Hochschule
München
University of
Applied Sciences

Mindsnacks Health

Health

Health is more than just the absence of illness or frailty. It also involves physical and mental wellbeing within a supportive social environment. Since the coronavirus pandemic, at the very least, it has become clear how the health of every individual in society depends fundamentally on well-trained healthcare and nursing professionals, and how vital this is to the functioning of society. HM trains some of these professionals and conducts research into health from the perspective of various disciplines and viewpoints – often with the involvement of those affected by illness and frailty.

Mindsnacks Health

How do VR headsets help with addiction treatment?

Using VR headsets, patients experience realistic everyday situations in which they are at risk of relapsing into addiction. They are exposed to virtual stress-inducing scenarios, such as the alcohol aisle in a supermarket. Medical sensors measure their physical reactions and assess how effectively the coping strategies they have learnt are working. This makes the treatment more effective. This is the subject of research being conducted by HM Professor Christian Hanshans.

Addiction treatment using VR

How can a microscope help improve vaccines?

Small lipid spheres move very quickly. A new technique allows these transporters to be tracked in real time under a microscope. This makes it possible to observe where and how they release, for example, cancer drugs or vaccines. This knowledge can be used to improve their effectiveness within the body. HM Professor Thomas Hellerer from the Dept of Applied Natural Sciences and Mechatronics is conducting research into this topic.

Improve the vaccine

Does meditation give you superpowers?

Meditation has a positive effect on the part of the brain responsible, among other things, for regulating attention and decision-making. Meditation can reduce stress, boost concentration and improve self-awareness – a real superpower that you can use anytime, anywhere. HM Professor Andreas de Bruin from the Department of Applied Social Sciences is conducting research into this topic.

Superpowers through meditation

Can clothes control your muscles?

Yes! Just as T-shirts are printed with colourful designs, it is also possible to use textile printing to incorporate sensors into sportswear such as leggings. These sensors detect muscle problems and respond by stimulating and training the muscles using targeted electrical impulses. So, there will soon be clothing that supports you whilst running or alleviates pain. This innovation was developed by HM graduate and founder Maria Neugschwender at the Department of Technical Systems, Processes and Communication.

Smart clothing

Can a chatbot save lives?

Not yet. Online counselling services for people experiencing acute life crises are currently provided by professionally qualified staff. However, chatbots available around the clock already offer those affected a quick, anonymous initial point of contact. It remains to be seen to what extent generative AI will be able to take over emergency support independently. HM Professor Emily Engelhardt from the Department of Applied Social Sciences is conducting research into this topic.

Life-saving chatbot

Why do poor people die earlier than rich people?

People living in poverty are exposed to less healthy living and working conditions. They tend to have a lower self-esteem and fewer supportive social networks that could promote their health. Furthermore, they are more likely to receive poorer medical care and to engage in less healthy behaviours. Professor Christian Janßen from the Department of Applied Social Sciences at Hochschule München is conducting research on this topic.

Social inequality

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