Biomaterials

Better bodies with biomaterials, plus more inside December 2020 ACerS Bulletin

By Lisa McDonald / November 19, 2020

The December 2020 issue of the ACerS Bulletin—featuring applications of ceramics and glass in the human body—is now available online. Plus—C&GM and ceramicSOURCE

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In lockstep: Nacre’s microstructure locks together to provide superior material strength

By April Gocha / November 12, 2019

Using electron microscopy, a team of scientists investigated the nanomechanics of nacre—and their results show precisely how this biomaterial gains superior strength upon lockdown.

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Gain a winning smile with glass-ceramics

By Lisa McDonald / January 22, 2019

Glass-ceramic dental crowns offer better aesthetics than conventional ceramics, but are not as strong. Researchers in Sweden developed a glass-ceramic that is both aesthetic and strong.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By Lisa McDonald / November 21, 2018

Bionic mushrooms, indoor air quality risk from 3-D printers, and other materials stories that may be of interest for November 21, 2018.

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Electrophoretic deposition coats metal implants with glass fibers to improve bone-to-implant bonding

By April Gocha / April 17, 2018

An international team of researchers has developed a feasible approach to add bioactivity to metallic biomedical implant surfaces, using electrophoretic deposition to form coatings comprised of oriented bioactive phosphate glass fibers.

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Sea urchin-inspired cement could enable more fracture-resistant concrete

By April Gocha / December 12, 2017

Researchers at the University of Konstanz in Germany have shown that they can engineer stronger cement by giving the material a nano-level brick and mortar structure. Adding polymer binders into cement to control its nanostructure, the researchers developed a material 40–100 times more fracture resistant than standard concrete.

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Brittle starfish offers lessons in creating durable ceramics

By Faye Oney / December 12, 2017

Scientists have discovered that a brittle starfish has the capability to create a durable “tempered” ceramic material while underwater. Its process is similar to the creation of tempered glass, but without the heating and cooling process.

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Biodegradable polymer may replace glass optical fiber for medical applications

By Faye Oney / October 17, 2017

Researchers from Penn State University have developed a flexible optical fiber that can deliver light into the body for diagnosing disease or viewing tissue damage. It is also biodegradable, offering a number of applications for the medical industry.

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Video: Silica layer enables tuning of structural colors for biocompatible pigments that don’t fade in tattoos, paints, foods, and more

By April Gocha / September 20, 2017

Researchers report a simple method to manufacture biocompatible structural colors using only melanin and silica. The silica shell provides a buffer layer of tunable thickness that allows customization of the particular color, offering the potential to fabricate a new breed of long-lasting pigments that don’t fade.

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Research team uses 3-D printer to create synthetic nerve and organ tissues

By Faye Oney / May 9, 2017

Scientists at George Washington University are using 3-D printers to create substitute tissues to support damaged bone, cartilage, and neural tissue during the healing process. Their research could eventually help patients with damaged tissues heal more quickly.

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