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IOP Publishing


3-D printing technique explored to help treat type 1 diabetes

Researchers developed a 3D printing technique to create scaffolds for insulin-producing cells, which showed full functionality and improved transplantation success rates. The bioplotting method enabled the creation of porous structures that facilitated glucose and insulin exchange, while protecting the cells from the immune system.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiofabrication·DateMay 27, 2015

Octopus arm inspires future surgical tool

A robotic arm inspired by an octopus's flexible arms can bend, stretch and squeeze through cluttered environments, enabling surgeons to access remote areas of the body. The device manipulates soft organs without damaging them, reducing the need for multiple instruments.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateMay 13, 2015

Morphing wings help drones manage collisions

Researchers at Stanford University have created a robotic wing that can recover from mid-air collisions using a passive morphing mechanism inspired by bird wings. The mechanism allows the wing to fold and unfold without actuation, making it lighter and more reliable.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateMar 25, 2015

Fractal patterns may uncover new line of attack on cancer

Scientists studying human cervical epithelial cells found that distinct fractal patterns emerge only at the point of progression towards cancer. These findings could inspire targeting specific weak points in pathways leading to cancer development. Fractal patterns may hold importance in understanding cancer metastasis, where cancer cel...

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateMar 10, 2015

Laser 'ruler' holds promise for hunting exoplanets

Researchers successfully demonstrate a new technique combining a solar telescope with a laser frequency comb to analyze distant stars with unprecedented accuracy, potentially leading to the discovery of Earth-like planets. The technique enhances spectral analysis and advances research in astrophysics.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateFeb 17, 2015

Mining the moon becomes a serious prospect

Texas-based Shackleton Energy Company plans to mine lunar water ice and convert it into rocket propellant, with Moon Express also interested in using the resource as fuel. Meanwhile, China is making headway in mining rare-earth elements on the Moon, sparking interest in establishing a human settlement.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateFeb 2, 2015

'Gold rush' threatens tropical forests in South America

A recent study found that gold mining has led to significant deforestation in tropical forests of South America, resulting in the loss of around 1680 km2 of forest between 2001 and 2013. The research highlights the growing environmental impact of gold mining in biologically diverse regions.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 13, 2015

Thumbs-up for mind-controlled robotic arm

A paralysed woman, Jan Scheuermann, has controlled a robotic arm using complex hand movements, achieving 10-dimensional control. This breakthrough enables her to interact with objects in different ways, simulating human-like hand use.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateDec 16, 2014

Sun's rotating 'magnet' pulls lightning towards UK

Researchers found a 50% increase in UK thunderstorms when the Sun's spiral-shaped magnetic field pointed towards or away from Earth, potentially exposing the upper atmosphere to galactic cosmic rays. This discovery could lead to a reliable lightning forecast system that provides weeks-in-advance warnings of hazardous events.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 19, 2014

Researchers calculate 'hidden' emissions in traded meat

A study estimated embodied methane and nitrous oxide emissions in beef, chicken, and pork from livestock to countries where they are consumed. The researchers found a 19% increase in 'hidden' emissions over the past 20 years, with Russia receiving most of its emissions from Brazil and Argentina.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 13, 2014

Twisted light waves sent across Vienna

Researchers sent twisted light beams across Vienna, encoding images and demonstrating increased data-carrying capacity. The technology could significantly increase data-rates in classical communication and make secret keys tougher to crack in quantum communication.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateNov 11, 2014

Doubt cast over air pollution link between childhood leukemia and power lines

A new study published in Journal of Radiological Protection found little evidence to support the 'corona-ion hypothesis', which suggests a possible link between air pollution from power lines and childhood leukemia. Researchers used data from over 7,000 children born near high-voltage overhead power lines and found no increased risk of...

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Radiological Protection·DateOct 30, 2014

Physicists sound warning to 'nail beauty fanatics'

Researchers have devised equations to identify physical laws governing nail growth, shedding light on common nail problems like ingrown toenails. Daily poor trimming can tip the balance of nails, causing residual stress that leads to shape changes and potential serious conditions.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysical Biology·DateOct 16, 2014

Nanoparticles give up forensic secrets

A Swiss research team has revealed that nanoparticles are attracted to fingermarks through chemical bonding, rather than electrostatically. This discovery could lead to more accurate and sensitive techniques for detecting previously undetectable fingermarks, improving forensic science.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateOct 1, 2014

Graphene sensor tracks down cancer biomarkers

A graphene biosensor has been developed to detect cancer risk biomarkers, such as 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), with high sensitivity and speed. The sensor is capable of detecting concentrations as low as 0.1 ng mL-1, outperforming conventional detection methods.

