Kerala Scientists Have Designed a Low-Cost Bra That Detects Breast Cancer!

Of all forms of cancer, breast cancer has the highest rate of incidence in India. Data says that one in every 22 women develop it.
Sadly, the latest cancer statistics in India states that out of every two women who develop breast cancer, one dies.

Unlike what has been observed across the world, the strata of female population being diagnosed with breast cancer is alarmingly getting younger across both urban and rural settings in India. Breast cancer is increasingly being detected in the 30-40 age group and sometimes, even younger.

Despite the high prevalence of the disease, there are huge, underlying deficits in the procedural as well as infrastructural facilities for breast cancer and that includes not just detection, diagnosis, counselling or treatment but most importantly, awareness across India.

The most common initial course of action for diagnosing and screening of breast cancer is the mammogram test of which radiation is a major concern. In fact, doctors and cancer specialists in India have repeatedly advised mammogram only after the age of 50.

Additionally, the test is not really an economically viable option for everyone, with its costs ranging anywhere between Rs 1,500 to Rs 8,000.

Addressing all these shortcomings, a group of scientists from Kerala have invented a path-breaking device. Years of research and development culminated in a product that can play a crucial role in detecting breast cancer that too more cheaply.

A team from Thrissur branch of Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET) invented a wearable device that is embedded with sensors and incorporates thermal imaging to detect cancerous cells in breasts.

Speaking to the media, a  Dr. sheds light upon the catalytic moment that led the team to developing the innovative “bra” that can detect breast cancer.

“The idea took root when the director of a Cancer Centre visited us sometime in 2014. They’ve been our medical partners in this project. They broached the idea of working out ways of breast cancer detection on a community scale. Mammogram was the golden standard but the provision wasn’t available in even Primary Health Centres across the country. What they had in mind was a portable device that could be implemented at a community level. This propelled us to conceptualise a wearable device for detection through thermal imaging,” she explains.

The next four years went into developing the “bra” and then getting it approved through successful clinical trials conducted at the Cancer Centre.

So, how does this thermal-sensor embedded device work?

“The sensors map the skin temperature of the breasts and detects the presence of any form of abnormalities. Which can then form the basis for patients to take further course of action,” Dr. adds.

She goes on to explain how this device stands out from the regular mammogram, “There is no exposure to radiation with this device as it physically maps the breast skin temperature. In addition to that, the device is portable which makes it perfect for any health care or ASHA worker to carry with them during field visits. It can be easily contained in a small briefcase.”

Another feature is that a person does not experience any pain that is inevitable with the mammogram screening.

“Most importantly, this device ensures the privacy of the wearer because one can wear clothes over it during the test. This is really significant as most women deter from taking the mammogram or any form of clinical screening because of their cultural conditioning and privacy issues,” she elaborates.

Furthermore, the contraption doesn’t have any age restrictions like the mammogram, “Even girls as young as 15 or 20 years of age can use the wearable device which caters to all body types. This is not possible in the case with the mammogram, as only women above 40 can undertake the screening. We have resolved that issue as well,” she adds.

Shedding light on the cost factor, Dr. explains that a digital mammogram machine easily costs about Rs 3.5 crores, while their device with its data acquisition system, amounts up to Rs 25,000 and that is only for one hospital.

A total of 117 patients and 200 volunteers were part of the C-MET team’s clinical trials. Currently, they are working in collaboration with a company to make the technology commercial.

“At present, they are in the training process and as soon as their production begins, another set of clinical trials will be undertaken from their end. As these trials often take some time, we are estimating that the device will be in the market in a year or so,” she informs.

The Dr. specially mentions that this was not an individual project and attributes her team for their years of collective hard work and invaluable contribution that make the innovation a success.

“Receiving awards and recognition is really motivating but what really would validate our years of efforts would be when this device will reach the market and benefit every single woman. That was the sole reason why we immediately put out the device for commercialisation as soon as it fulfilled the clinical trials. We are earnestly waiting for that day,” she concludes.

this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   
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Teen Invents Bra That Can Detect Breast Cancer Early

Julian Rios Cantu, a nineteen-year-old boy from Mexico, has invented a bra that is predicted to act as an early warning system for breast cancer symptoms. The young man was inspired by the unfortunate experiences his own mother had to go through as a breast cancer survivor. She was originally diagnosed when he was thirteen years old. However, her symptoms were not detected early enough. Though a doctor had found lumps in her breasts, he claimed they were malignant, though they were, in actuality, not. A second examination revealed they were indeed cancerous. Therefore, she lost both her breasts to cancer through a traumatic series of events that has left her emotionally, mentally, and physically scarred. Now, he is out to ensure other women don't have to go through the same pain.

