Articles tagged with Polymers
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.
Researchers at Linköping University have discovered that homing molecules can render toxic prions harmless, decreasing their toxicity and infectibility. This breakthrough could lead to the treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's, which is caused by amyloid plaque with a similar but slower course.
Theoretical physicists at UMass Amherst have developed a new technique called Diagrammatic Monte Carlo to simulate strongly interacting quantum systems. This breakthrough enables accurate predictions of their properties, opening doors to practical superconductor applications and solving complex 'many-body' problems in high-energy physi...
Scientists created self-actuating materials by exposing polymer sheets to UV light, allowing them to fold into specific 3D shapes when water is added. The technique has potential for directing blood vessel or tissue growth in laboratory settings.
The University of Houston assistant professors received NSF CAREER awards for their innovative work on graphene's optical properties, polymer-based cells, and environmental impact. Bao aims to confirm graphene's ability to act as an optical waveguide, while Moeller researches fundamental materials structure-property relationships.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique for nanoscale thermal analysis, enabling rapid measurements on stiff materials. This method uses magnetic actuation to modulate the tip-sample force near the atomic scale.
CLiPS program, led by Case Western Reserve University, receives $40 million NSF funding renewal for its transformative polymer research and educational programs. The program supports underrepresented students in STEM careers through the Polymer Envoys program.
Researchers have found that electric charge ratio and polymer concentrations control complex properties, allowing stable delivery of DNA into targeted cell nuclei. Future work focuses on forming complexes with controlled size and electric charge for efficient gene therapy.
The EVOLVE trial found that a bioabsorbable polymer stent was non-inferior to traditional durable polymer stents in treating de novo coronary artery disease, with lower rates of late events and reduced need for dual antiplatelet therapy.
Carbon nanotubes have exceptional thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties, but agglomerate formation hinders their full potential. Simulations using the Ohio Supercomputer Center unveil the effectiveness of tie molecules in improving CNTs' stability and performance.
Researchers at Empa have developed record-breaking flexible CIGS solar cells with an 18.7% efficiency, overcoming performance limitations on polymer films by reducing deposition temperatures. The innovation enables cost-effective roll-to-roll processing and lower manufacturing costs.
The Bern-Rotterdam cohort study found a 67% risk reduction in very late stent thrombosis for patients treated with everolimus-eluting stents compared to early generation drug-eluting stents. This is an important advance in the safety of drug-eluting stents.
Researchers from NC State University have developed a simple, scalable method to align gold nanorods, which respond differently to light depending on their orientation. The team used electrospun polymer nano/microfibers to achieve long-range alignment of the nanorods at both nanoscale and larger length scales.
A new device, developed by Scottish researchers, can reliably detect explosive vapors using a compact silicon-based micro-system. The device measures the change in electron lifetime, less affected by environmental factors, making it more reliable than previous devices.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a new approach to treat inflammatory auto-immune disorders like lupus and multiple sclerosis. The anti-inflammatory agents use polymers to neutralize external nucleic acids that trigger an overactive immune response.
A newly synthesized polymer, fitted with molecular pincers, effectively captures nicotine molecules and its analogues. The polymer can be used for fabrication of sensitive and selective chemical sensors to determine nicotine in solutions, as well as for slow, controlled release of nicotine for therapeutic purposes.
A University of Connecticut scientist has developed electrochromic lenses that can change color rapidly, reducing waste and increasing production. The technology also has potential applications for the US military, such as enhancing situational awareness in dynamic environments.
A team of scientists has created a new 3D tumor model that can grow in a realistic and easily accessible substrate, speeding up cancer drug discovery. The model's 3D nature provides a more accurate representation of how tumors grow in the body, reducing the likelihood of promising drugs failing during animal testing.
Researchers found that microorganisms swim slower in elastic fluids due to increased viscosity and resistance. The study used nematode worms to test the effect of elasticity on swimming speed.
A joint study by academics in Switzerland, Germany, and at Boston University reveals a unique empirical law quantifying market behavior near price lows and highs. The researchers found that this law is valid for both small and large financial bubbles, suggesting that the formation of trends does not depend on time scale.
Researchers from Zhejiang University have expanded metal-free click polymerization to propiolate-azides, efficiently preparing functional poly(aroxycarbonyltriazole) compounds with high molecular weight and regioselectivity. These polymers exhibit aggregation-induced emission characteristics and serve as sensitive fluorescent chemosens...
Scientists at Case Western Reserve University, U.S., have created a polymer-based material that can heal itself when exposed to ultraviolet light. The new materials, called 'metallo-supramolecular polymers,' behave like normal polymers but can be repaired using light.
Scientists discover a polymer-based material that can heal itself quickly and easily with the help of ultraviolet light, restoring its original properties. The material, called metallo-supramolecular polymers, has potential applications in coatings for consumer goods such as cars, floors, and furniture.
A £6 million research programme aims to create new generation of high performance fibre reinforced polymer composites, capable of sustaining large deformations without breaking. The materials will provide greater reliability, safety and design flexibility, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 15%.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in developing a universal blood product that can be transfused without matching the donor and recipient's blood types. This new approach uses immunocamouflage to hide blood cells from antibodies, allowing for a reduced risk of fatal immune reactions.
Researchers have discovered that the coating of nanoparticle surfaces significantly influences immune activation, allowing for more targeted treatment of diseases. The study shows that designing polymers in various ways can drastically change the body's immune response.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new method for rapidly prototyping nanoscale devices and structures, combining the benefits of scanning-probe lithography and polymer pen lithography. The technique, called hard-tip, soft-spring lithography, produces patterns with sub-50-nanometer resolution and scalability.
