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Healing hydrogels

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a novel crystal that allows hydrogels to rapidly recover from mechanical stress, making them suitable for medical applications. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for sports injuries and joint pain.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience·DateJun 3, 2021

Lighting Hydrogels Via Nanomaterials

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new class of hydrogels that can be controlled by light, enabling precise drug delivery and regenerative medicine treatments. The hydrogels are responsive to near-infrared (NIR) light, which has a higher penetration depth than other light sources, allowing for more effective therapy.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 2, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers develop 3D-printed jelly

North Carolina State University researchers have created a new type of 3D-printable gel called homocomposite hydrogel, composed of alginates found in seaweed. The gel has remarkable strength and flexibility, making it suitable for biomedical applications such as growing cells and wound dressings.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 14, 2021

New material to treat wounds can protect against resistant bacteria

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new hydrogel material that prevents infections in wounds, effective against all types of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant ones. The material uses antimicrobial peptides and is promising for combating global health threats.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateMay 11, 2021

Treating cerebral aneurysms with a new filling method

A new treatment method for cerebral aneurysms uses a biocompatible embolization material that fills the aneurysm at high rates and maintains structural stability. The innovative material exhibits excellent biocompatibility and can safely prevent rupture, reducing financial burden and risks associated with current coil embolization.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 10, 2021
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.

Synthetic gelatin-like material mimics lobster underbelly's stretch and strength

A new hydrogel-based material has been developed that mimics the structure of a lobster's underbelly, exhibiting remarkable fatigue-resistance and stretch properties. The material's angled architecture is thought to hinder crack propagation, allowing it to withstand repeated stretches and strains without tearing.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMatter·DateApr 23, 2021
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Water purification system engineered from wood, with help from a microwave oven

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology developed a sustainable technique for producing hydrogel composites to remove pollutants from water. The hydrogels, made from plant cellulose and graphene oxide-like carbon dots, can effectively remove heavy metals, dyes, and other contaminants.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalSustainable Materials and Technologies·DateApr 15, 2021

Rescuing street art from vandals' graffiti

Researchers developed a nanostructured fluid that slowly releases cleaning agents to remove over-paintings on street art without damaging the underlying layer. The technique, which uses low-toxicity solvents and biodegradable surfactants, has been tested successfully on laboratory mockups and real pieces of street art.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 13, 2021

Ultrashort peptides go a long way for tissue engineering

Researchers develop a new bioprinting process using ultrashort peptides, overcoming challenges in cell survival and creating complex scaffolds that facilitate long-term cell growth. The technology enables the creation of tissue models for high-throughput drug screening and diagnosis.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 5, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Method offers inexpensive imaging at the scale of virus particles

Researchers at MIT have developed a technique for imaging biological samples with accuracy of 10 nanometers using an ordinary light microscope. The new hydrogel-based approach improves upon previous versions, enabling high-resolution images without expensive equipment.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 29, 2021

Soft robotic dragonfly signals environmental disruptions

A soft robotic dragonfly, called DraBot, uses microarchitectures and self-healing hydrogels to detect changes in pH, temperature, and oil levels. This proof-of-concept demonstration could lead to the development of autonomous environmental sentinels for monitoring environmental disruptions.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·DateMar 25, 2021

NTU Singapore scientists develop antibacterial gel bandage using durian husk

Researchers developed an antibacterial gel bandage using durian husk, which works even at freezing temperatures and contains natural antimicrobial compounds derived from yeast. The organic gel is non-toxic, biodegradable, and has a smaller environmental footprint than conventional synthetic bandages.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateMar 25, 2021

Like an artificial nervous system

An interdisciplinary research team at Kiel University has produced a highly conductive hydrogel that retains its elasticity, suitable for medical implants. The innovative production method uses graphene to achieve high electrical conductivity while maintaining the original mechanical properties.

SourceKiel University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 18, 2021

A touch of silver

A unique Ag-hydrogel composite offers high electrical conductivity while maintaining soft compliance and deformability. The composite has applications in wearable electronics, brain sensors, and treating muscular disorders, such as Parkinson's disease.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Electronics·DateMar 11, 2021
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.

