Microneedle patch tests for malaria without needing to draw blood

Malaria is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths each year, with testing for the disease involving blood sampling and then trained medical professionals to reach a result. Engineers at Rice University have designed a new bandage-like micronee… Continue reading Microneedle patch tests for malaria without needing to draw blood

Corrosion-resistant desalination device can handle super-salty water

Desalination systems play an important role in improving access to fresh water, but some types of the natural resource are too salty for current solutions to handle. Such hypersaline water can have salt content as much as 10 times greater than seawater… Continue reading Corrosion-resistant desalination device can handle super-salty water

Capsules loaded with stem cells help repair heart damage in mice

Heart attacks are a leading cause of death, largely because the damage caused by one can lead to more later. Now researchers at Rice University have developed a new way to repair heart tissue and reduce scarring, by implanting capsules loaded with stem… Continue reading Capsules loaded with stem cells help repair heart damage in mice

Graphene-wrapped particles kill drug-resistant bacteria in wastewater

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are emerging as a serious public health threat, and part of the reason is that the bugs can pass resistance genes to each other. Now, researchers at Rice University have developed a system using nanoparticles wrapped in gr… Continue reading Graphene-wrapped particles kill drug-resistant bacteria in wastewater

Adhesive tape and graphene triple the life of lithium metal batteries

Starting with adhesive tape and incorporating some advanced laser techniques, scientists at Rice University have developed a promising new electrode material for a battery architecture with massive potential. The team’s breakthrough could help overcome… Continue reading Adhesive tape and graphene triple the life of lithium metal batteries

Boron nitiride catalyst destroys toxic PFAS “forever chemicals”

Chemical pollutants mean bad news for the environment, but some types are far more harmful than others. At the extreme end of the spectrum are toxic substances such as PFAS and GenX ,which fall into a class known as “forever chemicals” for their abilit… Continue reading Boron nitiride catalyst destroys toxic PFAS “forever chemicals”

Tiny battery-free implant could stimulate neurons to treat disorders

When it comes to the treatment of certain neurological conditions, doctors are increasingly looking to battery-powered implants that stimulate parts of the brain. Now, however, scientists have developed one that’s externally powered by magnetic fields…. Continue reading Tiny battery-free implant could stimulate neurons to treat disorders

Rejected eggs used to keep fruits n’ veggies fresh

Every year, millions of eggs are rejected for sale in supermarkets, while millions of fruits and vegetables spoil before being eaten. Scientists are now addressing both problems, utilizing rejected eggs to create a coating that keeps produce fresh long… Continue reading Rejected eggs used to keep fruits n’ veggies fresh

“Artificial leaf” device turns water and sunlight into hydrogen fuel

Researchers from Rice University have built a simple new solar-powered device that can create hydrogen for fuel by splitting water. The system is very similar to other “artificial leaf” designs, but the team says it’s self-sufficient and relatively che… Continue reading “Artificial leaf” device turns water and sunlight into hydrogen fuel

“Trap and zap” system cleans up leftover superbug resistance genes

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (or superbugs) are enough of a problem as it is, but even after they’ve been wiped out they can leave resistance genes lying around for other bugs to use later. Now, researchers at Rice University have developed new nanosh… Continue reading “Trap and zap” system cleans up leftover superbug resistance genes