EEMCS researchers nominated for “Best tech idea of 2019”
Recently, researchers at LUMC Leiden and TU Delft found a way to automatically reset a racing heart through an implanted LED device. Their research, published in the scientific journal Science Translational Medicine, was received with enthusiasm and now even has a chance to win the title of “Best tech idea of 2019”. A prize awarded by the popular science magazine KIJK to the best idea that has emerged in recent times.
Research
René Poelma, a researcher at TU Delft's Microelectronics department, is second author of the article in Science Translational Medicine. Together with Professor Kouchi Zhang, he has developed the implantable LED lamp. ‘One of the things required to reset a racing heart muscle is high light intensity at the correct wavelength, but there is little space available in the body. This is why we developed a miniaturised LED lamp that, once it has been implanted, is able to spread light of sufficient intensity over a relatively wide area,’ he explains. This research is a great example of how a collaboration between medical and technological knowledge can lead to innovation.
Vote for EEMCS
The KIJK editorial team has compiled a long list of twenty inspiring tech ideas. The long list was drawn up in consultation with independent experts, technical universities and organisations that give a place to start-ups. Until 1 October, everyone can vote for their favourite. The winner is partly determined by an expert jury, partly by the public. Via this link you could vote for the EEMCS idea.
Gautham Ram
Last year, the prize went to EEMCS-researcher Gautham Ram, who developed a sustainable charger for electric cars. This charger transfers current from solar panels without conversion, directly to the car battery. Furthermore, it can retrieve the power out of the battery to be used at home or to be re-supplied to the grid.
More information
Publication: An automated hybrid bioelectronic system for autogenous restoration of sinus rhythm in atrial fibrillation
Science Translational Medicine 27 Feb 2019
Vol. 11, Issue 481, eaau6447
DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aau6447