Quick Hits: Neurons on Chips Could Cure Diseases

A team of researchers at the University of Bath has developed the world’s first artificial neurons for use in bio-electronic devices.

Dec 6th, 2019

Artificial Neurons on a Silicone Chip

Artificial Neurons on a Silicone Chip

University of Bath

A recent TechXplore article discussed the latest “body part on a chip.” This time, it’s artificial neurons on silicone chips that could lead to medical devices capable of curing chronic diseases associated with neuronal degeneration such as heart failure and Alzheimer’s. The electronic neurons, developed by a team of researchers at the University of Bath in England, behave exactly like the natural ones by responding to electrical signals from the nervous system.

The groundbreaking achievement has been a pipedream in the medical world for decades as it makes curing conditions where neurons have been damaged, such as a spinal cord injury, possible. The artificial neurons have the ability to repair dead bio-circuits by recreating healthy function and responding to biological feedback to restore bodily functions.

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Human Factors Expert Interprets Nurses’ Wishes

Whether in the healthcare setting or the home, an end user may desire one packaging feature, but actually need another.

Packaging Post-Pandemic

Nobody can measure with any real accuracy what impact Covid-19 will have on packaging. But what packaging professional wouldn’t value a glimpse into how things might look post-pandemic, especially if that glimpse comes from an experienced veteran?

Looking Ahead to New Packaging Material Innovation

Packaging engineers and product developers must work together to create new sustainable initiatives in packaging material innovation.

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) in the UK now carries blood supplies on board its helicopters and Rapid Response Vehicles (RRVs).

Transport Bag Offers Pre-Hospital Blood Protection on Air Ambulances

Air ambulance operations manager: “The decision to start carrying blood products on board our helicopters and RRVs was a major one for the charity, one which has significantly improved the care that can be delivered to patients.”

Along with a new focus on function, Ethan’s has changed the color of each bottle to reflect the shots’ unique flavors and primary ingredients.

Function-Focused Rebrand for Wellness Shots

Organic energy shot company Ethan’s redesigns the labels for its 2-oz shots to clearly convey the occasion of use for each as well as emphasize the flavor and ingredient profiles.

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Economic Outlook: 2020 and Beyond

Discussing the current economic outlook amidst a “double black swan event,” Alex Chausovsky of ITR Economics presented “Guidance in an Uncertain Economy” last week as part of PMMI’s Executive Leadership Conference.

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Research Highlights Two in Five Hospitals Lack Formal Drug Diversion Programs

According to the study on drug diversion in the U.S., almost 9 in 10 healthcare professionals say they have met or know someone who has diverted drugs.

BIC North America will be producing 2,000 medical-grade face shields per day at its factory in Milford, Conn.

BIC Uses Plastic Packaging Materials to Produce PPE

Global CPG BIC gears up to produce 2,000 medical-grade face shields per day at its Connecticut facility, using plastic packaging materials and scrap plastic from its lighter products.

At-Home Saliva Test

Quick Hits: FDA OKs First At-Home Saliva Test for COVID-19

The FDA issued an emergency use authorization for the diagnostic test.

Schreiner MediPharm’s Booklet-Label for the needle protection system used by Sanofi in a clinical trial encompasses 32 pages.

Sanofi Clinical Trial Benefits from Compact, Multi-Lingual Booklet Label

Specialty Label for Needle Protection System in International Phase III Trial.

The slim, e-com shipper comprises a hinged tray fitted with movable inner trays that securely hold the bottle and product literature.

Smart Supplement Shipper is Letterbox-Friendly, Sustainable

Brain health company Heights launches its D2C supplement product in a unique bottle and shipper made from bio-based materials that together measure less than one inch deep.

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Healthcare Market Equipment Investments Poised for Growth in 2021

Personal care and pharmaceuticals /medical devices are two markets that, not surprisingly, are holding their own and even expecting growth during COVID-19.

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States Focus Legislation on Prescription Drug Costs

Though attention has turned to COVID-19, state legislatures were already pivoting away from last year’s opioid legislation to address drug prices—an issue that requires the Healthcare Distribution Alliance to engage across all 50 states.

