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Extra-short nanowires best for brain

Researchers found that nanowires shorter than 2 micrometres cause no harm to the brain tissue, while longer ones lead to inflammation and neurotoxic effects. The study suggests developing electrodes with smaller and more flexible nanowire coatings for safer neural implants.

SourceLund University·JournalBiomaterials·DateJan 15, 2015

Shaping the future of energy storage with conductive clay

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a conductive clay that can be easily molded into various shapes and sizes, representing a significant shift in the production of electrodes for energy storage devices. The clay's high conductivity and plasticity make it an attractive candidate for use in batteries and supercapacitors.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature·DateNov 26, 2014

New EEG electrode set for fast and easy measurement of brain function abnormalities

A new, easy-to-use EEG electrode set was developed to quickly attach on patients, reducing electromagnetic interference and allowing rapid diagnosis of severe brain function abnormalities. The set consists of 16 hydrogel-coated electrodes placed on hair-free areas, making it suitable for emergency care and field conditions.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Methods·DateSep 24, 2014

Shatterproof screens that save smartphones

Researchers at the University of Akron have developed a shatterproof screen technology using a transparent electrode that is tough, flexible and cost-effective. The new film can withstand repeated scotch tape peeling and bending tests, offering a potential replacement for traditional touchscreen displays.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 6, 2014

Liberating devices from their power cords

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed new structural 'supercaps' that can store and discharge significant amounts of electricity while withstanding realistic static loads and dynamic forces. The device operates flawlessly in storing and releasing electrical charge, even under intense dynamic and static forces.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 19, 2014

How electrodes charge and discharge

A team at MIT has figured out a way to measure the fundamental charge transfer rate in porous battery electrodes, revealing significant surprises. The study found that the Butler-Volmer equation is inaccurate, especially at higher voltage levels, and that electron transfer between two solids determines the rate.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2014

Optimal distance between 2 electrode tips when recording compound nerve action potentials

The study found that a distance of 5 mm between recording and stimulating electrodes, and a distance of 10 mm between recording and stimulating sites, was optimal for compound nerve action potential recording. Additionally, orthodromic compound action potentials were more stable and displayed less interference than antidromic ones.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateApr 2, 2014

Filling me softly

Scientists at the University of Cambridge discovered that implant stiffness is a major cause of foreign body reactions. The team found that stiff materials trigger inflammation and cell shape changes in brain cells, leading to encapsulation with scar tissue.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 12, 2014

Bio-based solar cell

The Ruhr-University Bochum researchers developed a bio-based solar cell using photosystem 1 and 2 proteins, generating an efficient electron current. The bio-based solar cell boasts an efficiency of several nanowatts per square centimeter, making it a potential blueprint for semi-artificial and natural cell systems.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 21, 2013

Super-thin membranes clear the way for chip-sized pumps

A new super-thin silicon membrane developed at the University of Rochester enables the creation of miniaturized pumps that can be powered by small batteries, paving the way for portable diagnostic devices. This breakthrough could lead to applications in medical and electronic device cooling, as well as cost-effective fabrication methods.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2013

Haste and waste on neuronal pathways

A team of researchers at ETH Zurich used high-resolution microelectrode arrays to measure axonal signal speed, finding significant variations within the same neuron. The study challenges the long-held assumption that axonal signal conduction is purely digital.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 2013

New analytical methodology can guide electrode optimization

Researchers developed a combined approach of MicroCT-based visualization and microfluidic-based electrochemical analysis to correlate changes in electrode performance with catalyst layer structure. This allows for systematic investigation of electrode-based electrochemical processes and guides electrode optimization for improved cataly...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJul 9, 2013

Innovation could bring flexible solar cells, transistors, displays

Researchers at Purdue University have created a new type of transparent electrode that combines graphene and silver nanowires to overcome the drawbacks of traditional materials like indium tin oxide. The hybrid material has a low sheet resistance and remains flexible even when bent, making it suitable for applications such as solar cel...

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 22, 2013

How much a single cell breathes

Researchers have developed a method to precisely control the distance between electrodes and cells, allowing for accurate measurement of single-cell oxygen consumption. This enables quick analysis of cell activity and metabolic processes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 13, 2013

Putting HiFi into cochlear implants

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a new, nonsurgical process to fine-tune and customize cochlear implant programming, providing improved sound quality and spectral resolution. This image-guided strategy uses pre- and postoperative CT scans to pinpoint electrode locations and optimize signal transmission.