Articles tagged with Polymers
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers have developed a new class of polymer-based semiconductors that distribute themselves evenly at the top and bottom of the film, enabling large-scale manufacturing. This breakthrough could lead to practical, high-performance electronic devices such as flexible displays and photovoltaic cells.
The LEADERS study demonstrated that Biosensors DES is non-inferior to Cypher DES in terms of clinical events, stent thrombosis rates and angiographic follow-up data. The trial included a broad range of patients with symptomatic coronary disease, reflecting routine clinical practice.
A new randomised study has found that biolimus-eluting stents are as effective as sirolimus-eluting stents in treating patients with chronic stable coronary artery disease or acute coronary syndromes. The study also showed similar effectiveness of each stent in reducing in-stent percentage diameter stenosis.
The LEADERS study found that a biolimus-eluting stent with a biodegradable polymer is as safe and effective as a sirolimus-eluting stent with a durable polymer, reducing the risk of restenosis. The results suggest that this new generation of drug-eluting stents may offer improved long-term safety and effectiveness.
Researchers from Northwestern University have successfully mass-produced the 2008 Summer Olympics logo, 15,000 times, using a new printing technique called Polymer Pen Lithography (PPL). The PPL method allows for fast, inexpensive, and simple printing on nanometer, micrometer, and millimeter length scales.
Researchers have created ultrathin polymer films made of nanocrystals using a novel production technique. The method, led by Stefan Mecking, produces films with a thickness of 50 nm using individual prefabricated nanocrystal building blocks.
Glowing films developed by UC San Diego chemists can quickly reveal trace amounts of nitrogen-based explosives, providing evidence in crime-solving. The technology uses fluorescent polymers that emit blue light under UV light, detecting minute amounts of explosives.
A team of Penn State researchers created a simple artificial cell with a mix of PEG and dextran polymers to investigate the organization and function of cell components. The model cell exhibited polarity, a critical step in development, and showed the interrelationship between cytoplasm and cell membrane.
Researchers at UC San Diego have created experimental solar cells with nanowires that show promise as efficient thin-film solar cells of the future. The new design increases electron transport and reduces recombination, leading to a significant boost in efficiency.
Scientists at NIST have created a synthetic cartilage replacement that can withstand hundreds of pounds of pressure and is pliable like gelatin. The double-network hydrogels' unique structure helps dissipate deformation energy, allowing them to endure large deformations without breaking apart.
Researchers made a significant breakthrough in understanding the physics of translocation, showing that memory effects in polymeric molecules dominate their behavior. This discovery has major implications for drug delivery and gene therapy, as well as single-molecule characterization techniques.
Researchers develop inexpensive, quick-drying polymer PES for improved photolithography processes, enabling lower-cost, on-chip nanoimprinting lithography technology. PES offers advantages over existing materials in terms of cure temperature, water uptake, and adherence to copper.
A team of researchers from Seoul National University has developed a novel approach for aligning carbon nanotubes in microscale devices. The technique utilizes the flow of a nanotube-containing solution through nanochannels, relying on capillary force to order the nanotubes within the channels.
Scientists at NIST made direct measurements of thin polymer film expansion and collapse in photolithography, revealing a complex chemistry that affects transistor performance. The findings offer new insights into modifying resist chemistry to control swelling and achieve optimal edge resolution.
The Rutgers-Camden team has identified conditions that ensure thorough polymer coating and compiled new data on the effects of wavelengths on specific properties. The research aims to improve the coating of polymers in smoothness and uniformity, crucial for biomedical devices like pacemakers and artificial joint replacements.
Researchers at MIT develop a new method to produce tiny particles with defined size and shape featuring regular patterns in two or three dimensions. The team creates Janus particles, microparticles with two chemically different hemispheres, using stop-flow interference lithography.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University created a material with extremely high birefringence, surpassing that of calcite. This achievement is made possible by the design flexibility of coordination polymers, which can be tailored to exhibit specific optical properties.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded Clemson University researchers nearly $1 million to develop polymer dot nanoparticles for tracking single molecules in live cells. This technology could help determine the body's defenses against viruses and bacteria, as well as pinpoint cancer cells for more effective treatment.
Rutgers University's New Jersey Center for Biomaterials has developed a groundbreaking biomaterial that is being tested in clinical trials for a new coronary stent. The material, designed to be strong, biodegradable, and radio-opaque, addresses the long-standing challenge of creating clinically useful fully degradable coronary stents.
