Browse Topic: Biological sciences

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DEVCOM CBC Innovates and Integrates through Autonomous TechnologiesTBMG-5212912/01/2024
The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC) is paving the way and helping the Army transform into a multi-domain force through its modernization and priority research efforts that are linked to the National Defense Strategy and nation’s goals. CBC continues to lead in the development of innovative defense technology, including autonomous chem-bio defense solutions designed to enhance accuracy and safety to the warfighter.
Bioelectronic Device Offers New Hope in the Fight Against Bacterial InfectionsTBMG-5216912/01/2024
University of California – San Diego San Diego, CA
Fixed High Ground Clearance Tractor2024-26-006301/16/2024
Row-crop intercultural activities are widely affected by unavailability of manpower & seasonal nature. Current tractors with lower ground clearance are unable to access field after certain crop stage, may damage crop after growth up to 1 foot. Some limited mechanization available (self-propelled boom sprayer) are of higher cost. Cropcare activities are intensive and consistently increasing cost. A retrofit height attachment is designed and developed to ensure the tractor to enter field of crops having height up to 3 ft and perform intercultural operations with lesser investment and operating cost to utilize the unmechanized gap for business benefit. The concept is converting 2WD base tractor to high ground clearance tractor having ground clearance of 3ft and rear track of 42&44'', with modular retrofit height attachment kit with lesser change on base tractor. The kit can be removed later after Cropcare and covert back the tractor to usual 2WD base tractor. The solution is suitable for
A, Gokila, Natarajan, Saravanan, T, Vimalraj, Subbaiyan, Prasanna Balaji, RS, Vijay, Redkar, Dinesh, Gupta Sr, Vishal
Thin, Stretchable Biosensors Could Make Surgery SaferTBMG-4649309/01/2022
A research team developed bio-inks for biosensors that could help localize critical regions in tissues and organs during surgical operations. The ink is biocompatible and provides a user-friendly design with workable time frames of more than one day. Simultaneous recording and imaging could be useful during heart surgery in localizing critical regions and guiding surgical interventions such as a procedure for restoring normal heart rhythms.
Researchers Develop Rapid Lab-on-a-Chip for Cancer, COVID DiagnosticsTBMG-4646209/01/2022
A research center based at the University of Kansas that develops rapid next-generation tests for a host of human ailments like cancer, stroke, and COVID-19 recently earned $6.6 million in continued funding over the next five years from the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) as a National Biotechnology Resource (P41) Center.
An Effective Design of Micro Tesla Valve as a Passive Mixer in Microfluidics Channels 2022-26-117805/26/2022
Mixing fluids is one of the major challenges in microfluidics. Normally, the mixing process is done by diffusion rather than turbulence, which makes it very slow due to low Reynolds number (Re) flow in the range of 0.1 to1. Owing to this behaviour, ineffective mixing occurs when two miscible liquids are mixed purely by diffusion which requires longer striation lengths and therefore longer microfluidic channels along with lengthy mixing time. Homogeneous mixing of solute and solvent is important for providing consistent chemical and biological reactions in µTAS.In this study, we develop a passive mixer that provides efficient mixing using micro tesla valves which allows the flow of liquids in the forward and reverse directions to analyse the formed vortices, turbulent intense areas, Reynolds number, and pressure using Ansys fluent workbench. An optimum design has been arrived by varying the number of cells from 1 to 5 in series and realization is done by excimer laser micromachining.
