PREVIEW

A pioneering device aimed at preventing hair loss during chemotherapy has earned a prestigious James Dyson Award. Named Athena, this innovative tool was created by 24-year-old Irish designer Olivia Humphreys after witnessing her mother's challenging experience with cancer treatment. Unlike existing scalp-cooling technologies used to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy, which are often costly and require patients to remain in hospital, Athena is designed to be affordable and portable. Athena works by applying scalp cooling, a technique that constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the scalp, minimising hair loss. Traditional hospital equipment relies on constant power and refrigeration, but Athena operates on batteries and uses a thermoelectric cooling system. Olivia was inspired by her mum's own battle with cancer and says it is “incredibly emotional and rewarding” to receive the prize. With an estimated cost of €1,000, Athena could provide an affordable solution for hair-loss prevention, making it more accessible to patients and healthcare providers alike.