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Healing power of light: University of Ottawa team advances clear vision for eye repair

The study, published in Advanced Functional Materials, reveals a novel light-activated material that can be used to effectively reshape and thicken damaged corneal tissue, promoting healing and recovery for patients with keratoconus. The technology has tremendous potential to impact millions of people suffering from corneal diseases.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 25, 2023

A novel hydrogel may be a beacon of hope for infertility and fertility challenges

A novel hydrogel has been developed to induce endometrial regeneration and elucidate its mechanism, offering new hope for patients struggling with infertility. The gel, made from uterus-derived decellularized extracellular matrix, successfully regenerated the endometrium in mice, creating a favorable environment for embryo implantation.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 3, 2023

Tuning T cell traits and functions with biomechanical materials

A research team at the Wyss Institute engineered a 3D model of extracellular matrix to study the impact of tissue mechanics on T cells. They found that viscoelasticity played a crucial role in shaping T cell traits and functions, enabling the creation of functionally distinct T cell populations for adoptive therapies.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Biodegradable gel shows promise for cartilage regeneration

Researchers at UBC develop biodegradable gel that mimics articular cartilage properties, allowing for faster and more efficient cartilage regeneration. The gel's ability to resist compression and recover its shape after compression makes it a promising material for joint injury repair.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature·DateJun 21, 2023

This salty gel could harvest water from desert air

Researchers at MIT have developed a superabsorbent material that can soak up record amounts of moisture from the air, even in dry conditions. The material is made by infusing hydrogel with lithium chloride and has shown to absorb and retain unprecedented amounts of water vapor.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 15, 2023

MIT engineers develop a soft, printable, metal-free electrode

Researchers at MIT have created a metal-free, Jell-O-like material that can conduct electricity similarly to conventional metals. The material is made into a printable ink, which the researchers patterned into flexible, rubbery electrodes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 15, 2023

3D 'bio-printing' inside hydrogels

Researchers achieve 3D printing within mini-organs growing in hydrogels, allowing for precise control over shape, activity, and tissue growth. This breakthrough enables the creation of realistic models of organs and disease, with potential applications in cancer research and treatment.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 9, 2023
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

You can make carbon dioxide filters with a 3D printer

Researchers at NC State University have developed a novel method for creating CO2 capture filters using 3D printing. The filters, made from a hydrogel material infused with the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, captured 24% of CO2 in a gas mixture and retained 52% of its performance after over 1,000 hours. This technology has potential applic...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalGels·DateMay 31, 2023

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers develop injectable bioelectrodes with tunable lifetimes

Researchers from GIST have developed graphene-based conductive hydrogels that are injectable, degradable, and highly compatible with biological systems. The novel electrodes outperform traditional metal electrodes in signal transmission and stability, offering promising solutions for long-term medical monitoring and treatment.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Researchers publish findings from ‘super-resolution’ imaging technology

A team of researchers from the University of Oklahoma and Yale University has developed a super-resolution imaging platform technology to visualize nanoparticles within cells. The technique, called expansion microscopy, enables 3-D imaging with resolutions as low as 10 nanometers, allowing for safer and more efficient nanomedicines.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 9, 2023

Researchers develop flexible sweat sensor based on photonic cellulose nanocrystal

A sustainable, insoluble, and chiral photonic cellulose nanocrystal patch enables calcium ion (Ca2+) sensing in sweat. The researchers developed a simple method to fabricate CNC-based hydrogels, which exhibit freeze resistance, strong adhesion, good biocompatibility, and high sensitivity to Ca2+.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalSmall·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 8, 2023

The Texas Heart Institute and The University of Texas at Austin awarded a National Institutes of Health grant to develop injectable hydrogel electrodes to prevent ventricular arrhythmias

The Texas Heart Institute and The University of Texas at Austin receive a four-year, $2.37 million NIH grant to develop injectable hydrogel electrodes for preventing and managing ventricular arrhythmias. Researchers have already demonstrated the feasibility of pacing the heart using the hydrogel in a porcine model.

