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Significant citizen participation: Study examines the fate of plastic particles

A multidisciplinary team of scientists conducted a comprehensive study to understand the sources and sinks of plastic debris in the Southern North Sea. Local citizen scientists played a crucial role in tracking the distribution pathways of plastic particles, revealing that two-thirds were washed ashore within 25km of their release site.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2023

Innovative endoscopic imaging system can detect multiple fluorescent tracers

Researchers developed a novel endoscopic imaging system with a bioinspired sensor that can detect multiple fluorescent probes, enabling more accurate fluorescence-guided cancer surgery. The system showed improved spatial resolution and sensitivity in detecting tumors, paving the way for the adoption of multi-tracer FGS.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateMay 26, 2023

Low-cost, waterproof sensors may create new health-monitoring possibilities

Researchers developed an affordable, stretchable, and waterproof sensor using graphite material from pencils to monitor gas molecules, temperature, and electrical physiological signals. The device has the potential for public health applications, including collecting data on population health variation between geographic locations.

SourcePenn State·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2023

How dormant bacteria come back to life

Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered a new cellular sensor that allows dormant bacteria to detect nutrients and quickly spring back to life. This breakthrough could inform the design of ways to prevent dangerous bacterial spores from lying dormant for months before waking up again and causing outbreaks.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

Now you can be comfortable in your e-skin

Osaka University researchers develop a cellulose-based material, called nanopaper e-skin, that makes effective contact with the skin while maintaining breathability and comfort. The substrate can withstand deformation, sterilization, and environmental sustainability, making it a promising candidate for electrophysiological monitoring.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2023

A simple, portable sensor monitors paracetamol levels in saliva in real time for personalized treatment

Researchers developed a simple sensor to monitor paracetamol levels in saliva in real-time, enabling personalized treatment and reducing toxic side effects. The device is low-cost, portable, and uses non-invasive collection methods, making it an attractive alternative for therapeutic drug monitoring.

Pusan National University researchers develop non-intrusive sensor for pipeline monitoring

A novel, low-cost sensor system utilizing force-sensing resistor technology has been developed by Pusan National University researchers for real-time pipeline monitoring. The system demonstrated a 99.4% correlation with commercial sensors, enabling accurate detection of pipeline damages.

SourcePusan National University·JournalStructural Control and Health Monitoring·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

New microchip links two Nobel Prize-winning techniques

Physicists at Delft University of Technology have developed a new technology on a microchip combining optical trapping and frequency combs to measure distances with high precision in opaque materials. The technology uses sound vibrations instead of light, offering a simple and low-power solution for applications such as monitoring the ...

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeCase study·DateMar 22, 2023

Cracking the concrete code

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new type of metamaterial concrete that can be designed to have specific attributes like brittleness, flexibility, and shapeability. This material can generate electricity and can also be used to monitor damage inside concrete structures or earthquakes, reducing their impact o...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 21, 2023

New intracellular "smoke detector" discovered

Researchers have identified a molecule called NLRP10 as an intracellular 'smoke detector' that warns of mitochondrial damage. This detection triggers a process that eliminates damaged cells, preventing chronic inflammation and tissue damage. The discovery could lead to new therapies for skin and intestinal diseases.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2023

Pusan National University researchers develop portable color-changing food spoilage sensor

Researchers at Pusan National University have created a portable molecular sensor that detects biogenic amines released from spoiled food using polydiacetylene-based beads. The sensor, which changes color to red upon binding with BAs, can be used for rapid visual detection of spoiled food during storage and distribution.

SourcePusan National University·JournalFood Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2023

DART VADAR harnesses the force of enzymes for better RNA drugs

Researchers at Harvard University developed a novel RNA sense-and-respond circuit, DART VADAR, which utilizes an enzyme to detect specific molecular markers of disease and cell types. This enables highly specific treatments for various diseases by triggering the translation of therapeutic genetic payloads.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2023

‘Fishing’ for biomarkers

A team of researchers from Syracuse University has developed a tiny, nano-sized sensor that can detect protein biomarkers in a sample at single-molecule precision. The sensor is capable of identifying and quantifying specific proteins associated with various hematological malignancies and solid tumors.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2023

First wearable health sensor for monitoring muscle atrophy

Researchers developed the first wearable sensor for monitoring muscle atrophy, a condition typically caused by degenerative disease or aging. The sensor can measure small-scale volume changes in overall limb size and monitor muscle loss of up to 51%. This technology has the potential to create less burden on patients and improve treatm...

SourceOhio State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2023

New machine-learning approach enables to identify one molecule in a billion molecules selectively with graphene sensors

Researchers developed a machine learning model that maps graphene-gas molecule van der Waals complex bonding evolution for selective gas detection. The model achieved 100% accuracy in distinguishing between different atmospheric environments, showcasing its potential for environmental monitoring and non-invasive medical diagnosis.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalSensors and Actuators B Chemical·DateMar 17, 2023

Chung-Ang University researchers develop smart portable sensing system for monitoring precast structures during delivery

The novel portable wireless sensing system measures strain and acceleration in real-time, generating a safety assessment report to prevent damage and ensure safe delivery. While effective, the system lacks real-time data management capabilities, requiring future development of a cloud-based monitoring system.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalAutomation in Construction·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Ultra-soft and highly stretchable hydrogel-based sensor for monitoring overactive bladder

Researchers developed a hydrogel-based sensor to monitor overactive bladder activity in real-time. The sensor measures both mechanical and bioelectrical activities, allowing for simultaneous monitoring and neural stimulation. This breakthrough has the potential to improve treatment outcomes and minimize side effects.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateMar 8, 2023

New technique maps large-scale impacts of fire-induced permafrost thaw in Alaska

A new technique maps the effects of fire-induced permafrost thaw in Alaska, revealing widespread topographic change and vegetation shifts. The study used a machine learning-based approach to quantify thaw settlement across 3 million acres of land, with results showing a significant loss of evergreen forest and shrubland encroachment.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 14, 2023

Tracking the happiness hormone

A team of scientists has created an implantable microsensor that can measure serotonin levels in the brain in real-time without deactivation. This breakthrough could improve diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. The sensor uses galvanic redox potentiometry to detect serotonin concentrations over a broad range.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2023

Powering wearable technology with MXene textile supercapacitor ‘patch’

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a wearable textile supercapacitor patch that can charge in minutes and power programmable electronics for almost two hours using MXene material. The innovative design enables seamless integration of technology into fabric, paving the way for health care technology applications.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·TypeObservational study·DateJan 30, 2023

Advanced electronic skin for multiplex healthcare monitoring

Researchers from TIBI have developed an advanced electronic skin patch that provides simultaneous, continuous monitoring of multiple bodily parameters. The new E-skin patch offers enhanced flexibility, thermal cooling abilities, and fluid absorption over conventional substrates while demonstrating excellent biocompatibility and biodegr...

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023