The May 2016 science ideas reveal major breakthroughs when it comes to healthcare. Not only are researchers developing tools that make it easier for doctors to diagnose and treat patients, but they are also designing tools that empower consumers to take their health and wellbeing into their own hands.
When it comes to scientific breakthroughs aiding the medical community, many of these tools are designed to help improve the speed and accuracy of diagnoses. For instance, a team of researchers at the Free University of Brussels developed a smart scalpel that can detect brain tumors. Similarly, researchers in Sweden and South Africa teamed up to design a handheld tool for diagnosing ear infections.
Beyond devices used by medical professionals, the May 2016 science trends also reveal that a growing number of tools are being developed to help consumers address common health issues at home. Some examples of these products include wearable sensors that can detect signs of oncoming seizures, wallet-sized EpiPens that are easy to carry and smart bands that can detect the onset of allergic reactions. All of these devices are designed to empower consumers to take their health into their own hands.
Top 65 Science Ideas in May

64
Bacteria-Powered Lighting
Glowee Uses Bioluminescent Bacteria as a Sustainable Source of Light

63
Reclaimed Tire Mosquito Traps
The Ovillanta Traps Are Made Out Of Discarded Automobile Tires
62
Solar-Powered Water Devices
WaterDrop is Capable of Producing Water in the Desert
61
Solar Cell-Embedded Roads
'Solmove' is Designing a Flexible Glass Carpet Filled with Solar Cells
60
3D-Printed Generators
This DIY Hand Crank Generator Can Generate 30 Watts of Power
59
DIY Security Cameras
This Microsoft Project Lets You Build Your Own Security Camera
58
Rainproof Solar Panels
New Solar Cell Technology Could Absorb Energy in Overcast Conditions
57
Floating Solar Panels
The Heliofloat System Allows Solar Panels to Withstand Heavy Seas
56
Camera-Controlled Contacts
Samsung is Aiming to Offer Smart Contact Lenses with VR Capabilities
55
Sun-Filtering Tents
This Dermatological Sun Shade Blocks Out Harmful Rays
54
Solar Energy-Storing Batteries
New Zinc-Manganese Power Units Hold Energy from Renewable Sources
53
Smartphone Spectroscopy Kits
This Blood Testing Kit Can Be Easily Used At Home
52
Wearable Electronic Sensors
The E-Skin Sensors Can Be Fixed to the Skin Like Temporary Tattoos
51
Portable Drug Production Systems
This MIT System Allows Rapid Production Of Numerous Drugs
50
Eco-Friendly Plane Wing Designs
A Collaboration Between NASA and Boeing Could Cut Plane Emissions
49
Mine-Blasting Submersibles
This Remotely Operated Vehicle Can Locate and Destroy Sea Mines
48
Sonic Boom-Preventing Jets
The Quiet Supersonic Flight Could Help Reduce Noise Pollution
47
Allergic Reaction Trackers
'Aibi' is a Wearable Device That Helps Children Monitor Their Allergies
46
Wallet-Sized EpiPens
The AdrenaCard Makes It More Convenient to Carry an EpiPen
45
Hoverboard Fire-Smothering Bags
The iFixit Smother Bag Puts Out Hoverboard Fires Quickly
44
Space Junk-Detecting Systems
The Space Fence System Enables Object Detection In Low-Earth Orbit
43
Tumor-Neutralizing Patches
This Microneedle Patch Can Deliver Immunotherapy Drugs to Tumor Sites
42
Solar-Powered Bus Shelters
London's New Solar Bus Shelters Use Photovoltaic Technology
41
Pee-Powered Batteries
This Microbial Fuel Cell is Powered By Bacteria From Human Urine
40
Pulverized Coal Processing Systems
This Hybrid Energy System Enables Cleaner Coal Processing
39
Drone Traffic Control Systems
NASA's Innovative System Will Monitor and Regulate Drone Traffic
38
3D-Printed Jet Engines
The GE Aviation 'GE9X' Engine was Created Using 3D Printers
37
Boiler Tube Cleaning Robots
These Robots Can Clean Out the Walls Of Power Station Boiler Tubes
36
Battery-Free Computers
Wireless Identification and Sensing Platform Sucks Power Out of Thin Air
35
Martian Housing Projects
RedWorks Aims to Use Martian Soil to Create Buildings on the Red Planet
