Electroadhesive ‘meat magnet’ drops chops when the power stops

Imagine if a hard metal implant could be bonded to soft biological tissue without using any adhesive, then easily removed when no longer needed. That and other nifty things could soon be possible, thanks to a new understanding of electroadhesion.Contin… Continue reading Electroadhesive ‘meat magnet’ drops chops when the power stops

Mussel-inspired adhesive builds a bond between implants and bones

If you’ve ever tried pulling a mussel off a rock, you’ll know that they’re pretty darn good at holding on. The secret to their success is a natural adhesive, which has now been replicated in a glue that could help keep orthopedic implants attached to b… Continue reading Mussel-inspired adhesive builds a bond between implants and bones

Plant-based glue bonds even better when placed underwater

Getting glue to stick in dry conditions is relatively easy, but having it maintain a bond underwater is much more difficult. That said, a new bio-based glue not only works underwater, it actually gets stronger when immersed.Continue ReadingCategory: Ma… Continue reading Plant-based glue bonds even better when placed underwater

New adhesive can be switched on and off on demand, even underwater

Scientists in Japan have developed an intriguing new glue that can basically be switched on and off on demand. The adhesive sticks together when hit with one wavelength of light, and breaks apart with another, allowing it to be removed and reused easil… Continue reading New adhesive can be switched on and off on demand, even underwater

Degradable adhesive could boost recycling by sticking it to stickiness

The machinery at municipal recycling facilities often gets jammed up with the adhesives which are utilized on items such as jar labels and cardboard boxes. That may cease to be the case in the not-too-distant future, however, thanks to a new degradable… Continue reading Degradable adhesive could boost recycling by sticking it to stickiness

Ancient tech boosts tape’s adhesive strength, but leaves it easy to peel

Ordinarily, adhesive tape either boasts a strong hold or is easy to remove. Drawing inspiration from an ancient paper-cutting technique, however, scientists have now devised a method of combining both qualities in existing types of tape.Continue Readin… Continue reading Ancient tech boosts tape’s adhesive strength, but leaves it easy to peel

Synthetic “cellular glue” bonds tissues for better regenerative medicine

Researchers have created a synthetic “cellular glue” that can help cells bond together to different degrees. The technique could help speed up wound healing, even in tissues that don’t heal well naturally, and eventually allow scientists to build bette… Continue reading Synthetic “cellular glue” bonds tissues for better regenerative medicine

Powerful new adhesive stays strong from freezing to boiling temperatures

Researchers from China have developed a powerful new adhesive that grips strongly in extreme temperatures, from the deep freeze of liquid nitrogen to the sweltering heat of an oven. Better yet, it can be broken back down into its component parts and re… Continue reading Powerful new adhesive stays strong from freezing to boiling temperatures

Mussel glue used in scar-free skin grafting technique

Mussels have long been known for the adhesive they produce, which allows them to cling to rocks. The protein responsible has now been utilized in a new skin grafting technique, which reportedly results in little to no scarring.Continue ReadingCategory:… Continue reading Mussel glue used in scar-free skin grafting technique

Mistletoe glue could one day be used to seal wounds

In order to spread to other host trees, the parasitic mistletoe plant has very sticky seeds that cling to bird feathers, bark, and other materials. According to a recent study, the “glue” on those seeds could inspire new biomedical adhesives.Continue R… Continue reading Mistletoe glue could one day be used to seal wounds