Just like in this iceberg image, hidden operating costs can sink you. Total cost of ownership enables gathering better data and understanding for better informed decisions.

It’s All About the Cost, Not the Price

Just like all change management, total cost of ownership is a journey that has transformational results when successfully implemented.

Machine Efficiency and the Impacts of Sustainable Packaging

Many primary packaging lines are no longer dedicated to a single product as SKUs increase, impacting line efficiency. Sustainable material changes may also create challenges.

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DSCSA and COVID-19

How is the pandemic response impacting the complex and evolving national traceability goals for pharmaceuticals?

Each & Every has rolled out a 2.5-oz deodorant tube made from bioplastic and a special black colorant that the company says can be detected by infrared scanners for recycling.

Sugarcane and Corn: ‘Ingredients Matter’ in New Deodorant Packaging

Vegan, cruelty-free deodorant from Each & Every introduces primary packaging made from sugarcane-based plastic and a corn-based bioplastic shipping envelope.

Quest for a Plastic Packaging Circular Economy

Eliminating unnecessary plastic, sustainable innovation, and circulating plastic within the economy are the three goals of more than 450 global partner companies seeking to keep plastic waste out of the environment.

Sustainable Package Reformatting on the Rise

According to a new report by PMMI Business Intelligence, over half of CPGs are changing product packaging to meet sustainability goals by moving from one format to another.

COVID-19 Symptom Throat Sensor

Quick Hits: New Throat Sensor Tracks COVID-19 Symptoms

Scientists at Northwestern have developed a small flexible device that tracks symptoms associated with the virus.

More in Home

3D Printed Ear Guards

Quick Hits: Kid Invents Device to Prevent Ear Pain from Face Masks

A 12-year-old boy is 3D printing and donating “ear guards” to support healthcare workers on the frontlines.

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Redesign Reverses Course to Reflect Modern Women

Midol®, the venerable OTC menstrual relief brand from Bayer, underwent a striking packaging redesign, reversing course on existing iconography, typography, and messaging.

Quick Hits: Healthcare Workers Use VR to Learn Skills for Treating COVID patients

Health professionals with little to no experience in treating infectious disease are learning with virtual reality.

South Korean Doctors

Quick Hits: South Korea Says You Can’t Be Infected Twice

Scientists believe reported cases of coronavirus relapse were actually due to test failures.

Quick Hits: Roche Increases COVID-19 Antibody Test Output

The FDA granted emergency approval for the antibody test that determines whether people have been infected with coronavirus.

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Preparing the Supply Chain for a Coronavirus Vaccine

As we fight to “flatten the curve” of the coronavirus pandemic, scientists are urgently working to create a vaccine. Manufacturing and distributing hundreds of millions of doses when a vaccine is approved is yet another challenge to address.

Experts opened unbranded packaging as if they were in the field, with the livefeed cast on screens in the main HealthPack conference room.

Recycling Device Packaging in the Operating Room

Two healthcare veterans discussed how recycling fits (or doesn’t) into their fast-paced OR operations at the Nurses’ Panel at HealthPack.

A3 Webinar Covid Robotics Panel2

COVID-19 Brings Increased Visibility to the Role of Robotics

Presidents and CEOs of Fanuc, Universal Robots, Fetch, and Schunk discuss how robotics and automation are helping manufacturers through the pandemic and what the lasting effects might be.

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HDA: The Need for Distributor-Pharmacy Partnership During Pandemic

Healthcare Distribution Alliance is seeking to provide “a greater understanding of how distributors are working each day” to meet inventory needs for supply chain partners and patients.

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Material Innovation Key to Achieving Sustainable Packaging Strategy

The market will continue to see innovations in the selection of sustainable packaging materials, as more companies embrace sustainable options.

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Global Impact of Covid-19 on Manufacturing

Three CEOs of leading manufacturers of packaging and processing machinery and equipment met virtually with PMMI to discuss strategies in conducting their operations amid the pandemic affecting today's world.

U.S. Packaging Machinery Industry Continues to Grow at Steady Pace

OEMs are feeling the pressure to accommodate market demands, such as offering complete packaging solutions, modular machines, traceability, and sustainability.