He said, "My mom could have had a better outcome if she had been diagnosed earlier, but because of the high density of her breasts, the X-ray missed the tumors. At that moment I realized that if that was the case for a woman with private insurance and a prevention mindset, then for most women in developing countries, like Mexico where we’re from, the outcome could’ve not been a mastectomy but death." In countries with limited access to medical professionals, this could become very dangerous.

At first, he spent a few months researching the illness to the best of his abilities, making sure he was up to date on all the current diagnostic practices. Thereafter, he invented the idea of a bra that would be able to detect signs of breast cancer early on. The next few steps were much easier — he simply filed a patent, got a few friends together in order to help him run the business, and finally set out to develop his final product. The bra is expected to go on sale at any time now, but pre-orders have already begun on their official website.

The company Cantu and his three friends established is known as Higia Technologies. The high-tech bra has been named EVA, and is described as "the first intelligent, portable, and non-invasive wearable designed to detect abnormalities in the thermal patterns of the breast, an indicator for the possible presence of breast cancer." The EVA bra is equipped with sensors used to collect thermal data from the surface of the breasts. The data is then utilized to map the thermal patterns of a patient's breasts. 

These thermal patterns can indicate whether a tumor is present or not as tumors emit a greater heat than "normal" because they have an elevated rate of cellular reproduction. Higia explains, "This causes a hot zone around the tumor that EVA analyzes to generate a risk evaluation through Artificial Intelligence algorithms. Our Artificial Intelligence algorithms, then, generate a risk evaluation in a matter of minutes." Not only is this easier than making a visit to the doctor, but it is also more reliable.

The reason why the bra is so effective is that it makes the self-examination just that much more standardized. As their official website describes it, "This allows a professionalization of the auto-examination, complementing the conventional methods of diagnosis and screening." While many women may already know how to complete a breast examination themselves, they may not be doing so correctly. The EVA bra erases any chance of human and/or layman error through the power of technology.

The bra has already undergone stringent testing in order to understand how well the wearable tech works. As of now, Higia Technologies reports that the sensibility of the EVA bra stands at 87.9% while its specificity is at 81.7%. The study included data collected from 153 women with 33 of them having breast cancer confirmed through a mammogram or biopsy. The process used to conduct the study was a cross-validation system. In the near future, Higia hopes to continue conducting clinical trials in Mexico and abroad in collaboration with allies.

 The inventor and the bra.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/       

                                                                                                                                                                    FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/           
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10 Everyday Items that Can Save Your Life

We don't give as much credit to our brain as we should. It is, however, one of the most potent weapons we have. Think about the times you were caught in an emergency situation and the times you've had to improvise with things that are readily available around you. These situations have likely saved you a trip to the hospital, or at best, saved your life. So, if you do get caught in an emergency situation, here are 10 everyday items you can use which will save your life:

1. Chewing gum fire starter

Cut a thin strip of the gum wrapper and fold the strip in half, cutting it diagonally across the folded strip. When you unfold the strip you should have a narrow spot at the center. Hold the ends of the strip to the positive and negative ends of the battery. However, make sure that the metallic side of the strip touches the battery, not the paper side. This will create a flame. Know that this method works only with wrappers that have a metallic side.  
Tip: Playing with fire can be dangerous so do be careful. 

2. Bra cup debris mask

If you find yourself in an emergency situation where you are caught in a raging fire, you could face serious respiratory problems as a result of breathing in smoke, toxic ash, pulverized concrete, particles, and dust. A great way to keep these toxic fumes at bay is to use the cup of a bra as a debris mask. It is perfect to cover the nose and mouth and the straps can be used to tie around the head for hands-free use. 

Tip: It is always better to use a gas mask which will provide you with protection from gaseous and particulate toxic materials. 

