Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed water-walking liquid robots that can retrieve and deliver precious chemicals autonomously. The robots use chemistry to control buoyancy and do not require electrical energy, making them ideal for applications such as chemical synthesis and drug delivery.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021
Glyscend Therapeutics has initiated a phase 1 clinical trial in Australia investigating an oral polymer therapy that improves glucose homeostasis with weight loss in nonclinical models. The therapy targets mechanisms underlying bariatric surgery and aims to replicate its benefits without the need for surgery.
The EPFL team proposes a nature-inspired approach to recycling plastics by mimicking protein assembly. This method could break down synthetic polymers into different color-coded components, similar to proteins in nature. By applying this concept, the researchers aim to develop a sustainable circular economy for plastic recycling.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 23, 2021
A new study by the University of Plymouth found that maritime ropes can release millions of microplastic fragments into the ocean annually. The research estimated that the UK fishing fleet alone could be releasing between 326 million to 17 billion microplastic pieces into the ocean every year.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Researchers synthesized a new conjugated polymer using two chemical reactions, showing it outperforms traditional methods in organic and perovskite solar cells. The Stille reaction pathway yielded superior results with efficiencies of up to 15.1% in photovoltaic devices.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalMacromolecular Chemistry and Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2021
Researchers have developed a biodegradable polymer coating that can block grease and oil in compostable paper packaging, reducing environmental impact. The coating's ester linkages break apart in water, allowing microorganisms to degrade it.
A team of researchers has developed a method to produce nylon 6-6 without using the environmentally endangered element zinc. They achieved this by using alternative metals such as iron and cobalt, and harnessing the power of solar energy. The new process reduces energy consumption, saves water, and minimizes hazardous chemicals.
Researchers at Cornell University developed a new method to study conjugated polymers, allowing them to measure individual molecules' mechanical and kinetic properties. This breakthrough could enable the creation of more flexible and robust soft electronic materials.
SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalChem·DateJun 16, 2021
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology and Ghent University have developed a green light-stabilised 3D polymer structure that folds itself when exposed to light and unfolds when left in the dark. This process consumes light as fuel, mimicking the way proteins function in living organisms.
SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalChemical Science·DateDec 13, 2020
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Researchers created a stress-detecting polymer by incorporating copper complexes into polybutylacrylate, shining brighter when stretched. The copper complexes emit light at greater intensity, enabling the detection of small amounts of stress.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalChemical Communications·DateJan 23, 2020
Researchers have developed a process to create synthetic polymers with precision of biology, enabling the production of advanced materials such as nanoelectronics, self-healing materials, and fuel cells. This breakthrough could lead to improved personal protective gear and sophisticated electronics for Soldiers.
SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2019
Researchers at TU Dresden and Ulm University developed a new synthetic route to create crystalline 2D polymers with defined structures. The 2D polymers have promising properties for electronic components and systems, including superior charge transport and chemiresistivity.
SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 25, 2019
Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a new synthesis process for S-PPVs, promising polymers for various applications. The process uses inexpensive base materials and can be scaled up for industrial quantities, making them suitable for commercial use.
SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPolymer Chemistry·DateJan 14, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a process to create high-performance materials with consistent properties. By controlling reactions, they achieved narrow molecular weight distributions and regular cross-linking, leading to responsive and stable gel networks.
SourceNagoya University·JournalNPG Asia Materials·DateSep 6, 2018
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a novel method to synthesise hundreds of polymers for potential antibacterial applications. The method enables rapid screening of large libraries of polymers, leading to the identification of new antimicrobials that inhibit bacteria growth rather than breaking their membranes.
SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateAug 14, 2018
A new study reveals that entangled, long-chain polymers in solutions relax at two different rates, marking an advancement in fundamental polymer physics. The findings will provide a better understanding of the physical properties of polymeric materials and individual polymer molecule behavior under high-stress processing conditions.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 2, 2018
The study introduces a method for controlling polymer structure and function by utilizing electrostatic charge, allowing for the creation of smart materials with diverse applications. By tuning the sequence of charges along polymer chains, researchers can engineer desired properties and expand the diversity of polymers used.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2017
Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology developed a novel synthetic method to create chiral polymers containing cinchona sulfonamide repeating units. These polymers showed high catalytic activity in asymmetric reactions, enabling the enantioselective desymmetrization of cyclic anhydrides.
SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalRSC Advances·DateOct 14, 2016
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new bio-ink containing stem cells that can be printed using 3D technology. The bio-ink allows for the creation of complex living tissue structures with microscopic pores, providing effective nutrient access for stem cells.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateJun 23, 2016
Scientists create synthetic polymers that decompose without harsh elements, opening doors for biomedical applications such as drug delivery and bioimaging. Preliminary testing shows growth and depolymerization of straight and branched polymers are possible in water and extracellular matrix.
SourcePenn State·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 17, 2016
Berkeley Lab scientists discover a family of nature-inspired polymers that spontaneously assemble into hollow crystalline nanotubes in water. The nanotubes have uniform diameters and can be tuned for specific functions, opening up new possibilities for filtration, desalination, and more.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
ASU researchers are developing artificial genetic polymers composed of threose nucleic acid (TNA) to address emerging health and defense threats. The team plans to search large combinatorial pools for TNA molecules with desired functional properties.
Researchers have discovered that polymers can disrupt the way bacteria communicate with each other, leading to unexpected clustering behaviors. This finding has significant implications for the design of materials as antimicrobials, bioprocessing, and synthetic biology.
SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 11, 2013
Researchers have created synthetic receptors that mimic biological nicotine receptors, showing promise in clinical detection and treatment therapies for nicotine addiction. The new molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) demonstrate high selectivity and effectiveness across a wide pH range.
SourceDe Gruyter·JournalMolecular Imprinting·DateJul 11, 2013
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
Researchers at MIT develop approach to print synthetic materials with fracture behavior similar to natural bone, using computer-optimized designs and 3-D printing. The new material exhibits a fracture resistance of up to 22 times larger than its strongest constituent material.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 17, 2013
Researchers imitated sea sponge skeleton to produce highly flexible synthetic spicules, exhibiting rubber-like flexibility and resistance to fracture. The new material has potential applications in body armor and other fields.
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience·DateMar 15, 2013
Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a synthetic version of sandcastle worm glue, which has shown promise in repairing shattered bone fragments. The glue performs 37% as well as commercial superglue in lab tests and may be used to align small bone fragments in joints and the face before they heal.
National Chemistry Week highlights the importance of polymers as natural insulators, found in products like umbrellas, sunglasses, and jackets. The week also explores fascinating chemistry facts about the weather, such as the transformation of nitrogen into a more user-friendly form by lightning.
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts have created a switchable adhesive coating that relies on temperature changes to control its stickiness. This technology has potential applications in self-cleaning tennis racquets and golf club grips, improving performance and durability.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 1999
Researchers at CalTech designed a new protein-like polymer that supports endothelial cell growth and could be used for blood vessel replacement. The material is expected to aid patients who cannot supply their own replacement veins, offering a potentially improved success rate compared to current synthetic polymers.
Researchers found that individual polymer vibrations can be accurately described by a linear theory, similar to the vibrations of a musical string. The study used DNA strands and optical tweezers to analyze their movements, finding a high accuracy rate of over 1 percent up to the eighth harmonic.
SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateJul 9, 1997