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A new wearable technology — for plants (video)

Researchers have created a wearable sensor for plant leaves that wirelessly transmits data to a smartphone app, allowing for early detection of water loss and remote monitoring of drought stress. The device has the potential to save resources and increase yields by providing reliable data on plant health.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 4, 2022

Engineering the grain boundary: a promising strategy to configure NiCoP4O12/NiCoP nanowire arrays for ultrastable supercapacitor

Researchers engineered NiCoP4O12/NiCoP nanowire arrays with high specific capacity and improved electrochemical performance through phosphorus doping. The material exhibits a high capacitance of 507.8 μAh·cm−2 and ultra-stable ability after 10000 cycles.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2022

Flexible printable electrical patches for accelerated wound healing

Researchers at Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation have developed a flexible, antibacterial conductive hydrogel-ePatch that accelerates wound healing with minimal side effects. The e-Patch uses silver nanowires and alginate to promote cell proliferation and migration, resulting in faster wound closure and reduced scarring.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalBiomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2022

Story tips: Supply chain crunch, safer batteries on impact and lithium light bright

A new report from Oak Ridge National Laboratory identifies supply chain must-haves for maintaining the pivotal role of hydropower in decarbonizing the nation's grid. The report also highlights advances in safer battery technologies and innovative electron microscopy techniques for imaging lithium in energy storage materials.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2022

Electronic implant reactivates spinal-cord nerves of a patient with neurodegenerative disease

A groundbreaking system implanted directly on the spinal cord has restored blood pressure regulation in a patient with multiple system atrophy-parkinsonian type (MSA-P), enabling them to walk again after being bedridden for over a year. This innovative therapy paves the way for new clinical breakthroughs in treating degenerative diseases.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 6, 2022

Improving the targeted treatment of movement disorders

Dystonia is characterized by involuntary movements and postures, limiting daily activities. A new study maps specific brain networks for treatment success in patients with cervical and generalized dystonia. The findings reveal distinct stimulation sites depending on the type of dystonia, offering a more targeted approach to improving t...

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 1, 2022

Multi-functional electrostatic droplet tweezer remotely guides droplet motion

A research team from City University of Hong Kong developed a multi-functional electrostatic droplet tweezer that can precisely trap and remotely guide liquid droplets on flat and tilted surfaces, as well as in oil mediums. The technology offers precise and programmable droplet manipulation with high velocity and agile direction steering.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2022

Regulating the radical intermediates by conjugated units in covalent organic frameworks for optimized lithium ion storage

Researchers developed a method to modulate molecular orbital energies, charge transport capacities, and spin electron densities of active units in covalent organic frameworks. This approach improves the stability of organic radicals and enhances the redox activity of COFs, leading to optimized lithium ion storage.

Sensor monitors disease severity

Scientists at Hokkaido University developed a prototype sensor to rapidly measure adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and lactate levels in blood samples. The sensor's sensitivity allows for the accurate detection of these molecules, enabling rapid assessment of disease severity.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2022

Live wire: new research on nanoelectronics

A study by Arizona State University shows that certain proteins can act as efficient electrical conductors, outperforming DNA-based nanowires in conductance. The protein nanowires display better performance over long distances, enabling potential applications for medical sensing and diagnostics.

SourceArizona State University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Gold nanoparticle-based electrode efficiently co-detects dopamine and uric acid in urine samples, shows new study in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis

Researchers developed a novel electroanalytical technique that co-detects dopamine and uric acid in urine samples, overcoming interference from ascorbic acid. The technique uses a gold-containing ternary nanocomposite electrode, enabling simultaneous detection of low-level DA and UA under physiological conditions.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022

​​​​​​​Noninvasive imaging could replace electrodes in epilepsy surgery planning

A noninvasive imaging method called virtual intracranial EEG (ViEEG) has been developed to replace electrodes in epilepsy surgery planning. The method uses magnetoencephalographic (MEG) imaging to create a dynamic map of the brain during seizures, enabling precise identification of brain networks involved in seizure generation.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022

New study suggests an alternative technique for determining the true activity of catalysts

Researchers from Waseda University have developed an alternative technique, sampled current voltammetry (SCV), to accurately determine the activity of electrocatalysts used in water-splitting reactions. The study shows that SCV can provide reliable measurements of electrocatalytic performance at constant steady-state applied voltages.