34
Serpentine Industrial Robots
This Snake Robot Can Inspect and Repair Underwater Equipment
33
Live-Stream VR Surgeries
'Medical Realities' Broadcasted the First Public VR Surgery
32
Infrared Range-Finding Systems
This System Can Convert Personal Vehicles Into Autonomous Ones
31
Seizure-Sensing Earpieces
This Wearable Sensor Can Detect and Measure Signs of Impending Seizures
30
Genetics-Revealing Apps
myGenome Makes Your Full Genome Sequencing Available via Your Smartphone
29
Smartphone-Controlled Greenhouses
The EcoQube Air Desktop Greenhouse Can Be Monitored Via Phone
28
Mind-Tricking Motion Simulators
vMocion Creates the Illusion of Motion for VR Headset Users
27
Brain-Controlled Drone Races
The University of Florida Creates the First Race of Its Kind
26
Double-Sided Pills
This Unique Pill is Perfect For Long-Term Drug Delivery
25
Sensor-Packed Vulture Eggs
These Electronic Eggs Will Help Study Vulture's Habitats
24
Smartphone Node Initiatives
The Phonvert Project Uses Old Phones For Internet of Things Projects
23
Natural Air Cleaning Systems
'Airlabs' is Harnessing Natural Processes to Clean the Atmosphere
22
Grant Application Concierge Services
Instrumentl Helps Research Scientists Apply for Grants
21
Versatile Development Boards
These Internet of Things Development Board Encourages Creativity
20
Diagnostic Ear Devices
This Handheld Tool Easily and Accurately Diagnoses Ear Infections
19
Electric Cargo-Lifting Devices
The RazerLift Electric Lift Lets You Easily Lift and Unload Cargo
18
Flexible Sheet Cameras
This Sheet Lens Could Be Used For Wraparound Camera Applications
17
Sterile Solar-Powered Shelters
The Sterile Box Could Mitigate the Spread of Infections
16
Gravity-Detecting Gadgets
This Prototype 'Gravimeter' Can Detect Impending Earthquakes
15
3D-Printed Artificial Limbs
The Youbionic Bionic Hand is Controlled by Muscle Contractions
14
Astronaut Telescope Auctions
This Memorabilia Auction Features a High-Tech Telephoto Lens
13
Camera-Integrated Laser Cutters
The Mr. Beam II Laser Cutter is Precise and Easy To Use
12
Miniscule Television Antennae
This Tiny Television Antenna Doesn't Compromise On Signal Quality
11
Student-Designed Spacecraft
This Mini Satellite Would Cost Less Than a $1000 to Deploy To Space
10
Tumor-Detecting Scalpels
This Smart Scalpel Can Distinguish Between Tumors & Regular Brain Tissue
9
Wireless Car Charger Systems
This Car Charging System Offers Optimum Efficiency and Power
8
Brain-Inspired Supercomputers
This Supercomputing Platform Was Developed By IBM
7
Pollution-Preventing Printing Plastics
This 3D Printer Plastic Breaks Down Pollutants
6
Bacteria-Boosted Batteries
This Experimental Battery Uses Bacteria to Recharge Itself
5
Trial Patient-Finding Portals
HDP Health Helps the Ill Find a Clinical Trial for Their Condition
4
Crowdsourced Fever Research Apps
The Feverprints App Helps Doctors Collect Fever Data
3
Haze-Reducing Photo Systems
The Spectral Edge Imaging System Sharpens Images Using Infrared
2
Deep-Diving Robots
This Research Robot Will Study Microbes Living Beneath Lake Yellowstone
1
Reconstructive Body Funerals
The Longhua Funeral Parlor Uses 3D-Printing to Rebuild Lost Limbs
Related Ideas
AI-Powered Next-Gen Headphones
This AirPods Max 2 Concept Has an Apple Intelligence Button
Noninvasive Smartwatch Glucose Monitors
Samsung's Galaxy Watch Will Have Advanced Sensors
Mood-Powered Smartphone Speakers
The Conceptual 'MIX:X' Speaker by Junyoung Lee is Intelligent
Smart Safety Helmets
SmartHat is the Construction Wearable of the Future
Camera-Equipped AI Earbuds
The Conceptual 'Cell Buds' by Minwoo Kim Capture Environmental Details
Tech-Forward Wellness Concepts
Technogym Debuts Its New Advanced Vision Healthness™
Handheld K-Beauty Devices
APR Corp. is Bringing Advanced K-Beauty Tech to CES 2024
Multipurpose Diagnostic Health Monitors
Withings BeamO Shows Off a Four-in-One Design at CES 2024
Smart Aid Kits
Smart Aid Kit Uses Artificial Intelligence to Support Health