Researchers have created a new method for rapidly producing protein-polymers using overlap-extension rolling circle amplification. This technique allows for the synthesis of large libraries of proteins with subtle differences, which can be used to rapidly screen new combinations and develop new classes of protein-based polymers.
A recent study by the National Physical Laboratory shows that light can control the electrical properties of graphene, enabling the development of new optoelectronic devices. The researchers successfully created a device that retains its modified properties until heated, opening up possibilities for highly sensitive sensors.
Researchers have developed a new type of sensor that can rapidly detect biomarkers in real time, enabling an inexpensive and quick way to collect diagnostic information about patients. The technology has the potential to diagnose cancer and other diseases by detecting specific compounds in a person's breath.
The Iowa State team developed a process for producing a thin and uniform light-absorbing layer on textured substrates that improves the efficiency of polymer solar cells by increasing light absorption. Tests showed a 20% increase in power conversion efficiency and a 100% increase in light captured at the red/near infrared band edge.
Researchers have developed a simple method to fabricate free-standing polymer membranes with precisely patterned holes, opening up potential applications in microfluidics. The technique uses photolithography and prepolymer, allowing for easy fabrication of membranes with accurate sizes and shapes.
Scientists have developed transparent thin films capable of absorbing light and generating electric charge over large areas. The material combines elements for light harvesting and electric charge transport, enabling potential applications in energy-generating solar windows and transparent solar panels.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have fabricated transparent thin films capable of absorbing light and generating electric charge. The semiconducting polymer-fullerene material, which forms a honeycomb pattern, has potential for large-scale energy-generating solar windows or optical displays.
Researchers have developed a holographic system that can transmit near-real-time 3D images using a novel photorefractive polymer. The system can refresh images every two seconds, making it faster than previous versions by over 100 times.
A team at the University of Arizona has developed a new type of holographic telepresence that can project three-dimensional, moving images in real-time. This breakthrough technology enables applications such as telemedicine, advertising, and entertainment to take on new levels.
Researchers have developed techniques to permanently bind antibacterial coatings to medical devices, aiming to prevent the formation of biofilms that can cause infection. The new coatings use a plasma polymer layer and novel diterpene compounds derived from Australian plants to effectively target bacteria.
Scientists at Kyoto University have developed a new method to study polymers in confined spaces, revealing unexpected thermal transitions and potential breakthroughs in nanoscale manufacturing. The technique uses porous coordination polymers to trap polymers, allowing researchers to observe their behavior under controlled conditions.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute professors Jonathan Dordick and Leonard Interrante have been named ACS Fellows for their groundbreaking work in biocatalysis, bioengineering, nanobiotechnology, and materials science. Their discoveries have the potential to protect thousands of people from bacterial infections and transform the modern d...
A new drug-eluting stent design demonstrated superiority over a traditional drug-eluting stent at 6 months, according to a study led by Laura Mauri, MD. The bioresorbable polymer and stent design showed better clinical outcomes and reduced stent thrombosis risk without compromising anti-restenotic efficacy.
The LEADERS trial shows a biolimus A9-eluting stent with biodegradable polymer is non-inferior to a sirolimus-eluting stent with durable polymer in terms of safety and efficacy at 3 years. Researchers found that both stents have equivalent rates of target lesion revascularization, cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and clinically in...
The CREATE study demonstrated satisfactory angiographic and clinical outcomes for biodegradable polymer-based sirolimus eluting stents. The use of these stents with a recommended antiplatelet regimen resulted in a low rate of major adverse cardiac events and stent thrombosis.
A team of researchers at Duke and Stanford have found a polymer molecule that can trigger a chemical reaction when stretched, enabling it to build its own repairs. The molecule, called a gem-difluorocyclopropane (gDFC), snaps back smaller than before after stretching, potentially leading to the development of self-healing materials.
University of Houston chemists Rigoberto Advincula and Mamie Moy received ACS Fellowships, recognizing their outstanding contributions to science and the chemistry profession. Their research focuses on polymer and nanomaterials, with potential applications in chemical sensors, energy transfer, and more.
A theoretical model compares the transport characteristics of straight- and branched-chain polymers in channels, shedding light on how deformability affects their movement. The findings could aid in developing carrier molecules for targeted drug delivery.
Researchers at Northwestern University found a universal law for material evolution, allowing them to predict the dynamics of phase break-up in various materials. The study used 4-D synchrotron-based X-ray tomographic microscopy to observe the evolution of rod-shaped phases during the break-up process.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a theoretical method to calculate the time it takes for long-chain polymers to translocate through nanopore geometries, shedding new light on their transport. The study found that polymers pass more quickly when entering a composite pore through its wide end.
Researchers improved a theoretical model for polymer movement through nanopores, addressing the motion of polymers inside pores and introducing significant increases in total time in the pore. This improvement has potential technological applications in DNA sequencing and biosensors.
A team of researchers at Boston College has developed a biosensor using carbon nanotubes that can detect minute amounts of proteins with high sensitivity. The sensor can distinguish between different varieties of the same protein and could potentially be used to diagnose diseases such as human papillomavirus.
A breakthrough discovery has explained why some fluids containing polymers form beads when stretched, providing a key for improving diverse industries such as ink-jet printing and drug dispensing. The study's findings highlight the importance of fluid inertia and relaxation time in bead formation.
Engineers at Purdue University, MIT, and Rice University have discovered the mechanism behind bead formation in fluids containing polymers. They found that fluid inertia, viscosity, relaxation time, and capillary time play crucial roles in controlling bead formation.
Researchers develop micromasonry technique to assemble artificial tissues by encapsulating living cells in cubes and arranging them in 3-D structures. The method holds potential for building artificial tissue or medical devices with controlled microarchitecture.