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When liquids get up close and personal with powders

Researchers from ESPCI, France, have spent ten years studying the wetting of soluble polymer substrates by droplets of solvents. They found that spontaneous imbibition is stopped due to a change in material softness as the solvent melts the polymer, slowing down the spreading of the droplet.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMar 3, 2016

UA College of Pharmacy faculty member develops inhalers to treat lung diseases

Dr. Heidi M. Mansour investigates and designs innovative treatments, including new drugs and advanced delivery mechanisms, to treat unmet medical needs in lung diseases such as COPD, asthma, and cystic fibrosis. Her goal is to see these dry powder inhalers end up on pharmacy shelves, helping patients live better lives.

SourceUniversity of Arizona, College of Pharmacy·JournalExpert Opinion on Drug Delivery·DateFeb 22, 2016

A new way to print 3-D metals and alloys

A team of Northwestern University engineers has created a new way to print three-dimensional metallic objects using rust and metal powders, expanding the types of metals, alloys, and architectures that can be additively manufactured. The method uses liquid inks and common furnaces, resulting in a cheaper, faster, and more uniform process.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 11, 2016

Could metal particles be the clean fuel of the future?

A study by McGill University researchers proposes using metal powders as a viable alternative to fossil fuels for generating electricity and powering transportation. The use of metal powders in external-combustion engines could provide a zero-carbon solution with recyclable fuels that store clean primary energy.

SourceMcGill University·JournalApplied Energy·DateDec 9, 2015

LLNL researchers develop high-quality 3-D metal parts using additive manufacturing

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a new and efficient approach to 3D metal parts using selective laser melting. They used simple simulations and experiments to identify optimal parameters for high-density metal parts, which can be used to certify properties of metal parts built using SLM.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalThe International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology·DateJun 16, 2014

The hidden threat posed by inconspicuous stripes

Researchers found that striped patterns formed by particles limit micro-patterned circuit size in electronics, reduce pharmaceutical effectiveness, and affect polymer manufacturing efficiency. The study reveals three distinct patterns of how particles 'stick' to surfaces, including stripe formation and clearing of surfaces.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateOct 22, 2012

Nanodiamonds cut through dirt to bring back 'bling' to low-temperature laundry

Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered that nanodiamonds can help remove crystallized fat from surfaces in eco-friendly low-temperature laundry cycles. This breakthrough could lead to significant energy savings and reduced wear on washing machines, as it allows for higher temperatures to be used more frequently.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 26, 2012

KIT: Processes at the surface of catalysts

Researchers use infrared spectroscopy to study processes at surfaces of oxides used as catalysts, finding oxygen defects act as active centers and increase catalytic activity. The method allows for precise measurements of vibration frequencies, revealing defect densities in real catalyst powders.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 10, 2012

More evidence that spicing up broccoli boosts its cancer-fighting power

A new study from the University of Illinois found that pairing broccoli with spicy foods containing myrosinase significantly enhances its individual cancer-fighting power. This is achieved by ensuring absorption takes place in the upper digestive system, where sulforaphane can be quickly and effectively released.

Chocolate is a 'super fruit'

New research published in Chemistry Central Journal reveals that chocolate contains more antioxidants and polyphenols than fruit juice. Dark chocolate and cocoa have been found to have a higher antioxidant capacity and greater total flavanol content, making them a healthier alternative.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalChemistry Central Journal·DateFeb 6, 2011

Levels of coumarin in cassia cinnamon vary greatly even in bark from the same tree

A recent study reveals significant variation in coumarin levels among Cassia cinnamon samples, with powder containing up to 63 times more coumarin than Ceylon cinnamon. Researchers highlight the need for further research to identify factors influencing coumarin levels and potentially allow for lower-coumarin harvesting.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 3, 2010

Growers can boost benefits of broccoli and tomatoes

A University of Illinois study demonstrates that agronomic practices can significantly increase the cancer-fighting compounds in broccoli and tomatoes. Selenium-treated broccoli was found to have six times higher levels of one compound and exhibited increased bioactivity, particularly in the liver.

Study shows flavanol antioxidant content of US chocolate and cocoa-containing products

A recent study by The Hershey Company confirms that flavanol antioxidant content in US chocolate and cocoa products is highly associated with the amount of non-fat cocoa solids. Cocoa powders, unsweetened baking chocolate, dark chocolate, and semi-sweet chips were found to have the highest levels of flavanol antioxidants.

SourceThe Hershey Company·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 24, 2009

The wonders of wine

A German company developed a method to turn red wine by-products into a powder preserving natural nutrients like protein, B vitamins and polyphenols. The powder has been successfully tested in various products, including yoghurt drinks, ice-cream and skin creams.

SourceEUREKA·DateSep 17, 2009