Researchers have developed a microgel delivery system that keeps beneficial bacteria safe while actively clearing out harmful ones in the gut. In mice, this system treated intestinal inflammation without side effects and showed promise as a viable treatment strategy for intestinal diseases.
Researchers developed a more accurate model of human cardiac fibrotic tissue, which could enable quicker drug testing and potentially lead to new therapies for heart failure. The model, built using an electrospinning technique, recreates the unique aspects of scarred cardiac tissue.
Scientists discover that blending mineral salts can replicate the taste of real sugar in low- and zero-calorie beverages, improving flavor and mouthfeel. The blend reduces lingering sweetness by up to 79% and enhances the sugar-like sensation in various non-caloric alternatives.
Researchers developed an automated method to detect and count microplastics in contact lenses, finding that lenses with shorter lifetimes shed more microplastics when exposed to sunlight. The study estimates that over 90,000 microplastic particles per year could be shed from some lenses if worn for 10 hours a day.
Researchers found that electric rideshare fleets can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but may also increase air pollution and traffic problems. The study used real-world data from Chicago to simulate the impacts of electrification.
Scientists have developed a method to create less-allergenic shrimp by altering protein structures, reducing inflammation, and preventing antibody binding. The technique, known as reverse-pressure sterilization, was tested on mice with shrimp allergies and showed promising results.
Researchers have developed a new nanocomposite film using electrospinning that can dissipate heat more efficiently, potentially keeping tiny electronics cool. The film's unique design acts as a 'highway' to direct heat away from the device.
Researchers developed a colorimetric method to detect volatile organic compounds at low levels using a printable glass-based detector. Additionally, strategies are outlined to overcome the single-molecule concentration barrier in fluorescence detection, enabling observations in high-concentration environments. An electrochemical test f...
Researchers developed a wound-healing ink that can actively encourage the body to heal by exposing cuts to immune-system vesicles. The PAINT system, which uses EVs secreted from macrophages combined with sodium alginate, promoted blood vessel formation and reduced inflammation in human epithelial cells.
A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that cutting boards made of plastic and wood can release tens of millions of microparticles when chopped, which may have negative health impacts if ingested. The researchers estimated that polyethylene microplastics could produce 14 to 71 million particles per year.
Researchers have developed a color-changing material that can detect when medications get too warm, with tunable melting points to track temperatures from -94 to +99 degrees Fahrenheit. This innovative system has the potential to reduce electronic waste and improve medical cold supply chains.
Research suggests that windshield washer fluid is a significant source of vehicle-derived pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to ozone formation. The study found that the levels of these non-fuel-derived gases will likely remain unchanged even as drivers transition to electric vehicles.
Researchers have discovered that certain soapstone and granite samples from Tanzania are well-suited for storing solar heat, featuring high energy densities and stability. These rocks show promise as a sustainable energy storage material for concentrated solar power generation and solar drying technology.
Researchers have developed biodegradable hollow nanoscavengers that target reactive oxygen species to restore liver function and reverse insulin resistance in human liver cells and diabetic mice. This innovative approach offers a promising pathway toward long-term treatment of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases.
A new edible CBD coating has been developed to increase the shelf life of strawberries by reducing microbial growth. The coating, made with encapsulated CBD nanoparticles, was found to preserve berries for up to 15 days while maintaining their color and antioxidant activity.
Researchers identified compounds in Labrador tea leaves that have antimalarial properties, particularly ascaridole, which has activity against drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum parasites. The study highlights the importance of investigating and protecting plants used in traditional medicines.
Researchers develop chitosan-based coating to preserve avocados and create imaging technique to predict shelf life. The coating delays ripening, and the imaging method accurately estimates remaining shelf life, potentially improving avocado quality and availability.
Researchers used computer modeling to simulate the movement of lightweight plastic particles in the Mediterranean Sea. Their results suggest that these particles can drift up to 175 miles laterally from their point of origin before sinking. This discovery highlights the potential for long-distance interactions between plastic waste and...
Researchers found that ragweed and ryegrass emit more subpollen particles than previously thought, which can boost cloud formation and contribute to climate change. Whole pollen grains also facilitate cloud growth, but SPPs are poor ice-nucleating sites.
Scientists have discovered a universal method to bond soft materials together using electricity, eliminating the need for traditional adhesives. The new technique, called electroadhesion, uses oppositely charged materials to form strong bonds that can withstand gravity and last for years.
A team of researchers has created a touch-responsive fabric armband that can be used as a keyboard or sketchpad. The device uses a pressure-sensitive hydrogel sandwiched between layers of knit silk to interpret user input, allowing for real-time writing and gaming on computers.
Researchers have developed a simple green process to extract both keratin and melanin from human hair without harsh chemicals or excessive waste. The extracted compounds have antioxidative properties and can help shield against ultraviolet light, making them suitable for biomedical applications.
Scientists have created a system that directly targets and degrades the SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA genome, reducing infection in mice. This method could be adapted to fight off many viruses and treat various diseases.
Researchers developed an ecofriendly disposable sensor that can check levels of glucose and other biomarkers in saliva using a wooden tongue depressor. The device uses low-power diode lasers to create conductive electrodes, making it cheaper and easier to produce on-site at medical facilities.
Researchers develop self-propelled 'BeerBots' that ferment sugar faster than traditional yeast cells, reducing fermentation time and making separation of yeast from beer easier. The BeerBots were found to be active for up to three more brewing cycles after the initial fermentation process.