SourceIOP Publishing·Journal2D Materials·DateSep 19, 2014

'Smart material' chin strap harvests energy from chewing

Researchers have created a smart material-based chin strap that generates electricity from chewing, eating and talking, with potential to power hearing aids, cochlear implants and other small electronic devices. The device harnesses piezoelectric fiber composites to convert mechanical stress into electric charge.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateSep 16, 2014

Graphene gets a 'cousin' in the shape of germanene

A team of European researchers has successfully synthesized germanene, a 2D material with impressive electrical and optical properties. The material was synthesized by depositing individual germanium atoms onto a gold substrate under high temperatures and in an ultra-high vacuum, revealing its characteristic honeycomb structure.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateSep 9, 2014

Scientists get set for simulated nuclear inspection

Experts from around the world will participate in a simulated nuclear inspection in Jordan to prepare for Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) on-site inspections. The exercise aims to refine and test monitoring techniques, ensuring scientists are ready to investigate possible nuclear explosions.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateAug 31, 2014

Researchers prove stability of wonder material silicene

A team of international researchers has successfully isolated thick multilayers of silicene and demonstrated its stability in the presence of oxygen for at least 24 hours. The breakthrough allows scientists to further explore the material's properties, which have made silicene a promising candidate for the electronics industry.

SourceIOP Publishing·Journal2D Materials·DateAug 12, 2014

Water-polluting anxiety drug reduces fish mortality

A study published in Environmental Research Letters found that a commonly used anxiety drug can reduce mortality rates in fish. The results suggest that existing aquatic risk assessment tests may not be effective in detecting the potential benefits of pharmaceutical contaminants.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 7, 2014

Used-cigarette butts offer energy storage solution

Scientists from South Korea convert used-cigarette filters into a superior carbon-based material for supercapacitors, offering an eco-friendly solution to meet increasing energy demands. The material stores more electrical energy than commercially available options and has potential applications in various devices.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateAug 5, 2014

Physicists reveal random nature of metastasis

A new study suggests that cancer metastasis, the spread of tumors from one part of the body to another, may occur through pure chance. Researchers used statistical models to show that 'common' cancer cells circulating in the bloodstream could, on rare occasions, cause metastasis.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysical Biology·DateJul 17, 2014

'Smart glass' micro-iris for smartphone cameras

Researchers developed a smart glass micro-iris that controls light entry with minimal power consumption, overcoming traditional mechanical blade limitations in camera-integrated devices. The device demonstrates improved depth of focus and optical contrast, paving the way for next-generation smartphone cameras.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Optics·DateJun 18, 2014

Nature inspires drones of the future

Drones have been developed with flight control mechanisms inspired by birds, bats, insects, and snakes to navigate through urban environments. Researchers have made significant advancements in drone technology, enabling them to perform complex tasks such as obstacle avoidance, pick-up and delivery, and landing on tricky surfaces.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateMay 23, 2014

Implantable device to beat high blood pressure

Researchers have developed an implantable device that successfully reduced blood pressure in rats by 40% without major side effects. The device targets the vagal nerve to stimulate baroreceptors, controlling short-term blood pressure fluctuations.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateMay 8, 2014

The pitch drops that got the world talking

A team of researchers from Trinity College Dublin captured a drop of pitch on camera for the first time, generating over two million YouTube views. The attention came from their short and quirky story, which also sparked human interest due to a dramatic sequence of events related to an Australian experiment.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateApr 30, 2014

3-D printing cancer cells to mimic tumors

A team of researchers created a 3D model of cervical cancer cells using 3D printing, mimicking the complex environment of a tumor. The model showed higher proliferation rates and resistance to anti-cancer drugs compared to traditional 2D models.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiofabrication·DateApr 10, 2014

'RoboClam' hits new depths as robotic digger

A robotic digger, RoboClam, has been created to mimic the unique mechanisms employed by the Atlantic razor clam. The robot can transform soil into a liquid and achieve deep digging with high efficiency, making it suitable for applications such as anchoring underwater robots and subsea cable installation.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateApr 8, 2014