Wellness Bone Conduction Wearables
The 'Era Sync' Wearable Device by Luca Persico is Futuristic
Smell-Based Disease Detectors
The 'DiagNoze' Uses Breath Analysis to Determine Diseases
Bone Conduction Hearing Aids
The 'Rezonance' Hearing Aid Concept Prioritizes Comfort
AI-Enabled Meditation Headbands
The BrainCo 'OxyZen' Monitors Brainwaves, Heart Rate and More
Smart Sleep Headbands
Somnee Has Been Noted as a Transformative Innovation by Fast Company
Personal AI Wearables
WhereAble AI is a CES 2025 Innovation Awards Honoree
Wearable AI Productivity Devices
The 'Omi' Wearable Works with the User's Smartphone
AI-Enhanced Medical Beds
The Home MediCare Bed 2.0 Features an AI Health Concierge
Connected Medication Reminder Holders
The Conceptual Ownum Pod from the Rule Studio is Advanced
Emotion-Sensing Eyewear
Emteq Labs 'Sense' Offers AI-Powered Real-Time Analysis
Anxiety-Reducing Earplug Designs
Matter & University of the Arts London Debut the Helical Earplug
Mobile-Compatible Body Scans
FitnessAI Has Introduced a New BodyScan Feature on its Platform
AI-Powered Allergy Assistants
Food Scan Genius Scans Barcodes for Allergy Information
AI-Fuelled Disease Detections
Google Optimizes AI with the Health Acoustic Representations
Advanced Sensory Neuroscience Platforms
Kalsec Inc. and Thimus Launches the T-Box by Thimus
In-Clinic Brain-Computer Interface Technology
Neurable & Healthspan Digital Join Forces
Conceptual Body-Scanning Mirrors
The OMNIA Scans the Body to Check on Health Elements
Brain-Balancing Headsets
Ceragem's Neuro Wellness Enhancer Improves Depressive Symptoms
Anti-Scratching Skincare Sensors
The Sibel Health 'ADAM' Sensor Deters Scratching in the Night
AI-Driven Hearing Wearables
ELEHEAR Aims to Enhance Auditory Experiences with Its Solutions
Star-Studded Tech Campaigns
Jewellery Pros and Music Talent Promote the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Wearable Skin Sensors
HapSense Helps Scientists Accelerate the Analysis of Cosmetic Products
Portable AI-Powered Healthcare Devices
AEYE Health & Optomed's Aurora AEYE is Geared to Diabetics
Direct-to-Consumer Brain Health Scans
MYndspan MEG Brain Health Scans are Available in the UK
Advanced In-Cabin Monitoring Systems
MulticoreWare & Cipia Provide Highly Accurate Tracking
AI-Powered Home Therapy Booths
Ceragem's Sauna Analyzes Data to Provide Personalized Therapies
Mind-Training Headbands
Alphabeats Helps Wearers Prime Their Mind to Enter a Flow State
Industrial Open-Ear Headphones
The Nothing Ear Open Earbuds Help Listeners Stay Aware
AI-Driven Fitness Solutions
Wave Company Recently Introduced Its TracMe Innovation to the World
Healthcare-Inspired Jewelry Collections
V Coterie Offers a Distinctive and Sleek Range of Jewelry
Therapeutic Head Wearables
Cognito Therapeutics is Testing a Headset that Treats a Few Conditions
Sustainable Insulin Pump Concepts
The Ingo Device Concept Assists with Glucose Monitoring
Digital Meditation Service Devices
The Conceptual Headspace Companion by Pascal Grangier is Cute
Multipurpose Scent-Releasing Wearables
Researchers at Stockholm University Created the 'Nosewise'
AI-Paired Wound Patches
MedicosBiotech Won a CES 2025 Innovation Award in Digital Health
Healthy Habit Smartphone Accessories
The 'FIKA' Smartphone Enclosure Concept Helps with Relaxation
Brainwave-Monitoring Headphones
The Master & Dynamic MW75 Neuro Headset Features Neurable AI
Preventative AI-Powered Healthcare Platforms
Nutrix Combines Wearable Technology with AI Analysis
Modern Design-Forwrd Headphones
The TOZO Open EarRing Has Captured Significant Attention
Discreet Biofeedback Brain Trainers
The Flowtime® Brain Tag Captures Ample Data
Advanced Body-Scanning Mirrors
Withings' Advanced Mirror, Omnia, Was Previewed at CES 2025
Food Safety Tracking Devices
The 'EcoTracker' Detects Harmful Substances in Food and Water
Performance-Driven Health Gadget Lines
Kineon Debuts Heal+ & Calm+ in a New Crowdfunding Campaign
AI Brain Health Solutions