JILA scientists discovered a flaw in the most common DNA elasticity model, leading to errors in measuring short DNA molecules. The finite worm-like chain (FWLC) model improves accuracy by incorporating length effects.
Gene therapy holds great promise but faces safety concerns due to virus-based delivery methods. MIT researchers have created biodegradable polymers that can deliver genes safely and effectively, showing promise for ovarian cancer treatment and other applications.
Scientists create a surface pair that sticks together in response to an environmental stimulus, allowing for reversible detachment. This discovery could lead to innovative applications in microfluidic systems, actuators, and pharmacological agents.
Researchers at the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory have created a nanothin sheet of nanoparticles that boasts surprising strength, rivalling that of an ultrathin sheet of plexiglass. The material's characteristics make it a promising candidate for use in pressure sensors and chemical filters.
Scientists at Hebrew University of Jerusalem Racah Institute of Physics have developed a way to program polymer sheets to bend and wrinkle into prescribed structures. By varying the local polymer density, the gel shrinks at specific temperatures, causing it to buckle and change shape.
Researchers developed a technique to detect and sort different-sized polymer chains that pass through or block tiny pores in thin membranes. This non-destructive method measures individual biomolecules at the nanoscale level, enabling future applications in lab-on-a-chip molecular analyzers.
A £9.5 million European Union-funded project will build a self-healing house in Greece with unique walls that contain wireless sensors and can repair cracks using nano polymer particles. The system aims to alert residents straight away if there are any problems, potentially saving lives.
Dr. Timothy M. Swager has invented amplified fluorescent polymers that can detect nitro aromatic molecules, a class of chemicals used in explosives. His molecular wire sensors have applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring and security.
Gérard Férey and his team at Institut Lavoisier have discovered a new family of trivalent metal dicarboxylates with unprecedented respiration properties, exceeding 300% volume variation upon solvent immersion. These crystalline solids possess reversible respiration mechanism without apparent bond rupture.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have created ultrathin films composed of DNA and water-soluble polymers that allow controlled release of DNA from surfaces. These films could be used to deliver genetic material for gene therapy, potentially treating conditions such as cardiovascular disease by preventing smooth muscle...
Researchers develop biodegradable vaccine delivery system that stimulates cellular-mediated immunity and enhances antibody response. The microsphere formulation could lead to single-dose vaccines for diseases requiring booster shots.
Researchers at Harvard University developed a new class of rapid tests that can carry out several biological tests simultaneously on a single drop using patterned paper. The tests are highly practical, inexpensive, and unaffected by contamination.
Applied scientists developed a method for creating wrinkled hard skins on polymer surfaces using a focused ion beam. The technique has potential use in biological sensors and microfluidic devices, as well as custom-made cell templates for tissue engineering.
A new analytical technique developed by Penn State researcher John B. Asbury could lead to the development of cheaper and more efficient solar cells. The technique uses infrared spectroscopy to study light-sensitive organic materials, providing information about electron movement within a film of carbon-based materials.
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.
Researchers developed a new formula to design flows that break polymers into specific lengths or withstand certain flows, with potential implications for industries like shipping and oil. This discovery also enables more precise control over the length of DNA strands in genome sequencing.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new method to create polymer rings that can encapsulate and release specific molecules at specific times. The technique has the potential to be used in medicine, particularly in drug delivery and antibiotic development.
Georgia Tech/Emory researchers used dopamine to create a polymer that stimulates nerve tissue to regrow and reconnect, offering a potential treatment for neurological disorders. The material degrades over time, allowing the nerve to grow in a hostile environment.
Researchers have used cicada wings as stamps to create negative imprints of nano-scale patterns on polymer films. The wings' waxy coating imparts a low surface tension, allowing for the creation of 'nano-wells' with promising anti-reflective properties.
Researchers found that diverse cooperators evolved to use different nutrient resources, reducing competition and increasing biofilm success. This diversity leads to smaller cheats populations and larger biofilm groups.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a new technique for creating vertical alignment among liquid crystal molecules, eliminating the need for manual rubbing and potentially increasing device yield. The technique uses in-situ photopolymerization to create a cellular matrix of liquid crystalline droplets with con...
