Plant-and-wood-based material is strong, yet dissolves when discarded

While reusing cutlery is always better than discarding it, most people aren’t going to be packing a knife and fork whenever they grab some fast food. With that fact in mind, scientists have designed a recyclable plant-and-wood-based material that disso… Continue reading Plant-and-wood-based material is strong, yet dissolves when discarded

Next-gen “dry” electrodes used to control a robot via brain waves

Although it is possible to control devices using brain waves, doing so usually involves having electrodes and conductive gel applied to one’s head. Now, however, scientists have developed a new-and-improved type of “dry” electrode – and it’s been used … Continue reading Next-gen “dry” electrodes used to control a robot via brain waves

Origami-inspired technique used to created folded glass objects

Most three-dimensional glass objects are produced via either a molding, blowing or perhaps even 3D-printing process. Chinese scientists, however, have devised a technique of folding such items into shape – and it has some key advantages over other meth… Continue reading Origami-inspired technique used to created folded glass objects

MOF-Jet tech painlessly shoots powdered medication through the skin

Wouldn’t it be nice if medication could be injected without using a painful needle, and if that medication could be stored at room temperature? Well, it turns out that MOF-Jet technology may make both things possible.Continue ReadingCategory: Medical, … Continue reading MOF-Jet tech painlessly shoots powdered medication through the skin

Drug that activates bitter taste receptors offers new treatment for asthma

Humans have bitter taste receptors not only in their mouths but in their lungs, too. Researchers have exploited these receptors’ innate ability to dilate the airways to create a potent new drug that may change how we treat diseases like asthma and COPD… Continue reading Drug that activates bitter taste receptors offers new treatment for asthma

Non-soggy biodegradable drinking straws made from wood waste

Although disposable plastic straws are being phased out in some countries, their “greener” replacements have a few shortcomings of their own. Well, scientists have now developed bioplastic straws that don’t get soggy, but do biodegrade when discarded.C… Continue reading Non-soggy biodegradable drinking straws made from wood waste

Simple and effective mercury sensor taps into the power of tapping

Mercury can definitely be harmful in large amounts, and detecting its presence in foods or liquids typically requires lab-based tests. A new nanosensor, however, can quickly detect even tiny concentrations of the heavy metal onsite, simply by tapping o… Continue reading Simple and effective mercury sensor taps into the power of tapping

Asphalt additive could continuously keep roads ice-free

Ice on roads isn’t a good thing, but neither are the eco-unfriendly chloride-based salts used to melt it. Scientists have developed a greener and more effective alternative, however, that could be mixed right into the asphalt and remain active for year… Continue reading Asphalt additive could continuously keep roads ice-free

Sunlight-activated “loofah hydrogel” excels at purifying water

Although we’ve seen a number of systems that use sunlight to purify tainted water, their output is often quite limited. A new loofah-inspired hydrogel, however, uses sunlight to treat much more water in one go … enough to meet a person’s daily needs.Co… Continue reading Sunlight-activated “loofah hydrogel” excels at purifying water

Silkworm inspires quicker, simpler method of nanofiber production

Nanofibers have recently been utilized in many applications, ranging from wound dressings to air filters to high-strength composite materials. Scientists have now developed a faster and simpler method of producing those fibers, which was inspired by th… Continue reading Silkworm inspires quicker, simpler method of nanofiber production