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Scientists explore biomedical applications in implants, drug delivery for hydrogel

It's squishy, synthetic, flexible, mostly water and almost as tough as rubber. No, it's not "flubber" - it's a hydrogel, and now scientists at The University of Akron are exploring new biomedical uses for this polymer-based product.

6 Jul 2013

Study shows "bioadhesive" coating can increase intestinal uptake of protein-based drugs

For protein-based drugs such as insulin to be taken orally rather than injected, bioengineers need to find a way to shuttle them safely through the stomach to the small intestine where they can be absorbed and distributed by the bloodstream.

28 Jun 2013

Microfluidic devices can trap and sort bacteria and viruses in food and water

A new process for making a three-dimensional microstructure that can be used in the analysis of cells could prove useful in counterterrorism measures and in water and food safety concerns.

20 Jun 2013

Smartphone users can now diagnose diabetes or lung cancer quickly and effectively by simply breathing

Today's technological innovation enables smartphone users to diagnose serious diseases such as diabetes or lung cancer quickly and effectively by simply breathing into a small gadget, a nanofiber breathing sensor, mounted on the phones.

12 Jun 2013

University of Strathclyde uses new imaging technique to track nanomedicines' effects on patients

A pioneering imaging technique to track the effects of next-generation nanomedicines on patients has been harnessed by a University of Strathclyde academic.

31 May 2013

Structural biologists capture elusive actin nucleation process

Structural biologists from Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine have captured the first three-dimensional crystalline snapshot of a critical but fleeting process that takes place thousands of times per second in each human cell.

31 May 2013

Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques improve memory

Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques aimed at mental and neurological conditions include transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression, and transcranial direct current (electrical) stimulation, shown to improve memory.

20 May 2013

New technique can lead to effective use of nanoparticles as drug delivery system

A Wayne State University researcher has successfully tested a technique that can lead to more effective use of nanoparticles as a drug delivery system.

8 May 2013

EPSRC-funded study explores feasibility of using natural fibres for cartilage repair

Over 20 million people in Europe suffer from osteoarthritis which can lead to extensive damage to the knee and hip cartilage. Stem cells offer a promising way forward but a key challenge has been to design a 'smart material' that is biologically effective for cartilage tissue regeneration. Now researchers have identified a blend of naturally occurring fibres such as cellulose and silk that makes progress towards affordable and effective cell-based therapy for cartilage repair a step closer

8 May 2013

Polymers for pulmonary drug delivery book released by Smithers Rapra

Pulmonary drug delivery has been a rapidly expanding field, moving from the traditional propellant based metered dose inhaler delivery of small asthma drugs, to a broader landscape of new devices and novel drugs for local and systemic delivery.

30 Apr 2013

Comparison of processability of medical resins reveals effect of physical properties on moldability

Both physical properties and processability play key roles when injection-molded parts are mass produced. When producing medical parts, a consistent, high degree of accuracy is also vital. It is relatively simple to adjust a process to account for differences in molecular weight once that process is optimized for a specific polymer. It is much more complex to adjust the process for changes in polymers.

25 Apr 2013

Mirus Bio to use CSIRO's RAFT Polymerization Technology to expedite its product development efforts

CSIRO and Mirus Bio LLC are pleased to announce a new license arrangement that will enable Mirus Bio to utilize the unique characteristics of CSIRO's Reversible Addition-Fragmentation chain Transfer polymerisation technology (RAFT) to expand upon its high-end polymer development capabilities for the biotech industry.

22 Apr 2013

Nano-Tera provides funds for research and development of artificial sphincter

The lack of control over one's own bowel movements can severely affect an individual's quality of life. Researchers at the University of Basel want to develop an adaptive implant that would be able to contract and relax like a natural muscle.

22 Apr 2013

University of Alberta researcher develops polymer platform technology for targeted drug delivery

A University of Alberta researcher is thinking small to find innovative ways to improve the delivery of drugs that can be more easily administered with fewer side-effects.

17 Apr 2013

Unique modification to microtubules makes nerve cells' cytoskeleton singularly robust

How do nerve cells -- which can each be up to three feet long in humans -- keep from rupturing or falling apart?

16 Apr 2013

Scientists say detecting single viral protein components challenging for Ebola

By screening a library of a billion llama antibodies on live Ebola viruses in the Texas Biomedical Research Institute's highest biocontainment laboratory, scientists in San Antonio have identified a potential weakness in the make-up of these deadly agents that can immediately yield a sensitive test.

6 Apr 2013

Bioglass help human bone to regenerate, find UPV/EHU researchers

Jose Ramon Sarasua and Aitor Larra-aga, researchers in the materials engineering department of the UPV/EHU-University of the Basque Country, have been studying new materials or implants that are of interest in medicine and in helping to mend bones, in particular.

3 Apr 2013