Articles tagged with Gels
A team at North Carolina State University has created water-gel-based solar devices that produce electricity, mimicking nature's solar cells. The devices use light-sensitive molecules and electrodes to generate power, potentially replacing silicon-based solar cells with a more environmentally friendly option.
A quick-dissolving vaginal film containing a powerful anti-HIV drug is being developed by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh. The film could provide an alternative dosage form that releases the drug faster and more efficiently than existing gel formulations, potentially leading to better protection from HIV infection.
A Texas A&M chemical engineer has discovered a way to achieve more effective separation of DNA fragments using a hydrogel substance. The findings provide a rational approach to designing gels that can harness specific effects, leading to enhanced analysis in various fields.
A study of microbicide gel shows reduced risk of HIV and herpes infections in women, with a 39% effective reduction in HIV risk and 51% effective prevention against genital herpes. The gel contains 1% tenofovir and has the potential to prevent over half a million new HIV infections in South Africa alone.
A recent study found that using a vaginal microbicide with an antiretroviral drug called tenofovir significantly reduced HIV infections among women. The study involved 889 women from South Africa and found that those who used the gel before and after sex had 39% fewer HIV infections compared to those who used a placebo gel.
The article discusses gel electrophoresis of RNA, a widely used technique for detection, quantification, and purification. It also highlights the use of avian imaging in live imaging of fluorescently labeled cells within a living embryo, providing insight into vertebrate development.
A sticky gel made from a polycarbonate of dihydroxyacetone may help prevent seroma formation after surgery. The gel, developed from the same compound found in spray tanning lotion, is biodegradable and water-soluble, reducing the risk of infection.
A research team from NIST and NIH developed a technique to rapidly optimize 3D cell growth media to meet the developmental needs of specific cell types. They found that cells prefer softer environments for development, but those in stiffer gels are more active in building bone tissue.
Researchers will test a combination of two hormonal gels on men's skin to suppress sperm production and prevent pregnancy. The study aims to develop a male contraceptive that would give men greater control over their reproductive choices.
LA BioMed is participating in the international IPM020 study of a dapivirine-containing microbicide gel to evaluate its safety and absorption. The study aims to reduce HIV transmission among women, with the goal of reducing the cycle of infection that has led to millions of deaths worldwide.
A study by Loveland et al. found that people prefer nostalgic products in situations where they feel a heightened need to belong. In experiments, participants who felt excluded chose more nostalgic products than contemporary ones.
A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers don't always react positively to persuasive tactics in ads. The authors discovered that when descriptions are ambiguous, consumers interpret them in one of two ways: either as technical details or puffery.
A new study by Brown University and Caltech scientists reveals how cells interact with their environment, including the force exerted on tissues as they move. The research provides the most complete assessment to date of cell movement in three dimensions.
Research shows that biotech soybean oil enriched with SDA produces more EPA than traditional ALA, reducing heart disease risk. The oil's high efficiency and absence of contaminants make it a promising source of omega-3 fatty acids for humans.
The VOICE study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of two ARV regimens: daily vaginal gel and daily oral tablets, to reduce HIV risk in women. The trial will enroll up to 5,000 participants across four countries and assess their willingness to use the methods.
A large-scale clinical trial, VOICE, is testing the safety and efficacy of an antiretroviral microbicide gel and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) regimen to prevent HIV infection in women in four African countries. The study aims to determine which intervention is more effective and acceptable to participants.
A new study published in PLOS Pathogens shows that Leishmania parasites use a gel to persuade immune cells called macrophages to feed them instead of killing them. This trick enables the parasites to establish an infection and infect the skin, highlighting a crucial step in leishmaniasis transmission.
Researchers at the University of Utah created a vaginal gel that turns semisolid in response to semen, trapping AIDS virus particles. The gel, designed to protect women from HIV infection, works by forming a microscopic mesh that blocks the virus from infecting vaginal cells.
Researchers have developed a novel silver nanoparticle skin gel that effectively kills harmful bacteria, including drug-resistant microbes, while promoting wound healing without causing harm to healthy skin. The gel contains 30 times less silver than traditional antimicrobial agents, making it a safer option for burn patients.
Recent research published in the Academy of General Dentistry's clinical journal revealed that aloe vera tooth gel is as effective as commercial toothpaste in controlling cavity-causing organisms. The study found that aloe vera tooth gel was more effective than some commercially popular brands, making it a great alternative for people ...