Singh, Deepak, Sankar PhD, Ravi
Effect of Circadian Interior Automobile Lighting on commuters2021-26-013209/22/2021
Chronobiological studies elaborate the working of a biological clock, “the built-in timing device” in an organism and similarly define the creation of circadian rhythm of a human being. The Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus of a human brain detects changes in the surrounding environment through the eyes and tends to affect this circadian rhythm which in turn affects human behavior, hormonal cycles, sleep deprivation and even driving or daily commute. Melatonin released due to the photopic and scotopic signals received by the brain controls the amount of “alertness” or “sleepiness” in commuters which can assist in improved efficiency and prevent accidents while driving. Since inadequate lighting scenarios can not only affect the optical activity and visual orientations it does also affect the non-visual sensory activities by inadvertently disorienting the circadian rhythm. Advanced research in melatonin induced driving suggests increased sleepiness and low concentration
Biswas, Akash, Joshi PhD, Madhusudan, Singh, Mahendar Pal
Bioprinted 3D Cardiac Patches Could Reverse Scar Formation After Heart AttacksTBMG-3976709/01/2021
Cardiovascular diseases account for 32 percent of global deaths. Myocardial infarction, or heart attacks, play a large part in heart diseases and the necrosis of cardiac tissue after blood supply is decreased or stopped.
Coating Releases Antimicrobial PeptidesTBMG-3977209/01/2021
In a proof-of-concept study, researchers have created a coating that can be applied to endotracheal tubes and release antimicrobial peptides that target infectious bacteria with specificity. The innovation could reduce upper-airway bacterial inflammation during intubation, a situation that can lead to chronic inflammation and a condition called subglottic stenosis, the narrowing of the airway by an accumulation of scar tissue.
Centimeter-Long Snail Robot Powered with LightTBMG-3980309/01/2021
Crawling by traveling deformation of a soft body is a widespread mode of locomotion — from microscopic nematodes, to earthworms, to gastropods. Animals across scales use it to move around different, often challenging environments. Snails, in particular, use mucus — a slippery, aqueous secretion — to control the interaction between their ventral foot and the surface. Their adhesive locomotion has a unique property: it can be used on different surfaces including wood, metal, glass, Teflon (PTFE), or sand in various configurations such as crawling upside-down.
BioPod Takes One Step Closer to Life on MarsTBMG-3978209/01/2021
Dassault Systèmes Velizy-Villacoublay, France
Wearable Device Captures Cancer Cells from BloodTBMG-3961808/01/2021
Tumors can release more than 1,000 cancer cells into the bloodstream in a single minute. Current methods of capturing cancer cells from blood rely on samples from the patient — usually no more than a tablespoon taken in a single draw. Some blood draws come back with no cancer cells, even in patients with advanced cancer, and a typical sample contains no more than 10 cancer cells.
Nearly Pain-Free Microneedle PatchTBMG-3961008/01/2021
Doctors often use blood samples to check for biomarkers of disease such as antibodies or cytokines indicative of inflammation seen in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and sepsis.
Soft Robotic Gripper Based on Twining PlantsTBMG-3959208/01/2021
Scientists often look to nature for cues when designing robots — some robots mimic human hands while others simulate the actions of octopus arms or inchworms. Now, researchers have designed a soft robotic gripper that draws inspiration from an unusual source: pole beans. While pole beans and other twining plants use their touch-sensitive shoots to wrap themselves around supports like ropes and rods to grow upward, the new robot is designed to firmly but gently grasp objects as small as 1 millimeter in diameter.
2021: Technology Trends and the Future of Medical DevicesTBMG-3854902/01/2021
While the far-reaching effects of COVID-19 have introduced the world to a “new normal,” the greatest impact has been in healthcare. In the long term, it has forever shaped the future of healthcare delivery, while its immediate effect has been on medical technology — with a focus on digital devices and a shift toward a more collaborative product development process.
Sensors for ‘Smart’ Wound Bandage Track Healing, Immune ResponseTBMG-3855402/01/2021
Researchers from Skoltech and the University of Texas at Austin have presented a proof-of-concept for a wearable sensor that can track healing in sores, ulcers, and other kinds of chronic skin wounds, even without the need to remove the bandages. The paper was published in the journal ACS Sensors.
Spiderwebs Inspire 3D PhotodectorsTBMG-3855702/01/2021
Researchers used some architectural features from spiderwebs to develop 3D photodetectors for biomedical imaging. Spiderwebs typically provide excellent mechanical adaptability and damage-tolerance against various mechanical loads such as storms. The technology uses the structural architecture of a spiderweb that exhibits a repeating pattern.
