New sweat sensor uses molecule-shaped holes to detect more metabolites

Although there are now a number of skin-worn sensors which identify metabolites in sweat, the technology is limited in what it can detect, plus the sensors often aren’t reusable. A new one, however, utilizes a “molecularly imprinted polymer” to be much… Continue reading New sweat sensor uses molecule-shaped holes to detect more metabolites

New polymer removes dye from wastewater, and can be reused afterwards

In wastewater produced by the textile industry and others, dye is one of the primary pollutants. A newly developed synthetic polymer is capable of removing that dye from the water, plus it can be cleaned up and reused to treat more wastewater.Continue … Continue reading New polymer removes dye from wastewater, and can be reused afterwards

Sugar cubes used to create better-performing medical electrodes

While medical electrodes are vital to the monitoring of electrical activity within the body, they’re typically rigid and costly, plus they don’t stay on well when the wearer is moving. A new sugar-cube-derived electrode, however, addresses those shortc… Continue reading Sugar cubes used to create better-performing medical electrodes

Self-healing coating repairs car scratches with 30 minutes of sunlight

Finding a scratch on your car is a special kind of heartbreak, but in the future they might be gone before you even notice. Scientists in Korea have developed a coating that self-heals scratches in as little as 30 minutes when exposed to sunlight.Conti… Continue reading Self-healing coating repairs car scratches with 30 minutes of sunlight

Polymer bricks made of industrial waste bond together without mortar

Construction is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, so finding new materials and methods is a crucial goal. Researchers at Flinders University have now developed a new type of polymer, made out of industrial waste, that can be forme… Continue reading Polymer bricks made of industrial waste bond together without mortar

Waste-derived coating could protect pipes and absorb pollutants

Industrial piping has a hard life, as it’s constantly exposed to liquids that can damage its inner surface over time. A new polymer coating could help protect such pipes, while removing toxic metals from the liquids as it does so.Continue ReadingCatego… Continue reading Waste-derived coating could protect pipes and absorb pollutants

Bio-composite combines hardness of aluminum with toughness of bone

When it comes to plant-based materials, many people may picture something that’s “green” but not very robust. Such is not the case with a new MIT-designed composite, however, which is claimed to be as hard as aluminum and as tough as bone.Continue Read… Continue reading Bio-composite combines hardness of aluminum with toughness of bone

“Impossible” 2D material is light as plastic and stronger than steel

Engineers at MIT have developed a new ultrathin material that’s as light as plastic but stronger than steel. The durable material could be used in vehicles or electronics, and makes use of a manufacturing technique that was previously thought impossibl… Continue reading “Impossible” 2D material is light as plastic and stronger than steel