Plant-based hydrogel used to make navigable, shape-changing tiny robots

Researchers have developed a plant-based hydrogel to create shape-changing, navigable small-scale robots with potential applications in biomedicine, including conducting medical procedures such as biopsies and delivering therapeutic cargo to cells and … Continue reading Plant-based hydrogel used to make navigable, shape-changing tiny robots

Magnetic gel triples rate of wound healing by exercising skin cells

The chronic skin ulcers that diabetics often develop on their feet are notoriously slow to heal, sometimes to the point that they become seriously infected and require foot amputation. A new magnetic gel could help keep that from happening, as it repor… Continue reading Magnetic gel triples rate of wound healing by exercising skin cells

Salt-loaded hydrogel pulls water from the air, even in desert conditions

Researchers have created a superabsorbent hydrogel that can pull moisture from the air in greater quantities than previously reported materials, even in desert conditions. The new material opens the door to creating an effective, sustainable method of … Continue reading Salt-loaded hydrogel pulls water from the air, even in desert conditions

Temperature-sensitive dressing could revolutionize burn treatment

It’s a sad fact that burn victims often feel a great deal of pain when the dressings on their wounds are removed. A new hydrogel-based dressing could change that, however, as it easily releases from the skin when cooled.Continue ReadingCategory: Medica… Continue reading Temperature-sensitive dressing could revolutionize burn treatment

Dissolving catgut stitches can monitor wounds and deliver drugs

Starting with fibers taken from pig tissue, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed dissolving sutures that can be loaded with molecular sensors or medication. The hope is that the new sutures could speed healing a… Continue reading Dissolving catgut stitches can monitor wounds and deliver drugs

Dual-action hydrogel prevents brain cancer returning in 100% of test mice

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have developed a treatment that could provide new hope for aggressive brain cancers. Injecting a drug-laden hydrogel into the brain after tumors have been surgically removed was found to launch a combined chemo- a… Continue reading Dual-action hydrogel prevents brain cancer returning in 100% of test mice

Painless patch uses ultrasound to deliver drugs through the skin

MIT scientists have developed a new wearable patch that can deliver drugs through the skin more efficiently and painlessly. The device uses pulses of ultrasound to pry open the skin, which could improve topical medications or even tattoos.Continue Read… Continue reading Painless patch uses ultrasound to deliver drugs through the skin

New temperature-controlled 3D-printing bioink safer for artificial organs

3D bioprinting is gaining popularity as a way of treating disease and injury by producing three-dimensional living tissues and organs. However, to work effectively, the “inks” used for bioprinting must be firmed up using UV light or chemical processes…. Continue reading New temperature-controlled 3D-printing bioink safer for artificial organs

“Smart” bandage could one day monitor and medicate chronic wounds

If left untreated, chronic wounds such as diabetic skin ulcers can become infected, ultimately leading to amputations or even death. An experimental new “smart” bandage is designed to help keep that from happening, by both watching and treating such in… Continue reading “Smart” bandage could one day monitor and medicate chronic wounds