Contact Lenses for Diagnostic and Therapeutic UseTBMG-3832301/01/2021
The ability to collect tears in an effective way and to measure their pH and levels of biomarkers in real time is highly desirable. One approach that is actively being explored is the idea of contact lens biosensors. Such contact lenses could be designed to include tiny channels on their surfaces for guiding the flow of tears into tiny reservoirs for collection and monitoring.
Creating the Future: Implantable ICD Eliminates Wires & Offers Painless DefibrillationTBMG-3816412/01/2020
Plant-Based Thermotherapy PatchTBMG-3815212/01/2020
A biodegradable, transparent, flexible and fast-acting thermo-therapy patch from plant leaves is compatible with flexible electronic applications. Plant material was used to reduce the amount of electronic waste.
Diamond-Studded Silk Wound Dressing Detects Infection and Improves HealingTBMG-3815912/01/2020
RMIT University Melbourne, Australia
2020 Create the Future Design Contest Grand Prize Winner: RepelWrap — A Nature-inspired Surface Technology for Repelling ContaminationTBMG-3819912/01/2020
Leyla Soleymani and Tohid Didar McMaster University Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Collision Detector Mimics Locust SwarmsTBMG-3813612/01/2020
Plagues of locusts, containing millions of insects, fly across the sky to attack crops but the individual insects do not collide with each other within these massive swarms. A team of engineers is creating a low-power collision detector that mimics the locust avoidance response to help robots, drones, and even self-driving cars avoid collisions.
Pot of Gold Engineered to Help with Early Disease DetectionTBMG-3807011/01/2020
The University of Queensland Brisbane St. Lucia, Australia
Single-Use Applications Maximize Biomanufacturing AgilityTBMG-3806611/01/2020
Biopharmaceutical manufacturing is changing. With the rise of biologics and personalized medicine, the industry is appreciating the single-use manufacturing style. Instead of large-scale production processes, manufacturers are finding it pays to be agile — which is why many are increasingly adopting single-use technologies to turn over new products and batches quickly and efficiently. Single-use technologies utilize disposable bioprocessing equipment in place of traditional stainless steel. By eliminating the time-consuming clean-in-place (CIP) and steam-in-place (SIP) processes between batches, single-use technologies cut down on the costs of labor, materials, and utilities — all while shortening time to market.
Octopus-Inspired Soft Robotic ArmTBMG-3800311/01/2020
Two-thirds of an octopus’s neurons are in its arms, meaning each arm literally has a mind of its own. Octopus arms can untie knots, open childproof bottles, and wrap around prey of any shape or size. The hundreds of suckers that cover their arms can form strong seals, even on rough surfaces underwater.
Taking Benchtop Fluid Dispensing to a New Level of Process ControlTBMG-3807611/01/2020
Pneumatic benchtop fluid dispensers encompass a range of models that can accommodate specific fluid application processes with a wide scope of functionality. The latest benchtop dispensers provide a high degree of process control, capable of dispensing adhesives, solder pastes, and all other assembly fluids with high consistency. Handling fluid dispensing of dots, beads, and fills under a broad range of conditions, these units are equipped with multiple capabilities to refine the dispensing process. Features such as 0–100 psi air pressure regulation, timed-shots, vacuum control to keep thin fluids from dripping, digital time/pressure displays, and electric foot pedals help operators maintain process control.
Patches Detect When a Viral Disease Is About to Get WorseTBMG-3807811/01/2020
Just before a viral illness such as the flu or COVID-19 worsens, bodies start producing more inflammatory biomarkers, and the concentrations of these biomarkers in bodily fluids increases. Therefore by continuously monitoring these biomarker concentrations on our skin’s surface, doctors can spot such turns for the worse and act immediately, preventing complications and saving lives.
Method Turns Fruit Peels into New BatteriesTBMG-3797411/01/2020
Scientists have developed a novel method of using fruit peel waste to extract and reuse metals from spent lithium-ion batteries in order to create new batteries. The team demonstrated the concept using orange peel, which efficiently recovered precious metals from battery waste. They then made functional batteries from these recovered metals, creating minimal waste in the process.
