Inflatable

The inflating device not only slows scar tissue formation around the implant, but the scar tissue that does form has a more aligned structure that drug molecules can pass through more easily

Diabetes

Inflatable insulin pumps reduce scar tissue for long-term drug delivery

The immune system’s foreign body response is key for keeping us healthy – but it’s not so useful when that foreign body is a medical implant. A new device prevents scar tissue forming around implants by gently inflating and deflating every 12 hours.

Prof. Louis Phee (left) and Prof. Lawrence Ho, with the prototype EndoPil

Obesity

Inflatable weight-loss capsule is activated by a magnet

For several years now, obese people have been able to lose weight by swallowing capsules that inflate within the stomach, providing a sense of fullness. While such capsules have had to be inflated via a catheter fed down the throat, scientists have now created one that's activated magnetically.

The Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM), a prototype inflatable space station module, has now been attached to the ISS for a year

Astronomy

BEAM's first year on ISS expands potential of inflatable space habitats

Blasting equipment into space is costly, so reducing weight and size is crucial. Last year, the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) was deployed to the ISS to test how an inflatable habitat stands up to the harsh environment of space. Now, one year on, NASA has reported its initial findings.

The Bigelow Expandable Activity Module, or BEAM, is attached to the International Space Station

Astronomy

First expandable habitat installed on ISS

The International Space Station got a bit bigger today as the first human-rated inflatable structure to fly in space – the experimental Bigelow Expandable Activity Module – was successfully attached to the Tranquility module over a four-hour period.

The Buoyant Air Turbine, from Altaeros Energies

Environment

Altaeros set to break world record with 1,000 foot-high floating wind turbine

A helium-filled shell with a wind turbine in the middle, the Buoyant Air Turbine from Altaeros has already been tested to 500 feet off the ground in 45 mph winds. Now it's set to break the world record for the highest wind turbine in history.

The Hövding is an airbag for cyclists which inflates in under 0.1 seconds to protect your head

Wellness and Healthy Living

Hövding airbag for cyclists now available to buy

The Hövding airbag collar that we first covered in 2010 when it was originally shown off to the world by its inventors, industrial designers Anna Haupt and Terese Alstin, has now officially gone on sale.

Environment

Energy company to test floating solar islands

Swiss energy company Viteos has announced that it is to build three floating solar arrays on Lake Neuchâtel.

Cutaway view of the Bigelow BA 2100 Expandable Space Module (Image: Bigelow Aerospace)

Astronomy

NASA awards contract to Bigelow Aerospace for inflatable ISS module

NASA has announced that it has awarded a US$17.8 million contract to Bigelow Aerospace to provide the International Space Station with an inflatable module

The Inflatable Re-entry Vehicle Experiment (IRVE-3) is an inflatable heat shield effective at hypersonic velocities

Astronomy

NASA tests IRVE-3 inflatable heat shield in hypersonic flight

NASA has successfully tested an inflatable heat shield in hypersonic flight.

NASA inflatable reentry vehicle during plasma phase of Mars landing (Image: NASA)

Astronomy

NASA to test IRVE-3 inflatable reentry system

Inflatable reentry systems are under serious development and testing by NASA, which will conduct the third in a series of suborbital test flights of its IRVE-3 project in the coming months.

An attached hand pump allows the wearer to apply and regulate soothing pressure by pumping air to deliver a hug sensation

ADHD & Autism

Inflatable deep pressure vest gives you a hug, could help Autism sufferers

The Squease Vest is an inflatable vest which it's claimed can help to alleviate anxiety through deep body pressure.