Special copper uses cavities to quickly and thoroughly kill bacteria

While copper does kill bacteria on contact, it typically takes at least an hour to do the job thoroughly. Such is not the case with an experimental new type of copper, however, which is claimed to eradicate almost 100 percent of harmful bacteria in jus… Continue reading Special copper uses cavities to quickly and thoroughly kill bacteria

Skin-worn sensor detects and measures nicotine in e-cig vapor

Nicotine is one of the more harmful compounds in the vapor produced by electronic cigarettes, so non-vapers should avoid breathing it in whenever possible. A new skin-worn sensor could help, by monitoring airborne nicotine levels in the wearer’s immedi… Continue reading Skin-worn sensor detects and measures nicotine in e-cig vapor

Glowing antibacterial bandage sheds light on infected wounds

Bandaged wounds need to be checked for infection, yet removing the bandage to check the wound can delay its healing. Australian scientists may have a fix for this paradox, in the form of a dressing that glows if the wound is infected.Continue ReadingCa… Continue reading Glowing antibacterial bandage sheds light on infected wounds

Bacterial compound from raw pork snack could preserve food naturally

Despite the fact that it’s made of fermented raw pork, the Vietnamese meat snack Nem Chua does not cause food poisoning in people who eat it. In fact, new research suggests that a compound found in it could be used as a natural food preservative.Contin… Continue reading Bacterial compound from raw pork snack could preserve food naturally

“Reverse” 3D printing used to produce bone-repairing scaffold implants

For some time now, we’ve been hearing about scaffolding-like implants that encourage bone tissue or cartilage to grow back into areas where it’s missing. Now, scientists have developed a method for more quickly and easily 3D-printing such implants.Cont… Continue reading “Reverse” 3D printing used to produce bone-repairing scaffold implants

Black phosphorus coating kills superbugs then self-destructs

Bacteria are becoming more and more dangerous, as they evolve resistance to our best drugs. New weapons against these so-called “superbugs” are desperately needed. Now, researchers at RMIT have developed a coating that quickly kills bacteria and fungi,… Continue reading Black phosphorus coating kills superbugs then self-destructs

Scientists engineer stronger road material using recycled face masks

Scientists at Australia’s RMIT University are continually coming up with ways to work recovered waste items into high-performing road materials, including cigarette butts, discarded tires and building rubble. Their latest effort has a certain relevance… Continue reading Scientists engineer stronger road material using recycled face masks

Tires and building rubble combine for 35% stronger concrete

Aside from simply finding a new use for discarded goods, we’ve seen how adding recycled rubber tires to concrete can make the material stronger and more heat resistant. New research has continued to expand the possibilities in this area, with scientist… Continue reading Tires and building rubble combine for 35% stronger concrete

Lobster shells inspire stronger 3D-printed concrete

As we’ve seen through recently constructed office buildings in Dubai, bridges in the Netherlands and low-cost housing in Latin America, 3D printing is beginning to shape the way modern structures are formed, and new research could further widen the pot… Continue reading Lobster shells inspire stronger 3D-printed concrete

Super-porous material transports cancer-killing CRISPR inside cells

The CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing tool has shown promise in treating a wide range of diseases, but getting it into cells in the first place can be challenging. Now, researchers in Australia have packaged the tool inside porous materials called metal organic… Continue reading Super-porous material transports cancer-killing CRISPR inside cells