Low-voltage, low-power pressure sensors for monitoring health

A team from Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation developed soft pressure sensors using OECTs and ionic hydrogels, enabling high sensitivity and low power consumption. This advancement facilitates long-term monitoring of patients with real-time data collection.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalIEEE Electron Device Letters·DateMar 9, 2021

4D bioengineering materials bend, curve like natural tissue

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed new 4D hydrogels that can change shape in response to external trigger signals. These materials may help create tissues with more realistic architecture by simulating forces that drive movement during development, leading to improved tissue engineering outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAdvanced Science·DateMar 1, 2021

Designing soft materials that mimic biological functions

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a theoretical model to design soft materials that demonstrate autonomous oscillating properties, mimicking biological functions. The work could advance the design of responsive materials for therapeutics and robot-like soft materials.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateMar 1, 2021

Hydrogel injection may change the way the heart muscle heals after a heart attack

Researchers have developed an injectable hydrogel that could help repair and prevent further damage to the heart muscle after a heart attack. The study found that timely injection of the hydrogel resulted in less fibrosis and an increase in new blood vessels, preserving cardiomyocytes and supporting functional recovery.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 1, 2021
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 shape-changing 4D materials hold promise for morphodynamic tissue engineering

Researchers developed novel hydrogel-based 4D materials that can change shape in response to physiological stimuli, supporting high cell densities and mimicking natural tissue development. These materials have potential for bioengineering blood vessels, organs, and studying biological processes involved in early development.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 24, 2021

'See through soil' could help farmers deal with future droughts

Researchers at Princeton University developed a platform to visualize hydrogels' hidden workings in soils, revealing that the amount of water stored is controlled by a balance between swelling force and soil pressure. This study provides guidelines for designing hydrogels that can optimally absorb water depending on soil conditions.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 12, 2021

Two-photon polymerization of PEGda hydrogel microstructure with low threshold power with green laser

A team of scientists has developed a novel hydrogel formula based on PEGda and HMPP for 3D direct laser writing (DLW) with low threshold power using a green laser. The new formula enables the fabrication of precise microstructures with high resolution and mechanical stability, suitable for biomedical engineering applications such as wo...

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJan 20, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Lasers & molecular tethers create perfectly patterned platforms for tissue engineering

Scientists at the University of Washington develop a technique to modify biological polymers with protein-based biochemical messages, triggering cell behavior. The approach uses near-infrared lasers to attach proteins to scaffolds made from collagen or fibrin, creating intricate patterns that control cell growth and signaling.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2021

Visible hydrogels for rapid hemorrhage control and monitoring

Researchers have created a new composite hydrogel with tantalum particles that can effectively seal off damaged blood vessels, providing rapid and stable bleeding control. The gel exhibits shear-thinning capabilities, allowing for easy deployment using standard catheters.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalAdvanced Science·DateDec 22, 2020

Review on functional hydrogel coatings

Functional hydrogel coatings have various functions, including sensing, actuation, drug delivery, and conductivity for neural electrodes. Research directions include optimizing coating methods for mass production, long-term stability, and testing adhesion.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateDec 22, 2020
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Hydrogels with fine-toothed molecular combs may make enduring glucose-monitoring implants

Researchers at Texas A&M University have designed a hydrogel membrane with fine-toothed molecular combs that can prevent leakage of small molecules while allowing glucose to freely diffuse in and out. The membrane, made from poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), could be used to form biosensors for monitoring sugar levels in diabetics.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalACS Applied Polymer Materials·DateDec 9, 2020

TPU scientists develop eco-friendly hydrogel for agriculture

TPU scientists have developed an eco-friendly hydrogel for agriculture that retains moisture and fertilizers in soil, degrading into non-toxic products. The new formulation uses natural components like whey protein and alginic acid, reducing the need for freshwater conservation and minimizing fertilizer's harmful effects on the soil.

SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateNov 29, 2020

Electronic skin has a strong future stretching ahead

Researchers have created a durable e-skin using hydrogel and MXene materials, enabling real-time sensing of temperature, touch, and pressure. The material can withstand up to 28 times its original size without losing functionality.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 27, 2020
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Contact lenses for diagnostic and therapeutic use

Researchers have developed a contact lens that uses tiny channels to collect tears and measure biomarkers like sodium ions and glucose molecules. The lens can detect changes in tear pH and flow rates, offering a potential solution for preventing dry eye disease and monitoring diabetic patients.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalLab on a Chip·DateNov 23, 2020

Catapult-like hydrogel actuator designed to deliver high contraction power

Researchers designed a catapult-like hydrogel that can store and release elastic energy, achieving high contractile force and ultrahigh work density. The material overcomes mechanical weakness in traditional hydrogels, enabling controllable multistable deformation and programmable elasticity.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 18, 2020

A patented solution for dry mouth relief and food product development

A team of scientists from the University of Leeds has developed a new hydrogel to act as an alternative to saliva without additional lipid content. The formulation can also replicate lubricating properties in food products, providing a potential solution for dry mouth therapy and non-obesogenic nutritional technologies.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalACS Macro Letters·DateNov 17, 2020
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Power-free system harnesses evaporation to keep items cool

Researchers at MIT developed a two-layered material that provides extended cooling using evaporation, inspired by camel fur. The system can keep perishable goods fresh for up to eight days and has potential applications in food packaging and pharmaceutical storage.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateNov 11, 2020