3. Ice to start a fire

Being outdoors in the winter is a fun activity but conditions can become dangerous once we become exposed to plummeting temperatures and gusting winds. A fire is essential and it can be started using ice. Find the clearest ice you can and carve out a big chunk of it. Using the warmth of your palms melt it into a smooth round lens and use this lens as a magnifying glass to light the fire. 

Tip: This method world if you find clear ice and sunshine. It is better and easier to carry match sticks or lighters to light a fire. 

4. Tinfoil to keep yourself warm

Keeping yourself warm and preserving your body heat is essential to survive a cold night. One of the best ways to preserve your body heat is to wrap yourself with tin foil. The reflective surface of the foil will reflect your own body heat toward you and prevent it from escaping, keeping you warm.  

Tip: Tin foil can tear easily so handle with care.

5. Feminine hygiene products

The material that sanitary napkins are made from, Cellucotton, were used as surgical cotton during World War I. For this reason, sanitary napkins can be used for dressing a wound. In fact, they are 5 times as absorbent as cotton bandages. 

6. Toothpaste to get rid of the itch caused by an insect bite

You can use toothpaste to treat skin irritations caused by bug bites. In an emergency situation, it can also be used to treat athlete's foot and blisters. Toothpaste can stop the itching and reduce the swelling when applied topically. If you've got a blister, apply it all over the blister before going to bed. This will cause the blister to dry up while you sleep. If applied immediately after they happen, toothpaste also helps cool and soothe minor burns. 

Tip: Toothpaste should only be used to treat minor burns. In severe burns, it can cause more harm than good. 

7. T-shirt to filter water

If you are caught in an emergency situation there are a number of ways to filter water. Fill a container with murky water and cut a strip of clean cloth from your t-shirt. Dip one end of the cloth in the murky water and put the other end into an empty container where you want to gather the filtered water. Just remember to keep the container with the dirty water at a higher level than the other container. After some time you will see clear water dripping into the empty container. 

Tip: Once you have filtered the water, be sure to boil it before drinking. 

8. Fork as a weapon

A fork is something you often have access to be it at home or while traveling. The pointed edges of a fork can be used to fight back against a wild animal should you find yourself in a situation where you are being attacked. Or it may also be used to scare off some stranger trying to get too close and harm you. 

9. Belt to stop a door from opening

Shootings have become increasingly common lately. In which case, it is recommended that you enter a secure room, bolt the entrance, lie low, and wait for help. If there isn't any furniture in the room to help keep the door closed you can use your belt to secure the hinges. This will keep the door securely closed. 

Tip: This method only works if the door has hinges as shown in the photograph. 

10. Shoelace to cut a zip tie

If you ever get kidnapped and your hands are tied using a zip tie, it is possible that you free yourself from the restraint using your shoelaces. To do this simply untie your shoelaces and tie them together using a strong knot. Move your hands, and place the zip tie under the shoelaces. Then kick your legs from side to side, creating traction against the plastic zip tie. The zip tie will soon break enabling you to be free. 

Tip: Trying to wriggle your wrists out of the plastic strip will only cause pain and cut your skin, worsening the situation

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                                                                                                                                              PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/  
FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                                    https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                              

FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com

This teen developed a bra that could save you from breast cancer

An 18-year-old male may be the first to develop a bra that can detect breast cancer.

Julián Ríos Cantú from Mexico, along with three of his friends, took home the top prize at the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards this week, winning $20,000 to develop the Eva bra from its current prototype stage.

The Eva works via biosensors that detect changes in breast temperature and texture, since cancerous tumors increase blood flow and therefore skin temps. The sensors are connected to an app, which would log any changes over time. Women would need to wear the bra for at least 60-90 minutes once a week.

Since the bra is in such early stages of development, Anna Perman from Cancer Research U.K. told the BBC it’s unclear if it will really work. “At present, there is no evidence to show whether this bra is a reliable way to detect tumours, and it’s certainly not a good idea for women to use technology that hasn’t been tested in good-quality scientific trials.

“It’s great to see young people like Julian getting into science and having ideas that could help with cancer diagnosis. But an important part of science is rigorous testing, to make sure innovations like this actually benefit patients.”