SourceTexas Heart Institute·DateMay 4, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

HKU Mechanical Engineering team develops electroconductive hydrogel for biomedical applications

A research team from HKU has developed a new type of electroconductive hydrogels with outstanding mechanical strength and manufacturability, enabling various bioelectronic devices. The material shows high electrical conductivity and mechanical strength, making it suitable for applications such as neural prosthetics and cardiac patches.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2023

Newly developed hydrogel nanocomposite for the mass production of hydrogen

A new type of floatable photocatalytic platform composed of hydrogel nanocomposites efficiently proceeds hydrogen evolution reaction. The platform exhibits clear advantages over conventional systems, including efficient solar energy conversion and easy gas diffusion.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

How spheres become worms

Scientists have identified a novel mechanism of gel formation in synthetic polymers, which leads to the creation of worm-like structures. This breakthrough has significant implications for biofabrication and could lead to the development of new medical implants, contact lenses, and other applications.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

Highly sensitive and self-healing conductive hydrogels fabricated from cationic cellulose nanofiber-dispersed liquid metal for strain sensors

The study developed conductive hydrogels with high sensing performance, excellent stretchability, and tensile strength, thanks to the use of cationic cellulose nanofiber-dispersed liquid metal. The hydrogels demonstrated a very high sensing sensitivity and good repeatability and durability.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateApr 20, 2023
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Even as temperatures rise, this hydrogel material keeps absorbing moisture

Researchers discovered a hydrogel material that maintains its ability to absorb moisture despite rising temperatures, contradicting intuition. The material, polyethylene glycol (PEG), doubles its water absorption between 25-50 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for passive cooling and water harvesting applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 18, 2023

Channeling mechanical energy in a preferred direction

Researchers at RIKEN have created a composite material that can channel mechanical energy in one direction but not the other, allowing for efficient use of random vibrations. This property is essential for various biological functions and has potential applications in electronics, photonics, magnetism, and sound.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023

Simple but revolutionary modular organoids

Scientists at RIKEN have developed a new technique for creating complex 3D organoids using a cube-like structure made of hydrogels. This innovation enables researchers to control the environment around cells, allowing for the creation of tissues with faithful reproduction of asymmetric genetic expression. The technology has the potenti...

SourceRIKEN·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2023
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Surgical sealing made better with robust thermosensitive bioadhesives

Scientists developed an injectable biomaterial with improved adhesion, stretchability, and toughness, making it ideal for surgical wound sealing. The material showed superior adhesive strength, stability, and biocompatibility in physiological conditions.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 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
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

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 hydrogel stem cell treatment repairs injured brain tissue in mice

Researchers have developed a new 'hybrid' hydrogel that safely delivers stem cells to damaged brain tissue, repairing injuries in mice. The breakthrough solves a long-standing challenge and paves the way for potential treatments beyond the brain.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2023

Healing the brain: Hydrogels enable neuronal tissue growth

Researchers at Hokkaido University used hydrogel materials in combination with neural stem cells to grow new brain tissue in areas of brain damage. The study showed that immune cells and blood vessels grew within the hydrogels, leading to some degree of integration between the hydrogel and host brain tissue.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

New synthetic skin may unlock blood-sucking secrets of mosquitoes

Researchers have developed a new synthetic skin, made of hydrogels, to study how mosquitoes transmit deadly diseases. The hydrogel system can mimic different blood vessel patterns, allowing for more consistent testing and analysis. This breakthrough may help identify ways to prevent the spread of disease.

SourceTulane University·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Bite this! Mosquito feeding chamber uses fake skin, real blood

Rice University researchers have developed an innovative system to study mosquito feeding behavior using fake skin made with a 3D printer, eliminating the need for live volunteers. The system was tested on various mosquito repellents and showed promising results, suggesting it could be scaled up for future studies.

SourceRice University·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Inhalable ‘SHIELD’ protects lungs against COVID-19, flu viruses

Researchers have developed an inhalable powder called SHIELD that reduces infection in mouse and non-human primate models by reinforcing the body's mucosal layer. The powder is composed of food-grade materials and biodegrades over a 48-hour period, providing protection for up to 8 hours.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Solar-powered gel filters enough clean water to meet daily needs

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new solar absorber gel technology that can filter pollutants from water, producing almost fourfold more filtration rate than its predecessor. The device can provide enough clean water to meet daily demand in many parts of the world.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalACS Central Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

How to make hydrogels more injectable

Researchers have created a set of computational models to predict the structure, mechanical properties, and functional performance outcomes of granular hydrogels. The new framework could make it easier to design materials that can be injected for different types of applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMatter·DateJan 31, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

New spray fights infections and antibiotic resistance

A new antibacterial spray and coating can kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria, reducing the risk of infection in wounds and medical devices. The innovative material has been shown to be effective against MRSA and other resistant bacteria, offering a promising solution to combat antibiotic resistance.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023