Magnetic field and hydrogels could be used to grow new cartilage

A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has demonstrated a new method to rebuild complex body tissues using a magnetic field and hydrogels. This technique allows for the creation of engineered tissues with natural tissue-like properties, including a cellular gradient.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 19, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Wearable pressure-sensitive devices for medical use

Researchers at Terasaki Institute create wearable pressure-sensitive devices using a gelatin-based hydrogel that offers superior elastic properties and skin compatibility. The device enables real-time monitoring of vital signs with high sensitivity and consistency.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 17, 2020

Cartilage-Inspired, Lipid-Based and Super Slippery Synthetic Hydrogels

Researchers designed hydrogels with self-renewing, lipid-based boundary layers, reducing friction by a near 100-fold. The approach maintains lubricity after drying and rehydration, opening potential applications in tissue engineering and biosensor development.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 15, 2020

A hydrogel that could help repair damaged nerves

Researchers have created a stretchable conductive hydrogel that can help restore lost tissue in damaged nerves. The material, containing polyaniline and polyacrylamide, allows nerve cells to enter and adhere, helping to improve nerve conduction and recovery.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 7, 2020

Injectable hydrogel could someday lead to more effective vaccines

Researchers developed a polymer-nanoparticle hydrogel that allows sustained release of vaccine components, increasing potency and duration of immune responses in mice. The hydrogel boosts antibody production with a 1,000-fold higher affinity for antigens.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateSep 16, 2020

Rare immune cells drive gut repair

Scientists discovered that type-1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1) promote tissue repair in the gut, but when dysregulated can contribute to IBD co-morbidities such as cancer and fibrosis. This finding has important implications for treating patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 7, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Coaxing single stem cells into specialized cells

Researchers at UIC develop a unique method for precisely controlling the deposition of hydrogel to coax bone marrow stem cells into specialized cells. This technique allows for more accurate interactions between cells and their surroundings, potentially leading to breakthroughs in regenerative therapeutics.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAdvanced Science·DateSep 3, 2020

New hydrogels for T-cell growth to be used in cancer immunotherapy

Researchers have designed new hydrogels that can mimic the environment of lymph nodes, where T-cells proliferate and multiply. The hydrogels are made from polyethylene glycol and heparin, allowing them to anchor cytokines and promote cell migration and proliferation.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalBiomaterials·DateAug 31, 2020

Novel alkaline hydrogel advances skin wound care

Scientists at Tokyo University of Science have created a novel alkaline hydrogel suitable for wound healing via a method requiring no special equipment. The gel forms in minutes and has high water content, making it ideal for wound dressing and promoting the growth of new cells.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPolymers for Advanced Technologies·DateAug 26, 2020
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.

Forging molecular bonds with green light

QUT researchers develop a novel molecular coupling tool using green light and pH triggers, enabling catalyst-free chemical reactions. The tool has potential applications in drug delivery and 3D cell culture platforms, with the ability to control photoreactivity using varying pH levels.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 23, 2020

A smart eye mask that tracks muscle movements to tell what 'caught your eye'

Researchers developed a smart eyewear that tracks eye movement and cardiac data, providing accurate measurements in everyday environments. The device uses washable hydrogel electrodes and pulse sensors, offering comfort and durability, with potential applications in health monitoring, virtual reality, and advertising analysis.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·DateAug 20, 2020

Heart attack damage reduced by shielded stem cells

Researchers from Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine have shown that shielding stem cells with a novel biomaterial can significantly enhance the healing process in rodents after heart attacks. The study demonstrated that shielded stem cells resulted in 2.5 times greater heart function recovery compared to non-shielded cells ...

SourceRice University·JournalBiomaterials Science·DateAug 18, 2020
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.

Researchers develop cell injection technique that could help reverse vision loss

A team at University of Toronto Engineering has developed a method to inject healthy cells into damaged eyes, showing promise for treating forms of vision loss. Co-injection of retinal pigmented epithelium and photoreceptor cells improved vision acuity in mouse model, with restored activity in dark chambers.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalBiomaterials·DateAug 13, 2020

Hydrogel paves way for biomedical breakthrough

A University of Sydney team has developed a plasma technology to attach hydrogels to polymeric materials, allowing for better interaction with surrounding tissue. The technology has shown promising results in tests using biomolecules found in the body.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 3, 2020

Hydrogel mimics human brain with memorizing and forgetting ability

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a hydrogel that mimics the human brain's dynamic memory function, encoding information that fades with time depending on intensity. The hydrogel's memory system can be programmed by temperature and learning time, allowing for stable memory establishment and controlled forgetting processes.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2020
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.