The project is dear to Ríos Cantú, as his mom almost died of undetected breast cancer when he was 13. At one appointment, the doctor told her that her lumps were malignant, but six months later, another mammogram found they were cancerous.

“The tumor went from having the dimensions of a grain of rice to that of a golf ball in less than six months,” Ríos Cantú says in a video for his company, Higia Tech. “The diagnosis came too late, and my mother lost both of her breasts and, almost, her life.”
Not long after, Ríos Cantú began researching the illness and developing the idea with his friends. He hopes it will be ready to market within the next two years.

 this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   
https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations 
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement   

10 Worst Female Health Habits

Finishing off their kids’ meals: Although this applies only to moms, it’s such a common habit that we had to include it in this list. In an attempt to reduce left overs and wasted food, many moms wipe off their kids’ plates at the end of a meal. Depending on how much the child has left, this could be a substantial addition of calories and can seriously derail the mom’s weight management efforts.


Wearing heavy earrings : One of the best things about being a woman is the joy of accessorising! And who can resist a great pair of earrings? Some women, however, go overboard when it comes to wearing large, dangling earrings. Cosmetic surgeons are often approached by women who’ve torn their ear lobes because of constantly wearing big earrings or worse, sleeping with their earrings on. To avoid torn earlobes, it’s best to wear light earrings on a daily basis or wear heavy ones with a chain as support.




Indulging in fad diets:   The need to lose weight, and lose it fast, causes women of all ages to turn to fad diets. From cabbage soup diets to zero carb diets, almost all these fad diets have been proven to be disasters. Not only do they cause your weight to go through the roof the second you get off the diet, they can also cause serious medical harm. The only trick to weight loss is a healthy diet, regular exercise and enough sleep.




Not wearing the right bra: The right bra not only gives you a great shape and allows your clothes to fit better; it can also be a huge contributor to better back health. Wearing a bra that’s the wrong size or one that does not give you the support you need can cause neck and back pain, as well as cause circulation problems. So get yourself measured for the right size and get a bra that fits you well.




Carrying very heavy bags:  Many women, especially moms, often joke that they carry the world in their bags. And while it’s convenient to have everything you need in your bag, a very heavy bag can take a serious toll on your neck and back health. Try and take out unnecessary items from your handbag and if you carry a laptop, use a bag pack to carry it, as against a sling bag.




Wearing ultra tight jeans: While the skinny jean trend is a huge fashion hit, it may not be the best thing for your health. Studies have shown that constrictive clothing can cause a number of medical conditions like vaginal yeast infections, bladder infections and even blood clots in the legs. You may have noticed abdominal discomfort when you eat while wearing tight clothing. Constantly wearing tight jeans can worsen the condition.



Wearing uncomfortable shoes: From wearing flimsy flip-flops that provide little to no support, to wearing very high heels that can play havoc on the joints, women around the country are guilty of putting style before support. While flip-flops or V-slippers seem like a comfortable option for a hot country as ours, most of them provide very little arch or heel support. Also, being as open as they are, they expose the feet to dust and other dirt from the roads. Heels over 2 inches high have been known to have an adverse effect on the joints and can even contribute to osteoarthritis that affects the knees, hips, ankles and feet. For daily wear to college or work, remember to wear comfortable shoes that provide cushioning, as well as support to the entire foot.




Avoiding weight training in gyms: Many women believe that lifting weights as part of their gym workout will lead to them bulking up like men. The truth is that because of the presence of oestrogen in women’s bodies, weight training will not lead to bulky muscles, but rather will help to burn fat, strengthen bones and even cut down the risk of diseases like osteoporosis and diabetes in the future.


Wearing synthetic underwear: Heat, moisture and synthetic clothing can be a breeding ground for yeast infections and itching and you definitely don’t want that in your private regions. Wearing sexy underwear or thongs once in a while is not a bad idea, but for daily use, stick to good old cotton underwear.




Not paying attention to heart health: For some reason, heart disease and heart attacks are only associated with men. While it’s true that oestrogen protects women’s heart for a majority of their lives, post menopause, women are as susceptible to heart disease as men. But the notion that heart disease doesn’t touch women is so strong that very often women even ignore symptoms of a heart attack. Ignoring heart health is a big mistake and women as well as men should take all the necessary measures to ensure a healthy heart.