Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Improving adhesives for wearable sensors

Researchers created a potential new adhesive using poly(vinyl alcohol) to improve the adhesion of wearable sensors. The modified compound, 4C3-PVA, was found to be hydrophobic but have less tensile strength compared to other versions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateFeb 5, 2020

The secret of strong underwater mussel adhesion revealed

Researchers at POSTECH have discovered the key to strong underwater mussel adhesion, finding that Dopa and Lysine molecules work together in a synergistic effect. Their study used molecular biology techniques to analyze adhesive proteins in mussels and confirmed two molecules with strong adhesion even in underwater conditions.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·DateJan 22, 2020

Kirigami designs hold thousands of times their own weight

Researchers have created kirigami structures that can support 14,000 times their own weight without adhesives or fasteners. The tilted triangle design is strongest when flaps are undamaged and untapped, and its unique geometry allows for horizontal compression within the center of the design.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJan 21, 2020
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.

Skin-like sensors bring a human touch to wearable tech

Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a super-stretchy, transparent and self-powering sensor that records complex human sensations. The 'artificial ionic skin' can measure strain, humidity and temperature changes, generating controlled ion movements that can be measured as electrical signals.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateJan 8, 2020

BU chemists develop new biodegradable adhesive

Boston University researchers have developed a biodegradable adhesive that can effectively stick to various surfaces, replacing traditional plastic adhesives. The adhesive's formula is easily adaptable to suit industrial and medical applications.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2019

Your food may help make stickier, safer glues for laptops, packaging, furniture

Researchers at Purdue University have created high-performance, tunable adhesives using compounds found in foods like nuts and fruits. These nontoxic and degradable adhesives could replace carcinogenic formaldehyde-based glues in furniture and other household items, improving health and environmental sustainability.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Sustainable Systems·DateDec 5, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Getting glued in the sea

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed adhesives inspired by mussels that utilize electrostatic interactions to stick to negatively charged surfaces in saltwater. The adhesiveness was largely thanks to the interaction between positively charged residues on the polymers and the negatively charged surfaces.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 12, 2019

Double-sided tape for tissues could replace surgical sutures

A new adhesive developed by MIT engineers can tightly bind tissues such as lungs and intestines within five seconds. The double-sided tape can also be used to attach implantable medical devices to tissues, offering a promising alternative to surgical sutures.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateOct 30, 2019

Nanostructures help to reduce the adhesion of bacteria

Researchers found that nanostructured surfaces reduce bacterial adhesion, making it harder for Staphylococcus aureus bacteria to form biofilms and resist antibiotics. The study suggests optimizing surface topography can minimize bacterial attachment and prevent biofilm formation.

SourceSaarland University·JournalNanoscale·DateOct 10, 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.

The journey of the pollen

Researchers from Kiel University discovered a complex interplay of factors influencing pollen adhesion to surfaces. They found that pollen's adhesive properties change depending on the duration of contact and microstructure of the surface, providing new insights into coating processes and transporting medicinal substances.

SourceKiel University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateAug 20, 2019

Centimeter-long snail robot is powered with light

Scientists develop a soft snail robot that harnesses energy from a laser beam to crawl on horizontal surfaces and climb vertical walls. The robot's unique properties offer insights into micromechanics with smart materials, paving the way for future exploration in small-scale soft robotics.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalMacromolecular Rapid Communications·DateJul 31, 2019

Time heals all wounds, but this adhesive can help

Researchers have developed an active adhesive dressing that contracts in response to body heat, speeding up wound healing. The dressings, inspired by embryonic skin, use thermoresponsive polymers and silver nanoparticles to prevent bacterial growth, making them a promising alternative to traditional treatments.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 24, 2019

Carbon nanotube tape stays sticky in extreme temperatures

Researchers have developed a new nanomaterial tape that can function over a wide temperature range, from -321 F to 1,832 F. The tape adheres to various materials and surfaces, with no noticeable residues, making it suitable for electronic components and extreme environments.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 10, 2019
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.

Structural development of the brain

Researchers found that N-cadherin protein plays a crucial role in arranging neurons to form the columnar microstructure of the brain. The study used Drosophila melanogaster fruit fly brain as a model and discovered that three neuron types are arranged within the columns, with R7 forming the core.

SourceKanazawa University·DateJun 21, 2019

Snail-inspired superglue

Researchers created a hydrogel-based adhesive inspired by snails' mucus, combining strength and reversibility. The PHEMA gel achieves adhesive strengths comparable to superglues, with 'shape adaptation and memory' properties.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2019

Scientists reveal reversible super-glue inspired by snail mucus

Scientists at Lehigh University and Korea Institute of Science and Technology have created a reversible super-glue-like material that can easily come unglued. The new hydrogel-based adhesive combines benefits of both liquid and dry adhesives, allowing for strong adhesion on flat and rough surfaces.

