Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Drexel University


Train your brain to eat less sugar

A new study from Drexel University shows that a computer game can be used to train individuals to eat less sugar, leading to weight loss and improved health. The 'Diet DASH' game targets the part of the brain that inhibits impulses with the goal of reducing sweet food consumption.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Behavioral Medicine·DateMay 7, 2019

Making a 'to do' list for trauma docs

A digital procedural checklist for trauma centers has been developed and implemented, supporting trauma teams without hindering performance. The checklist, which includes over 55 tasks, was designed through years of collaborative research and testing, and its use in real trauma settings showed positive results.

Need more energy storage? Just hit 'print'

Researchers from Drexel University and Trinity College in Ireland have created a conductive MXene ink for 3D printing micro-supercapacitors, which outperforms existing energy storage devices. The ink can be used to print flexible energy storage components of any size or shape.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 17, 2019

Drexel study: Smartphone app detects diet cheat

A new smartphone app called OnTrack can predict when users are likely to lapse in their weight loss plan and send personalized coaching messages to help them stay on track. The study found that participants who used the app reported high levels of satisfaction and experienced a significant reduction in unplanned lapses.

Maximizing the potential of MXenes

MXenes' conductivity increases as intercalants and termination species are eliminated, making them suitable for applications like energy storage and wearable tech. Researchers developed a new electron microscopy technique to measure surface chemistry in real-time, paving the way for termination engineering.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 2019

What is clean breathing water?

A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that showering, using sinks, and flushing toilets can expose people to Legionella pneumophila bacteria, which causes pneumonia-like disease. The researchers recommend setting a risk-based concentration limit for indoor water quality to prevent outbreaks.

SourceDrexel University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 16, 2019

'Rippling' under pressure

Researchers at Drexel University have discovered a buckling phenomenon in layered materials when subjected to pressure, which could revolutionize the way we study deformation. The 'ripplocations' observed in experiments with cards and metals demonstrate non-linear elastic behavior that precedes material failure.

SourceDrexel University·JournalPhysical Review Materials·DateJan 2, 2019

Would you zap your brain to improve your memory?

A study by Drexel University researchers explores the public's willingness to use brain stimulation devices, revealing a divide between personal and moral acceptance. Participants were more likely to support using brain stimulation on others to repair cognitive functions than enhance their own abilities.

SourceDrexel University·JournalBrain Stimulation·DateOct 22, 2018

A stabilizing influence enables lithium-sulfur battery evolution

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a stable cathode material that can hold polysulfides in place, maintaining energy density while reducing weight and production time. The new approach uses titanium monoxide nanofibers to immobilize polysulfides, enabling Li-S batteries to achieve superior performance through hundreds of c...

SourceDrexel University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 16, 2018

Drexel's polymer pill proves it can deliver

Drexel University researchers have developed a new type of container that can deliver medicine to the bloodstream for extended periods. The 'crystalsome' nanoparticle lasts up to 96 hours in the bloodstream, surpassing current injectable medication with improved stability and reduced side effects.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 1, 2018

Medicaid Expansion increased low-income patient access to kidney transplants

A new study found that Medicaid expansion increased the number of chronic kidney disease patients with Medicaid coverage who were placed on the kidney transplant waiting list. States that expanded Medicaid saw a significant boost in Medicaid-covered preemptive listings, especially among racial and ethnic minority patients.

SourceDrexel University·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 21, 2018

MXene's tour de force

Researchers at Drexel University have found MXene to be the strongest material of its kind, with a high elastic modulus. The material's durability and strength make it suitable for applications such as composite materials, protective coatings, and membranes.

SourceDrexel University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 15, 2018

Reading the minds of pilots on the fly

A team of researchers at Drexel University has successfully measured the brain activity of pilots in real-time using functional near-infrared spectroscopy, or fNIRS. The study shows that pilots who flew a real aircraft committed more errors and had higher cognitive load than those who operated a flight simulator.

SourceDrexel University·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateMay 21, 2018

What can snakes teach us about engineering friction?

Researchers at Drexel University have found that snake skin's unique texture and micro-structure create a distinct friction profile, which can be used to inform the design of textured surfaces. By studying over 350 species of snakes, they have developed a framework for creating 'smart surfaces' with new frictional capabilities.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials·DateMay 21, 2018

Drexel study: 'Non-smoking' doesn't mean smoke-free

A Drexel study finds that third-hand smoke chemicals can be reemitted inside and attach themselves to aerosol particles, making people likely exposed to more harmful chemicals than thought. The research reveals a new pathway of exposure to third-hand smoke through aerosol particles in indoor environments.

SourceDrexel University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 9, 2018