Articles tagged with Polymers
A new method of making super tough fibers could be achieved by adding a slip knot to absorb additional energy, increasing its toughness from 44 to 1070 Joules per gram. The new approach allows ordinary polymers to reach unprecedented levels of resistance.
Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have created a novel technique to produce lightweight construction, protective clothing, or sports equipment at high temperatures and pressures. The method uses hydrothermal synthesis and is eco-friendly, reducing hazardous byproducts and energy consumption.
Researchers Chi Wu and Lianwei Li won the prize for their study on transporting polymer chains through a small cylindrical pore, discovering critical flow rates independent of chain length. The award recognizes significant contributions to modern polymer chemistry in China.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new type of tiny particle that can be used to authenticate currency, electronic parts, and luxury goods. The particles contain colored stripes of nanocrystals that glow brightly when lit up with near-infrared light.
Researchers have developed degradable polymer composite materials suitable for electronic components and a degradable antenna capable of data transmission. The technology, called transient electronics, allows for devices to self-destruct or degrade over time, eliminating the need for permanent storage or disposal.
Researchers at Michigan State University have engineered poplar trees to break down more easily, improving their viability as a sustainable source of biofuel. The innovative approach reduces energy usage and cost in the production of biofuels.
Scientists have discovered a new mechanism for using light to activate drug-delivering nanoparticles, providing precise control over the release of therapeutic substances. The method employs near-infrared light from a low-power laser to heat pockets of water within non-photo-responsive polymeric nanoparticles infused with drugs.
The study found no significant differences in cumulative safety and efficacy measures between biolimus-releasing stents with a degradable coating (BES) and everolimus-releasing stents with a durable polymer (EES). Biodegradable coatings have been shown to reduce late clinical problems associated with permanent polymers.
A JAMA study finds that biodegradable polymer biolimus-eluting stents (BP-BES) have similar safety outcomes to durable polymer everolimus-eluting stents (DP-EES) after two years, with noninferiority found for death and heart attack rates. The rates of target-lesion revascularization were also noninferior between the groups.
Researchers at the University of Basel successfully pulled isolated molecular chains from a gold surface using atomic force microscopy. The experiment revealed the detachment force and binding energy of molecules, providing new insights into the mechanical behavior of single polymers.
Scientists at the University of Freiburg have discovered a new paradigm for targeting specific cell types using nanoparticles. They developed particles that can recognize endothelial cells through biophysical principles, allowing for precise delivery to cancer cells without changing biological addresses. This breakthrough has significa...
The researchers propose to build complex polymer nanostructures on scaffolds made of plant viruses to provide control and precision. They aim to produce an evenly dispersed polymer coating with consistent and efficient properties, reducing toxic side effects in drug delivery.
A team of researchers from North Carolina State University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences has found an easy way to modify a commonly used polymer in solar cells to increase efficiency. The modification resulted in a significant boost in energy harvesting, with some solar cells showing a 36% improvement over similar polymers.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed polymers that 'snap' when triggered by light, converting light energy into mechanical work. This phenomenon enables flexible devices with potential applications in robotics and biomedical engineering.
Researchers used light-scattering techniques to study the detailed thermodynamics of hemoglobin fibers in sickle cell disease. They found that hemoglobin molecules associate more easily in high temperatures and concentrated solutions, leading to stronger bonds between fibers.
University of Helsinki researchers have developed photochemically active polymers that can switch from a trans conformation to a cis conformation using light. This phenomenon allows for the creation of complex patterns and designs in liquids, opening up new possibilities for materials science and optics.
The SORT-OUT VI trial found that both zotarolimus-eluting and biolimus-eluting stents were associated with low major adverse cardiac events. The study demonstrated the non-inferiority of biocompatible polymer stents compared to biodegradable polymer-coated stents in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.
Case Western Reserve University researchers aim to develop processes that can be used by industry to manufacture Janus particles, which could carry paired medicines or provide unique optics for displays. The engineers focus on creating high-yield nanomanufacturing with simple processes.
Researchers have developed a new temperature-regulated delivery system that can release drugs or fragrances in response to body heat, offering greater control over delivery. The system uses microscopic bottle-like structures with melting corks made of fatty acids, which can be tailored to specific temperatures.
A research team at Northwestern University has designed and synthesized new polymer semiconductors, resulting in polymer solar cells with an impressive 80% fill factor. This achievement surpasses previous records and paves the way for a more efficient and sustainable energy production method.
