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Solving the industry's sticky recycling issues

Scientists at the University of Surrey have developed a new degradable adhesive that can dissolve adhesive residue left on recyclable materials, improving recycling processes and product quality. The additive, similar to commercial packaging tape, allows for faster label detachment and reduces environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 5, 2023

Stronger tape engineered through the art of cutting

Researchers at Virginia Tech developed a method to create adhesives with both strong bonds and easy removal using the ancient Japanese art of cutting paper. This innovation has potential applications in robotic grasping, wearables for health monitoring, and manufacturing for assembly and recycling.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 22, 2023

A novel stem cell adhesive using mussels

Researchers have created a novel bioadhesive material to facilitate stem cell transplantation into damaged cartilage. The adhesive, derived from mussel protein and hyaluronic acid, enables the secure encapsulation of stem cells, promoting cartilage regeneration.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateMay 2, 2023
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.

Surgical sealing made better with robust thermosensitive bioadhesives

Scientists developed an injectable biomaterial with improved adhesion, stretchability, and toughness, making it ideal for surgical wound sealing. The material showed superior adhesive strength, stability, and biocompatibility in physiological conditions.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

Pusan National University researchers develop portable color-changing food spoilage sensor

Researchers at Pusan National University have created a portable molecular sensor that detects biogenic amines released from spoiled food using polydiacetylene-based beads. The sensor, which changes color to red upon binding with BAs, can be used for rapid visual detection of spoiled food during storage and distribution.

SourcePusan National University·JournalFood Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2023

Electric vehicle batteries could get big boost with new polymer coating

Scientists have developed a conductive polymer coating called HOS-PFM that can significantly enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. The coating ensures battery stability and high charge/discharge rates while extending battery life by up to 15 years.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 7, 2023

Potential for profits gives Rice lab’s plastic waste project promise

Scientists at Rice University have developed a new technique using the 'flash Joule' method to transform plastic waste into high-value carbon nanotubes and hybrid nanomaterials. This process is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional methods, making it a promising solution for recycling plastic waste.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Researchers create a low-cost sensor that detects heavy metals in sweat

Researchers at the University of São Paulo developed a portable, flexible copper sensor that can detect heavy metals like lead and cadmium in sweat. The device is made from ordinary materials and is simple to produce, making it accessible for non-specialists and technicians.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalChemosensors·DateJan 23, 2023

Life and death of an "altruistic" bacterium

Caulobacter crescentus uses a toxin-antitoxin system to regulate programmed cell death in response to oxygen limitation, releasing DNA that promotes sibling dispersion. This mechanism helps maintain biofilm balance and prevents overcrowding.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022

Wasting muscles built back better

Researchers developed a new device, MAGENTA, that prevents and supports muscle atrophy recovery. The device stimulates muscles to stretch and contract, triggering key molecular pathways for growth. It has potential applications in treating various diseases such as ALS and MS.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2022

Flatworm-inspired medical adhesives stop blood loss

Researchers from McGill University developed a medical adhesive inspired by flatworms that uses suction to absorb blood and promote blood coagulation. The adhesive can be removed without causing re-bleeding, making it a potential replacement for wound sutures or delivering drugs.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Using sound and bubbles to make bandages stickier and longer lasting

A team of researchers from McGill University has discovered a way to control the stickiness of adhesive bandages using ultrasound waves and bubbles. This breakthrough could lead to new advances in medical adhesives, especially in cases where adhesives are difficult to apply.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2022

More than meets the eye: How patterns in nature arise and inspire everything from scientific theory to biodegradable materials

A University of Arizona-led study uses bacteria to understand how natural patterns form through mechanical interactions. The findings suggest that just four different adhesive molecules are sufficient to create any possible tiling pattern, with implications for understanding complex multicellular life and creating biodegradable materials.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2022

MIT engineers develop stickers that can see inside the body

The new ultrasound sticker uses a stretchy adhesive layer and rigid array of transducers to produce higher resolution images over a longer duration. It has potential applications in clinical diagnosis and could be made into wearable imaging products that patients can take home or buy at a pharmacy.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 28, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Adhesion from cold to hot

Researchers have developed a supramolecular adhesive that exhibits outstanding gluing properties across a wide range of temperatures. The new adhesive consists of a protein and crown ether component, which form a tight interlocking structure through molecular interactions, resulting in exceptional adhesion even at low temperatures.

