A company called Micromem is trying to develop some new kind of sensors that are based on something we are all familiar with: magnetics.

This technology, also known as Magnetic Random Access Memory, or MRAM, is planned to revolutionize sensor technology. MRAM allows the user to see anything’s unique magnetic signature, very similar to the technology used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of most hospitals.

Micromem believes that there are many applications of this new technology, such as biometrics, with an ability to see beyond fingerprinting. Additional uses include medical devices including sensors for blood sugar levels, as well as some new applications for defense and security.

PC graphics cards have long been touted as the cutting edge in terms of videogame visuals. But according to British engineering site The Engineer Online, they also could serve another purpose: the medical field. In 2006, the researchers found they could do image reconstruction faster via a cluster of networked 64-bit supercomputer, which costs £15,000 more »