New polymers could enable better wearable devices

April 24, 2023  |  What's New?

Certain electronics that integrate with the human body—a smartwatch that samples your sweat, for instance—work by converting the ion-based signals of biological tissue into the electron-based signals used in transistors. But the materials in these devices are often designed to maximize ion uptak…
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Sensor to monitor muscle atrophy is fabricated

April 24, 2023  |  What's New?

Researchers at Ohio State University have fabricated a wearable sensor designed to detect and monitor muscle atrophy. A condition involving the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, muscle atrophy can happen for a variety of reasons, but is typically a side effect of degenerative disease, aging…
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Microscale knots double tensile strength of new material

April 10, 2023  |  What's New?

Knots are known for boosting the strength of materials, from the tiniest twists of DNA to (potentially) the very fabric of the universe. The California Institute of Technology in Pasadena (Caltech) reports that engineers there have now developed a new material consisting of microscale knots and s…
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New color-changing fabric technology announced

April 10, 2023  |  What's New?

Fiber optic and fiber-device scientists in the laboratories of the University of Central Florida (UCF) have developed a new technology for an innovative textile that changes color and appearance on demand. The scientists believe ChroMorphous technology is a first in e-textiles and fabrics, as older …
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New textile structures incorporate radiopaque fibers

March 13, 2023  |  What's New?

Cortland Biomedical, a medical textiles product development company in Cortland, N.Y., has announced that it now has capabilities for processing radiopaque fibers. By incorporating radiopaque fibers into diagnostic and interventional medical devices, it allows the devices to become clearly visible u…
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Printable sensors can detect pathogens and toxins

March 13, 2023  |  What's New?

Scientists at Tufts School of Engineering, Medford, Mass., have developed a way to detect bacteria, toxins and dangerous chemicals in the environment using a biopolymer sensor that can be printed like ink on a wide range of materials, including gloves, masks or other garments. Using an enzyme simila…
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Scientists weave fabric that can heat and cool

February 27, 2023  |  What's New?

Academics at Shinshu University in Japan report that they have developed a new method of integrating phase change materials (PCMs) within fabrics that could heat and cool the wearer depending on the environment.
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MIT engineers design a soft, implantable ventilator

February 27, 2023  |  What's New?

The act of breathing comes naturally, but “behind the scenes,” the diaphragm—the dome-shaped muscle that lies just beneath the ribcage—automatically controls our lung capacity and is the major muscle responsible for our ability to breathe. When the diaphragm’s function is compromised, the …
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Fluorescent smart stitches could reduce infections

February 27, 2023  |  What's New?

A new antimicrobial suture material could provide a promising alternative for mesh implants and internal stitches. Science Daily reports that researchers at RMIT University (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) in Australia have developed a new antimicrobial suture material that glows in medic…
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A hat with thermochromic material detects fever in infants

February 13, 2023  |  What's New?

Soon after babies are born, they’ll wear a blanket swaddle and a knit hat, but a Louisiana State University (LSU) researcher thought the hat could be used for more than a warm covering. Sibei Xia, assistant professor in the LSU Dept. of Textiles, Apparel Design, and Merchandising is exploring ways…
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