SourceLehigh University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2019
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.

Penn engineers demonstrate superstrong, reversible adhesive that works like snail slime

The Penn team created an adhesive that mimics the snail's epiphragm, allowing for strong adhesion and easy reversibility. The breakthrough was achieved using a polymer called PHEMA, which conforms to small grooves on surfaces when wet, making it stick, and hardens into those cavities when dry, securing itself firmly.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2019

Octopus-inspired wearable sensor

A graphene-based adhesive biosensor was created with an octopus-like sucker, allowing for full contact with both wet and dry skin. The device can monitor various human activities, including heart rate, step count, and speech patterns.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 22, 2019

Slug glue reveals clues for making better medical adhesives

Two studies analyze the adhesive properties of the Dusky Arion slug's defensive glue, identifying key proteins and structures that contribute to its strength and flexibility. Insights gained could lead to the development of organic synthetic adhesives with reduced risk of complications.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 8, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Adhesive formed from bee spit and flower oil could form basis of new glues

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a novel adhesive inspired by the natural mixture of bee spit and flower oil, which shows unique properties in resisting changes in humidity. The glue works similarly to a layer of cooking oil covering syrup, slowing down drying considerably.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 27, 2019

EPFL researchers simulate the process of adhesive wear

Researchers at EPFL's LSMS digitally simulated how surface roughness changes over time, capturing the entire process from initial geometry to final fractal geometry. Their findings suggest that wear debris is present for surfaces to develop self-affine roughness and could lead to significant reductions in energy consumption and costs.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2019

Dental fillings could last twice as long

A new dental filling material made with thiourethane could significantly extend its lifespan, reducing the need for frequent fillings and related complications. The material has been shown to be two times more resistant to breakage than standard fillings.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 4, 2019

Research details sticky situations at the nanoscale

Researchers detail sticky situations at the nanoscale, finding that miniscule differences in surface roughness can cause significant changes in adhesion. Their theory predicts an increase in interface toughness as roughness increases, with potential applications in micro-electro-mechanical systems and nanoscale patterning.

SourceBrown University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 7, 2019
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.

Cooking chemistry minus heat equals new non-toxic adhesive

A new soy-based adhesive, created using Maillard chemistry, shows promise as a non-toxic alternative for food packaging. The adhesive, made from natural proteins and sugars, is stronger than Gorilla Glue on wood and has the potential to replace toxic petroleum-based adhesives.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 31, 2019

Groundbreaking new reusable adhesive works underwater

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new reusable adhesive that activates quickly and maintains strong adhesion underwater. The shape memory polymers (SMPs) can be manipulated to transition between two states, allowing for reversible dry adhesion and enabling applications such as wet or submerged wall mounting.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateJan 28, 2019

Give it the plasma treatment: strong adhesion without adhesives

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a method to make industrial polymers adhesive without the need for adhesives or corrosive chemical treatments. This breakthrough enables vulcanized rubber and plastic PTFE to adhere strongly to each other, or to glass and copper, using surface chemistry.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 26, 2018
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

A painless adhesive

Researchers have developed an adhesive that can strongly adhere to wet materials like hydrogel and living tissue, and be easily detached with specific frequencies of light. This technology has the potential to enable painless detachment of wound dressings and transdermal drug delivery devices.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 14, 2018

Small flying robots haul heavy loads

Researchers at Stanford University have developed small flying robots called FlyCroTugs that can pull objects up to 40 times their weight using advanced gripping technologies. The robots' ability to anchor themselves to various surfaces using gecko-inspired adhesives and microspines enables them to navigate through snug spaces and inte...

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Robotics·DateOct 24, 2018

Inspired by feet

A research team from Kiel University has developed a method to boost the adhesive effect of silicone materials by combining surface structuring with plasma treatment. They found that surfaces with a mushroom-like microstructure exhibit significantly improved adhesion, even when bent to varying degrees. This breakthrough could enable ne...

SourceKiel University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 31, 2018
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.

Research on spider glue resolves sticky problem

Researchers at University of Akron discover the secret behind spider silk's sticky properties in humid conditions. They found that a combination of glycoproteins and low molecular mass compounds helps sequester interfacial water, preventing adhesive failure.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 5, 2018

Hydrogel helps restore artworks and reveals hidden inscription

Researchers use hydrogels to safely remove pressure-sensitive tapes from paper artworks without solvents, preserving the underlying artwork. The technique reveals hidden inscriptions like Michelangelo's 'di mano di Michelangelo' on a 16th-century drawing.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Paper-folding art inspires better bandages

MIT engineers create kirigami-patterned adhesive films that stick to highly deformable regions of the body, such as knees and elbows, and maintain their hold even after 100 bending cycles. The films' slits open at the center of bending, releasing tension and improving grip.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalSoft Matter·DateMar 27, 2018

UNIST provides new insights into underwater adhesives

Researchers at UNIST created a new type of underwater adhesive that is stronger than natural biological glues used by mussels. The hydrogel-based adhesive exhibits strong adhesion under wet conditions due to reversible interlocking between reconfigurable microhook arrays.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalACS Macro Letters·DateJan 16, 2018

Scaling to new heights with gecko-inspired adhesive

Scientists have developed a dry adhesive with ultra-sticky properties, comparable to that of a gecko's toe pads. The adhesive was made using a nanoimprinting technique and showed remarkable durability in repetitive attachment and detachment tests.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 10, 2018
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.

