Biomedical devices Research update Zwitterions make medical implants safer for patients New coating material inhibits the build-up of proteins, reducing risk of blood clots Read article: Zwitterions make medical implants safer for patients
Biophysics Research update Bacterial ‘cables’ form a living gel in mucus Finding could help treat bacterial infections in patients with cystic fibrosis, say biophysicists Read article: Bacterial ‘cables’ form a living gel in mucus
Polymers Research update Cross-linked polymer is both stiff and stretchy Researchers have succeeded in combining two usually incompatible properties for the first time Read article: Cross-linked polymer is both stiff and stretchy
Polymers Research update Novel ‘glassy gel’ materials are strong yet stretchable Glassy gels that can stretch up to five times their original length could find use in areas ranging from batteries to adhesives Read article: Novel ‘glassy gel’ materials are strong yet stretchable
Polymers Research update Mixing water and oil: no surfactants needed New finding could have implications for industries that use emulsions Read article: Mixing water and oil: no surfactants needed
Polymers Research update Sticky materials un-stick themselves in jumps New work could change the way we think about how soft materials adhere to surfaces Read article: Sticky materials un-stick themselves in jumps
Polymers Research update Liquid crystal elastomers make morphing fabric New type of fibre reversibly changes shape in response to temperature Read article: Liquid crystal elastomers make morphing fabric
Polymers Research update Ferroelectric polymer goes elastic New material might be employed in wearable electronics and implantable devices Read article: Ferroelectric polymer goes elastic
Polymers Research update Untangling the mechanisms behind surgical knot strength New finding could be used to train surgeons or robots to tie stronger, safer sutures Read article: Untangling the mechanisms behind surgical knot strength
Telescopes and space missions Research update Membrane mirrors take off for use in large space telescopes High-quality, flexible mirrors could be rolled up for transport on a spacecraft Read article: Membrane mirrors take off for use in large space telescopes