Projects

Development of an audible stethoscope to improve auscultation training

A common problem faced by clinical lecturers and medical students during auscultation training is the difficulty in ensuring that the heart and lung sound heard by the lecturer when using a stethoscope is the same sound heard by the students. This is due to a stethoscope being a personal diagnostic instrument, and as such, the sound it transmits (heartbeats and murmurs), cannot be shared or heard by others simultaneously. This project aims to develop an audible stethoscope where sound from a stethoscope can be broadcasted and amplified so that both the lecturer and the students can listen to the same sound during auscultation training. This is expected to improve the teaching and learning experience of the students.

This project is led by Prof Letchuman Ramanathan from Clinical School Johor Bahru and Dr Chiew Yeong Shiong from School of Engineering.

A Pilot Study on the Impact of Air Quality on Male Fertility

The boom in food delivery service in Malaysia has seen the rise in the number of motorcyclists. Their long working hours on the road exposes them to poor air quality (exhaust fumes) for long periods. This raises the concern on how the long-term exposure to poor air quality can affect their health, specifically on their fertility, as suggested from anecdotal evidence. This pilot study seeks to elucidate the impact of long-term exposure to poor air quality on male fertility.

This project is led by Assoc Prof T Jayanthi from Clinical School Johor Bahru and Assoc Prof Ooi Ean Hin from School of Engineering.

Development of a smart transparent face mask for healthcare professionals

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a new normal where face masks have become an essential item for personal protection. However, the current face masks available in the market have limitations in terms of usability and sustainability. This project aims to design and develop a face mask that is more usable and sustainable, meeting the demands of specific jobs, and effective in blocking the COVID-19 virus and other pollutants. This research is crucial as it aims to develop face masks that are transparent, sustainable, and comfortable for all-day use, addressing key needs for medical practitioners and patients alike. Traditional masks often lack these features, leading to decreased compliance and increased waste. By enhancing transparency, the masks improve communication between healthcare providers and patients, crucial for effective treatment. Improved comfort and sustainability ensure these masks are more environmentally friendly and wearable throughout long shifts, directly impacting public health and safety.

This project is led by Prof Letchuman Ramanathan from Clinical School Johor Bahru and Dr Issac Lim from School of Engineering.