DiagnaMed Introduces the New CERVAI™ Brain Health AI Suite
Wearable Ear Therapy Solutions
The IB-Stim Uses Auriculotherapy to Relieve Gut Pain
Anti-Hair Loss Helmets
Olivia Humphreys Develops the Athena Helmet with Scalp Cooling Elements
Brain-Tracking Smartwatches
Timex is Working to Integrate Pison Sensors in Wearables
Efficiency-Focused Healthcare Technologies
Datalogic Debuted Its Technologies at HIMSS 2025
Temperature-Monitoring Earrings
The Thermal Earring Continually Tracks the Wearer's Temperature
AI-Driven Metabolic Health Apps
The Updated January AI App Eliminates the Need for Coaches & CGMs
Visual Impairment Support Headsets
The Conceptual 'Vision' Bone Conduction Headset is Assistive
High-Tech Cyber Headphones
Neurable Taps Master & Dynamic to Enhance its Brain-Sensing Headphones
Pet Health-Monitoring Technologies
Industrial Technology Research Institute Presents iPetSuite
Advanced Sleep-Enhancing Earbuds
For Me Buds Perform PPG-Based Analysis for Sleep Support
Crowdfunded Ear Cleaners
The 'Morfone' Cleaners Ears More Efficiently than Swabs or Scoops
AI-Powered Metabolic Health Apps
January AI Has Introduced Notable Enhancements to Its App
AI-Based Healthcare Technologies
Adnexus Biotechnologies Debuts Neural Temporal Fingerprinting
Innovative Patient Monitoring Technology
Lifesignals Launches the UbiqVue™ 2A Multiparameter
Active Noise-Cancelling Earphones
Emotiv Debuts MW20 EEG Model in the Wearable Technology Category
Smart Health-Monitoring Mouthpieces
MouthIO Interactive Mouthpiece Offers Hands-Free Assistance
AI-Powered Nap Timers
The Somvai Napping Device Uses Radar to Track Movement and Breathing
Personalized Health Gadgets
Bevel Launched a New Product That Leverages Data from Wearable Devices
Hearing Aid Headphone Updates
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 Will Soon Have the Hearing Aid Feature
Worker Injury-Preventing Wearables
Bardavon's 'Preventure' Sensor Enhances Workplace Safety
Athletic Health-Focused Gadget Lines
Therabody Debuts Offerings Ahead of the 2024 Holiday Season
AI-Backed Digital Twins
Twin Health Has Created Digital Twins as an AI Experiment
AI-Powered Neural Sensors
Samsung Ventures is Supporting the Ground-Breaking Work of Pison
Professional Open-Ear Headsets
The EKSA S30 Offers Up to 70-Hours of Use Per Charge
Drug-Free Allergy Wearables
The SoundHealth SONU Uses AI to Help Treat Nasal Congestion
Tremor-Investigating Research Partnerships
JOGO Health Announces a Collaboration with Mayo Clinic
Hearing Aid Wearable Glasses
The Bruckhoff Spectacle Aids are a Non-Intrusive Hearing Enhancer
Ergonomic Hearing Aid Earbuds
The Conceptual 'Claro' Hearing Aid Has an All-in-One Design
Upgraded Medical Alert Devices
LogicMark Debuts Its Next-Gen Guardian Alert 911 Plus Technology
At-Home Self-Screening Wands
The Teal Wand Helps More Women Get Screened for Cervical Cancer
Multifunctional Hearing Aid Earbuds
The JLab Hear OTC Hearing Aid and Earbuds are Easy to Use
Sleep Disorder-Detecting Pajamas
This Smart Pajama Top is Equipped with Strain Sensors
AI-Powered Audio News Podcasts
Google Discover Daily Listen Turns the Latest Updates into Episodes
Optimized Health Data
Habit Dash Aggregates Data from All Your Different Sources and Wearables
FDA-Approved Clinical Earbud Aids
The FDA Has Approved Apple AirPods Pro 2 as Clinical Grade
AI-Enhanced Sound Solutions
Endel Creates Personalized Soundscapes Using Neuroscience Technology
AI-Enhanced Hearing Accessibility Tools
Audus Technologies Introduces the Knisper Hearing Aids
Comprehensive Health Care Suites
Bright Sits on the Intersection of Technology and Health
Next-Generation Diabetes-Managing Innovations
ReShape Lifeciences is Enhancing Its DBSN™ System
Neurological Sleep Monitors
The 'Neurovista' is a Portable BMI Device that Fosters Healthy Sleep
AI-Powered OTC Hearing Aids
AVAtronics Debuts AI-Enriched Wideband Technology
Elevated Audio Product Lines
HAVIT Showcases Innovative Audio Technologies at CES 2025
Personalized AI Therapists
