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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Researchers develop production-friendly protective treatments

February 13, 2023  |  What's New?

Researchers at the University of Alberta in Canada have devised a way that could make virus-killing clothing a good fit for the production line. Typically, getting this kind of protective finish onto protective uniforms worn by soldiers, hospital workers, firefighters and first responders is a big c…
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Biobased allergen control technology launched

January 23, 2023  |  What's New?

Belgian producer Devan Chemicals has announced its biobased and readily biodegradable allergen control technology, Purissimo NTL. Allergies have an impact on the quality of life and are associated with other medical conditions. World Bio Market Insights reports that Purissimo NTL is designed to c…
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Superthin solar cell converts any surface into a power source

January 23, 2023  |  What's New?

The time when it’s possible to carry a lightweight power source in your pocket, without being burdened by its size or weight, is getting closer. MIT engineers have developed ultralight and thinner-than-hair fabric solar cells that can transform any surface into a power generator within just sec…
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NTU unveils photovoltaic e-textile

January 9, 2023  |  What's New?

Researchers at the U.K.’s Nottingham Trent University (NTU) have developed an e-textile that’s embedded with 1,200 tiny photovoltaic cells. Led by Dr. Theodore Hughes-Riley, associate professor of Electronic Textiles at the Nottingham School of Art & Design, the experimental project is intro…
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Silkworm inspires nanofiber production method

January 9, 2023  |  What's New?

Inspired by the silkworm, scientists have developed a faster and simpler method of producing nanofibers. According to researchers from China's Sichuan University, existing nanofiber production methods such as electrospinning are either complicated, slow, or they can result in “clumpy” fibers. By…
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