Why in news?
Scientists from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), AIIMS Bhopal, NIMHANS and startup Bioscan Research recently introduced an indigenous device called CEREBO to detect traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) quickly and non‑invasively. Its launch was highlighted in early September 2025 as a breakthrough for emergency medicine in India.
What is CEREBO?
- Technology: CEREBO uses near‑infrared spectroscopy to measure oxygen levels in brain tissue. Sensors placed on the scalp detect changes in light absorption that indicate bleeding or oxygen deprivation.
- Portable and safe: The device is handheld and battery‑operated, making it suitable for ambulances, rural clinics and battlefields. It is safe for infants, pregnant women and patients who cannot undergo a CT scan.
- Rapid results: It can screen for internal head injuries within minutes, guiding doctors on whether immediate imaging or surgery is required.
Benefits
- Early detection: In India, many trauma deaths occur because internal bleeding goes unnoticed until symptoms worsen. Quick screening can save lives.
- Accessibility: Rural hospitals often lack CT scanners. An affordable, portable tool bridges the diagnostic gap and reduces unnecessary referrals to urban centres.
- Make in India: Developing such devices domestically strengthens the medical device industry and reduces import dependence.
CEREBO is not meant to replace CT scans but to triage patients and prioritise those needing advanced care. Scaling up production and training medical staff will determine its impact.