Products that reversibly change shape with temperature may revolutionize medicine
2015-03-16
(Press-News.org) New research highlights the capability of reversible shape-memory polymers to change their shape when heated to body temperature and then switch back to their original shape when cooled to room temperature.
The technology could have applications in temperature intervals relevant for biomedical applications--for example, devices for external short-term applications such as bandages or temporary fixation parts, where the product would be activated upon exposure to human body temperature. The technology could also be used for home-care products to support the daily life of disabled or elderly people or devices such as reversible self-locking shoe binders for handicapped people.
"By memorizing its molecular orientation this biomaterial can perform reversible shape shifts. In this way it overcomes the limitation of classical shape-memory polymers, which can change their shape one time," said Professor Andreas Lendlein, senior author of the Macromolecular Rapid Communications article.
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2015-03-16
What lies beneath growing islands of graphene is important to its properties, according to a new study led by Rice University.
Scientists at Rice analyzed patterns of graphene - a single-atom-thick sheet of carbon - grown in a furnace via chemical vapor deposition. They discovered that the geometric relationship between graphene and the substrate, the underlying material on which carbon assembles atom by atom, determines how the island shapes emerge.
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2015-03-16
New treatments for hepatitis C virus (HCV) may be highly effective but are associated with substantial costs that may compel clinicians and patients to consider delaying treatment. However, a new study shows that immediate treatment of HCV-infected patients with moderate or advanced liver scarring is cost-effective. Immediate treatment of patients with minimal or no scarring can be cost-effective as well, particularly when lower treatment costs are assumed.
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2015-03-16
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2015-03-16
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"The new insights provided by these studies will aid in both predicting and designing materials for improved performance ...
2015-03-16
A new study has found a strong link between prolonged work at the World Trade Center (WTC) site following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and the development of various autoimmune diseases including arthritis and lupus.
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2015-03-16
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is characterized by a state of inflammation. A new Respirology study has identified certain inflammatory markers that can be used to predict which patients are at the highest risk of dying prematurely.
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2015-03-16
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2015-03-16
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2015-03-16
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