Hearing Safety Devices: System for Monitoring Exposure to Impulse Noise

This CDC-developed technology entails a system for monitoring and assessing the risk of auditory damage from exposure to impulse noise, such as noise created by construction machinery and firearms. Noise dosimeters have been used extensively over the past two decades to document personal exposure to noise and assure workplaces comply with permissible noise exposure levels. However, due to older methods of calculating "noise dose," current noise dosimeters often inaccurately determine the risk of an impulse event.

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) Device to Resolve Individual Membrane Electrical Properties of Epithelial and Endothelial Tissues

Understanding the electrical properties of barrier tissues is crucial for deciphering their physiological functions and pathological conditions. These tissues, such as epithelial and endothelial layers, play critical roles in regulating the transport of ions, nutrients, and signaling molecules. By quantifying membrane-specific resistances, capacitances, and potentials, researchers gain valuable insights into epithelial development, barrier integrity, and disease progression. 

Device for Simulating Explosive Blast and Imaging Biological Specimens

Summary:

Researchers at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) developed a device simulating a blast shock wave of the type produced by explosive devices such as bombs. The invention allows for the real-time study of blast effects on in vitro cell models. NICHD researchers seek licensing opportunities to further develop this device.

Engineered Biological Pacemakers

The National Institute on Aging's (NIA) Cellular Biophysics Section is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize biological pacemakers.

A common symptom of many heart diseases is an abnormal heart rhythm or arrhythmia. While effectively improving the lives of many patients, implantable pacemakers have significant limitations such as limited power sources, risk of infections, potential for interference from other devices, and absence of autonomic rate modulation.