The Feature Mill

Barron's reported recently on a new non-invasive skin cancer diagnosis tool awaiting FDA approval.

Melanoma is by far the most deadliest form of skin cancer, and a significant problem in my homeland of Australia, where long summers, outdoor lifestyles, and the hole in the ozone layer all lead to an incidence four times that of the US and ten times that of many other countries.

The MelaFind by electro-optical sciences, inc. promises to make preliminary diagnosis easier for the physician and patient and dramatically reduce the need for biopsies (excising a small piece to examine for cancer indicators). Sounds good, hopefully the FDA will be able to confirm the benefits, and we can catch more of these deadly cancers earlier, and reduce morbidity.

Ran into this one via Digg, and science/med geeks should definitely check it out.

In particular I love the Gecko Bandage, as my wife and son have allergies to some of the adhesives used on ye olde sticking plasters, and the Ultrasound Device, which you must admit has a kick-ass Star Trek vibe, but also amazing potential for wound treatment without contact (minimizing the potential for infection, allergic reaction) and without consumables. This would be perfect for first-responders, third-world medical care, and perhaps even first-aid kits some day.