People who struggle with hormonal conditions and other illnesses related to it usually have to go through a lot of tests and doctor appointments. There are times though when it’s a bit tough to work around in terms of schedules and even budget, even though monitoring your hormone levels are necessary. Good thing we’re getting options for more practical and easier ways to get some of these tests done.

Designer: Eli Health

The Hormometer is an at-home test that you can take and all you need is the kit, your saliva, and your smartphone. It’s a non invasive, portable, and accessible way to do hormone-testing from the comfort of your home, whether for medical or just personal reasons, like part of the hormone balancing trend we’re seeing on social media. There are two kinds of tests offered: cortisol for those regulating things like blood pressure, blood sugar, metabolism, and progesterone for those that are dealing with reproductive issues.

How the Hormometer works is pretty simple. You stick the thin cartridge in your mouth and lets it gather saliva for around 60 seconds. It looks like a pregnancy test or a COVID test kit. After collecting the fluid, you use your smartphone’s camera to let the app assess the results and you can see it as well on the window in the cartridge. The app will then provide recommendations for things related to sleep, fertility, athletic performance, stress, etc.

This device is FDA registered, which is different from the clearance or approval we normally see. The company says that it has a 97% (cortisol) and 94% (progesterone) agreement with FDA-approved lab tests. They’re also developing tests for testosterone and estradiol levels as well which they’ll release in the future.

The Hormometer’s future developments promise even greater flexibility and utility. By expanding its testing capabilities to include additional hormones, it aims to address a wider range of health concerns. This adaptability ensures that the device remains relevant and useful as users’ needs evolve, positioning it as a vital component of modern health management.

In essence, the Hormometer transforms how individuals approach hormone testing. By making the process more accessible, accurate, and user-friendly, it supports a healthier lifestyle and encourages proactive health management. As technology continues to advance, innovations like the Hormometer will play an increasingly important role in personal healthcare, offering practical solutions for everyday health challenges.

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A mindset of preparedness and proactive action is crucial for maintaining our health effectively. By taking appropriate precautions and staying ready, we can manage medical emergencies to the best of our abilities. The medical industry continues to introduce groundbreaking innovations that are revolutionizing healthcare.

Designers are developing new and improved life-saving medical devices that not only enhance patient care but also alleviate some of the burden on our dedicated healthcare professionals. And, we have curated a collection of the top 5 medical innovations and designs that you need to know about. Dive in!

1. Transcutaneous Oxygen Sensor

Say hello to the Transcutaneous Oxygen Sensor – a cutting-edge wearable medical device that seamlessly combines functionality with aesthetic appeal. This innovative gadget is designed to provide precise and reliable detection of blood oxygen levels, focusing on both the skin tissue and the underlying vessels and capillaries. Developed by ASON Co. Ltd., the Transcutaneous Oxygen Sensor is poised to revolutionize personal health monitoring as it targets the mass consumer market, with an anticipated release in the coming years.

The device employs advanced luminescent gas sensing technology, which allows it to measure oxygen levels with remarkable accuracy. This is teamed up with soft electronics, ensuring that the sensor is not only highly effective but also comfortable to wear for extended periods. The incorporation of these technologies makes the Transcutaneous Oxygen Sensor a versatile tool for individuals seeking to monitor their health in real time.

2. Cast21 Cast

Chicago-based startup Cast21 has developed an innovative sleeve designed to fit any hand comfortably. This unique cast takes the perfect shape around your hand by using a patented gel that hardens once applied. The process begins by selecting a sleeve size appropriate for the patient, whether a child or an adult.

The sleeve is then slipped onto the hand and filled with a proprietary resin mixture that transforms into a malleable gel over time. This allows the doctor to adjust the gel for a precise fit, ensuring optimal comfort and support for the limb. Additionally, patients have the option to choose from a variety of gel colors, adding a touch of personalization and making the cast appear less clinical.

3. Apollon

Called Apollon, this award-winning wearable reduces some of the inconvenience experienced by hospitalized patients. It features a wrist-worn module and a ring-type sensor that measures some important health indicators. It can take automatic and periodic measurements of your oxygen level.

It can also track irregular pulse, pulse rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, and skin temperature and, if needed, take body temperature measurements. It is designed to be comfortable and not too intrusive. It resembles a regular wearable device, but it is larger than a smartwatch.

4. S1

This compact device, resembling an eyepatch (though it’s not meant for your face), may not immediately appear as a high-tech marvel. Shanmu, a micro-medical robot company based in Shenzhen, has infused the S1 with enough innovation to make your smartwatch jealous.

