that can hear radio frequencies beyond a human's normal range.

We recently reported on the possibility of printing human organs in Print Shift, our one-off publication about the emerging technology – see all 3D printing news or see design for healthcare.

The post 3D-printed Robohand helps children
born without fingers appeared first on Dezeen.

In this extract from Print Shift, our one-off publication about 3D printing, editor Claire Barrett reports on the growing number of medical applications for the emerging technology and asks how soon we can expect 3D-printed organ transplants.

Imagine printing a human liver. Or a kidney. One day this will be possible, and with a desperate global shortage of organs for transplant, the medical industry is pouring resources into developing technologies that will make this a reality.

"Eighteen people die every day in the US waiting for a transplant," says Michael Renard, executive vice president for commercial operations at San Diego-based Organovo, one of the companies that is leading the way in tissue engineering.

There is a huge amount of excitement around the potential for printing human tissue. Dr Anthony Atala, director at North Carolina's Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine, received a standing ovation at a 2011 TED talk where he printed a prototype human kidney live on stage using living cells. Although a fully functioning kidney for transplant is many years away, Atala's primitive organ produces a urine-like substance.

Like other forms of 3D printing, living tissue is printed layer by layer. First a layer of cells is laid down by the printer, followed by a layer of hydrogel that operates as a scaffold material; then the process repeats. The cells fuse, and the hydrogel is removed to create a piece of material made entirely of human cells. This is then moved to a bioreactor, where the tissue continues to grow – as it would in nature – into its final form.

"Our approach is consistent with other forms of 3D printing because it's an additive process," says Renard, "but what is unique is our application of the process in the field of cell biology and tissue engineering."

Currently it is possible to print small pieces of tissue; the problem lies in scaling this and creating a vascular system that delivers oxygen to the cells and removes carbon dioxide. Without this, the cells will die.

In reality, printed organs are a long way away. "In the next 10 years it is possible that [printed] supplemental tissues, ones that aid in regeneration – such as nerve grafts, patches to assist a heart condition, blood vessel segments or cartilage for a degenerating joint – will make it to the clinic," says Renard. "But more advanced replacement tissues will most likely be in 20 years or more."

However, scientists believe that strips of printed tissue will soon be advanced enough to be used to test new drugs. These risk-free tests will help determine whether drugs should move forward to expensive human clinical trials.

Alongside human tissue, 3D printing is being used to develop body parts. In February, Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, announced it had used 3D printing to create an artificial ear for treating a congenital deformity called microtia, where the ear is underdeveloped, or for those who'd lost part of an ear to cancer or an accident.

An alternative to painful rib grafts, which result in ears that neither function well nor look natural, a normal ear is scanned and a mould made by a 3D printer. Collagen is injected into the mould, which acts as a scaffold in the formation of cartilage. The hope is that human trials could take place within three years.

Although this work is headline-grabbing, 3D printing is already common within the healthcare realm. It is used to custom-print hearing aids, and as an alternative to fixed dental braces. Every day, Invisalign – a company that offers a 3D-printed alternative to fixed braces – prints 60,000 sets of transparent custom-made moulds that the wearer changes every two weeks to realign the teeth.

Additive manufacturing is also being used as a visualisation tool to pre-plan surgery. For instance, a heart or fractured leg bone can be scanned and printed to allow the surgeon to intimately understand the anatomy before performing an operation. Surgeons today are using bespoke printed drill and saw guides, which, once the body is opened up, are dropped into place to ensure accurate orientation of the drill in such procedures as hip or knee replacements.

More dramatically, additive manufacturing was used in 2011 to create an entirely new lower jaw for an 83-year-old woman whose own was destroyed by a chronic infection and who was considered too old to sustain reconstructive surgery. Printed in titanium powder by Dutch company LayerWise and only a third heavier than the original, it was covered in bioceramic, a material that ensures the body doesn't reject the implant. Cavities in the printed jaw allowed for muscle reattachment and grooves for the regrowth of nerves.

3D printing has been used for pioneering work within foetal medicine, too. In 2009, Brazilian designer and Royal College of Art PhD student Jorge Lopes introduced the use of 3D printing to create models of unborn children within the womb. Lopes used MRI scans "to see inside the belly of a pregnant woman," he says.

These 3D-printed models are now commonly used to help explain foetal abnormalities to parents, or necessary surgical procedures once the child is born. Most recently Lopes printed out a 3D model of an unborn child for two visually impaired parents who were unable to see their child through regular ultrasound imagery. "It was a very emotional moment," he says.

