KAIST researchers created a single soft material that combines sensing and actuation, holding its deformed shape for over 10 minutes after light is turned off. The material detects charged objects and is actuated by UV light, with potential for reducing components and wiring in soft robots.
Engineers at Washington University in St. Louis have created renewable carbon fiber from waste lignin, cutting production costs by 25% and reducing carbon emissions substantially. The new process involves deploying single-walled carbon nanotubes to improve performance and align crystallization chemistry.
Researchers have developed a fluorescent sensing platform that can detect uranyl ions at very low concentrations while producing a color change that can be analyzed with a smartphone. The probe achieves ratiometric detection with built-in self-calibration, providing accurate quantification of uranium contamination in water.
Researchers at MIT created a new computing platform that mimics the firing behavior of a neuron, enabling brain-inspired computing with low power and high efficiency. The device uses reconfigurable motion to remember and process information, similar to how neurons behave in the brain.
A 40-year-old theory on plastics mixing has been experimentally confirmed for the first time by Seoul National University professors. Changing the polymer architecture from linear to ring-shaped increases the interfacial mixing width by 2.6-fold without altering the chemical composition, improving the adhesion and stability of polymer ...
Researchers at Kyoto University developed a molecular strategy to change porous liquid viscosity by more than eight orders of magnitude while retaining its intrinsic porosity. The study used cuboctahedral rhodium-based metal-organic polyhedra with attached flexible polyethylene glycol chains, altering the surface groups to change the c...
Recent developments in converting chitin and its derivatives into fibers have improved molecular orientation and strength. Functional chitin-derived fibers, including conductive and responsive fibers, are emerging as an emerging direction for sustainable textiles.
Researchers at Nagoya University have built a graphene nanoribbon that can switch its twist using a natural solvent, opening opportunities for new optical switches, chemical sensors, and spintronic components. The discovery uses a natural chiral liquid to lock in a single spiral direction, with a high degree of helical bias.
Scientists at Virginia Tech have designed two types of degradable adhesives: one made from lipoic acid that outperforms duct tape, and another with a bottlebrush polymer that is four times stronger. Both can be broken down into their original components within minutes, making them ideal for recyclable applications.
Biodegradable plastics can be made tougher and more break down at a controlled rate by adjusting the size of movable molecular crosslinks. This study uses a biodegradable polymer called polycaprolactone and upcycles an industrial by-product into a supramolecular material.
Researchers create synthetic materials that selectively recognize and bind to biological substances, improving detection and removal of harmful pathogens. The materials combine recognition and absorption capabilities to enhance performance in complex fluids, supporting advances in water purification, disease monitoring, and food safety.
A new method allows for the simulation of giant dense polymer systems on an unprecedented scale, revealing concentrated entanglements in localized knots and links. This breakthrough enables the study of dense chain systems beyond idealized polymer physics.
A Heidelberg research team designs a polymer material that can be disassembled into its individual components without compromising precision, quality, or mechanical stability. The material can be broken down into its molecular building blocks within seconds and can be recovered and reused, enabling a circular manufacturing process.
A team of researchers developed a reusable magnetic sensing platform combining surface-enhanced Raman scattering with machine learning to detect trace uranyl ions. The system maintained its detection limit even in complex aquatic environments, with strong selectivity and resistance to interference.
The KAIST research team has successfully developed a new, eco-friendly hydrogen separation membrane that filters hydrogen through a molecular network. The membrane achieved a high bridge connectivity degree of 73% and showed significant improvements in hydrogen permeability and selectivity.
Scientists at North Carolina State University have created a highly-porous, superadhesive mesh that can capture both large and small microplastic particles, including those as small as tens of nanometers. The mesh is made from sustainable biopolymers and can clean microplastics from both saltwater and freshwater.
A novel dynamic imine bond adhesive technology enhances commercial filters with improved particle retention and filtration performance, increasing efficiency and lifespan by up to 10-30% and extending filter lifespan by nearly a factor of two.
Fluctuations in nanopore structure are key to efficient molecule separation, according to a new study. The research found that dynamic 'breathing' motions can selectively accelerate the transport of one molecule over another, leading to improved separation performance.
Researchers created microspheres with twisted-bipolar molecular configuration, enabling angle-selective optical resonance and laser oscillation. The resulting emissions mimic Saturn's rings, showcasing directional control of light in microscopic spaces.
A new bio-based conductive hydrogel platform is presented to preserve biomembrane activity and enable sensitive detection of organophosphate pesticides. The developed biosensor demonstrated stable operation, retaining 85.8% of its original electrochemical response after seven days.
