Sensing for chronic disease monitoring

Chronic diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), bowel disorders, and inflammatory conditions, are a major focus of research at Heriot-Watt University, led by Professor Michael Crichton. The work aims to develop innovative devices and treatments to improve disease management.

The teams are creating implantable sensors that monitor bowel movement, providing new tools for managing conditions like constipation and incontinence. These flexible, implantable devices offer a less invasive way to track gastrointestinal health and improve patient outcomes. Additionally, researchers are developing compression garments to treat limb swelling caused by conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency or lymphedema. These garments are designed to be both functional and comfortable, improving long-term care for patients with chronic swelling issues.

Further research includes the development of neuronal chips to study MS, providing new insights into nerve excitability changes and potential treatment pathways. The team’s focus is on creating practical, patient-centred solutions that improve the quality of life for those living with chronic diseases.

The Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies is dedicated to advancing solutions for some of the world’s most critical health challenges. By uniting researchers from across Heriot-Watt’s school-based institutes, this institute fosters a multidisciplinary environment where engineers, healthcare professionals, and scientists work together to deliver impactful health innovations. The institute also collaborates extensively with other global research institutes at Heriot-Watt, enhancing its capacity to drive forward research that improves patient care and health outcomes on a global scale.