It is equipped with a digital microfluidic chipset and AI, it analyzes just one microliter of urine to provide insights into ten crucial health indicators, all within approximately ten minutes. It’s like having a personal lab technician stationed in your bathroom. It features an IPX7 waterproof rating and a medical-grade anti-fouling coating and is designed to handle the unique challenges of its environment while remaining clean and fully operational.

5. MediScan Pro

Called the MediScan Pro – this pocket-sized conceptual device revolutionizes personal health monitoring with its futuristic design. This innovative gadget combines specialized functionality with a retro-futuristic aesthetic, featuring a boxy and angular aluminum body that captures attention.

The MediScan Pro ensures easy control and operation. It is equipped with a large fingerprint scanner, a compact display, and intuitive buttons and wheels. Its portable design allows users to track their health conveniently without relying on bulky equipment. It offers immediate access to healthcare, which is great for people who travel a lot or are on the move always.

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I used to live with someone who had epilepsy and it was always a challenge for our housemates to figure out what to do when he had an attack. We eventually got used to it of course and learned emergency measures but that time, we didn’t know when it would happen. There are now tools to help those who live with epileptic seizures and we can expect more to come as technology and products become more advanced.

Designer: SWNA Office

The Zero Earbuds and Glasses concept, designed for SK Biopham are devices that epilepsy patients can wear and help monitor their seizures without interfering with their every day life. These products are discrete enough that they can blend seamlessly with their lifestyle and they are both ergonomic enough that they won’t interfere with their regular tasks.

The Zero Glasses can help relieve chronic anxiety that epileptic patients experience due to the unpredictable nature of seizures. They are able to measure things like brain activity, heart rhythm, and body motion, which are usually used as indicators for an incoming attack. There are magnetic connectors at the temple tips discretely placed on the glasses which lets it connect to the sensor pad. It also comes with a charging case with an angle-adjustable camera which can be used to record the patient when they’re experiencing a seizure.

Meanwhile, the ZERO Earbuds are another wearable tool that can also measure the same things. It is designed like regular over-ear wearables similar to hearing aids or just earbuds. The ear hooks are ergonomic and adjustable while the magnetic connectors foster an easy connection with the sensor pads. It is also discrete enough that the user will not be embarassed to wear them, similar to the glasses.

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If there’s one corner of the internet I find myself constantly visiting, it’s the LEGO Ideas website just to see what unique stuff people are building. You usually see a healthy mix of submissions – architecture, cartoon characters, historic monuments, culture, and every once in a while, a working LEGO version of a real-life product, like a Turing machine or a lawn mower.

This ambitious set, crafted with 1,316 meticulously chosen pieces, turns mere bricks into a fairly functional microscope that you can peer through and examine samples under. Standing tall at 16.5 inches, this MOC (My Own Creation) from Peter_Designs is more functional than you’d expect. With a revolving nosepiece, working eyepiece, and adjustable sharpness controls, this creation promises not just to look good but to work like a charm, inspiring curiosity in everyone who assembles or uses it.

Designer: Peter_Designs

The LEGO Ideas Functional Microscope moves, adjusts, illuminates, and even magnifies. Three lenses in a revolving nosepiece let you simulate different magnification levels, complete with tiny bacteria models to examine. A press-activated light brings your samples to life, while fine and coarse sharpness controls let you dial in clarity. Every mechanism feels purposeful, engineered to transform assembly into interaction.

The model also carries the weight of history in its design. Microscopes have transformed how we see the world, from Galileo’s earliest designs to today’s electron microscopes that reveal the invisible. For Peter_Designs, this MOC hopes to celebrate the piece of equipment and all the achievements it’s aided. “My motivation for this set was twofold,” he says. “The first aim is to show that science can be fun! If approached right, it is not a limitation but an opportunity[…] The second motivation was to show an appreciation for people who dedicate their life to science – many hours of research and determined work, so that all of us can have better lives.”

The magnification settings, represented by LEGO-constructed bacteria samples, invite users to explore the microcosm in a tangible, imaginative way. The illumination light, coarse and fine adjustment knobs, and even a sprung sample clip make this as interactive as it is educational. The model offers a tactile understanding of how microscopes work, all while delivering the unmatched joy of building something extraordinary from tiny, interlocking bricks. Right above the rotating lenses lies a disc that features 2D representations of bacteria. Rotate the eyepiece and you see a zoomed-in or zoomed-out version of the bacteria, just through clever LEGO building.

