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New ‘patch’ uses natural body motion to fix disc herniation

Researchers developed 'tension-activated repair patches' that release anti-inflammatory molecules, helping discs regain tension and reverse herniation. The patch uses natural biomechanical movement to activate its release, offering a potential early intervention for preventing worsening pain related to disc degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2023

Lehigh University researchers make sand that flows uphill

Lehigh University researchers have discovered that applying magnetic forces to individual 'microroller' particles can spur collective motion, allowing the grains to flow uphill, up walls, and climb stairs. This counterintuitive phenomenon has potential applications in mixing, segregating materials, and microrobotics.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 20, 2023

Stick-to-itiveness: Pitt engineers show self-organization of sticky micron-to-mesoscale 3D structures in confined fluids

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a system that uses fluid mechanics and chemo-mechanical processes to autonomously assemble hierarchical 3D structures. The system utilizes sticky bonds to drive self-organization, allowing for the construction of complex devices with minimal external intervention.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 31, 2023

Shanghai Polytechnic University researchers develop new efficient phase change microcapsules for storing solar energy

Researchers from Shanghai Polytechnic University developed new efficient phase change microcapsules for storing solar energy, demonstrating superior photothermal conversion and thermal conductivity. The study found that the novel PCM microcapsule shells showed a 54.9% photothermal conversion efficiency, significantly higher than non-do...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalEnergy Storage and Saving·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2022

A new system for treating type 1 diabetes mellitus

Researchers at the UPV/EHU-CIBER BBN have developed a new system for treating type 1 diabetes mellitus that reduces the technical problems associated with microencapsulating pancreatic islets. The innovative approach uses magnetic nanoparticles and a microfluidic chip to separate empty microcapsules from purified islets, resulting in a...

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateMay 10, 2019

Immune-repelling protein prolongs function, survival of human stem-cell-derived beta cells

A team from Massachusetts General Hospital has developed a new method to encapsulate human stem-cell-derived beta cells, which restored glucose metabolism in diabetic mice and protected the cells from immune system attack. The use of an immune-repellent protein, CXCL12, significantly prolonged the survival and function of the cells.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateMar 26, 2019

Magnetic stem cells for gene engineering

Scientists at Tomsk Polytechnic University have developed magnetic stem cells that can target cancer cells with precision and deliver medication directly to the tumor site. The technology uses patient's own magnet-controlled cells, which are not rejected by the immune system and cause less harm.

SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateDec 28, 2016

Seaweed capsules may lead to an injection-free life for diabetic patients

Researchers have developed a novel microencapsulation method using seaweed-derived hydrogel to protect pancreatic islets from ice damage during transplantation. The technique facilitates real-time cell viability assessments and reduces the need for cryoprotectants, promoting a more effective and safer treatment approach.

A self-healing protective coating for concrete

Scientists have developed a self-healing protective coating for concrete cracks that can repair itself using sunlight. The coating contains microcapsules loaded with a material that seals cracks upon cracking, providing an environmentally friendly solution to protect infrastructure from deterioration.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 20, 2013

Healing the iPhone's wounds

A team of researchers from Pitt and UMass proposes a 'repair-and-go' approach to fix malfunctions caused by small-surface cracks on any digital device. This method uses nanoparticles and droplets of oil to repair defects on-site, potentially extending the device's lifetime.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 10, 2012

Biocides that attack only insects

Researchers have created biocides with micro-encapsulation that are less toxic to the environment while maintaining effectiveness against airborne insects. The product also shows improved solubility in water and reduced handling difficulties.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental & Analytical Chemistry·DateJun 28, 2011

Tiny capsules deliver

Researchers at Penn State have developed tiny particle syringes that can deliver specific drugs to diseased cells, reducing toxins in the body. The microcapsules are flexible and can be filled with a variety of substances, making them a potential solution for targeted treatment.

SourcePenn State·JournalSoft Matter·DateJan 12, 2009

Microcapsules like it hot and salty

Scientists have developed a theoretical model to predict the properties of microcapsules based on salt content and temperature, enabling precise control over their permeability. This allows for intelligent transport systems that can release active substances at specific locations in the body.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 28, 2006

Microcapsules open in tumor cells

Researchers have created a method to release substances into tumor cells using microcapsules and laser light, which could lead to more targeted cancer treatments. The technique involves heating the polymer shell of the capsule with infrared laser light, causing it to open and releasing its contents.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 23, 2006

Rice unveils 'green' microcapsule production method

The new process, developed by Michael Wong and his team, involves mixing polymer, salt, and tiny silica particles to create hollow spheres that can encapsulate drugs, flavor compounds, and other molecular cargo. The microcapsules have potential applications in drug delivery, medical imaging, and enzyme protection.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 26, 2005