TakeCareAI Provides User-Centric Care Advice to Address Health Concerns
Health-Focused Smart Rings
Samsung Showcases the Galaxy Ring to Track Health Stats
Mood-Enhancing Aromatherapy Devices
The Memoraphy Device Concept Dispenses Scents Based on Mood
Neuroscientist-Backed Brain Health Series
Masterclass Launched a New Series Titled Brain Health
AI-Powered Lung Ultrasounds
Deep Breathe Captures Lung Images with a Portable Device
Digitized Skincare Platforms
Skin Surveyor Fuses Skin Health and Technology
Quickly Accessible Health Information
YouTube's Announced First Aid Information Shelves
Heated Audio Earbuds
The Doctor Air Ear Labo Heated Earbuds Heat to Three Levels
Portable MRI Systems
Zynext Ventures and neuro42 Bid on Revolutionizing the Healthcare Industry
AI-Powered Health Communication Platforms
Humetrix is Set to Introduce SOSQR Global at CES 2024
Breast Cancer AI Suites
GE HealthCare Launches a New AI Suite for Early Breast Cancer Detection
Senior-Monitoring Smart Plugs
Threshold Care Motion Wi-Fi Sensing Plugs are Noninvasive
Women's Healthcare Books
Evvy Launched a Gender Health Gap Book for Equal Research Day
AI-Powered Hearing Tools
Sonova's Sphere Infinio Uses Artificial Intelligence for its Hearing Aid
Non-Contact Smart Thermometers
HiiTCHECK is a CES 2024 Innovation Awards Honoree
Concussion Recovery Tools
Neuro Concussion Tracker Helps Manage Recovery with Data-Driven Insights
3D Medicine Printers
DoseRx1 is a CES 2024 Innovation Awards Honoree
AI-Driven Therapeutic Care Features
Talkspace Streamline Its Therapeutic Care Service with AI
Heart-Monitoring Earbuds
Sennheiser's New Innovation are Revolutionizing Audio Technology
Digital Health Evaluation Tools
Mayo Clinic Unveils the Solutions Studio for Workflow Integration
AI-Powered Drug Research
Xaira Therapeutics Uses AI to Help with Drug Development and Discovery
AI-Enhanced MRI Imaging
Ezra Has Secured $21 Million in New Funding to Expand Its Pioneering Work
Digital Medication Management Features
Samsung Health Medications Tracking Offers Detailed Info
Wearable Electrotherapy Solutions
The 'ElectroGear' Fosters Muscle Healing and Recovery
High-Tech Personalized Wellness Partnerships
ASENSEI and 3DLOOKCollaborate to Enhance Wellness
Hand-Tracking Devices
PalmPlug is a Precise Hand-Tracking Device
Immersive Spatial Audio Earbuds
The JLab Epic Lab Edition Earbuds Have ANC Technology and More
Body-Scanning Wellness Subscriptions
Zozofit 2.0 Introduces Body Shape Scanning via a Smartphone
High-Tech Wireless Headset
EKSAtelecom's S30 Open-Ear Air Conduction Headset is High-Quality
Conceptual Discreet Earbud Monitors
SWNA Office Designs the Zero Earbuds and Glasses Concept
Accuracy-Improving AI Healthcare Tools
Genhealth.ai Launched Its Large Medical Model
AI-Backed Telehealth Platforms
'Summer Health' Unveiled a Set of AI Features to Improve Services
Cancer-Detecting AI Devices
The 'DermaSensor' Can Detect Three Forms Of Skin Cancer
Cutting-Edge Portable X-Ray Devices
Epworth Hospital Has Introduced the Trident Imaging System
Accessibility-Centered Ads
Apple's Holiday Ad Highlights Accessibility with AirPods Pro 2
Baby-Monitoring Smart Crib Concepts
Anuj Pate and Piyusha Naik Create the Wee Watch Rib Concept
Full-Body MRI Screening Programs
Reveal MRI Enhances Preventative Health Measures
Goal-Oriented Health Apps
The 'Bright' App Offers a Holistic View of One's Health
Mobile Device Addiction Campaigns
The Women's Brain Health Initiative Highlights a Growing Concern
Pro-Grade Musician In-Ear Monitors
These New beyerdynamic IEMs Come in Four Models
Summarized Neuroscience News
Neurotech News Summarizes the Science World Without the Jargon
Digital Scam Detection Tools
Google is Rolling Out New Tools to Keep Users Safe From Scams
Early Diagnosis Tools
machineMD is Tool for Early Diagnosis of Brain Tumors and other Diseases
Chronic Condition Management Tools
Human Health Tracks Symptoms and Treatments for Optimal Health
Autonomous Threat Detection Systems
GUNSENS Seeks to Counter the Danger of Gun Violence