Inevitably such technologies will reach the mainstream. Since last year, Japanese 3D-printing company Fasotec has offered its Shape of an Angel service to expectant parents at a Toyko clinic. For 100,000 yen parents can receive a 3D-printed model of the foetus inside the womb. The mother's body is printed in clear resin, with the foetus in white.

3D printing also has huge potential to help disability. Magic Arms is shortlisted for the Design Museum’s Design of the Year 2013, and enables Emma Lavelle, a child born with arthrogryposis, to use her arms, a function that was previously impossible. Magic Arms is Emma’s nickname for the Wilmington Robotic Exoskeleton (WREX), an assistive device made up of a bespoke butterfly-patterned jacket and arms that are 3D-printed in durable ABS plastic.

The design was originally made with CNC technology for patients older than two-year-old Emma, but 3D printing enabled it to be translated into a smaller version that is light enough for Emma to wear and take everywhere. If a piece breaks, her mother can simply photograph the broken element and a new one is printed out and sent through the post.

The technology is similarly revolutionising prosthetics. The manufacturer Bespoke Innovations produces Fairings, a 3D-printed covering that can be personalised and worn around the existing prosthetic. Typically a prosthetic will exist either as naked hardware – essentially a pipe – or covered with foam in an attempt to match skin tone and tissue density. "This is the first time there’s been a third option," says founder and industrial designer Scott Summit.

The sound leg is 3D-scanned to ensure body symmetry, and a customised design is 3D-printed to achieve the basic Fairing. This can then be wrapped in different materials such as leather, which can be laser tattooed, and parts can be coated in metal to achieve a final bespoke design that the owner is proud to wear. "The Fairing is just a way that somebody might message to the world, 'Hey, look, it's fine,'" he says.

The greatest benefit of putting 3D printing and 3D scanning together is "that you can start getting rid of the one-size-fits-all mentality," says Summit. While a "small, medium, large universe", as Summit prefers to call it, is perfectly fine for the most part, when you have specific needs – such as a prosthetic limb or a bone defect – the opportunity to personalise your healthcare is tremendous. At a time when healthcare is moving away from the standardised model that developed after the Second World War, 3D printing looks set to be right at the heart of this revolution.

The post "One day it will be possible
to 3D-print a human liver" appeared first on Dezeen.

Dyson, who lives and works near to the Royal United Hospital, said he hoped the new centre would be able to replicate the success of the Dyson Centre for Neonatal Care.

"Research has shown the incredible effect that a healing environment can have on recovery," said the inventor, whose best-known products include a bagless vacuum cleaner and a fan heater with no blades.

"This new cancer centre will use cutting edge technology and well considered design to improve the health of its patients."

By reducing background noise from hospital machinery and increasing natural light, doctors at the hospital found that the condition of sick and premature newborns improved substantially.

"We have been hugely impressed by the outcomes," Dyson said of the baby unit, which was designed by local architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios.

A study funded by the James Dyson Foundation, the charitable body set up by the designer, found that 90% of babies recuperating in the unit went home breastfeeding, compared to 64% in the old building.

Large windows and skylights increased natural light by up to 50% and exposed babies to changing outside conditions, helping them gain awareness of day and night.

Noise levels were decreased by over 9 decibels on average, helping babies to sleep on average for 22% longer than in the old unit, while nurses in the new building spent 20% more of their time with the newborns.

The cot rooms are arranged in a clockwise circuit from intensive care through to high dependency, special care, the parents’ rooms and finally home, so that parents can clearly track their baby's route to recovery.

Medical equipment is fixed to the ceiling and pulled down when in use, reducing clutter at ground level.

Dr. Bernie Marden, a consultant neonatologist and paediatrician on the ward, said the study had allowed doctors to build up an accurate picture of how babies respond to their environment.

"We have found that the design of the building is leading to better fed and better rested babies, contributing to their recuperation," he said.

See more of The Dyson Centre in our earlier post, published shortly after the unit opened in 2011, or see more hospitals and healthcare centres on Dezeen.

Here's more information from Dyson:

The Dyson Centre for Neonatal Care is leading the way in improving the quality of life for sick and premature babies. Pioneering research funded by the James Dyson foundation, has found that of babies studied, 90% recuperating in the new unit went home breast feeding, compared to 64% in the old building. The study also showed that babies are better rested – sleeping on average for 22% longer than in the old unit.

Through award winning architecture, the new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) creates a healthier environment for babies, parents, and nursing staff. The project was funded in partnership with the NHS and private donations, including £750,000 from the Dyson family and the James Dyson Foundation. The building has a progressive layout. A clockwise circuit of cot rooms, starting with intensive care and leading to special care and finally home. This creates a psychological effect of development. Large windows give controllable natural light throughout, allowing babies, parents and staff to be aware of changing outside conditions, gaining an awareness of day and night.