Wearable Sensors Printed on Natural Materials Analyze Substances Present in SweatTBMG-3783910/01/2020
A wearable sensor printed on microbial nanocellulose, a natural polymer, has been created in Brazil by researchers at the University of São Paulo (USP) in São Carlos in collaboration with colleagues at São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Araraquara, the University of Araraquara (UNIARA), the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), and the Brazilian National Nanotechnology Laboratory (LNNano).
Electronics Mimic the Human Brain in Biological LearningTBMG-3782810/01/2020
Researchers have discovered, while investigating protein nanowires, how to use these biological, electricity-conducting filaments to make a neuromorphic memristor or “memory transistor” device. It runs extremely efficiently on very low power, as brains do, to carry signals between neurons.
Sensing Eye Mask Captures Pulse, Sleep SignalsTBMG-3785410/01/2020
A new, lightweight eye mask can unobtrusively capture pulse, eye movement, and sleep signals, for example, when worn in an everyday environment.
Robotic Arm Helps Perform Delicate SurgeriesTBMG-3758009/01/2020
Steady hands and uninterrupted, sharp vision are critical when performing surgery on delicate structures like the brain or hair-thin blood vessels. While surgical cameras have improved what surgeons see during operative procedures, the “steady hand” remains to be enhanced — new surgical technologies, including sophisticated surgeon-guided robotic hands, cannot prevent accidental injuries when operating close to fragile tissue.
Soft Robotic Insect Survives Being Flattened by a FlyswatterTBMG-3763109/01/2020
Researchers have developed a soft robotic insect propelled at 3 cm per second by artificial muscles.
Low Latency Manufacturing for Biophotonics and Medical Device PackagingTBMG-3768009/01/2020
The medical device market is expected to significantly diversify and almost double in value to $90 billion by 2025, but vendors face significant cost and packaging challenges if they are to successfully exploit these opportunities. Increasingly there is a growing range of technical, commercial and regulatory demands. As a result, the imperative to find a focused, strategic, commercially cognizant process — with specific-field experts and proven partners to cut through these shifting parameters — is more important than ever.
4D Printing Creates Microneedles to Replace HypodermicsTBMG-3765209/01/2020
Painful hypodermic needles may not be needed in the future to give shots, inject drugs, and get blood samples. With 4D printing, engineers have created tiny needles that mimic parasites that attach to skin and could replace hypodermic needles.
Engineers 3D-Print Sensors Onto Moving OrgansTBMG-3766809/01/2020
A new technique allows 3D printing of hydrogel-based sensors directly on the surface of organs, such as lungs — even as they expand and contract. The technology was developed to support robot-assisted medical treatments. According to the researchers, along with a robot's ability to assist a surgeon with removing a tumor from a lung, for example, this technology could 3D print a sensor onto the surface of the lung to monitor how well it functions during and following the procedure.
5 Ws of the Sign-to-Speech Translation GloveTBMG-3762709/01/2020
People who use sign language could communicate directly with non-signers without needing someone else to translate for them.
Electronic “Skin” Brings Sense of Touch and Pain to Prosthetic HandsTBMG-3762409/01/2020
Amputees often experience the sensation of a “phantom limb” — a feeling that a missing body part is still there. Pain, while unpleasant, is an essential, protective sense of touch that is lacking in the prostheses that are currently available to amputees. Advances in prosthesis designs and control mechanisms can aid an amputee’s ability to regain lost function, but they often lack meaningful, tactile feedback or perception.
Biomaterial Shields Against Harmful RadiationTBMG-3764009/01/2020
Researchers have synthesized a new form of melanin enriched with selenium. Called selenomelanin, the new biomaterial shows promise as a shield for human tissue against harmful radiation.
Tiny, Magnetically Powered Implant Stimulates Brain Without BatteryTBMG-3734408/01/2020
Rice University neuroengineers have created a tiny surgical implant that can electrically stimulate the brain and nervous system without using a battery or wired power supply.
