[Image above] Credit: ACerS
BIOMATERIALS
Goodbye, cavities: New gel could regrow tooth enamel
Researchers led by the University of Nottingham developed a fluoride-free gel that could help rebuild damaged tooth enamel, something the body cannot naturally replace once it is lost. The gel fills microscopic cracks and draws calcium and phosphate from saliva to grow a new mineral layer that closely matches healthy enamel.
Fracture fixation material promotes fracture healing by controlling magnesium release
Seoul National University researchers developed a new bioceramic fracture fixation material that promotes bone regeneration by precisely controlling the timing of magnesium ion release to suppress inflammatory immune responses during osteoporotic fracture healing.
ENVIRONMENT
Scientists propose a greener alternative for fire‑resistant concrete
Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology in Lithuania reported that waste-based geopolymer mortars with selected fine aggregates, particularly corundum and ceramic waste, can retain high compressive strength after exposure to 800°C.
International research team calls for collaboration in next-gen water quality modeling
In a new review article, an international team of researchers from 17 institutions across China, Australia, and New Zealand calls for a fundamental shift toward coordinated, transnational collaboration in water quality modeling.
MANUFACTURING
Researchers used 3D printing to produce WC–Co cemented carbides
Hiroshima University researchers used two hot-wire laser irradiation methods to produce tungsten carbide–cobalt cemented carbides. One method involved direct irradiation on top of the cemented carbide rod. The other method involved irradiation between the bottom of the cemented carbide rod and the base material.
Smart repairs for ancient pots
Koç University researchers described a novel method that combines 3D photogrammetry, computer modeling, 3D printing, and tiny electronic sensors to create “smart” fills for broken pottery.
OTHER STORIES
Sulfur–selenium glass bends, stretches, and self-heals while transmitting IR light
Researchers developed a sulfur–selenium chalcogenide glass with a measured transmission window extending from about 0.62 μm to nearly 21 μm while showing extreme stretchability, high strain recovery, room-temperature self-healing, and shape-memory behavior.
Polymer complex helps cement recover strength across six damage cycles
Researchers developed a self-healing cement composite containing just 0.13 wt.% polymer additive. This polymer complex forms in situ during slurry preparation and disperses within the cement matrix, establishing dynamic electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds that enable compressive strength recovery across six damage-healing cycles under humid conditions.