The Research

A £100,000 donation by the James Dyson Foundation is enabling research to ascertain the full benefits of the new building. Collecting data from both the old building and the new, the hospital is building up a picture of the ideal environment for recuperation.

Consultant neonatologist and paediatrician, Dr. Bernie Marden said: "We have collated vast amounts of data using new techniques to build up a really accurate picture of how babies respond to their environment. We have found that the design of the building is leading to better fed and better rested babies, contributing to their recuperation."

James Dyson said: "New technology has been specifically adapted to monitor a baby’s sleep cycle and respiratory patterns in a far less invasive way than ever before. The findings show the way in which design and technology can have an effect far beyond the hands of a single consumer – aiding health."

Accelerometers measure speed and movement; they are used in aircraft and smartphones and increasingly in sports and athletics. Bath Rugby Club uses the technology to analyse player training techniques and fitness.

This research is the first in the world to adapt and use accelerometers to measure the respiratory and sleep patterns in a baby in order to monitor their reaction to the surrounding environment, using an extremely low power, self contained wireless device. Previously intrusive methods including ECG and information from ventilator circuits have been used to measure this.

The accelerometers have been found to be sensitive enough to provide remote and wireless respiratory information. Doing away with invasive tubing and tangled wires. This is a significant result which may allow for remote monitoring of apnoea, effort of breathing and the quality of sleep. The studied babies in the new centre were found to be asleep or in a restful state for longer than in the old building.

Infrared tracking technology was used to pinpoint staff movements in the building and test the efficiency of the design. The study found that nurses in the new building spend 20% more of their time in the clinical rooms, with the babies. Meaning more time spent caring for the babies.

Lux meters were used to take light measurements according to specific times, dates and outside weather conditions. Up to 50% more natural light was measured in the new building. This ensures a more natural circadian rhythm – allowing the babies, parents and staff to perceive the changing day, aiding the babies sleeping and eating habits.

Sound pressure level meter readings were taken and an average level for each hour was documented in decibels. Noise levels in the special care unit have decreased by over 9dB on average from those in the old building. It is suggested that the increased sleep observed in the babies relates to this reduction in background noise.

Cot side diaries used in the research captured the physiological state of the babies in each environment and the interaction of parents with their babies. In addition a qualitative aspect of the project measured how the ‘intervention’ (the building) affected parental and staff experience, taking the form of semi structured psychological interviews.

The post Dyson to build cancer centre after his
ward redesign improves baby care appeared first on Dezeen.

News: nanotechnology scientists at an American university have 3D-printed a bionic ear that can hear radio frequencies beyond a human's normal range.

The ear is designed to integrate electronics with biology and create a flexible and fleshy alternative to mechanical prosthetics.

"This concept of 3D printing living cells together with electronic components and growing them into functional organs represents a new direction in merging electronics with biological systems," said the scientists in their report, published in the journal Nano Letters.

The Princeton University team printed the ear from hydrogel – a material used as scaffolding in tissue engineering – using the commercially available Fab@Home 3D printer.

The hydrogel was infused with cells from a calf and intertwined with a polymer containing silver nanoparticles, which conduct radio frequencies.

The calf cells then matured into cartilage and hardened around a coil antenna, seen in the middle of the ear.

When tested, the bionic ear was found to receive signals across an extended frequency spectrum of 1 MHz to 5 GHz, far beyond the normal human range of 20 Hz to 20 KHz.

The team also created a complementary left ear and used a piece of music by Beethoven to successfully test the pair's ability to hear in stereo.

At present the ear can only receive radio waves, but the scientists believe it would be possible to expand its hearing with other materials, such as pressure-sensitive sensors that register acoustic sounds.

Medical applications for 3D printing are becoming increasingly commonplace, as bioprinting expert Michael Renard recently told Dezeen in an interview for Print Shift, our one-off, print-on-demand magazine about this emerging technology.

"We're working with small pieces of tissue at the moment - a small piece of blood vessel or liver," he said. "Once you have the cells ready, we can print something in a few hours." Read the full interview with Renard.

Other 3D printing projects we've reported on lately include prototypes of 3D-printed burgers and pasta and designer Ron Arad's single-piece 3D-printed spectacles – see all 3D printing.

Top photograph by Frank Wojciechowski.

The post Scientists 3D-print bionic ear that
hears beyond human range appeared first on Dezeen.