People with congenital differences in their hands and limbs often adapted as children to lead wonderful and productive lives. However, as they age, dexterity decreases and these patients need assistance to perform everyday tasks such as holding a telephone or opening a car door. A local man encountered this issue and contacted the College of Engineering for a solution to help him remain active. We developed a customized assistive device that fit precisely to his hand and increased his ability to grip and hold objects.

We designed the Mayo BIBS EMG Device as a novel, noninvasive electromyographic (EMG) monitoring system to help healthcare professionals assess extubation readiness in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. By capturing and analyzing real-time EMG signals from interclavicular muscles, our portable device provides objective, quantitative data on respiratory muscle activity and strength, enhancing clinical decision-making for extubation.

Hydrocephalus is a condition where the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) buildup in the cranium increases pressure on the brain. Current shunts drain CSF from the brain to other body parts where it can be reabsorbed; however, existing shunts fail after about two years. We developed a lumbar shunt that drained CSF from the lumbar spine to the venous system. A key feature of our design includes a ball-and-spring valve mechanism, which ensures precise flow regulation and prevents backflow, addressing a primary challenge of existing shunt systems.

Firefighters operate in high-stress environments that expose them to extreme physical exertion and hazardous conditions, necessitating robust health monitoring solutions. We developed a wearable respiration rate sensor designed to band around the chest, providing real-time monitoring tailored to firefighters’ unique needs. This compact and durable sensor tracks respiratory patterns with high accuracy, leveraging advanced algorithms to ensure reliable data collection even under dynamic conditions.

We created a knee exoskeleton for people recovering from total knee replacement surgery. Our device provided mechanical resistance, electrical therapy and data collection as a cost-effective, at-home solution for knee recovery. With this device, patients complete guided therapy exercises, helping them build stronger quadriceps muscles and improve mobility.

We developed Head Armor Pro to address concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in youth football, where current helmet designs inadequately protect against combined linear and rotational forces. We created an innovative helmet accessory that integrates auxetic foam padding and real-time impact monitoring sensors to significantly enhance player safety. Auxetic foam, with its unique energy-dissipation properties, reduces linear and rotational forces, addressing critical gaps in existing helmet technologies.

Cisplatin is effective for cancer treatment, but nephrotoxicity severely limits its clinical application, leading to acute kidney injury (AKI). We aimed to establish an advanced in vitro model to investigate how Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activators, such as sulforaphane, protected against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. We cultivated HK-2 human proximal tubular epithelial cells on microcarriers in the BioFlo®/CelliGen® 115 bioreactor, creating a three-dimensional environment closely mimicking renal tubular epithelium.

With the growing emphasis on innovation and hands-on learning, maker spaces have become increasingly popular. These spaces, equipped with tools like 3D printers, facilitate rapid prototyping and design iteration. However, this convenience comes at the cost of significant amounts of polylactic acid (PLA) 3D-printing filament waste. Although manufacturers market PLA as a greener, compostable alternative to petroleum-based plastics, it often fails to fulfill this promise.

3-D printing has changed manufacturing by allowing fast prototyping, customization and creation of complex shapes. Among popular materials, polylactic acid (PLA) is valued because it breaks down naturally and is easy to use, while recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) offers a sustainable option by reusing plastic waste. Mixing these materials into a composite filament improves the environmental impact of 3-D printing while lowering costs.

The versatility of plastics has made them increasingly common across industries. While we continuously discover innovative applications, increased plastic use contributes to a growing problem—massive waste accumulation. Dealing with this waste requires investment in both industrial and civilian infrastructure.