SourceWiley·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Underwater glove puts octopus' abilities on the hand of humans

A team of researchers, led by Virginia Tech, has engineered a glove that mimics the arm of an octopus, capable of securely gripping objects underwater. The Octa-glove uses soft, responsive adhesive materials and embedded electronics to grasp objects without squeezing.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022

Just add water: A simple method to obtain versatile porous polymers

Scientists from Shibaura Institute of Technology developed a simple method to produce polyethylenimine-based network polymers by dissolving triaziridine compounds in water. The resulting porous polymers exhibit versatile properties, including tailored morphological and mechanical characteristics.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalACS Macro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

Nanoparticles can save historic buildings

Researchers at TU Wien found that silicate nanoparticles can strengthen porous rock by forming colloidal crystals, which create new connections between mineral surfaces. The size of the particles is crucial for optimal strength gain, with smaller particles creating more binding sites.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalLangmuir·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

Thin mica shows semiconducting behavior, say scientists in new study

Researchers observe a significant increase in electrical conductivity when mica is thinned down to few molecular layers, exhibiting semiconductor-like behavior. The findings suggest that thin mica flakes have the potential to be used in two-dimensional electronic devices with exceptional stability and durability.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Applied·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Development of a user-friendly, hot-melt, wound-healing adhesive

Researchers developed a hot-melt tissue adhesive that can heal operative wounds without causing adhesions. The adhesive, made from biopolymers, transforms into a stable gel at body temperature and eventually decomposes, preventing postoperative complications.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalActa Biomaterialia·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

A nontoxic glue for plywood – from glucose, citric acid

Researchers developed a strong, water-resistant wood glue using glucose and citric acid for plywood. The adhesive meets China's standard requirement and is more energy-efficient than traditional adhesives.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 11, 2022

Mussels’ underwater glue inspires synthetic cement

Using a novel method to arrange molecules, Northwestern University researchers have created a material that performs even better than the glue they were trying to mimic. The protein-like polymer can be used as an adhesive in biomedical contexts, such as wound healing or repair.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 3, 2022
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Rice team’s mask strategy passes muster

The Rice team created an easily manufactured adhesive silicone harness that improves the fit of light surgical masks, making them comparable to N95 and KN95 masks in terms of aerosol droplet stopping. The revised design includes a wider harness along the nose slope for better sealing.

SourceRice University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2022

Engineers develop surgical “duct tape” as an alternative to sutures

Researchers create a sticky patch that can seal large tears and punctures in the colon, stomach, and intestines of animal models without causing inflammation or sticking to surrounding tissues. The patch is designed to be biocompatible, flexible, and holds for over a month.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 2, 2022

Newly developed injectable, adhesive surgical gel to prevent scar tissue

Researchers developed an injectable, adhesive surgical gel that prevents postoperative adhesions and improves wound healing. The gel, dubbed HAD, was tested in rats and rabbits with promising results, showing a significant reduction in inflammation and mortality rates.

SourceGuangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 23, 2021

A robotic hand with a gecko-inspired grip

Researchers at Stanford University have created a robotic hand with a gecko-inspired grip that can handle both delicate and heavy objects. The 'farmHand' gripper uses gecko-adhesive pads and has a unique finger design to enable both dexterity and strength.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Robotics·DateDec 15, 2021
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

New lignin based material to replace fossil plastics and adhesives

Researchers at Stockholm University developed a resource-efficient method to produce lignin-based materials that can be thermally reprocessed and used as substitutes for thermosetting resins and adhesives. The new material exhibits tunable mechanical properties and can be tailored from hard and brittle to soft and tough.

SourceStockholm University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 24, 2021

DIY radiative cooler developed to serve as a research standard

Scientists from UCLA develop a do-it-yourself radiative cooler using household materials, achieving moderate to large temperature drops. The design's reproducibility and low cost make it an attractive standard for research settings.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021

Synthetic biology yields easy-to-use underwater adhesives

Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have created a biocompatible adhesive hydrogel that can stick to various surfaces underwater, with properties similar to natural mussel foot protein and spider silk. This breakthrough has potential applications in tissue repair, particularly for tendon-bone repair.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2021

How mussels make a powerful underwater glue

Researchers at McGill University have discovered how blue mussels fabricate underwater adhesives in just 2-3 minutes. The adhesive is created by mixing metal ions with fluid proteins, and its unique properties make it ideal for use in wet environments such as surgical or dental treatments.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

How robots can tell how clean is ‘clean’

SUTD researchers develop sensor that assigns dirt score to areas based on visual and tactile analysis, allowing for more efficient exploration of complex spaces. The sensor is integrated with a smart algorithm that directs the robot to focus on areas with high dirt probability.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalSensors·DateSep 23, 2021

A skin crawling treatment for acne?

A team of scientists at McGill University has invented a smart device for personalized skin care inspired by the male diving beetle. The device collects and monitors body fluids while sticking to the skin's surface, paving the way for more accurate diagnostics and treatment for skin diseases like acne.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

Improving strength, stretchiness and adhesion in hydrogels for wound healing

Researchers from Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation develop methods to enhance mechanical properties of hydrogels, including toughness, stretchiness, and adhesive strength. By introducing dopamine and alkaline conditions, they create gel-like materials with improved biocompatibility and regenerative capabilities.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

Bio-inspired, blood-repelling tissue glue could seal wounds quickly

A new adhesive, inspired by barnacles' sticky substance, can form a tight seal within seconds of application on wet surfaces, including blood-covered tissues. This bio-inspired tissue glue shows promise in rapidly controlling bleeding and may offer a more effective treatment for traumatic injuries.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateAug 9, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers identify approach for potential nontypeable haemophilus influenzae vaccine

