Collaborate Disseminate
A shortage of drinking water is a key problem in many parts of the world, and it’s a cruel irony that huge amounts are floating around in the air, inaccessible. Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have now developed a salty hydrogel that c… Continue reading Salty hydrogel sucks liters of drinking water a day out of thin air
In remote desert locations, at least two things are likely to be lacking: an electrical grid, and a source of water for agriculture. An experimental new system addresses both problems, by combining photovoltaic panels with an absorbent hydrogel.Continu… Continue reading Hybrid system produces electricity and irrigation water in the desert
Complex bone fractures can be difficult to treat, sometimes requiring the injured bone to be removed and replaced with bone harvested from elsewhere in the body. Thanks to an experimental new material, though, bone-building micro-robots may someday pro… Continue reading Injectable electroactive “microbots” may one day heal broken bones
Injured tendons are notoriously tricky to repair. Researchers at Harvard’s Wyss Institute have now developed a two-faced biomaterial that can improve healing, with one side that firmly sticks to tendons, while a low-friction outer surface keeps it glid… Continue reading Slug-slime-inspired biomaterial speeds repair of injured tendons
An experimental new material could help rehabilitate the injured and allow the nonspeaking to “speak,” among other potential uses. It’s also highly elastic, electrically conductive and self-healing – and it’s known as CareGum.Continue ReadingCategory: … Continue reading “CareGum” could boost rehabilitative tech and nonverbal communications
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a new type of soft material with an ability to endure monumental forces. Described as “super jelly,” the novel hydrogel uses a unique internal structure likened to molecular handcuffs to respond … Continue reading “Super jelly” becomes like shatterproof glass when run over by a car
When it comes to keeping things cold, ice cubes are hard to beat … although the things do melt, never to be used again. Scientists have set about addressing that limitation, with reusable water-based “jelly ice cubes” that hold their shape at all tempe… Continue reading Freezable hydrogel offers a reusable alternative to ice cubes
Adhesives that hold strong in wet environments are elusive, but could be useful for underwater repairs or healing in the body. Researchers have now developed a new type of adhesive hydrogel that combines the underwater stickiness of mussels with the st… Continue reading New adhesive boasts stickiness of mussels and strength of spider silk
Although silver is highly effective at killing bacteria, it can also be toxic to humans in large amounts. That’s where a new wound dressing is intended to come in, as it only releases its silver payload when infections are present.Continue ReadingCateg… Continue reading Wound dressing releases silver nanoparticles when infections occur
Access to clean water is a major unmet need in many parts of the world. Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new hydrogel tablet that could help, with a prototype able to disinfect a liter of river water in one hour.Continu… Continue reading Purifying hydrogel tablet makes river water drinkable within an hour