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it. These tubes, strategically placed based on The model’s ability to accurately replicate the
computational modelling, inflate and deflate so as function of the tricuspid valve, a key component of
to replicate the natural rhythm and motion of the the right ventricle, also makes it an ideal training
heart. tool for surgeons and interventional cardiologists,
enabling them to practise surgical techniques for
The model can be tuned to represent both healthy
repairing or replacing the tricuspid valve before
and diseased states of the heart and can simulate
applying them with real patients.
conditions such as pulmonary hypertension and
myocardial infarction. It can also be used to test In the future the team is looking to pair the robotic
cardiac devices such as mechanical valves which right ventricle replica with a similar model of the left
were carefully implanted with the aim of repairing ventricle so as to create a fully tunable artificial heart
malfunctioning natural valves. The subsequent that could function in humans.
changes in the ventricle’s pumping action were then
[ Reference: Miles, S., ‘MIT’s Robotic Heart
closely observed.
Breakthrough’, Electronic Specifier, 18th. December
The design is noted for its ability to allow for the 2023 ]
observation of internal valves and structures in
action through the incorporation of a transparent
blood-like liquid. This provides insights into the
heart’s internal mechanics in a manner that has
previously not been possible.

RASPBERRY PI HELPS MONITOR

VOLCANIC ACTIVITY

A team of researchers from Australia, Chile, the develop a more economical method of sulphur
UK and the United States has devised a cost- dioxide photography. In order to provide this
effective method of monitoring volcanic activity the international team adapted Raspberry Pi
using Raspberry Pi. cameras, commonly used in digital photography,
which incorporate a Bayer filter that typically filters
Volcanoes exhibit increased sulphur dioxide
out ultraviolet light. By removing this Bayer filter by
emissions when their activity intensifies, and
dissolving it with a substance similar to nail polish
monitoring these is essential to predict possible
remover, the Raspberry Pi camera was enabled to
eruptions. Sulphur dioxide has a unique
capture images where sulphur dioxide is visible.
characteristic of strongly absorbing ultraviolet
and infrared light within certain wavelengths. The apparatus also includes WittyPi HAT, a real-
These wavelengths, which are present in sunlight, time clock and power management system
designed for Raspberry Pi and instrumental in
become key to detecting sulphur dioxide gas. A
waking the volcano detector at specific times and
camera that is sensitive to these wavelengths can
allowing other components to conserve power
be deployed in a volcanic region, with the areas in
when inactive. Solar panels facilitate continuous
the image appearing darker than the surrounding
sulphur dioxide measurement during daylight.
sky, so indicating the presence of sulphur dioxide
absorbed from the ultraviolet and infrared light. [ Reference: West, P., ‘Volcanic Activity monitoring
through Raspberry Pi-based Photography’,
Unfortunately, traditional sulphur dioxide
Electronic Specifier, 7th. December 2023 ]
cameras are very costly to install, resulting in
inconsistent monitoring, hence the desire to
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