Two natural coumarin compounds, 5-MOS and 6-MOS, have been identified in the orange climber plant, exhibiting aggregation-induced emission properties. These compounds can clearly identify mitochondria in live cells without additional processing, making cell imaging easier and faster.
Researchers have developed a new composite fabric that combines conventional aramid with carbon nanotubes and polyacrylate to create puncture-resistant materials. The new material outperforms existing fabrics in simulated stabbing tests and could be useful in military and civilian applications.
Researchers have created a sturdy, lightweight material that disintegrates on-demand, using sugar and wood-derived powders. The material's strength was doubled with natural additives, making it harder than plastics but still lightweight.
Scientists create B cell organoids to screen conjugate vaccine candidates, identifying antigen-specific antibodies with potential applications. The platform accelerates testing throughput, offering insights into the immune response to vaccines.
Researchers have created a new material that responds to substantially lower electrical charges, making it suitable for use in medical devices. The material, made of bottlebrush polymers, was found to expand and contract over 10,000 times before degrading when stimulated by voltages as low as 1,000 V.
A team of researchers has developed non-invasive, 3D-printed graphene-based sensors that can accurately monitor brain activity. The new dry sensors show promise for enabling 'mind-controlled' robots and expanding the applications of brain-machine interfaces.
Researchers at Zurich University of Applied Sciences identified six compounds contributing to fermented coffee's unique flavor, including 2-methylpropanal, 3-methylbutanal, and ethyl 3-methylbutanoate. The study aims to standardize production methods and increase availability of this distinctive beverage.
A new class of compounds reduces weight dramatically and lowers blood glucose in lab animals, boosting calorie burn and avoiding nausea. The injectable treatments activate multiple gut hormone receptors, including GLP-1 and PYY, to signal fullness and curb appetite.
A team of researchers has created a two-stage device that uses acoustic forces to aggregate and remove microplastics from water samples. The device, made with steel tubes and pulsing sound waves, can remove over 70% of small plastics and 82% of large ones, making it a promising solution for removing microplastics from waterways.
Researchers have identified marijuana-derived compounds that can reverse fentanyl overdoses by reducing its binding to opioid receptors and boosting naloxone's effects. These compounds, derived from cannabidiol (CBD), demonstrate a synergistic effect when combined with naloxone.
Chemical engineers have created a new technique for shaping glass into intricate 3D forms using origami and kirigami. By combining folding and heating, they can produce transparent glass with complex shapes and layered textures.
Scientists have developed a device that can simultaneously detect the presence of COVID-19 and flu viruses at much lower levels and quickly, using graphene nanomaterials. The sensor returns results within 10 seconds, faster than conventional tests.
Scientists have developed a new vaccine delivery method using powdered vaccines and a system driven by compressed gas, called MOF-Jet. The device can deliver therapeutics against cancer and other diseases in a relatively painless way, eliminating the need for needles and potentially reducing pain.
Scientists have successfully replicated the tunable transparency of squid skin cells in mammalian cells, a breakthrough that could lead to better ways to image many cell types. The study, led by Alon Gorodetsky, involves engineering human cells to produce reflectin proteins and forming light-scattering nanostructures.
Researchers have identified properties like curl shape, coils, and cuticle layers that can help distinguish between curly, kinky, wavy, and straight hair. These findings aim to provide a more precise and quantitative classification system for haircare products.
A researcher has converted elements' visible light into audio, creating complex sounds for each one. The project aims to create an interactive musical periodic table with potential value as an alternative teaching method in chemistry classrooms.
Researchers have developed a plant-based film that gets cooler when exposed to sunlight and comes in various colors, promoting passive daytime radiative cooling. The material can rival residential air conditioners in cooling power and has potential applications in buildings, cars, and other structures.
Researchers have identified tens of thousands of molecular 'puzzle pieces' in two meteorites, including a larger amount of oxygen atoms than expected. This analysis provides a unique window into the origin of life itself and sheds light on the formation of the universe.
Researchers find that beer flavor compounds change over time, regardless of packaging. Amber ale packaged in bottles showed greater variation during aging than cans, but IPA was more resistant due to its higher polyphenol content.
A team of researchers has developed a sensitive method to detect viral nucleic acids using 'glow-in-the-dark' proteins, achieving high sensitivity and speed for clinical diagnostic tests. The LUNAS assay successfully detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in under 20 minutes at low concentrations.
Researchers have used crab shells to create anode materials for sodium-ion batteries, which could lead to more sustainable battery technologies. The team found that the porous structure of the crab carbon provided a large surface area, enhancing its conductivity and ability to transport ions efficiently.
Researchers have designed a potent and selective compound that could lead to new therapies for asthma and COPD by activating bitter taste receptors. The new ligand is six times more potent than a known NSAID and highly selective for the TAS2R14 subtype, minimizing potential side effects.
Researchers used high-resolution microscopy to study the formation of ouzo droplets, finding a unique internal structure with concentrated anise extract at the edge and water/ethanol in the center. This discovery could help create highly stable emulsions in cosmetics and paints.
Researchers have developed a new type of bioplastic film that can be rolled into a straw without getting soggy. The bioplastic, made from natural materials like lignin and starch, is stronger than plastic and can break down when no longer needed.
Researchers found that toilet paper is a significant source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater systems, particularly in North America. The study detected diPAPs, which can convert to more stable PFAS like perfluorooctanoic acid, in toilet paper rolls and sewage sludge samples.