Transformative technologies where medicine and engineering meet are ushering in an era where it feels like anything is possible.

Materials science is among the most notable technologies here. Advances in biocompatible materials are providing better patient outcomes for those who need critical wound care or implants. Additive manufacturing remains an important capability, as it can tailor prosthetics, bandages and dental implants to a patient's bespoke specifications.

Increasingly, the boundary between machinery and humanity is being obscured. Exoskeletons could potentially empower those who are differently-abled with a different lifestyle. Or could provide superhuman-like abilities as well. Don't overlook the potential for additional cognitive or computation power, with human abilities complemented by implantable processors, sensors and antennae.

Or maybe, the cutting edge of modern medicine is a bit more arcane - but just as meaningful. New elastomer and adhesive types for common bandaids. New detection devices for common ailments.

Let's take a look at this recent medical design innovations.

• The exoskeleton revolution
• The first Neuralink brain implant signals a new phase in human-computer interaction
• Medical metals: Examining metallic materials in implants
• Advanced wound care technologies drive patient healing in new ways
• Bioactives and nanotechnologies are saving lives from serious infections
• Truly personalized medicine made real, thanks to genetic profiling

From the GlobalSpec archives

• Inexpensive devices uses smartphone to monitor blood pressure (September 2023)
• Detecting AF in shoppers using grocery cart handles (July 2023)
• A look at medical needle technologies (May 2023)
• Old CDs find new life as biosensors (August 2022)
• MIT develops surgical "duct tape" for wound healing (February 2022)