Press Releases 2015

Alginate forms a kind of supporting skeleton in the cell walls of certain kinds of algae. Fraunhofer scientists use the gel-like mass from Chilean seaweed as the substrate for stem cells. They can flexibly adjust the pore size and elasticity of the alginate, and it transports active ingredients and has better optical characteristics than plastic materials.

Joint inflammation (arthritis) is a common problem in medical practice and can be due to a variety of causes. Many types of inflammatory disorders affecting the joints belong to the diverse group of rheumatic diseases. The most common ones are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis which frequently affect the joints of the hands. These joint diseases are chronic in nature and cannot be cured yet. However, an early diagnosis and thus early medical treatment tremendously improves long-term outcome. That is why experts working on the EC-funded project IACOBUS led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT are developing a finger scanner which in the future will allow arthritis of the hands to be diagnosed at a very early stage. The team will be presenting a prototype of the new technology at the MEDICA trade fair in Düsseldorf from November 16 - 19 (Hall 10, Booth G05).

The use of ultrasound in vehicles of all kinds is one of the focuses of the department of ”Technical Ultrasound“ at the Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT. Sensors and systems are developed for distance monitoring and obstacle detection (parking assistant), for flow metering (exhaust), for level metering and fuel characterization (tank) as well as for interior monitoring (burglary prevention). Furthermore, another core competence of the Fraunhofer IBMT is the conceptual design of mobile laboratories. The whole service from conceptual design to consulting and support during implementation to operating of the laboratory is offered by the business area “Laboratory Technology”. “Technical Ultrasound” and “Laboratory Technology” present their competences exhibiting a model of a Pick-Up with a laboratory van body.

A wide range of industrially synthesized nanomaterials are present in products we use daily and, in the meantime, are part of our everyday life. Due to their exceptional properties (e. g., increased UV-filtration or stronger adhesion) they are used in clothes, cosmetics, household goods and paints. But where do these particles, each measuring just a few millionths of a millimeter, end up? What impact do they have on humans and the environment? How dangerous are they really? In order to find answers to these questions, 11 partners from business and science, as well as Federal and State authorities are developing new, innovative methods for precise and safe evaluation of nanomaterial contamination and the resulting risk potential for humans and the environment within the framework of the project "NanoUmwelt: risk analysis of engineered nanomaterials in the environment".

MESSKO, THIEMT and the Fraunhofer IBMT are representing “Labor der Zukunft” (Future's Lab Technology) at this years edition of ACHEMA. Taking place June, 15-19, 2015, in Frankfurt, Germany, ACHEMA is recognized as the world forum for chemical engineering, process industry and technology summit in this field. The initiative has an information booth in hall 5.1, stand D89 (Saarland Joint Stand). Main attraction will be the outdoor presentation of innovative laboratory technology in front of hall 4.

Fraunhofer IBMT presents one of its mobile lab units at the “Business meets Research” forum in Esch-Belval, Luxemburg. Embedded into a schedule of lectures and guided visits to research facilities in Luxemburg, the mobile lab as the “flagship” of the initiative “Labor der Zukunft” (laboratory of the future) is showcasing modern lab technologies. The lab is open for visits from 11:00 to 17:00.

Mobile laboratories are a key competence of the network "Labor der Zukunft" (future's lab technology) where stakeholders with different background cooperate in the field of modern lab technology. The ArabLab 2015 in Dubai, UAE, features from March 23 to 26, 2015 laboratory and instrumentation equipment at a unique location for the Middle East, Africa, and the Indian Sub-Continent. THIEMT is presenting its competences in planning and realization of laboratories and buildings in the framework of the "German Pavillon" (booth number 537). Fraunhofer IBMT is showcasing at this booth a model of its mobile BSL-3 unit currently operated in the Western Cap province, Republic of South Africa. Fraunhofer IBMT and THIEMT are members of the German association “Labor der Zukunft” representing the mobile laboratory field of the initiative at ArabLab.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT has a broad and long-standing expertise in the field of ultrasound. At this year's Hanover Fair from April 13 to 17, 2015 in Hanover, it presents in particular its activities in the field of sonar on the joint Fraunhofer booth »Maritime Technologies«.

After bowel surgery, more than half of the patients suffer from irreparable nerve damage. Now scientists have developed an assistance system that warns surgeons about the risk of inflicting possible injury during operations in the pelvic area. The experts are currently working on a solution for minimally invasive surgery

The range of uses for ultrasound is gigantic; the applied technologies are just as diverse. Researchers are now covering a wide range of applications with a new modular system: From sonar systems to medical ultrasound technologies and all the way to the high-frequency range – such as for materials testing.