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3-D printing technique explored to help treat type 1 diabetes

Researchers developed a 3D printing technique to create scaffolds for insulin-producing cells, which showed full functionality and improved transplantation success rates. The bioplotting method enabled the creation of porous structures that facilitated glucose and insulin exchange, while protecting the cells from the immune system.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiofabrication·DateMay 27, 2015

A noble gas cage

A new porous material called CC3 effectively traps radioactive krypton and xenon gases from nuclear fuel, using less energy than conventional methods. The material's selectivity is higher than other experimental materials, making it a promising solution for removing unwanted elements.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 20, 2014

Sunlight generates hydrogen in new porous silicon

Researchers at Penn State have developed a method to manufacture porous silicon using solar energy, which can generate hydrogen from water when exposed to sunlight. The material's high surface area and nanoscale size enable it to act as an effective catalyst, aiding in the production of hydrogen gas.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 10, 2014

Uncovering liquid foam's bubbly acoustics

Researchers discovered liquid foams have low effective sound velocities, ranging from 20 to 60 meters per second, lower than its constituents. The type of foaming solution influences acoustic properties, with shaving foam showing a higher effective sound velocity.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateOct 17, 2013

'Chemical architects' build materials with potential applications in drug delivery and gas storage

University of Pittsburgh researchers design a family of ultra-porous materials with potential applications in drug delivery, gas storage, and industrial separations. The materials' high porosity could enable more efficient pharmaceutical delivery into the human body and lower-cost industrial separations.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 17, 2013

Cry me a river of possibility: Scientists design new adaptive material inspired by tears

Researchers at Harvard University developed a tunable material system that can adapt to different environments, functions like self-adjusting contact lenses, pipelines, and textile materials. The bioinspired material is a continuous liquid film that changes shape in response to deformation, offering fine control over various properties.

Gap geometry grasped

A new algorithm analyzes void space in sphere packing to study the geometry of liquids and their flow through porous media. The method can also be applied to protein structure analysis, revealing key quantities such as buried cavity sizes and solvent accessibility.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateFeb 1, 2013

Disappearing act

Researchers from Northwestern University and others demonstrate 'transient electronics' that dissolve in a well-controlled manner. These biocompatible devices could be used for medical implants, environmental monitors, or military applications, offering advantages over conventional electronics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 2012

Researchers create 'rubber-band electronics'

Scientists have developed a design that allows electronics to bend and stretch up to 200%, overcoming the major obstacle of rigid electronics. This breakthrough enables medical monitoring devices to track vital signs and transmit them wirelessly, opening up new possibilities for patient care.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 2, 2012

Faster, cheaper gas and liquid separation using custom designed and built mesoscopic structures

Researchers at Kyoto University's iCeMS have developed a process to create custom-designed porous coordination polymer architectures for high-efficiency, low-cost gas and liquid separation. The new method, called 'reverse fossilization,' transforms inorganic materials into organic structures with preserved shape and form.

Effortless sailing with fluid flow cloak

Researchers at Duke University have demonstrated a theoretical ability to significantly increase the efficiency of ships by creating a 'fluid flow cloak' that tricks the surrounding water into staying still. The cloak uses porous materials and tiny pumps to push flowing water along, greatly reducing the energy needed to propel vessels.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 11, 2011

Coming soon: Improved lithium ion batteries?

A team of scientists has developed a new material for anodes that can store more lithium ions than graphite, leading to improved battery performance. The highly porous silicon structure allows for rapid charging and discharging, enabling devices like mobile phones and laptops to run for longer periods.

SourceWiley·DateNov 20, 2008

Metal foam has a good memory

Researchers have developed a new class of magnetic shape-memory foams with improved strain capabilities. The porous alloy's structure amplifies the shape-change effect, making it suitable for tiny motion control devices or biomedical pumps without moving parts.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 20, 2007

Electronic life extension

A new electrode material has been developed that improves battery power and charge retention. The material, which combines nickel, cobalt, and manganese ions at regular intervals, allows for high rates of discharge and energy storage.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 30, 2006

Crystal sponges excel at sopping up CO2

Researchers have invented a new class of materials called metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that can store vast amounts of carbon dioxide. One MOF, dubbed MOF-177, sops up 140% of its weight in CO2 at room temperature and reasonable pressure.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 1, 2005

Smallest silicon particles light way for new sensors, materials

Purdue University researchers have developed a method to stabilize the surface of porous silicon, enabling its use in creating new types of drug-delivery systems and biological sensors. By functionalizing the surface with specific chemicals, scientists can tailor the material's response to specific chemical environments or cues.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 25, 2001

Research models high-efficiency materials in air filters

Researchers found that new high-efficiency filter materials can lead to uneven contaminant distribution and reduced efficiency when used in devices with high airflow rates. Manufacturers of vacuum cleaners and other air-filtering devices can improve performance by running products at lower speeds or increasing filter size.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Fluids Engineering·DateJul 26, 1999

Porous Silicon Joining Humans To Machines

Researchers at De Montfort University discovered a porous version of silicon with potential for biocompatibility, allowing for the transmission of signals between mechanical devices and human tissue. This breakthrough could lead to innovative applications in sensing and prosthetics.

SourceInstitute of Materials·JournalMaterials World·DateApr 1, 1999

Some, Like Russian Dolls, Fit Inside Each Other: Self-Assembled Nanospheres May Be Helpful Against Disease Or Terrorism, Or As Fillers And Coatings

Researchers have created self-assembling nanospheres that can control the release of drugs and have superior characteristics to traditional fillers. These durable silica spheres range in size from 2-50 nanometers and can absorb organic and inorganic substances, making them useful for various applications.

Porous "Nanobubblepack" Materials Discovered

Researchers have developed a new class of porous materials, called nanobubblepack, with ordered crystal-like arrangements of ultra-small spherical spaces. They can produce these materials in a range of pore sizes and fill them with various substances.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 1999