OCTOPUS, an optimized device for growing mini-organs in a dish

Engineers create OCTOPUS device to grow organs-in-a-dish, achieving higher levels of maturity than traditional methods. The device allows for more mature organs with complex cell relationships, providing valuable tools for studying human organ development.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Methods·DateJan 10, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

A soft, stimulating scaffold supports brain cell development ex vivo

A new type of electrically conductive hydrogel scaffold has been developed to support brain cell growth and differentiation. The scaffold mimics the soft conditions of brain tissue and enables the creation of implantable biohybrid BCIs that integrate with a patient's brain tissue.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2023

New expansion microscopy methods magnify research's impact

New expansion microscopy methods, dubbed Magnify, allow researchers to observe nanoscale biological structures with standard microscopes. The protocol retains biomolecules intact, enabling simultaneous imaging of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2023

Shrinking hydrogels enlarge nanofabrication options

A team of researchers has created a new method for fabricating nanodevices by shrinking hydrogels to create 3D patterns. This technique uses ultrafast two-photon lithography and can produce high-resolution patterns up to 13 times larger than the original size, enabling the creation of complex nanostructures.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2022
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Better transplants for better joints: A closer look at micromechanical mismatch influences in cartilage regeneration

A team of scientists from TIBI, UIC, and POSTECH has elucidated key points on how cartilage generation is facilitated and alternative bone formation can be avoided. They found optimal conditions for better cartilage regeneration while reducing excessive cartilage formation using human mesenchymal stem cells.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022

Scientists' use of hydrogel materials leads to stem cells developing like human embryos

Researchers at UNSW Sydney have successfully induced a gastrulation-like event in human pluripotent stem cells, mimicking the early stages of embryonic development. This breakthrough could lead to new approaches for studying human development and creating personalized body tissue or organs using hydrogel materials.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

SLAS Technology's December issue looks at a 3D printed model for improving vasodilation research

A new method for creating freestanding hydrogel lumens that can accurately replicate blood vessels and facilitate vasodilation research. This approach allows researchers to study vasodilation in a more efficient and effective manner, overcoming limitations of existing methods.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS TECHNOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2022

CityU develops two novel hydrogen production catalysts based on mineral gel and "crystalline-amorphous" dual-phase nano-aluminium alloy

Researchers from City University of Hong Kong developed a new ultra-stable hydrogen evolution reaction electrocatalyst based on two-dimensional mineral gel nanosheets. The catalyst exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity and long-term durability, with an overpotential of only 38.5 mV at 10 mA cm−2.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2022

Non-hormonal gel proves effective at helping mucus block sperm, with low risk of side effects

A new non-hormonal gel blocks sperm by reinforcing cervical mucus barrier, demonstrating high effectiveness in reducing uterine sperm numbers. The gel has shown a 98% average decrease in sperm numbers compared to untreated control animals, making it a promising alternative to existing contraceptives.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2022

Developing alginate hydrogels that can support cell growth

Scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have created alginate hydrogels that can endure the growth of bacteria, allowing them to synthesize essential enzymes. The modified hydrogels provided a stable platform for bacterial colonies to form and grow, producing important compounds like nisin.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Injectable biomaterial with enhanced mechanical and coagulative capabilities for treating aneurysms

A new injectable hydrogel has been developed with enhanced shear-thinning properties, improved cellular biocompatibility, and significantly reduced clotting times. The biomaterial was created by adding sodium phytate to a gelatin-based compound, promoting even greater cohesion and triggering the initiation of blood coagulation.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalMacromolecular Bioscience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

Mimicking life: a breakthrough in non-living materials

Researchers have discovered a new process that uses fuel to control non-living materials, similar to living cells. This breakthrough enables the creation of soft robots that can sense their environment and respond accordingly.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 10, 2022

CÚRAM publishes first-of-its-kind framework to characterise hydrogels for biomedical scientists and engineers

Researchers at CÚRAM developed an interdisciplinary framework to characterize ECM-based hydrogels, providing a concise guide for chemists, material scientists, and biologists. The review aims to bridge the gap between material science and biomedicine, facilitating further interdisciplinary work to create solutions for chronic illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalMatter·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 3, 2022

Superaerophobic polyethyleneimine hydrogels for improving electrochemical hydrogen production by promoting bubble detachment

Researchers at UNIST developed superaerophobic polyethyleneimine hydrogels to improve electrochemical hydrogen production by promoting bubble detachment. These hydrogels can be easily coated on electrodes, allowing for controlled pore size and porosity, leading to enhanced performance.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateOct 25, 2022