Ultrasound waves harden 3D-printed tools for biomedicine

Scientists at Duke University and Harvard Medical School have devised a biocompatible ink that solidifies into different 3D shapes and structures by absorbing ultrasound waves. As the ink responds to sound waves instead of light, it can be used in minimally invasive medicine to print precise structures directly within the body without the need for open surgery. Such structures also include scaffolds for tissue regeneration and micro-scale drug delivery systems for sustained therapy.

Hydrogen does its bit for low-cost fuel-cell catalysts

Gang Wu (front and center) and his group. Photo: Douglas Levere, University at Buffalo.

To make fuel cells more affordable, researchers have spent decades searching for low-cost catalysts to replace the platinum and other expensive metals currently used. This has included experimenting with different combinations of three abundant and relatively cheap materials – iron, nitrogen and carbon.

Sweat the small stuff: flexible sensor for monitoring uric acid

Nanorod-based piezo-electrocatalytic device shows promise for non-invasive use

Self-driven sensor monitors the structural health of bridge cables

Novel, lightweight TENG performs as well as heavier commercial systems

Sandpaper helps reveal battery particles

Images of a composite battery cathode produced by the novel X-ray technology, which offers nano-scale resolution and compositional sensitivity. Image: Cockrell School of Engineering.

Batteries are challenging to observe and analyze, as they can't really be opened up because of their volatile nature. One way to monitor batteries is through X-ray technology. However, the equipment is very expensive and X-ray methods can struggle to balance resolution, sensitivity and speed.

Two molecules needed to address recombination problem

Researchers in the Sargent lab at Northwestern University examine their record-breaking perovskite solar cell. Photo: Sargent Lab/Northwestern University.

Researchers at Northwestern University have again raised the standards for perovskite solar cells with a new development that has helped the emerging technology hit new records for efficiency.