A systematic review by Cochrane Researchers found that rubefacients, commonly used for muscle pain, are ineffective for chronic and acute pain due to skin irritation. The study analyzed data from 16 trials involving over 1,200 people, concluding that larger, higher-quality trials are needed to establish their effectiveness.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new method to detect nitric oxide in exhaled breath, a potential indicator of diseases such as lung cancer and tuberculosis. The technique uses molecular gels that congeal when exposed to nitric oxide and oxygen, allowing for simpler and less subjective detection methods.
A recent clinical trial found that the investigational vaginal gel PRO 2000 showed encouraging signs of success, with a 30% effectiveness rate in preventing HIV infection. The Phase II/IIb trial enrolled over 3,000 women and tested two candidate microbicides, one of which boosted the natural acidity of the vagina to inactivate pathogens.
A team of engineers and food scientists is working on a five-year project to create gelled rocket fuels that can improve the safety, performance, and range of rockets. The gels are designed to have a consistency similar to orange marmalade and can be throttled up and down for more precise control.
A randomised, placebo-controlled trial found that Carraguard, a carrageenan-based compound, did not prevent HIV infection in women. Despite high rates of gel use and condom application, the study showed no significant difference in time to seroconversion between the treatment and control groups.
Researchers at Singapore's Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology have invented a thixotropic nanocomposite gel that can liquefy on demand, facilitating safe and convenient 3D cell culture. The novel material supports the extracellular matrix secretions of cells and enables controlled differentiation of stem cells.
A study found that a rectal tenofovir gel can prevent the transmission of an AIDS-like virus in macaques. The gel was applied before exposure and protected most animals from infection. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in humans.
A new study finds that a topical application of 4% lidocaine gel significantly reduces breast discomfort during mammography. Women who received the gel reported less pain and were more likely to undergo regular screening, with 88% indicating they would definitely get a mammogram the following year.
Researchers are comparing the effectiveness of tenofovir as an oral tablet and vaginal gel for HIV prevention. The study aims to understand how each formulation works in infection-prone cells, with a focus on optimal doses and women's adherence.
A new multicenter study is being conducted to assess the safety of testosterone gel (LibiGel) for postmenopausal women with low sexual desire. The study aims to enroll 2,400 to 3,100 women aged 50-80 with hypoactive sexual desire disorder and follow them for at least a year.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a nano-engineered gel that inhibits scar tissue formation and enables spinal cord fiber regeneration. This breakthrough allows mice with spinal cord injuries to walk again after six weeks, paving the way for potential human trials.
Scientists at NIST have created a synthetic cartilage replacement that can withstand hundreds of pounds of pressure and is pliable like gelatin. The double-network hydrogels' unique structure helps dissipate deformation energy, allowing them to endure large deformations without breaking apart.
A Phase II study found that the tenofovir gel was favorably self-applied and well-tolerated by HIV-negative women, with 80% following instructions to use the gel after sex. The researchers plan to proceed with larger studies to determine if the gel can prevent HIV infection.
A Phase II study has shown that tenofovir gel is safe for daily use and most women adhere to the regimen, suggesting a potential new approach to preventing HIV transmission. The findings are significant for women who are at high risk of infection due to heterosexual intercourse.
A new approach extracts optically basic properties of liquid/gel interfaces in strong flows using video analysis, enabling measurements on biological and industrial systems. The researchers discovered that small amounts of 'mechanical noise' produce significant motion at the fluid/gel interface.
The team developed a structured gel with tunable optical properties that can rapidly change color in fractions of a second. The gel's color shift is limited to one dimension due to its one-dimensional periodic stack structure, resulting in a dramatic improvement over earlier color-changing gels.
Researchers found that vaginal progesterone gel reduced the need for intensive care and decreased hospital stays for premature infants. The treatment may also help prevent early preterm birth among women with a short cervix, according to the study's results.
A new review of 14 placebo-controlled studies on zinc lozenges and colds found significant flaws in experimental design, casting doubt on the effectiveness of zinc as a treatment. The authors concluded that zinc lozenges have no therapeutic effect on symptom severity or duration of a cold.
Scientists have discovered a new technique to clean contaminated water using porous semiconducting aerogels, which can also remove impurities from hydrogen gas. The unique structure of the gels allows researchers to 'tune' their pore sizes to separate poisons from the hydrogen stream.