Blacksburg chemist James McGrath warns that focusing solely on functional polymers stifles basic research, which is crucial for discovery and innovation. He emphasizes the need to balance application-driven research with fundamental studies to prevent knowledge gaps.
Rutgers University researchers have developed a new polymer-coating process that uses pulsed laser deposition to create high-performance coatings. The method improves coating efficiency, reduces drag force, and enhances biocompatibility for sensitive areas.
The study reveals that externally applied force influences the dispersion and orientation of carbon nanotubes in composites. The researchers mapped out a phase diagram to estimate the resulting order and achieved desirable properties.
Researchers developed a new method to measure the stiffness of soft substrates by using sensor films with known properties. The technique tracks changes in stiffness across gradients of material properties, allowing for the mapping of spatial variations in rigidity in complex materials.
The L'Oréal USA Fellowships for Women In Science program recognizes young women in groundbreaking research, focusing on cell biology, organic chemistry, conservation, optics, and cellular biophysics. The program aims to support their careers and build networks, encouraging a diverse range of scientific advancements.
A new biosensor technology has been developed that uses static electricity to layer proteins on carbon nanotubes, allowing for precise detection of biological chemicals and environmental agents. The technique enables enzymes to self-assemble in a layer-by-layer manner on the nanotube, resulting in improved sensitivity and specificity.
A three-year study by Georgia Institute of Technology and Sandia National Laboratories provides a roadmap for next-generation micron- and nanometer-scale high-resolution imprint manufacturing. The research develops manufacturing design rules that will give future users a predictive tool kit to know what to expect over a broad range of ...
Researchers develop polymer tape to simulate insect adhesive pads, revealing optimal leg attachment forces on smooth ceilings. The findings inspire wall and ceiling walking machines with micropatterned polymer feet.
Scientists at NIST have created polymer nanotubes that are unusually long and stable, with potential applications in biotechnology. The team developed processes to extend the shelf life of these nanotubes, enabling their use as channels for tiny volumes of chemicals or as ultra-small hypodermic needles.
Researchers explored commercially important ingredients and delivery technologies in a symposium on cosmetic nanotechnology. Novel formulations, such as synthetic nanocarriers that encapsulate Vitamin E, were presented to improve skin and hair care products.
Researchers at NIST and university partners find that carbon nanotubes can be sorted by length during mixing, which could lead to more affordable high-quality polymer nanocomposites. The study reveals that shorter tubes tend to congregate near the walls of mixing equipment.
Ames Laboratory researchers have fabricated PBG crystal microstructures in open air using a modified technique called microtransfer molding. The team's achievement enables the creation of multilayered photonic band gap crystals, a key step towards creating photonic crystals within a single computer chip.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a wafer-level fabrication technique to create microfluidic cooling channels directly onto integrated circuits, enhancing reliability and reducing thermal damage. The approach uses polymer pipes to facilitate electronic and cooling interconnections.
A novel sensor has been developed to detect gastrointestinal problems by measuring acid levels in the stomach. The sensor, created by Sebastiaan Herber, is small enough to fit inside a catheter and can provide early diagnosis of conditions like ischemia, which can cause pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed new polymer coatings that generate nitric oxide from compounds found in blood, which may improve accuracy and reduce clots in implanted sensors. The copper-based materials could lead to longer lifespans for these devices, addressing limitations of earlier designs.
S. epidermidis produces poly-gamma-glutamate (PGA) to protect itself from innate host defenses during infection. The findings suggest PGA as a promising target for drug development to combat related illnesses.
Scientists have successfully reached a critical size regime, demonstrating reliable patterning at the 2 nanometer scale. The work explores the fundamental resolution limits of polymer nanoimprint lithography and its potential applications in fields such as semiconductor device manufacturing and biotechnology.
The Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics Prize honors outstanding papers published between September 2002 and August 2004. Winners receive a $2,500 honorarium and travel stipend to attend the American Physical Society meeting in Los Angeles.
Kohn's bioresorbable polymer was successfully licensed and incorporated into REVA Medical's stent devices. The collaboration resulted in rapid development and early pre-clinical study success.
Carborane acids, discovered by researchers at the University of California - Riverside, show great promise in various applications. They are extremely strong, yet gentle, allowing chemists to study important molecules without destroying them. This property enables the carborane acids to add hydrogen ions to weakly basic molecules, maki...