8 Health Innovations You Can't Miss

Here’s our pick of the best – and worst – innovations currently making their way to you.

The Smart Bra

A bra that uses Bluetooth technology to monitor heart rate, breathing, and other cardiovascular functions to prevent heart disease, has been developed by a start-up team at MIT in the US. Available later this year, the bra syncs to a smartphone app, which analyses the data and provides insights for improving heart health.

A Better Night’s Sleep 

Inventors are taking note of our lack of slumber. The latest hi-tech mattresses adjust firmness as you toss and turn so your body maintains correct alignment. They can also detect snoring and raise the head by seven degrees to relieve symptoms.

A Calm Hand 

Microsoft inventor Haiyan Zhang has created a vibrating watch that eases hand tremors, a symptom of Parkinson’s disease. The vibrations seem to disrupt neural signals that cause shaking. In the first test, a patient wearing the watch was able to write legibly for the first time in years.  

Deep Heat

New ultrasound devices use heat to treat uterine fibroids and certain types of cancer – and there are more innovations in the pipeline. The technology is still awaiting official approval as there are potential hazards. “There’s great promise but the devices are going above safe levels when used as a treatment, and in doing so there is some risk,” says Michael Bailey, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Washington which is involved in the testing.

Happier Hormones

A new study backs the use of low-dose vaginal oestrogen tablets, creams or rings to combat post menopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness, painful sex and recurrent urinary tract infections. Results show it’s safer than systemic hormone therapy because it keeps blood levels of oestrogen within the normal range. 

A Lasting Smile

A new laser treatment targets gum disease with a tiny laser and with fewer side effects than traditional surgery. It kills bacteria to eliminate infection and inflammation, then seals gums to create the clean, closed environment necessary for regeneration. 

Grab & Go Health

Already showing up in some universities, hospitals and schools are vending machines that dispense yoghurt, pieces of fruit and prepared salads. For shift workers and others who don’t have easy  access to healthy food outlets, these new options offer a lifeline to better health.

A New Listening Device 

A sound-recognition device called Wavio detects sirens, alarm clocks and doorbells to alert the hearing-impaired via a phone, watch or computer. Users program an app to choose which sounds to monitor. The device then sends notifications to the user when those sounds are detected.

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