To improve dipstick diagnostic and environmental tests, just add tape

Researchers have developed a low-cost sensor using adhesive tape to analyze both liquid and solid samples, improving the accuracy of paper-based sensors. The device detects heavy metal ions in water without displacing indicator ink, making it reliable for environmental testing.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 29, 2017

The future of sutures and staples: A sealant inspired by slugs

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a novel surgical adhesive inspired by the elastic defensive slime of the Dusky Arion slug. The new sealant mediates strong interfacial contact, conforms to skin and tissue, and closes holes in heart tissue with high effectiveness.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 22, 2017

Taking a tip from mussels to make materials both strong and flexible

Researchers created a polymer-based material with enhanced strength and elasticity by mimicking a mussel's adhesive qualities. The material, which is 770 times stiffer and 92 times tougher than its untreated precursor, offers potential applications in structural, biomedical, and aerospace materials.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 26, 2017
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.

Highly virulent bacterium causes rampant caries in some children

Researchers identify a novel connection between highly variant types of Streptococcus mutans and rampant caries in high-risk children. High-risk children carry more virulent variants of the bacteria with unique adhesive proteins that improve survival in the mouth.

SourceUmea University·JournalEBioMedicine·DateSep 28, 2017

Molecules move faster near sticky surfaces

Researchers at Université libre de Bruxelles found that molecules move faster as they approach adhesive surfaces due to the nanoconfinement effect. However, this increased movement rate is only temporary, lasting until new molecules fill in the gaps and slow down the molecular movement.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 1, 2017

Mussel-inspired glue could one day make fetal surgery safer

Researchers have developed a mussel-inspired glue that can prevent premature labor and promote healthier futures for babies. The adhesive, infused with dihydroxyphenylalanine from mussel feet, has shown promise in preventing amniotic sac tears during fetal surgery.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 20, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Sticky when wet: Strong adhesive for wound healing

Researchers have created a super-strong adhesive that binds to tissues with strength comparable to cartilage, even when wet. The adhesive uses a double-layered hydrogel design with positively-charged polymers to create a strong bond.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 2017

Slug mucus inspires new type of surgical glue to close wounds

Researchers have developed a new type of adhesive substance that mimics the properties of slug mucus, effectively sealing wounds after surgery. The substance was found to be strong, flexible and non-toxic, with performance comparable to using a hemostat in emergency surgical procedures.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 2017
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

New harmless radiopaque glue to seal bleeding and guide surgery

Researchers developed a nanoparticle-based adhesive that exhibits imaging contrast effect in CT and ultrasound, is biocompatible, and ensures accurate target localization during movement. The new glue has shown less toxicity than FDA-approved options and was successfully tested in animal models for various surgical procedures.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 2017

Despite a great grip, geckos sometimes slip

Researchers found that geckos don't always have enough adhesive ability to save themselves, especially when encountering unexpected falls. The study's results could lead to a better understanding of how geckos stick to surfaces and potentially inspire new technologies.

SourceCornell University·JournalInterface·DateJul 19, 2017

Leaping lizards!

Researchers found that geckos are subjected to impact forces that approach the safety factor of a single foot, leading to the possibility of injury or failed landing attempts. The study provides insight into the evolution of adhesion and may help understand the phenomenal adhesive power exhibited by these lizards.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalInterface·DateJun 27, 2017

Synthetic two-sided gecko's foot could enable underwater robotics

Researchers have developed a double-sided adhesive that can stick and unstick to surfaces in wet conditions, inspired by geckos' ability to attach and release their feet. This material could enable underwater robotics, sensors, and other bionic devices with improved friction and adhesion levels.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

Researchers in Kiel can control adhesive material remotely with light

Scientists developed a bioinspired adhesive material that can be controlled remotely by UV light, transporting micro-objects with high precision. The material consists of mushroom-shaped adhesive microstructures and elastic porous material, allowing for reversible control and detachment.

SourceKiel University·JournalScience Robotics·DateJan 25, 2017

Dry adhesive holds in extreme cold, strengthens in extreme heat

Researchers have developed a dry adhesive that bonds in extreme temperatures, offering properties for space exploration and electronics management. The gecko-inspired adhesive maintains strength in liquid nitrogen and molten silver, and even gets stickier with increasing heat.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 2016
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.