Researchers at Hasanuddin University developed a biodegradable plastic film with oxygen-scavenging properties, using cellulose from fermented coconut water to improve strength and functionality. The film breaks down quickly in soil, but maintaining flexibility and barrier performance remains a challenge.
Scientists at Murdoch University mapped the genes of Salinivibrio bacteria from Rottnest Island's salt lakes, revealing their potential for producing biodegradable plastic. The study found seven new genes that may enable some strains to break down the plastic.
Geoff Geise's research on non-aqueous redox flow batteries and membrane design has the potential to overcome renewable energy storage challenges. He is recognized for his work on long-lived membranes that increase conductivity while reducing permeability, a breakthrough in addressing global water purification and electrification needs.
A team of chemists at Saarland University has synthesized a highly unusual bent sandwich molecule, defying long-held assumptions. The discovery opens up new possibilities for designing iron-containing materials and expanding the range of applications for metallopolymers.
Scientists have successfully created programmable supramolecular polymers in neutral lipid environments, such as triolein-rich lipid droplets. This breakthrough provides a new method for regulating cellular functions and has potential applications in treating diseases involving lipid droplets.
A modular system designed by Worcester Polytechnic Institute Assistant Professor Jiawei Yang enables the creation of customized hydrogel implants with tailored stiffness and functionality. The system addresses critical challenges in implant design, including adhesion and immune rejection, to improve long-term performance.
Scientists at The University of Osaka have created a multipath synergistic strategy to toughen elastomers by sequentially activating three energy dissipation pathways. This approach enhances the material's toughness while maintaining its elasticity, making it suitable for various applications such as tires, gloves, and adhesives.
A team of UTEP researchers has created a printable gel polymer electrolyte that can be 3D-printed in any shape. The material performed similarly to conventional electrolytes and showed optimal performance at a specific recipe ratio, paving the way for flexible battery design.
Researchers develop biobased foams with potential for sustainable packaging and building materials using sawdust, cellulose binders, and beeswax. The foams' properties vary depending on the binder used, but they show promise for applications such as packaging and construction
Researchers have developed contact lenses that can repair themselves with UV light, making them less prone to scratches and damage. The lenses, made from special polymer hydrogels, can be repaired in just one hour of UV light exposure.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have discovered a way to make thermally insulative plastics by limiting heat-carrying vibrational channels, reducing thermal conductivity by 17% while maintaining flame-retardant behavior. This new design framework has promising applications in lightweight insulation materials and advanced building materials.
Researchers created a synthetic fiber material with a cotton-like structure that repels water while maintaining heat retention in extreme cold. The new fabric outperformed regular cotton and commercial insulations in both heat retention and release, showcasing promising potential for use in clothing designed for extreme cold.
Researchers have developed a biopolymer that encapsulates the fungus Beauveria bassiana, increasing its viability from 69% to 85% after five months of storage. The biopolymer, made from carboxymethylcellulose and aluminum, provides a more sustainable alternative for releasing the bioinsecticide.
Researchers at Penn State developed photomemristors that adjust sensitivity based on light levels, like the human eye. These devices can process light data faster and more accurately than traditional systems in mixed lighting environments.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo developed a flexible polymer shield that provides radiation protection without the health and ergonomic risks associated with lead. The new material weighs almost 90% less than traditional aprons while maintaining excellent X-ray shielding.
A University of Cincinnati research team will examine how microplastics and nanoplastics accumulate in the body and affect cardiovascular health, with a focus on potential toxicity and worsening outcomes after a heart attack. The five-year study aims to advance understanding of microplastic impact on heart diseases.
Researchers at Yokohama National University developed a new recyclable resin that can be reused multiple times without losing quality. The resin uses reversible photodimerization to form bonds that can be broken and re-formed, enabling high-precision stereolithography.
Researchers developed a cellulose/MXene sediment aerogel that combines EMI shielding, infrared stealth, and Joule heating within a single porous structure. The aerogel retained high porosity and specific surface area, enabling strong electromagnetic wave attenuation and thermal insulation.
Researchers design polymer networks to replicate dynamic behaviors inspired by biological systems. Self-oscillating gels exhibit rhythmic motion similar to a beating heart, while artificial photosynthetic gels convert light into chemical energy.
Researchers at Yokohama National University have developed a new fiber-optic sensing method that uses electrical-domain interference to detect strain and displacement. The approach exploits relative modal delays in polymer optical fibers, resulting in measurable dips in the electrical-frequency domain.
