Created for people with normal hearing, this smart listening system will be designed to help the user hear better in different environments, such as crowded rooms or city streets. The system will include a wireless microphone, a charging case and the scoop which will fit inside the ear. Its settings will be controlled by a smartphone app, which will allow the user to choose quickly from a grid of sound settings or from "sound scenes," such as a busy restaurant or while driving. The...

A micro needle method of delivering medication directly to the eye could offer a more efficient way to treat two of the world's leading eye diseases. Delivering medication directly to the eye is a powerful way to treat eye diseases, but many people are understandably reluctant to have a needle come close to their eyes. And while eye drops are an option, their delivery is less than ideal and patient compliance is spotty. The new drug delivery method will use micro needles that...

A tiny blood sugar sensor able to continuously monitor the glucose level of sweat or tears could mean the end of daily finger pricking for diabetes management. The new sensor will measure only 0.5 x 2.0 millimeters and can be worn on the patient's body, where it will take glucose samples from sweat or tears. Because it will require only 100 micro amperes to operate, it can be used continuously for months at a time. The device will also feature a wireless system able to...

The idea is to create a flashlight that can use any number of almost any type of battery, ensuring you're never left in the dark. The flashlight will accommodate AAA, AA, C or D batteries. The batteries will be loaded into a container that can be rotated to select the battery or turn the flashlight off and on. The more batteries loaded into the device the longer it will operate, with the maximum run-time estimated at 86 hours.

The new system will turn a cellphone into a multi-band walkie-talkie, allowing it to function even in areas with no cell service. The system will feature a sturdy case designed to protect the phone, since most people using walkie-talkies are moving around outside. It will work on VHF, UHF and 800Mhz, and the Radio-Over-IP repeater feature will allow it to use the cell signal to extend the communication distance from 25 miles to anywhere in the world. The internal battery will...

A new blood pressure sensor about the size of a wristwatch should help ease the discomfort of patients who require continual blood pressure monitoring. The device will be worn comfortably on the wrist, where it will measure the patient's blood pressure with an array of sensors. The sensors will monitor the contact pressure, pulse and blood flow on the surface of the skin near the wrist. To account for the variances of pressure that will occur naturally on the surface of the...

A new pen will do more than just look good--it will also never need sharpening and will never run of out of 'ink.' The pen will be handcrafted of aluminum and wood, giving it an unmistakable style. The true beauty of the pen, however, will be contained in its Ethergraph tip, a special metal alloy that will leave a precise, permanent line on the paper--a bit like a combination of a pencil and ink pen. The tip will never wear out and will continue to write forever with no need for a...

The device will help reduce the danger of alcohol-infused socializing by sending an alert that will allow friends to step in if the wearer seems dangerously intoxicated. Research has long established that over-consumption of alcohol is the largest contributor to sexual assault on campuses. To help reduce those numbers, I suggest creating an inconspicuous wristband that will monitor the user for dehydration as well as any unusual movements, such as weaving or passing out. And since...

The new safety system is to help prevent accidental needle-pricks, reducing the spread of blood borne infectious disease. The mechanism is developed with an eye toward to increased emphasis on preventing the spread of disease, and is designed for use on standard glass syringes. It fits on top of the activated syringe's needle, where it functions as both a tamper-resistant shield and a safety shield to prevent unintentional needle sticks.

A hydroelectric lamp powers its bulbs with the water that runs through the plumbing of a house. The system is made up of an array of micro turbines placed in strategic pipes throughout the home. Water from sinks, toilets, and washing machines will flow past the turbines, generating electricity stored in the system's batteries, which then power the long, vertical lamps.