LEGO veterans will relish the intricacy of its construction. Advanced building techniques mimic the angles, gears, and connections of a real microscope, making every step of assembly a journey in engineering. There’s a kind of alchemy here: ordinary bricks transforming into something extraordinary, a process that’s as rewarding as the finished product itself.

The entire kit stands at a fairly impressive 42cm (16.5 inches) tall, featuring a 1,316-build construction that includes both regular as well as LEGO Technic bricks to give it a reliable, functional construction. The design combines elements from beautiful, antique microscopes with those taken straight from modern, more sophisticated machines.

For now, the Functional Microscope is a submission on the LEGO Ideas website, gathering votes from the broader LEGO global community. With 5,960 votes, it’s well on its way to hitting the 10,000 vote mark, following which the submission will be reviewed by LEGO’s internal team and hopefully converted into a box-set that all us enthusiasts can buy. If you consider yourself such an enthusiast, you can vote for the LEGO Ideas Functional Microscope on LEGO’s website here.

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Walkers are usually purely functional to help those who need walking assistance, whether due to old age or injury. But there are those who prefer not to use it for various reasons, including the fact that it’s just functionally designed and may not be aesthetically pleasing. But what if you create walkers that are stylish and still fully functional?

Designers: Josh King and Georgia Williams

That’s what the creators of the Zeal Lifestyle Walker are trying to create, bringing their previous design experiences from companies like Powell industrial and Dior. They want to position this product as a “luxury consumer goods experience” instead of just the usual end-of-life experience for mostly the elderly. They created something that will perform what it’s meant to do while also bringing an appealing design.

The cables of the walker are inside of the frame unlike most of the assistive devices. You also have a baring system for the steering and shock-absorbing wheels. If a part malfunctions, they will send a replacement and it can be replaced by the owner with their allen keys that come with the original walker.

It also comes in five pastel colors instead of the usual clinical colors that walkers come in. You can choose from sage, onyx, chalk, thistle, and blush. You can even customize some of the elements like the wheel caps and seats in the colors that you want. It’s also just 5.9 kg so it’s pretty light. The creators are hoping that the Zeal walkers will appeal to those who prefer a nicer looking assistive tool.

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One of the things that most people probably hate is being hospitalized. Aside from of course all the health reasons why this is a hassle, there’s also the added inconvenience of having your vitals regularly monitored. Although of course we know that it’s needed, it still is annoying to be woken up at different times and to be poked and prodded.

Designer: Adaption for Skylabs

Apollon is an award-winning wearable device that will hopefully lessen some of that inconvenience for hospitalized patients. It has both a wrist-worn module and also a ring-type sensor that is able to measure some of the more important health indicators. It is able to take automatic and periodic measurements of your oxygen level, irregular pulse, pulse rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, and skin temperature. It is also able to take body temperature measurements when you need it.

The design of the device makes it not so intrusive and uncomfortable for the patient even as it is taking their vitals. It looks just like a regular wearable device although it is of course larger than a smartwatch. The wristband is made from silicone so that it’s hygienic and can easily be attached and removed to the control module. The single-sized silicone ring is placed around the sensor module and can be used by people of various finger sizes.

Apollon was actually an honoree in the Artificial Intelligence category at the CES 2025 Innovation Awards. It seems to be a comfortable and non-invasive device for patients in the hospital who are already pretty stressed already because of their health condition.

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It’s alright to be concerned about one’s health, but being concerned enough to scan your urine feels a little overkill. Enter the Shanmu S1, a health tracker that sticks to the inside of your toilet bowl and scans your urine for health markers. Yes, you heard that right—your bathroom just became ground zero for cutting-edge medical technology. If it sounds a bit, well, invasive, stick with me—it gets interesting.

This palm-sized device, reminiscent of an eyepatch (please don’t try placing it on your face), doesn’t scream “tech marvel” at first glance. But Shanmu, a Shenzhen-based micro-medical robot company, has packed enough innovation into the S1 to make your smartwatch jealous. Using a digital microfluidic chipset and AI, it analyzes a single microliter of urine to give you a rundown of ten critical health indicators, all in about ten minutes. It’s like having a lab technician who never leaves the restroom.