Scientists at Hebrew University of Jerusalem Racah Institute of Physics have developed a way to program polymer sheets to bend and wrinkle into prescribed structures. By varying the local polymer density, the gel shrinks at specific temperatures, causing it to buckle and change shape.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a new biomaterial that can be injected into wounds to deliver targeted payloads of cells and antibiotics, enabling repair and regeneration of damaged tissue. The hydrogels also display antimicrobial properties, making them suitable for treating infections.
A new vaginal microbicide, VivaGel, is being tested in a clinical safety trial among sexually active young women to determine its safety and acceptability. The study aims to assess the product's effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission and gather information on user experience.
A preliminary study suggests that autologous platelet gel can enhance wound closure in acute full-thickness dermal wounds, with statistically increased closure rates compared to controls. The gel is rich in platelets important for blood clotting and appears to promote healing by increasing new tissue appearance.
A study found that giving healthcare workers gel-based handrubs improved hand hygiene and skin condition. Compliance increased significantly when the handrub was made immediately available, jumping from 32% to 41%.
A team of researchers from NIST and Northwestern University used advanced techniques to classify water in cement, distinguishing between physically bound and adsorbed water. This discovery has significant implications for predicting concrete properties and improving its durability.
Researchers discovered that people with ambivalent opinions are more susceptible to persuasion from untrustworthy sources. In contrast, individuals with strong views tend to evaluate the credibility of messages before making a decision. The study's findings highlight the influence of others on consumer attitudes.
Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a new vaginal gel that turns into a gel-like coating when inserted, releasing an antiviral drug when exposed to semen. The 'molecular condom' has potential as a daily or monthly prevention method for AIDS, with hopes of being up to 90% effective.
Researchers developed a rapid 3D cell-growth technique that produces organized heart muscle tissue capable of generating pulsating forces and reacting to stimulation. The technique uses fibrin gel to support rat cardiac cells, resulting in tissue with significantly better properties than previous methods.
A new vaginal gel designed to prevent herpes and HIV infection is being tested in a US study. The gel, called VivaGel, has shown nearly 100% effectiveness in animal trials with few side effects. The study aims to give women more control over their sexual health and reduce the spread of these infections.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a general model to study large-scale shape changes in responsive gels. Their gel lattice spring model captures two-dimensional deformations and chemical reactions within swollen networks of polymers, revealing dynamic patterns and oscillations in the gel's shape.
Researchers at MIT and Hong Kong University have developed a biodegradable liquid that can stop bleeding in wounded rodents within seconds by forming a protective barrier gel. This breakthrough could significantly impact medicine, particularly in emergency surgery situations.
The MIT-developed molecular sieve can precisely control pore size, allowing for faster and more accurate separation of proteins from biological fluids. This technology has the potential to aid in disease detection and treatment by enabling scientists to study biomarker proteins with greater efficiency.
New nanomaterials created using naturally occurring enzymes can be broken down into biologically compatible building blocks, enabling applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery. The materials have potential uses in delivering pharmaceuticals and preserving food and cosmetics.
Researchers have created a growth-factor-rich gel that regenerates the knee ligament, with a 40% increase in strength. The treatment uses platelet-rich blood plasma and collagen hydrogel to bridge the gap between torn ligament ends.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have created a new bio-gel for 3D cell culture that mimics natural cell scaffolds. The gel, made from dipeptides, has potential applications in wound healing and regenerative medicine.
Researchers at NIST and UPenn found that jammed networks formed by carbon nanotubes or nanofibers can create a continuous, heat-shield layer on top of polymer matrices, suppressing vigorous bubbling and improving flammability resistance. Optimal gel concentrations for single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes were 0.5% and 1%, respecti...
Researchers found that combination of three microbicide gels provided protection against HIV-like virus in 20 out of 20 monkeys, with all three monkeys remaining virus-free. The study's findings are encouraging for the development of a microbicide for use in women.
The new cohesive gel implants have been shown to provide a more natural and proportionate breast shape, with a low risk of rippling. The study found that only 3.4% of patients experienced complications, including hematoma, capsular contracture, and asymmetry.
A randomized trial found that hand sanitizer reduced the incidence of secondary GI illnesses by 59% in families with day care children. Families who used hand sanitizer also showed a lower risk of transmitting respiratory illnesses, although this effect was not statistically significant.
A cross-sectional study of 2,162 men found that 38.7% had low testosterone levels and 23% had a history of diabetes. Men with diabetes and low T were 2.09 times more likely to have hypogonadism, a condition characterized by low testosterone production.