Researchers develop nanoparticles that can assemble and disassemble using temperature, improving drug delivery and anticancer treatment. The new system uses thermosensitive polymers to control nanoparticle interactions, enabling more precise structures and potentially increasing the efficacy of anticancer drugs.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have created a novel printing process to produce micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) components from a highly flexible and non-toxic organic polymer. This innovation enables the creation of biocompatible MEMS for medical devices, such as bionic arms and smart prosthetics.
Researchers develop a technique using fluorescent tetrapod quantum dots to measure polymer fiber tensile strength without altering its mechanical properties. The tQDs act as non-perturbing probes that provide detailed stress monitoring, enabling the creation of stronger and more durable materials.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a new method to measure the optical gain of MEH-PPV, a low-cost polymer that can amplify light. The new approach uses extremely short laser pulses, reducing thermal degradation and providing more accurate results.
Researchers from UNIST developed a new plasmonic material that enhances performance in both polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) and polymer solar cells (PSCs), achieving world-record high efficiency, with PLEDs reaching up to 27.16 cd A-1 and PSCs producing enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of up to 8.31%.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new method to create highly permeable and selective membranes for molecular-level separation, using ultraviolet irradiation. The process increases the density of the membrane surface, allowing for improved separation of molecules with varying sizes.
Scientists have discovered that knots tend to form at the ends of polymers, where they are frequent yet ephemeral. Once formed, knots move along the chain in a seemingly casual manner before disappearing or forming slip-knots/pseudo-knots at the center.
A recent substudy found that the biodegradable stent Orsiro was non-inferior to the drug-eluting Xience Prime for in-stent late lumen loss at nine months, with similar rates of target lesion failure and reduced neointimal hyperplasia.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich discover 'desorption stick', a new type of friction that occurs when polymer molecules interact with surfaces. This mechanism depends on the chemical nature of the surface and solvent, not on movement speed or adhesive strength.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a synthetic substance that resists the body's natural attack response to foreign objects. The polymer, known as a hydrogel, can be coated on medical devices like artificial heart valves and prostheses to prevent rejection.
A team of researchers has developed a novel material that enhances light absorption in polymer solar cells, increasing their efficiency. The material, Ag@SiO2 nanoparticles, is solution-processable and customizable on the molecular level, offering promising advantages over traditional silicon-based devices.
Researchers explored the flow of a polymer microgel in confined microchannels, finding its behavior is influenced by neighboring forces. The study challenges existing theories on fluid and solid states, revealing complex interactions between local and dynamic forces.
CSIRO has licensed its Reversible Addition-Fragmentation chain Transfer polymerisation technology (RAFT) to Mirus Bio, a leading non-viral gene delivery company. This agreement will broaden Mirus' expertise in specialized polymer design tools and facilitate the development of new nucleic acid transfer capabilities.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Institute discovered a polymer hidden within the Ebola virus that can be targeted by llama antibodies, enabling the creation of highly sensitive test kits using a single antibody. This breakthrough may revolutionize emerging viral diagnostics and offer a promising tool for detecting other deadly pathogens.
The NEXT trial found biolimus stent to be non-inferior to everolimus stent in target-lesion revascularization and stent thrombosis rates at one year. The study's long-term data will determine if the device's disappearing polymer offers superior benefits over other available stents.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a novel technique called atomic force microscope infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) to measure chemical properties of polymer nanostructures as small as 15 nm. This technique enables accurate identification of material composition, crucial for applications in semiconductors, composite mat...
Researchers at Technical University of Munich created a numerical model to study complex fluids, such as ketchup, which exhibits unusual behavior when shaken. The model explains the effects of long-chained polymer molecules on flow resistance, providing new insights into the microscopic mechanisms driving these phenomena.
Scientists at Georgia Institute of Technology explore an alternate theory for RNA origin, finding molecules that spontaneously assemble into gene-length linear stacks in water. The discovery suggests proto-RNA bases could have formed the first genetic material.
Polymer implants coated with a bioactive film can bond better with surrounding bone and tissues, reducing complications. The new technique uses microwaves to apply a hydroxyapatite layer that dissolves slowly, promoting stable bonding.
Researchers create female emerald ash borer decoy using polymers, allowing for more efficient trapping and detection of male beetles. The decoy is 40% more effective than previously used methods, paving the way for swift control of the pest.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new type of vaccine-delivery film that gradually releases DNA coding for viral proteins, potentially overcoming safety risks and improving effectiveness. The film is implanted under the skin using microneedles and degrades over time, releasing the vaccine over days or weeks.