Wagner's research aims to bridge the gap between molecular structure and mechanical properties, using machine learning to analyze entanglements in polymer chains. This could lead to designing more effective biomimetic tissue implants and other cutting-edge biomedical devices.
Researchers at Tampere University have developed light responsive hydrogel thin films that enable programmable surfaces with high sensitivity, rapid response, precise spatial control and reversibility. The technology opens new possibilities for tunable devices in photonics, sensing and biomedicine.
Researchers find crab shell waste alters microbial communities on biodegradable plastics, reducing breakdown rate. The effect persists even without direct contact, suggesting biochemical compounds released from crab shells trigger changes in the plastisphere.
Wiley has released additional data to its IR and Raman spectral libraries, significantly broadening compound coverage. The new release includes mineral spectra from the American Museum of Natural History, supporting researchers in making informed scientific decisions.
Researchers developed a heat-tolerant cutinase enzyme that combines structural rigidity with flexibility, enabling efficient degradation of PET at high temperatures. This discovery provides new insights into designing enzymes for sustainable plastic recycling and addresses the pressing issue of plastic waste.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison develop a systematic study for sustainable production of malonic acid via oxidation of 3-hydroxypropionic acid with a Pd/Carbon catalyst. The kinetic model validated the network, displaying excellent agreement and providing insight into conditions that maximize MA production.
Professor Timo Betz's project aims to develop synthetic materials that mimic key behaviors of living cells, including self-organization and physical adaptation. By studying the mechanical properties of living cells, he will recreate part of the cell's interior in a synthetic way.
Scientists developed a scalable ultrastrong bamboo strip through homogeneous fusion, achieving 942 MPa tensile strength and 32.1 GPa Young's modulus. The material demonstrates exceptional durability, biodegradability, and practical scalability for various industries.
Researchers develop oxychar, a highly efficient, budget-friendly alternative to traditional charred organic materials for toxic cadmium removal. The new material soaks up both agricultural ammonia and cadmium, promising a practical win for sustainable farming.
Kyushu University researchers observed individual polymer chains' behavior on solid surfaces, revealing non-equilibrium dynamics and thermal fluctuations. The study contributes to enhancing adhesive performance and lightweighting of materials.
Researchers at Texas A&M University and DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory developed a hybrid foam with a 3D-printed plastic skeleton, offering tunable, lightweight and ultra-durable properties. The composite combines ordinary foam with plastic struts, allowing it to absorb more energy and withstand greater forces.
Researchers have developed new polymer-based materials that can capture short-chain PFAS molecules, which are difficult to remove from drinking water. The polymers use cooperative binding microenvironments to anchor the charged PFAS headgroup and stabilize its fluorinated tail.
A recent study reveals that hydration and terminal chemistry of poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG) polymers influence immune recognition, providing insights into why some PEGylated drug coatings fail to evade the immune system. The findings pave the way for novel drug coatings with improved performance.
Researchers quantify interactions of P407 micelles in PBS to understand gelation behavior and release mechanisms. The study reveals stronger attractive forces between micelles in saline, affecting gel stability and structural fluctuations.
Researchers at King's College London and San Diego State University identified the molecular interactions that give spider silk its exceptional strength and flexibility. The findings provide general design principles for developing high-performance, sustainable fibers.
Researchers developed smart 4D-printed vascular stents that expand naturally at body temperature, eliminating the need for external heating. The stents balance mechanical flexibility and radial strength, demonstrating long-term biomechanical compliance.
Researchers have developed a chemical-free method to upcycle waste chitin into high-performance porous carbons, which can efficiently capture and release hydrocarbons. The materials' pore structure can be precisely tuned through steam activation time, leading to improved adsorption and desorption performance.
A team from Donghua University has developed a new molecular design that improves the performance of photothermally healable elastomers. The resulting material, PIB5Cu, achieves all-round upgrades in toughness, tensile strength, photothermal conversion efficiency and healing efficiency.
Researchers created eco-friendly, high-performance gas sensors with blended polymer films combining poly(3-hexylthiophene) and poly(butylene succinate). The sensors demonstrated stable performance and higher sensitivity to nitrogen dioxide and other gases.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a new technology for plastic recycling that uses aqueous chemi-mechanical recycling to blend, decolorize, and purify mixed polyolefins. This approach reduces energy consumption and eliminates toxic chemicals compared to existing methods.