Laser Treatment Turns Metal Surfaces into Bacteria KillersTBMG-3743908/01/2020
A laser treatment method was developed that could potentially turn any metal surface into a rapid bacteria killer just by giving the metal’s surface a different texture. The technique allows the surface of copper to immediately kill off superbugs such as MRSA. Copper has been used as an antimicrobial material for centuries but it typically takes hours for native copper surfaces to kill off bacteria. The new one-step laser-texturing technique effectively enhances the bacteria-killing properties of copper’s surface.
Paper-Based Technology Advances Earlier Cancer DetectionTBMG-3734508/01/2020
Washington State University researchers have developed a technology that is more than 30 times more sensitive than current lab-based tests in finding early stage cancer biomarkers in blood.
Active Material Created Out of Microscopic Spinning ParticlesTBMG-3746208/01/2020
At the atomic level, a glass of water and a spoonful of crystalline salt couldn’t be more different. Water atoms move around freely and randomly, while salt crystals are locked in place in a lattice. But some new materials show an intriguing propensity to sometimes behave like water and sometimes like salt, giving them interesting transport properties and holding potential promise for applications like mixing and delivery in the pharmaceutical industry.
Bacteria-Based Hydrogel Beads Clean Up Contaminated GroundwaterTBMG-3745108/01/2020
Hydrogel beads with the consistency of gummy candy are made with an ingredient used in processed foods to clean up groundwater contaminated with dangerous and widely used volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Among the contaminants addressed by the method are 1,1,1-trichloroethane, cis-1,2-dichloroethene, and 1,4-dioxane — degreasers commonly used by industry and the military. The chemicals can infiltrate groundwater through leaky underground storage tanks or runoff, or by simply being dumped on the ground.
Nanosensors for Real-Time Plant Health MonitoringTBMG-3745008/01/2020
Researchers have developed a way to study and track the internal communication of living plants using carbon nanotube sensors that can be embedded in plant leaves. The sensors can report on plants’ signaling waves to reveal how they respond to stresses such as injury, infection, heat, and light damage, providing valuable real-time insights for engineering plants to maximize crop yield.
Fabrication of Multilayer Ferritin ArraysTBMG-3719607/01/2020
NASA Langley Research Center has developed a method of depositing arrays of a ferritin protein on a substrate to create a thin-film electrode for a bio-nanobattery. The method is a spin self-assembly procedure by which a first ferritin layer is formed on the substrate, followed by building a second oppositely charged ferritin layer on the top of the first to form a bilayer structure. Oppositely charged ferritin layers are subsequently deposited on top of each other until a desired number of bilayer structures is produced. The result is an ordered, uniform, stable, and robust thin-film electrode material of enhanced packing density that provides optimal charge density for the bio-nanobattery.
Nature-Inspired Green Energy TechnologyTBMG-3722507/01/2020
Researchers around the world seek to use photosynthesis — the sunlight-driven chemical reaction that green plants and algae use to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into cellular fuel— to generate the kinds of fuel that can power homes and vehicles. If the necessary technology could be refined past theoretical models and lab-scale prototypes, this idea, known as artificial photosynthesis, has the potential to generate large sources of completely renewable energy using the surplus CO2 in the atmosphere.
Biohybrid Can Turn Carbon Dioxide into New ProductsTBMG-3721607/01/2020
To colonize Mars, settlers will need to manufacture on-planet a huge range of organic compounds, from fuels to drugs, that are too expensive to ship from Earth. Researchers have been working on a hybrid system combining bacteria and nanowires that can capture the energy of sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into building blocks for organic molecules. Nanowires are thin silicon wires about one-hundredth the width of a human hair, used as electronic components and as sensors and solar cells.
Insect Wings Hold Antimicrobial Clues for Improved Medical ImplantsTBMG-3712806/01/2020
Using a range of advanced imaging tools, functional assays, and proteomic analyses, a study has identified new ways in which nano-pillars can damage bacteria. These findings will aid the design of better antimicrobial surfaces for potential biomedical applications such as medical implants and devices that are not reliant on antibiotics.
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