The researchers developed elastic, self-healing wires with a liquid-metal core and polymer sheath that reconnect at the molecular level after being severed. This technology has potential for use in technologies exposed to high-stress environments, such as reconfigurable circuit wiring and 3D microfluidics.
A new rigid polymer sieve selectively separates gas molecules based on their sizes, allowing for highly permeable and selective gas separations. This breakthrough could lead to cheaper and more energy-efficient gas separation methods.
Scientists have developed a flexible, nanoscale material that can deliver precise doses of drugs to specific targets in the body. The new technology, called a 'bed of nails', uses aligned carbon nanofibers embedded in an elastic membrane to pierce cell walls and release medication.
Researchers at Brown University found that DNA molecules are more likely to be captured at or near an end than in the middle when pulled through a solid-state nanopore. The discovery is attributed to the application of polymer network theories, including Jell-O theory, which predicts more configurations with ends facing the pore.
Scientists have developed a new device that captures and preserves cancer cells circulating in the bloodstream, allowing for non-invasive diagnosis and insight into cancer spread. The technology could enable doctors to detect tumor cells earlier and provide valuable information on how cancer spreads throughout the body.
Researchers at UMass Amherst and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a nanotube-based fabric that repels chemical and biological agents. The new material will be breathable yet protective, responding reversibly to environmental threats.
Researchers developed nanoparticles that generate heat to kill cancer cells using infrared light. The new particles showed no toxicity and were able to withstand repeated heating cycles.
A new study found that currency's physical appearance dramatically affects consumer behaviour, with people preferring to spend dirty, crumpled currency in social situations. The researchers' findings challenge long-held beliefs about the value of money and suggest that it can be a part of conspicuous consumption.
Researchers have developed a new laser-activated bio-adhesive polymer called SurgiLux, which forms low-energy bonds with tissues when activated by light. This technology has the potential to replace traditional sutures in clinical settings, particularly for delicate tissues like neurons or blood vessels.
Researchers at Duke University have observed the deformation of water droplets within polymers when exposed to high electric voltages. The droplets transform from a spherical shape to a tubular shape, leading to material failure and potential applications in tunable lenses for eyes.
Scientists created primitive cell-like structures that infused with RNA, demonstrating how molecules react under conditions similar to early Earth. The model showed increased chemical reactions by up to 70-fold when RNA was densely packed, highlighting the importance of compartmentalization in early life forms.
Researchers developed a new diagnostic tool using atomic force microscope based infrared spectroscopy to characterize polymer nanostructures and identify integrated materials. The technique allows for chemical analysis of polymer lines as small as 100 nm, enabling critically needed metrology for nano-manufacturing.
Scientists at the University of Akron have discovered that cobweb spiders use two different designs to create adhesives with varying strengths, one for firm attachments and another for weak ones. This intelligent design strategy could lead to the development of synthetic adhesives with biomedical applications.
Researchers used simulations to study the scaling behavior of polymers at extreme limits, where it depends on their density and length. They found that polymer blends in ultrathin films displayed enhanced compatibility due to the simulations' ability to efficiently compute dense large-chain systems.
Researchers from Drexel University and The University of Pennsylvania are exploring ways to improve the efficiency, durability, and affordability of dye-sensitized solar panels. They aim to streamline electron transfer processes using carbon nanotubes and replace liquid electrolytes with more effective polymers.
A study published in JAMA found that patients treated with newer-generation drug-releasing stents had a significantly lower rate of major adverse cardiac events at 1 year compared to those receiving bare-metal stents. This was attributed to reduced target vessel-related reinfarction and ischemia-driven target-lesion revascularization.
Researchers developed a new approach to creating microchip structures using self-assembling polymers, producing arrays of wires with perfect square and rectangular patterns. This technique can create complex shapes, such as cylinders, spheres, and double cylinders, with a simple template.
UCLA researchers have developed a method to stabilize proteins using polymers, which could lead to improved protein-based therapeutics. The study found that attaching the polymer to the protein resulted in better stability during lyophilization and heat treatment.
The FAME II trial demonstrates that targeting treatment to patients with ischemia significantly reduces the need for revascularisation. Patients without ischemia can be successfully managed using optimal medical treatment alone.