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Two-step method to prevent biofilm regrowth is a SLAM dunk

A new study presents a two-step method to effectively dismantle bacterial biofilms and prevent regrowth. By using self-locomotive antibacterial microbubblers (SLAM) followed by a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and peroxyacetic acid, researchers were able to prevent the regrowth of biofilms on surfaces, including medical instruments.

Innovative smart window technology balances heat and visibility control

A new smart window technology combines liquid crystals with nanoporous microparticles and a patterned vanadium dioxide layer to simultaneously control visible light and infrared radiation. The device offers fast, efficient heat and visibility management, marking a significant step forward in energy-efficient building design.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateJan 9, 2025

NTU Singapore scientists apply ancient construction methods to help fabricate modern microparticles

Researchers use tongue and groove technique inspired by ancient East Asian wooden structures to create advanced ceramic microparticles with unprecedented complexity and precision. These particles can be used in various applications across microelectronics, aerospace, energy, and medical engineering.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2024

Immunotherapy for gum disease? Study in mice shows promise

A new study published in PNAS suggests that delivering microparticles containing CCL2 directly to the gums can inhibit bone loss and speed up bone repair in a mouse model of periodontal disease. The therapy modulates the immune response, shifting macrophages from inflammatory M1 type to anti-inflammatory M2 type.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2024

Bee antidote to deadly pesticides shows promise

A study published in Nature Sustainability has found an antidote to neonicotinoids, a class of pesticides killing bees. The treatment involves tiny ingestible microparticles that physically bind to the pesticide, leading to 30% higher survival rates and reduced symptoms in bumblebees.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateSep 11, 2024

Dissolvable microneedle patch enables local delivery of immunomodulatory microparticles containing bifunctional molecules for periodontal tissue regeneration

Researchers developed a dissolvable microneedle patch to deliver immunomodulatory microparticles containing bifunctional molecules, such as azithromycin, to treat periodontitis. The patch demonstrated therapeutic outcomes by suppressing bacterial growth and modulating immune responses in both in vitro and in vivo studies.

Small but mighty: Microparticles from the placenta may offer major clues on the in utero development of neurobehavioral disorders

Researchers discovered how biological information travels between mothers and babies during pregnancy. Microscopic extracellular vesicles, produced by placental cells, act as a protective mechanism transporting important biological information to emerging neurons.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalBiology of Reproduction·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2023

Rivers contain hidden sinks and sources of microplastics

Researchers found an average of 41 microplastic particles per square meter per day settled from the atmosphere, while sediment samples contained denser particles with higher population densities. The study suggests clothing is likely the prominent source of microplastics to the Ganges River system.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 25, 2023

Lehigh University researchers make sand that flows uphill

Lehigh University researchers have discovered that applying magnetic forces to individual 'microroller' particles can spur collective motion, allowing the grains to flow uphill, up walls, and climb stairs. This counterintuitive phenomenon has potential applications in mixing, segregating materials, and microrobotics.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 20, 2023

New and improved bioink to enhance 3D bioprinted skeletal muscle constructs

Scientists at the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation have developed a new bioink that enhances the formation of mature skeletal muscle tissue from muscle precursor cells, increasing efficiency and potential therapies for muscle loss or injury. The bioink's sustained delivery of IGF-1 promotes muscle regeneration and repair.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalMacromolecular Bioscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2023

HKU Engineering team uses diamond microparticles to create high security anti-counterfeit labels

A team of researchers developed a pioneering technological solution using diamond-based anti-counterfeiting labels with unique Physically Unclonable Functions. The labels can be scanned using a phone, making them highly suitable for commercial products, and are extremely tough and cheap to produce.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

Poop and prey help researchers estimate that gray whales off Oregon Coast consume millions of microparticles per day

Researchers estimate that gray whales off the Oregon Coast consume millions of microparticles per day, primarily from zooplankton and fish. The study suggests that these high loads of microfibers may be affecting the health and behavior of the whales, with potential consequences for their populations.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 26, 2023

Cutting boards can produce microparticles when chopping veggies, study shows

A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that cutting boards made of plastic and wood can release tens of millions of microparticles when chopped, which may have negative health impacts if ingested. The researchers estimated that polyethylene microplastics could produce 14 to 71 million particles per year.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 1, 2023

Closed loop for circular economy: new polymer recycling strategy ensures both high stability and complete recyclability

Researchers at Shinshu University have developed a closed-loop recycling process for polymers using microparticles, resulting in fully recyclable films with high mechanical stability and fracture energy. The strategy enables the reuse of polymer materials, reducing plastic waste and environmental pollution.

SourceShinshu University·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023

Breathing is going to get tougher

A new study finds that rising temperatures will increase harmful plant emissions and dust, leading to a 14% boost in air pollution. The degradation in future air quality from natural sources is predicted to be significant, with two-thirds of the pollution coming from plants.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateFeb 28, 2023

Desert dust collected from glacier ice helps document climate change

A new study documents past changes in Earth's climate system by analyzing dust composition in samples collected from different areas and depths of the same glacier. The findings suggest that a complete dust record could offer more secrets than scientists realize, hinting at potential long-term perspectives on the Central Asian dust cycle.

SourceOhio State University·JournalGeosciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 14, 2022

Microparticles with feeling

A new method called sensPIV has been developed to measure both flow and oxygen concentrations simultaneously at the smallest scales. This breakthrough allows researchers to study how corals generate flows, increasing oxygen transport, and has potential applications in life sciences, microfluidics, and medicine.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

Antioxidant derived from unripe acerola can replace synthetic additive banned in several countries

Researchers at the University of São Paulo developed a natural antioxidant from unripe acerola, replacing banned synthetic additive TBHQ. The antioxidant microparticles were found to be effective in a range of applications, including food products and cosmetics, without affecting color, flavor or odor.

Deep learning algorithms assist in identifying microplastics in human body

A study has developed a method using dark-field microscopy and deep learning algorithms to identify microplastics in human cells, achieving an accuracy of 93% for 1-micron polystyrene particles. The technique has the potential to screen microplastics in various samples, reducing time-consuming data acquisition and processing steps.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

Concentration of microparticles in lakes reflect nearby human activity and land use

A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that microparticle concentrations in lakes are higher than previously reported and can be predicted by surrounding land use. The researchers found that areas with more human activity and lower forest cover had higher microparticle concentrations, while lakes with more active microorganisms had...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 14, 2021