Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Fiber sensors may leave the jacket on

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have successfully mapped liquids outside coated optical fibers, enabling sensing applications beyond the lab. The use of a polyimide coating overcomes the protective barrier previously hindering sensor performance.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 28, 2019

New air-filled fiber bundle could make endoscopes smaller

Researchers have created a new air-filled optical fiber bundle that can improve endoscopes used in medical procedures like minimally invasive surgeries. The technology allows for higher resolution images at double the wavelength range, enabling diagnostic procedures not possible with current endoscope technology.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateOct 24, 2018

Spider silk key to new bone-fixing composite

Researchers at the University of Connecticut have created a biodegradable composite made from spider silk fibers, which can be used to repair broken load-bearing bones without complications. The new composite shows high strength and flexibility characteristics, making it suitable for treating large leg bones in adults and seniors.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials·DateApr 19, 2018

When proteins shake hands

Researchers from Jena University successfully created protein nanofibres with defined properties by combining two different proteins through a self-assembly process. The hybrid fibres can be used as components in biosensors, drug delivery particles, optical probes, or bone cements.

Nanotube fibers in a jiffy

Researchers have created a method to rapidly align and twist carbon nanotubes on a slide, producing short, high-strength fibers. The technique reduces production time from hours to minutes, enabling quicker testing and analysis of the fibers' properties.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 11, 2018

Building better silk

Researchers at MIT have developed a method to create reconstituted silk that is more than twice as stiff as its natural counterpart. The material has potential applications in medical sutures, scaffolding for new skin or other biomaterials, and sensing devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 9, 2017

Video of blood clot contraction reveals how platelets naturally form unobtrusive clots

A Penn study reveals the physical mechanism of how platelets contract and shrink blood clots, which can inform new ways to diagnose and treat conditions like ischemic stroke and deep vein thrombosis. The research found that contracting platelets cause clots to shrink by bending and shortening individual fibrin fibers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 2017

Nanotube fiber antennas as capable as copper

Researchers at Rice University developed nanotube fiber antennas that match the performance of traditional copper antennas but weigh significantly less. The flexible fibers offer practical advantages for aerospace and wearable electronics applications, where weight and flexibility are crucial factors.

SourceRice University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 23, 2017

Stiff fibers spun from slime

Scientists discover that velvet worm slime consists of a mix of proteins and fatty acids, forming nanoglobules that harden into stiff filaments when exposed to shear forces. These fibers have tensile stiffness similar to Nylon and can be dissolved in water again within hours.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2017

Researchers raise health concerns about off-road vehicles and inhalation of asbestos

Researchers warn that off-road vehicles can produce airborne asbestos and erionite, posing a risk to children and others. The study highlights the need for precautions, such as wearing safety masks and goggles, when using ORVs in areas with naturally occurring asbestos deposits.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalInternational Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·DateAug 30, 2017

A plastic planet

A new study led by Roland Geyer estimates that over 8 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced since the 1950s, with most becoming waste after four years. The research provides a global analysis of plastic production and fate, highlighting the need for sustainable materials management.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 20, 2017

Mussels add muscle to biocompatible fibers

Researchers at Rice University have created hydrogel strings using a compound found in mussels, allowing for controlled growth of cells on surfaces. The aligned fibers promote ordered cell growth, making it possible to direct cell growth from one location to another.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 9, 2017