Researchers identified two proteins, HMW1 and HMW2, that stimulate protective immunity against diverse NTHi strains. Immunization with these proteins provides protection against bacterial colonization by other strains, highlighting the vaccine potential for a nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae vaccine.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2021

Surprising spider hair discovery may inspire stronger adhesives

A new study in Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering found that the hairs on spider legs exhibit unique adhesive properties, with each hair showing different strengths and weaknesses on various surfaces. The researchers believe this diversity may be key to how spiders can climb diverse surfaces.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Mechanical Engineering·DateJun 18, 2021

Regenerating damaged eyes with mussel protein and amniotic membrane

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed a new method for regenerating damaged conjunctiva using mussel adhesive protein, achieving stable tissue adhesion and biodegradation. The technique replaces traditional sutures in ocular surface reconstruction.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateJun 14, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

The secret to stickiness of mussels underwater

Researchers from POSTECH and KNU analyze Dopa and lysine, revealing their roles in surface adhesion and cohesion. The study confirms negative synergy between Dopa and lysine, offering promise for designing new adhesive materials.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateMay 31, 2021

Blood vessel formation in damaged tissues with mussel adhesive protein

A novel adhesive patch platform has been developed by a research team at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) to efficiently deliver blood vessel-forming growth factors using mussel adhesive protein. The platform demonstrated effective neovascularization in rat models for myocardial infarction and excisional wounds.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalBiomaterials·DateApr 12, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Sealing fistulas with regenerative immiscible bioglue

A Korean research team has developed an innovative treatment method for vesico-vaginal fistulas using a mussel adhesive protein-based bioadhesive. The new method shows promise in sealing fistulas quickly and effectively, with improved outcomes compared to conventional suture methods.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateMar 22, 2021

Structural adhesives inspired by mussels

A University of Delaware professor is developing new, resilient adhesives for concrete structures by mimicking mussel adhesion. The goal is to improve the durability of concrete in harsh environments and support sustainable growth, enabling prefabricated construction and additive manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateMar 12, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Story tips: Volcanic microbes, unbreakable bonds and flood mapping

Scientists discover nearly 300 novel microbial species near a deep-sea volcano, revealing new insights into their extreme environment. Researchers also develop self-healing elastomers with unprecedented adhesion strength, and create a flood mapping tool to visualize water spread for any scenario and terrain.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2021

New glue sticks easily, holds strongly, and is a gas to pull apart

Researchers at Dartmouth College have discovered a class of molecular materials that can be used to make temporary adhesives that don't require force for removal. These non-permanent glues offer expanded design strategies for bonding surfaces together and can lead to new manufacturing techniques and pharmaceutical design.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateDec 2, 2020
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Recycled concrete could be a sustainable way to keep rubble out of landfi

A five-year study by University of British Columbia Okanagan researchers found that recycled concrete performs as well as conventional concrete, with comparable strength and durability. The innovative material can be a 100% substitute for non-structural applications and may eventually replace traditional construction methods.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·DateNov 30, 2020

Low-cost, fly footpad-like adhesive structure capable of repeated attachment/detachment

Researchers at NIMS and Hokkaido University successfully created a reusable adhesive structure inspired by insect footpads, capable of repeated attachment and detachment. The structure's strength and ease of use vary depending on direction of pull, with potential applications in industrial robots and outdoor equipment.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 28, 2020

Super-strong surgical tape detaches on demand

Researchers at MIT developed a double-sided adhesive that can quickly and firmly stick to wet surfaces like biological tissues. The new design allows for detachability without tissue damage by applying a liquid solution, making it easier for surgeons to close internal wounds.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2020

How to get conductive gels to stick when wet

A new adhesive method allows conductive polymer gels to adhere to a wide variety of surfaces, including glass and gold, even when exposed to moisture. This breakthrough enables the development of more durable and reliable biomedical sensors and implants.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 20, 2020
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

How do you make adhesives for electronics, vehicles, and construction tougher?

Purdue University researchers have developed a new adhesive system that uses sacrificial bonds to make materials more resistant to stress and cracking. The technique, inspired by nature's adhesives in sea creatures, may be applied to various industries such as electronics, vehicles, and construction.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 3, 2020

MTU engineers zap and unstick underwater smart glue

Researchers at Michigan Technological University have created an underwater smart glue prototype that can be activated and deactivated using electricity. The team, led by Bruce Lee, used electrical current to turn off the adhesion of a catechol-containing material, achieving this in just seven seconds.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 2, 2020

The combination of plant-based particles and water forms an 'eco' super-glue

Researchers at Aalto University have developed an eco-friendly adhesive using plant-derived cellulose nanocrystals and water, demonstrating exceptional strength and performance. The new glue outperforms commercial products in terms of sustainability and cost-effectiveness, making it a promising solution for various industries.

SourceAalto University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 24, 2020
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.