Ultrafast lasers offer 3-D micropatterning of biocompatible hydrogels

Biomedical engineers are using low-energy, ultrafast laser technology to make high-resolution, 3-D structures in silk protein hydrogels. The laser-based micropatterning represents a new approach to customized engineering of tissue and biomedical implants.

Novel eco high performance energy storage device can be simply printed on paper

A simple approach to synthesize novel environmentally friendly manganese dioxide ink by using glucose.

Nanotechnology technique could make hydrogen fuel cells more efficient

Researchers developed a simple method for producing a palladium-based nanomaterial that can spur the breakdown of formic acid into hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Its efficiency far exceeded that of any other reported heterogeneous catalysts, they say.

Nanoparticles could boost effectiveness and reduce side effects of allergy shots

The researchers designed a new type of nanocarrier based on the biocompatible molecule poly(ethylene glycol), or PEG, that releases its cargo only in targeted immune cells. The nanocarrier degrades when it encounters the acidic part of these cells, simultaneously releasing the allergen and getting rid of the packaging.

Color-coding sensor: Nanostructures for contactless control

Chemists have fabricated a novel nanosheet-based photonic crystal that changes color in response to moisture. The new material could form the basis for humidity-sensitive contactless control of interactive screens on digital devices.

Chemists create switchable gold catalyst

A gold catalyst whose behaviour can be controlled by the addition of acid or metal ion cofactors has been designed.

Flexible microfluidic tactile sensor for robotics, electronics and healthcare applications

Researchers have developed a wearable liquid-based microfluidic tactile sensor that is small, thin, highly flexible and durable. Simple and cost-effective to produce, this novel device is very suitable for applications such as soft robotics, wearable consumer electronics, smart medical prosthetic devices, as well as real-time healthcare monitoring.

Nanosensor-based breathalyzer-type low blood sugar warning device for diabetes

A team of researchers has been awarded a $738,000 National Science Foundation grant to develop a breathalyzer-type device to detect the onset of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar episodes, in people with diabetes.

Physicists find new explanation for key experiment

Scientists publish findings on spin caloritronics and are the first to apply measurement methods in the field.

Frustrated magnets point towards new memory

Theoretical physicists have discovered that so-called 'frustrated magnets' can produce skyrmions, tiny magnetic vortices that may be used in memory storage. This discovery opens up a new class of materials for scientists working on 'skyrmionics', which aims to build memory and logic devices based on skyrmions.

Quantum dots light up under strain

Scientists have demonstrated a radically new approach to manipulate the light emission of quantum dots.

Tiny carbon-capturing motors could help clean up carbon dioxide pollution in the oceans

Nanoengineers have designed enzyme-functionalized micromotors that rapidly zoom around in water, remove carbon dioxide and convert it into a usable solid form.

Molecular diagnostics at home: Chemists design rapid, simple, inexpensive tests using DNA

Electrochemical test's sensing principle may be generalized to many different targets, leading to inexpensive devices that could detect dozens of disease markers in less than 5 minutes.