Designer: Shanmu

On paper, it’s undeniably impressive. Creatinine levels? Checked. Urine protein? Monitored. Acid-base balance? Assessed. The list goes on. But here’s the kicker: all this happens while you go about your business—literally. Just pee, flush, and wait for your phone to buzz with a full health report. If that’s not the pinnacle of multitasking, I don’t know what is.

Of course, there’s a certain absurdity in a pee scanner doubling as a household fixture. Who thought, “You know what we need? A robot in our toilet”? But, in fairness, the logic holds up. Urine has long been a reliable indicator of health, and by turning an everyday act into a diagnostic opportunity, Shanmu is flipping the script on how we engage with medical care.

The device itself is a feat of engineering. Rated IPX7 waterproof and coated with a medical-grade anti-fouling layer, it’s designed to withstand the, let’s say, unique challenges of its environment. It promises to stay clean and function flawlessly, which, if true, is more than some of us can say about our fitness trackers. With a battery that lasts two months and consumables that only need replacing every six months, it’s built for longevity. Just don’t ask it to scrub the bowl for you.

But while the S1 is clever, its real brilliance lies in its companion app. The app doesn’t just dump raw data on you (pun absolutely intended); it translates health markers into practical insights. A spike in ketone levels might suggest dietary tweaks, while a flagged pH value could hint at hydration issues. This isn’t tech for the sake of tech—it’s a genuine attempt to make health monitoring accessible, even for those of us who don’t know our creatinine from our cholesterol.

Still, the concept invites a little side-eye. Is it hygienic? Shanmu insists its anti-fouling coating and sealed construction keep things sanitary. What about privacy? No word yet, but considering it’s handling some very personal data, Shanmu better have a rock-solid plan for security. And then there’s the big unknown: cost. With CES 2025 around the corner, we can only hope Shanmu won’t price us out of the future of toilet tech.

It’s tempting to dismiss the S1 as a quirky gadget chasing headlines, but it’s more than that. It’s part of a larger movement toward seamless, passive health monitoring. No clunky devices, no painful needles, no trips to the lab—just everyday actions turned into opportunities for better care. In fact, Withings debuted a similar (albeit clunky) urine scanner at CES back in 2023.

That said, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There’s something undeniably dystopian about a robot critiquing your urine while you’re just trying to survive Monday morning. And the idea of a toilet health tracker might still feel like it’s edging into “Black Mirror” territory. But if the S1 delivers on its promises, it could pave the way for a future where proactive health management is as easy as a trip to the bathroom.

So, will this little gizmo revolutionize healthcare or end up as a tech oddity we chuckle about years from now? Time will tell. For now, the S1 stands as a peculiar yet undeniably intriguing leap into the world of AI-powered wellness. And who knows? The next time you’re in the bathroom, you might just look down and see the future staring back at you.

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Smartphones and smartwatches today have a variety of sensors and apps that give us a glimpse of our health. We can track heart rates, blood oxygen levels, and even temperatures, and combine that data to create a more holistic picture and actionable steps. Of course, nothing beats professional medical equipment, but we can’t carry those around with us.

Phones and wearables might be convenient, but they don’t always offer the best user experience for specific needs. This concept device, for example, tries to imagine a dedicated health scanner that is able to cram more features while still retaining its portable size. And it even looks and feels quite advanced to boot!

Designer: Vadim Trofimenko

When talking about handheld scanning devices, many sci-fi and pop culture buffs will probably think of Star Trek tricorders. These fictional devices can detect and analyze almost anything, from materials to creatures to people. Of course, we haven’t yet reached that level of technology, but we’re getting pretty close thanks to computer vision and AI.

The MediScan Pro concept design tries to deliver some of that futuristic experience to the realm of personal health. It’s a pocket-sized metal box that offers more specialized functionality than generic smartphones and smartwatches, at least in theory. Based on the concept, it still scans your finger to get data, similar to how IR and laser scanners work today.

In terms of design, the MediScan Pro has a bit of a retro-futuristic aesthetic. It’s quite box and angular, not hiding the fact that it’s a technological product. There’s a sizeable fingerprint scanner near the top, a small display in the middle, and buttons and wheels at the bottom for controlling the devices. It has an aluminum body but, curiously, the textured surface on its back is supposed to be made from recycled plastic.

Much of the functionality it tries to offer is, to be honest, already available today, especially with the limited data you can glean from a fingerprint. It also uses AI to evaluate the data, give you recommendations, or contact your health provider. The difference from smartphones and smartwatches that already exist today is that MediScan Pro offers a distraction-free experience so you don’t suddenly forget what you’re doing because of the flood of notifications and alerts that greet you.