SourceWaseda University·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

Establishing an elemental structure that facilitates high-intensity broadband spin waves

A research team at Toyohashi University of Technology demonstrates a new substrate structure that enables the excitation and detection of high-intensity broadband spin waves, even when miniaturized. The YIG-on-metal (YOM) structure achieves broader frequency bandwidth and higher intensity than conventional electrode structures.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalJournal of Physics D Applied Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021

Using green tea as reducing reagent for the preparation of nanomaterials to synthesize ammonia

Researchers developed a green synthesis method for ammonia production using green tea as a reducing agent. The study found that the optimized sample showed 2.93-fold enhanced photocatalytic activity and increased NH3 selectivity, outperforming bulk g-C3N4 under simulated sunlight irradiation.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2021

Intelligent transistor developed at TU Wien

Scientists at TU Wien have developed a novel germanium-based transistor with the ability to perform different logical tasks, offering improved adaptability and flexibility in chip design. This technology has potential applications in artificial intelligence, neural networks, and logic circuits that work with more than just 0 and 1.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2021

Diagnosing breast cancer

A new diagnostic tool for breast cancer uses a low-voltage electrical current to detect changes in lymphatic interstitial fluid, showing 70% effectiveness in predicting cancer presence. The device can be used repeatedly on women of any age, providing an additional diagnostic option for younger patients and those with dense breast tissue.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalIEEE Access·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021

Surface science methodology reveals relaxation and failure mechanisms of energy storage devices

A research team from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics discovered the critical surface/interface behaviors governing ESDs' operation and failure. They visualized atmosphere-dependent relaxation and failure processes using in situ Raman, X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 29, 2021

Prize-winning technology for large-scale energy storage

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a concept for large-scale energy storage that is safe, cheap and sustainable. The technology uses wood-based electrodes and a new type of water-based electrolyte, achieving a world record for energy storage with organic electrodes in water-based electrolytes.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Energy and Sustainability Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

Shrinking waveforms on electrocardiograms predict worsening health and death of hospitalized COVID-19 and influenza patients

Researchers found that shrinking waveforms on electrocardiograms can help identify high-risk patients with COVID-19 or influenza, allowing for more aggressive monitoring and treatment. The study also showed that this technique may be particularly useful in overwhelmed systems where timely intervention is crucial.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe American Journal of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2021

Improving control for users of robotic prosthetics

Researchers have developed a new interface technology that can provide natural sensory feedback from robotic prosthetics to amputees, reducing abnormal sensations and cognitive burden. The innovation uses ultra-small recording sites and molecular guidance cues to stimulate sensory axons selectively, improving control of robotic limbs.

A solid favor for researchers: A new way to investigate the electric double layer effect

Scientists at Tokyo University of Science develop a new methodology to investigate the elusive electric double layer (EDL) effect in all-solid-state batteries. The study reveals that the EDL effect is dominated by the electrolyte's composition and can be suppressed through charge compensation, leading to improved performance.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2021

Next generation electronics: Expanding the possibilities with silver nanowires

Researchers from Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation developed a method to fabricate ultrathin gold shells around silver nanowires, improving their stability and effectiveness. The gold-coated nanowires showed superior durability and performance in various tests, outperforming commercial nanowires.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalNano Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2021

Igniting plasmas in liquids

Researchers develop underwater plasmas using high-voltage pulses, creating extreme conditions with pressures and temperatures similar to the Pacific Ocean's deepest point. The ignition process challenges conventional theories and demonstrates the potential for re-oxidising catalytic surfaces in electrochemical cells.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJul 7, 2021