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Patented antibacterial polymer technology prevents secondary cavities

The Basic to Breakthrough series chronicles how investments from the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Science at our National Laboratories have led to new technologies that are changing our world.

22 Sep 2025

Artificial plastic neurons demonstrate advanced brain-like functions

An artificial neuron made of conductive plastics that can perform advanced functions similar to those of biological nerve cells has been demonstrated by researchers at Linköping University, Sweden.

17 Sep 2025

Edible packaging offers a biodegradable alternative to plastic waste

Innovative edible packaging from food byproducts presents a sustainable alternative to plastics, enhancing food preservation and reducing environmental impact.

16 Sep 2025

AI-powered hydrogel dressings transform chronic wound care

As chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, and articular wounds continue to challenge global healthcare systems, a team of researchers from China has introduced a promising innovation: AI-integrated conductive hydrogel dressings for intelligent wound monitoring and healing.

12 Sep 2025

Study shows children inhale more microplastics inside school than outside

Researchers measured airborne microplastics and chemical additives in a Portuguese school near an industrial complex. They found higher levels indoors than outdoors, with children continuously exposed to a complex mix of pollutants.

10 Sep 2025

Bottlebrush particles deliver large range of chemotherapy drugs directly to tumor cells

Using tiny particles shaped like bottlebrushes, MIT chemists have found a way to deliver a large range of chemotherapy drugs directly to tumor cells.

10 Sep 2025

Mucus-inspired hydrogel improves healing in animal models of gastric injury

Hydrogels-materials like gelatin that can absorb and hold water-can aid wound healing and enable slow-release drug delivery, but they usually break down in acidic environments like the stomach.

4 Sep 2025

Penn State team develops wearable sensor to track health through minimal sweat

Available on-demand, in abundance and containing multiple biomarkers, sweat is an increasingly appealing medium for monitoring health, according to researchers at Penn State.

3 Sep 2025

Can oral bacteria make heart disease worse?

The presence of viridans streptococci in coronary plaques indicates a role in atherosclerosis, potentially influencing heart disease outcomes.

1 Sep 2025

Two-stage pimple patch eliminates acne in seven days

Waking up with a pimple is no longer cause for panic, thanks to pimple patches - small, sticker-like bandages that cover and help heal the unwanted zit.

29 Aug 2025

New nanoparticle system uses ultrasound to precisely deliver drugs

The trouble with many drugs is that they go where they shouldn't, producing unwanted side effects. Psychiatric drugs might cause dissociation, painkillers can induce nausea and chemotherapy often damages healthy cells.

18 Aug 2025

Using AI to enhance the design of nanoparticles for RNA therapies

Using artificial intelligence, MIT researchers have come up with a new way to design nanoparticles that can more efficiently deliver RNA vaccines and other types of RNA therapies.

18 Aug 2025

Microplastics found in all popular UK drinks, with hot beverages worst offenders

Researchers found microplastics in every hot and cold beverage tested in the UK, with higher levels in hot drinks and packaging as the main source. Beverage consumption was shown to significantly increase daily microplastic intake beyond water-only estimates.

11 Aug 2025

Parents’ workplace chemical exposure may be linked to behavioral challenges in children with autism

A new study in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health finds parents' workplace chemical exposure may be linked to a range of behavioral challenges and developmental delays in their children with autism.

8 Aug 2025

Bioactive fiber scaffold shows promise for bone defect repair

Bone defects are a major challenge in regenerative medicine, often requiring advanced biomaterials to enhance the natural healing process.

8 Aug 2025

Breakthrough in nanoparticle technology could expand access to biologic medicines

In a discovery that could broaden access to next-generation biologic medicines and vaccines, researchers at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (UChicago PME) have engineered polymer-based nanoparticles that form with a simple temperature shift-no harsh chemicals, no specialized equipment, and no processing needed.

7 Aug 2025

AI and extended reality successfully train surgical trainees without instructors

Mount Sinai researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness of teaching surgical trainees a difficult procedure using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and an extended-reality headset without the presence of an instructor.

6 Aug 2025

The Microsphere Summit is Back

Attend the 2025 Microsphere Summit to connect with leaders in drug delivery and manufacturing, focusing on particle size control and therapeutic advancements.

From Powder Systems 5 Aug 2025

Columbia engineers create bioactive hydrogels using dairy-derived EVs

Researchers from Columbia Engineering have established a framework for the design of bioactive injectable hydrogels formulated with extracellular vesicles (EVs) for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.

28 Jul 2025

Cheese and milk in Italy show alarming levels of microplastic contamination

Researchers found microplastics in nearly all Italian supermarket milk, fresh cheese, and ripened cheese samples, with ripened cheese containing the highest levels. The study highlights how dairy processing and packaging steps increase microplastic contamination in common foods.

13 Jul 2025