One unrealistic feature, however, is the use of holograms to display your health status. We’re not yet at that point where small devices can display detailed holograms, let alone ones that contain enough information at a glance. That’s not entirely outside the realm of possibility, but by then we might also have less bulky and more elegant designs by then.

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One of the most common side effects on patients undergoing chemotherapy is the loss of hair. It may seem like not a big deal anymore these days because people are more “accepting” of baldness, but there is still of course an effect on self-esteem and self-image of the patient. They say that hair loss is one of the most traumatic parts for them when it comes to their cancer treatment. A new product that will help them prevent this chemotherapy side effect will soon be available for commercial purchase.

Designer: Luminate

Lily is a helmet created by cancer treatment tech startup Luminate. The basic idea for the device is that when worn during chemotherapy sessions, the helmet applies pressure across the scalp that stops the chemicals from getting into the patient’s hair follicles. The helmet is also made from soft materials so it’s still comfortable when worn and will not add to the common discomfort patients experience when having their chemotherapy session. Just think of the helmet as a compression garment for the head.

The wearable device looks like your typical helmet but with additional paddings on the cheek and under the chin. The way it’s built and designed is to bock off the capillaries to prevent the toxic chemo cocktail from affecting the patient’s hair. In their initial trials, 75% of the participants retained their hair while undergoing chemotherapy while wearing the Lily helmet. There will be another trial this November involving 85 patients across the U.S.

Luminate is also developing a glove and boot set called Lilac that will help prevent neuropathy, another side effect of chemotherapy. The company’s goal is to make cancer treatments more comfortable for patients by creating products that will address the side effects.

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An attitude of preparedness, as well as proactive action, are essential for taking good care of our health. By taking the right precaution, and being prepared always, we can handle a medical emergency to the best of our ability. And the medical industry has been coming up with ingenious innovations, that are completely transforming the healthcare game. Designers have been coming up with new and improved, life-saving medical designs that not only boost medical care but also relieve some of the pressure from our tireless medical force. From a device that can smell diseases on your breath to a smart ring designed especially for women and their health – these innovations are upping the medical arena.

1. Transcutaneous Oxygen Sensor

Named the Transcutaneous Oxygen Sensor, this wearable medical device is a functional gadget that performs its duties, while being aesthetically ideal as well. The gadget is used for the accurate detection of blood oxygen levels of the skin issue, and the underlying vessels and capillaries. Created for ASON Co. Ltd., the device is created for the mass consumer market, and will probably hit it in a few years. It utilizes luminescent gas sensing and soft electronics technology to produce the readings.

2. DiagNoze

Dubbed DiagNoze, this portable diagnostic tool is designed to ‘smell’ disease by analyzing your breath. The innovative gadget reads the volatile organic compounds in your breath, identifying and analyzing the biomarkers for different diseases including tuberculosis. DiagNoze works to provide real-time and portable diagnostics that can be accessed anytime anywhere, helping to tackle the healthcare issues in developed and underserved areas. The tool is amped with next-generation machine intelligence with NASA-derived sensor tech.

3. Syntropic’s Headset

Designed by the Vienna-based startup Syntropic Medical, this device uses light-based brain stimulation to provide a drug-free solution for those wanting to overcome depression. Using goggles light is shone into the eyes, while a head-worn apparatus observes and measures the effects. This device is based on the ideology that light therapy can be used to improve neuroplasticity. The innovative design is an excellent alternative for those who didn’t get satisfying results with antidepressants and other traditional treatments.

4. MedWand

Named the MedWand, this handheld medical device lets you book remote appointments with doctors! The unique device lets doctors perform medical examinations over the internet, anytime anywhere. It also facilitates real-time monitoring and recording of vitals such as core temperature, blood oxygen saturation, pulse rate, electrocardiogram and more. The device can be used to offer high-definition otoscopic, dermatoscopic, and oropharynx images as well. It can also capture multiple 3rd party vitals like weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar.

5. Evie Smart Ring

Meet the Evie Smart Ring – a thoughtfully designed wearable for women! Evie is a medical-grade health wearable for women, amped with a variety of features to help women track their health. The wearable can track your health, menstrual cycle, and activity, and monitor your sleep quality. It is intended for women, featuring an open and flexible construction, so it fits well and feels comfortable to wear throughout the day. Evie merges and personalizes data to offer you a reading on how to better achieve your goals.

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