A Novel Mantis-Shrimp-Based Smart Glove for Stroke Rehabilitation

Overview

This research discusses the design and development of a mantis -shrimp-inspired smart glove targeted at aiding stroke therapy. The glove combines soft and rigid materials in a hybrid exoskeleton system, imitating the dexterity and strength of the human hand through pneumatic actuation and silicone -based constructions. The designing principle of the finger borrows ideas from the bio -structure of the Chitin of mantis shrimp. Mantis shrimp exoskeletons provide a feasible engineering solution to segment silicone fingers while balancing durability and flexibility. The fundamental feature of the device focuses on helping finge r motions through regulated inflation and deflation, facilitating rehabilitation in stroke patients with poor dexterity. The glove supports a passive range of motion and active -assisted motion workouts, assisting in the restoration of hand function by facilitating natural finger motions with little force. The performance of the glove in bending and straightening the little and index fingers in wearable and non-wearable situations was investigated. The findings revealed that the portable exoskeleton permits controlled movement via progressive expansion and supports finger bending and extension. Pressure values during expansion indicate strong bending control at 80 –90 units in useable conditions. Moreover, the glove demonstrated excellent handling skills, allo wing one to softly grasp objects like water bottles and cups—qualities important for rehabilitation activities. High success rates for safe gripping without excessive force indicate the glove's practical use in therapeutic environments. The glove’s ability to permit controlled holding and finger mobility presents a potential way of enhancing hand performance in stroke victims. Development of a Simple Salivary Rapid Diagnostic for the Detection of Iodine Deficiency Tyler Malkin Greenwich High School, Greenwich, CT Iodine deficiency is a global problem affecting millions of people. Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs) lead to serious health consequences including birth defects, developmental disorders, intellectual disabilities, and depression. Iodine deficiency is easily treatable with iodine supplementation. However, current diagnost ic tests are inconvenient and/or invasive, require expensive detection equipment, and must be processed in a lab. This research created a rapid diagnostic assay for the detection of iodine deficiency using patient saliva. It was created using newly synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and sodium thiosulfate (Na 2S2O3) and utilizes a colorimetric method for iodine detection. AuNPs (~45nm) were synthesized and mixed with 1.6M Na2S2O3, and the diagnostic assay reagents were calibrated to produce a color changing response at a specific iodine deficiency threshold of 0.036µM -I2. Above this threshold (normal saliva iodine content), a red/purple solution is produced. For iodine deficiency of 0.036uM or less, a blue solution indicates IDD. Correlation of the solu tion color change as a function of µM -I2 is linear, so that test -color could be used for eventual iodine -in-saliva quantitation. The diagnostic assay was successfully tested in artificial saliva and produced the expected visible color change, verified by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The diagnostic assay is easily performed, returning rapid results without the need for a lab or expensive detection equipment. The anticipated cost for this test is $2, which includes all needed reagents. It allows the most vulnerable populations to easily monitor iodine levels at home, so that IDD can be identified and treated before leading to serious and often permanent conditions.

Competition history

• JSHS 2025 Category not listed

Resources

• National JSHS abstract book ↗

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