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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Virginia Tech researchers have developed ultra-thin heat protective coatings for rockets and microelectronics by studying hybrid organic/inorganic molecules. The coatings, which are less than two nanometers thick, offer improved fuel efficiency and weight reduction in space applications.
A recent study found that heating fluorinated polymers in a frying pan releases toxic chemicals, including ozone-destroying chlorofluorocarbons. The long-term environmental impact of these persistent compounds is still unknown.
A team of researchers from Penn State has successfully developed a polymer coating that adheres to the surface of optical glass, particularly phosphate glasses. This breakthrough enables new applications for these glasses in fields such as optics and photonics.
Scientists have fabricated erasable polymer multilayers that can be selectively destroyed by environmental stimuli, enabling controlled release of embedded compounds. These films have potential applications in medicine and materials science.
Researchers discovered that flexible polymers behave differently on surfaces compared to in bulk, with a stronger dependence on chain length. The study used two-photon fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to monitor individual molecule motions and found that chains 'entangle' with the surface, causing them to flatten.
Scientists from Boston University's Center for Polymer Studies use modern physics to analyze heartbeats, finding complex multifractal properties in healthy hearts. This discovery could help doctors diagnose cardiac disease more effectively, potentially avoiding the harm caused by medication aimed at eliminating variability.
Researchers create microscopic patterns on surfaces using microcontact printing, then build up layers of a polymer material over the pattern. The technique enables complex pattern creation and automation of the patterning process.
The implant is a button-sized polymer that releases hydromorphone over one to three months, providing steady pain medication. It could be used in developing nations where cancer rates are high but limited treatment options exist, and potentially as an alternative to oral methadone treatment for heroin addicts.