Articles tagged with Polymers
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...
A new method developed at NIST measures the strength and stiffness of thin-film samples in under 2 seconds, providing quantitative results for definitive comparisons. This technique has applications in evaluating materials for semiconductors, solar cells, fuel cells, coatings, magnetic storage devices and nanotechnology devices.
H. Eugene Stanley is honored for his innovative and original research on disordered systems, aggregation, and phase transitions. His work has also applied to complex networks, including those related to biology and terrorism.
Scientists develop pentablock polymers that form micelles in response to changes in temperature and pH, resembling how biomolecules react. These stable polymers could be used to deliver drugs or gene therapies, and have shown promise in preliminary studies.
A team of scientists discovered microbes that produce nanometer-scale crystals of extraordinary length, using polymer fibers as templates. The discovery may provide key insight into biomineralization, the process that produces bone, teeth, and shell.
Dr. David Eick received the 2004 Wilmer Souder Award for his significant contributions to dental polymers and resin-bonded dentin interfaces. His work has advanced dental health through improved surface analysis instrumentation.
A new method for improving trench profiles in the Bosch process has been developed, allowing for maximum depth-width ratios of over 30. This is achieved through two techniques: adding a third plasma pulse to remove polymer layer and optimizing passivation pulses to prevent polymer deposition.
Scientists create cell chips using temperature-driven changes in a material, enabling the creation of custom-designed devices for experiments and medical applications. The technology has the potential to revolutionize tissue engineering and medical diagnostics by providing a low-cost, efficient way to create complex devices.
A $1.6 million federal allocation will support polymer research initiatives at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Southside Virginia. The funding aims to stimulate economic growth through the development of new technologies, businesses, and job creation.
Researchers develop biodegradable beads coated with targeting molecules to effectively treat inflammatory diseases like arthritis and heart disease. The particles can travel through the bloodstream and stick to inflamed tissues, offering a potential solution to conventional drug delivery issues.
Researchers successfully adapted small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to rapidly characterize nanometer-scale grid-like patterns in chip circuitry. The technique offers better than one nanometer precision and could be an able substitute for current dimensional measurement tools.
Researchers at NIST created improved phantom materials that can mimic blood, bone, fat, and skin using carbon black powder. These polymers have low-frequency electrical properties and can be formed in various shapes and sizes.
Researchers at Purdue University have precisely placed strands of DNA on a silicon chip and stretched them out to read the encoded information more clearly. This step is critical to harnessing the storage capacity of DNA for future computers that could offer advantages in speed, memory capacity, and energy efficiency.
Ouderkirk invented multilayer optical film technology, challenging Brewster's Law and revolutionizing optics. His invention has numerous applications in diverse fields like electronics, automotive, and medical imaging.
Researchers at Carnegie Institution and Stanford University used green fluorescent protein tagging to observe microtubule formation and movement in living plant cells. They found that most new microtubules are born at multiple sites directly at the cortex, and migrate around by growing at their leading ends.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a new technique to process the difficult-to-process solid-state fluorescent material Alq3 using a universal polymer backbone, allowing for the production of inexpensive OLED devices. The new material demonstrates potential for color tuning and physical flexibility.
Researchers have improved the bonding in mechanically linked molecules by developing a method to increase the association constant of host-guest interactions, allowing for longer self-assembled chains. By utilizing hydrogen bonding instead of covalent chemistry, they were able to overcome the difficulty of creating rigid macrocycles.
Researchers found that bacterial polymers, similar to hair, play a crucial role in adhesion. The discovery opens up possibilities for controlling bacterial behavior and improving methods for cleaning groundwater and preventing medical problems.
Researchers have developed a light-sensitive polymer switch that enables the reversible control of endoglucanase enzyme activity. The technique utilizes two light-sensitive polymers, DMAA and DMMAm, to block or unblock active sites on proteins.
Researchers will use infrared spectroscopy to identify mutant genes affecting plant cell wall architecture in Arabidopsis and maize. The goal is to determine the function of all genes involved in plant cell walls, potentially leading to improvements in food-derived health benefits and product durability.
A new nanoparticle coating developed by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis mimics the natural properties of dolphin skin to prevent biofouling on ship hulls. The coating's complex surface features make it difficult for marine organisms to attach, reducing friction and drag.
Scientists at Penn State have developed a voltage-controlled, two-color bipolar LEC that can produce yellow and red light, paving the way for efficient and stable full-color displays. The technology has high luminance intensity, efficiency, fast response time, and long-term stability, making it suitable for flat-panel applications.
A St. Louis chemist has won a national award for developing innovative materials, including durable ship coatings that repel barnacles without polluting the environment. Her research also explores degradable polymers for medical applications, such as transporting cancer drugs to their targets.
Virginia Tech researchers are attaching DNA base pairs to polymer chain ends to create new materials with improved association, leading to stronger and reversible adhesives. The study explores how base pairs influence polymer structure, properties, and flow, paving the way for unique structures and applications.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have successfully synthesized a higher molecular weight polymer, which promises to create stronger materials. The new end groups and synthesis of the monomer could lead to improved mechanical properties, including increased elongation and stretchiness.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing 'bursting' polymer molecules that can change their architecture in response to stimuli, offering potential solutions for drug delivery and novel wound dressings. The breakthroughs are driven by responsive groups on the ends of the polymer chain.
The American Physical Society has recognized outstanding researchers in various fields of physics, including nuclear and particle physics, polymers, and plasma physics. Oliver Keith Baker and Deborah S. Jin are among the recipients of prestigious awards for their work on degenerate Fermi gases and other topics.
A Virginia Tech researcher is working on a project to reduce the use of toxic solvents in polymers processing, replacing them with carbon dioxide. The goal is to decrease environmental contamination by 36 billion pounds of solvents used annually, offering cost and environmental benefits.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new tissue engineering method that uses a polymer to encourage the formation of healthy blood vessels in living rats. The approach, which combines VEGF and PDGF growth factors, shows promise for treating coronary artery disease and speeding up wound healing.
Researchers at Virginia Tech use in-situ infrared spectroscopy to observe and control the synthesis of carbon fiber precursors. The study demonstrates the benefits of real-time observation in enhancing reactivity and efficiency in the conversion process.
Researchers have developed unique polymers that can stabilize liposomes, improving the solubility of hydrophobic drugs. These polymers also enable the creation of crystal-clear beauty products by altering the liposome solution.
Virginia Tech researchers have developed new proton exchange membrane (PEM) polymer nanocomposites that can withstand higher temperatures, making them suitable for more efficient fuel cells. The new materials use hetropolyacids to retain water molecules at higher temperatures, providing a mechanism for conductivity.
Chemists are using statistical design of experiments and parallel reactors to improve the creation of polymers. This approach enables the efficient production of novel elastomers by determining the optimal reaction conditions. By doing so, researchers can generate predictive models and discover new materials.