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

Mussel-based glue helps stem cells stick to their job site

The utility of the humble mussel in the world of medicine has expanded once again. This time, researchers figured out how to use a mussel-based glue to hold stem cells in place long enough to repair cartilage inside a rabbit’s body.Continue ReadingCate… Continue reading Mussel-based glue helps stem cells stick to their job site

Exploring Woodworking Mysteries with Strain Gauges and Raspberry Pi

If you’re not a woodworker, you might not have heard of the “45-degree rule.” It goes like this: a clamp exerts a force that radiates out across a triangular region …read more Continue reading Exploring Woodworking Mysteries with Strain Gauges and Raspberry Pi

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

Sugar and citric acid used to create nontoxic plywood glue

While we may think of wood as being earthy and natural, wooden materials such as plywood and particleboard typically contain formaldehyde-based adhesives that give off toxic fumes. Such is not the case with a new adhesive, however, which is made from g… Continue reading Sugar and citric acid used to create nontoxic plywood glue