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Blister fluid could help diagnose burn severity

Researchers analyzed 56 samples of blister fluid from burns of different depths and healing times to develop a new classification system. They found that specific protein patterns in blister fluid could predict burn depth and time to re-epithelialization, leading to more accurate diagnoses and potential reductions in scarring.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateJan 17, 2019

A model for describing the hydrodynamics of crowds

Researchers developed a physical model describing crowd movement and behavior, predicting speed information spreads through the group like waves. The generic description can accurately predict crowd flows in various settings, with little variation between groups.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateJan 3, 2019

A catalytic flying carpet

Researchers at Pitt develop a two-dimensional, shape-changing sheet that wraps, flaps and creeps in a reactant-filled fluid. The team introduces a coating of catalysts on the flexible sheet, initiating motion and reconfiguration through catalytic chemical reactions.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 2, 2019

University of Birmingham develops sight-saving treatment for eye infection or trauma

The University of Birmingham has developed an innovative eye drop treatment that rapidly reduces sight-threatening scarring to the surface of the eye. This novel treatment, which consists of a fluid gel loaded with a natural wound-healing protein called Decorin, shows promise in promoting scarless healing and improving corneal transpar...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalRegenerative Medicine·DateDec 21, 2018

Babies born with broken hearts

Fetal single ventricle defects can be identified with echocardiograms, but irregular filling mechanics may contribute to defects in developing fetal hearts. Researchers are exploring how flow patterns affect outcome and could use fluid dynamics to advance the mechanistic understanding of heart failure in children.

New drug discovery could halt spread of brain cancer

Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a drug that can block the spread of glioblastoma, the deadliest form of brain cancer, by halting the rapid movement of fluid within the body. The breakthrough finding could lead to improved treatment options for patients with glioblastoma.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 19, 2018

Swarmlike collective behavior in bicycling

A team of researchers analyzed aerial video footage of bicycle races to determine the causes of changes in peloton collective behavior. They found two types of propagating waves within pelotons, driven by rider vision and sensory input, which challenge previous assumptions about aerodynamics' role in group dynamics.

Helping Marvel superheroes to breathe

Researchers found that Ant-Man and the Wasp's bug-sized state would lead to serious oxygen deprivation issues due to reduced atmospheric density. Microfluidic technologies could help alleviate these issues by providing controlled flow rates and directions of air, similar to insect respiratory systems.

Seeing cell membranes in a new light

Researchers have long believed cell membranes act like a viscous liquid, but a new study suggests they are closer to a semi-solid like Jell-O. The discovery was made by Harvard University scientists who used fluorescent protein and mechanical actuators to measure membrane tension.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell·DateNov 1, 2018

Can 'microswimmers' swim through jelly?

Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University studied how microswimmers navigate gels with contrasting results based on swimmer features and size relative to the gel's mesh. They discovered two mechanisms for achieving motion, one through breaking time-reversal symmetry and the other by modulating arm amplitudes

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalEPL (Europhysics Letters)·DateAug 27, 2018

Researchers turn powerful, viscous disinfectants into breathable mist for the first time

A team of engineers and physicians at the University of California - San Diego developed a device that diffuses potent disinfectants for airborne delivery. The device effectively eliminated bacteria commonly causing hospital-acquired infections and also killed highly multi-drug resistant strains of bacteria including K. pneumoniae.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalApplied Microbiology and Biotechnology·DateAug 1, 2018

Soundwave-surfing droplets leave no traces

Researchers create a digital microfluidics platform using soundwaves and oil to avoid contamination for reusable lab-on-a-chip devices. The technology enables programmable, rewritable biomedical chips with exponentially increased combinations of reagent inputs.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 2018