Michigan State University engineering students in East Lansing have figured out an affordable way to test third world medical patients for common health problems.
Pairing with Chinese engineering students, they created a medical diagnostic device that hooks up to a lap top and tests people for illnesses such as blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, temperature, glucose level and heart irregularities.
The devices will be set up in emergency rooms and clinics so if irregularities are
detected, the patient can get help immediately. The students created the device as part of an international engineering competition.
"The goal was to develop something that helps people in a developing country," says Erik Goodman, MSU professor of electrical and computer engineering.
Two team members will go to India in December to attempt to make it through the final round. Ten teams will win roughly $27,000 and 20 teams will win about $7,000. Goodman says the MSU will use any prize money to further develop the device. The university would be very supportive if a U.S. or Chinese business wanted to commercialize the device, he adds.
Source: Erik Goodman, MSU professor of electrical and computer engineering
Ivy Hughes is the development news editor for Capital Gains. She can be reached at
ivy@capitalgainsmedia.com.
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