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

Hydrogel-based sensor improves outlook for people with overactive bladder

Overactive bladder syndrome (OBS) causes a frequent, uncontrolled urge to urinate, which can interfere with a person’s daily activities and affect their mental health. A new hydrogel-based device has been developed that can continuously monitor overact… Continue reading Hydrogel-based sensor improves outlook for people with overactive bladder

Self-healing conductive gel could make “soft robots” truly soft

In order to reach their full potential, soft robotic devices can’t just consist of rigid electronic components encased in squishy rubber. A new material could help in that regard, as it’s soft, self-healing and electrically conductive.Continue ReadingC… Continue reading Self-healing conductive gel could make “soft robots” truly soft

Electrically charged hydrogel could help heal brain injuries

Unlike the tissue in other parts of the body, such as the skin, the neuronal tissue in the brain doesn’t regenerate after being damaged. It may one day be able to do so, however, with a little help from a new type of hydrogel.Continue ReadingCategory: … Continue reading Electrically charged hydrogel could help heal brain injuries

Inhalable powder designed to boost the lungs’ virus-blocking mucus

If there’s one thing that the past few years have made us of aware of, it’s the danger of respiratory viruses. An inhalable powder may one day help temporarily protect against them, by working with the natural layer of mucus in users’ lungs.Continue Re… Continue reading Inhalable powder designed to boost the lungs’ virus-blocking mucus

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