Micro/Nano Mechanics, Fluidics & Structures

Granular Hydrogels for Improved Bioinks

Medgadget: Researchers at Penn State have developed a granular hydrogel that contains both hydrogel microparticles and self-assembling nanoparticles, and which could be highly suited for bioprinting purposes. The concept involves the nanoparticles becoming adsorbed onto the hydrogel microparticles and reversibly…

Simple method creates stretchy color-changing films

C&EN: Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have demonstrated a fast, scalable, and cost-effective method to produce films that change color when stretched (Nat. Mater. 2022, DOI: 10.1038/s41563-022-01318-x). Using a digital projector and commercially available light-sensitive polymers, they were…

A novel window into ‘smart’ glass

Physics World: Glass is ubiquitous in everyday life. Being highly transparent, stable and durable, it’s an important material for a myriad of applications, from simple windows to touch screens on our latest gadgets to photonic components for hi-tech sensors. The most common glasses are made from silica, lime and soda….

This environmental chemist develops nanomaterials to save contaminated soil and water

C&EN: Adeyemi Adeleye struggles with his houseplant relationships. During a video call, he holds his office plant up to the camera. Some of the once-green leaves have gone brown,…