In the news

New technique could increase success rate, life span of implantable devices

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A new technique being developed at Purdue University could provide patients who require implantable catheters in the treatment of neurological and other disorders with a reliable and self-clearing catheter that could eliminate the need for additional surgery to replace failing devices.

Device utilizing molecular technique could provide ultra-sensitive automated system

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - An innovation at Purdue University could allow highly sensitive detection of an infectious disease such as HIV or whooping cough by using a low-cost, automated, point-of-care test similar in packaging to a pregnancy test.

Volumetric imaging method reveals chemical content

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. A "chemical imaging" system that uses a special type of laser beam to penetrate deep into tissue might lead to technologies that eliminate the need to draw blood for analyses including drug testing and early detection of diseases such as cancer and diabetes. The system, called stimulated Raman projection microscopy and tomography, makes possible "volumetric imaging" without using fluorescent dyes that might affect biological functions and hinder accuracy, said Ji-Xin Cheng, a professor in Purdue University's Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Chemistry and Birck Nanotechnology Center.

From temporary tattoos to gluose breathalyzers, a Purdue engineer seeks better health on the go

Imagine diabetics no longer having to prick their fingers to test their blood sugar. Elderly patients wearing a temporary tattoo that shows their doctors if they've taken their medicine. These far-fetched ideas are becoming a reality, thanks to Purdue researchers looking into new diagnostic platforms and low-cost devices. One of those innovators is Jacqueline Linnes, assistant professor of biomedical engineering, who specializes in creating paper-based devices to instantly diagnose diseases in the field that previously took days in a lab. She is collaborating with other researchers to make a quantitative test that will empower officials to track water quality, helping to prevent cholera's spread in Haiti.

Purdue professor developing dissolvable orthopedic implants

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) A Purdue University professor is developing a technology to replace steel and titanium orthopedic implants. "Yeah, so there's going to be nothing there," said Materials Engineering Professor Lia Stanciu. "It's going to be just your bone, just your regular tissue, that's our final target."

Rechargeable spin battery promising for spintronics and quantum computing

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. Researchers have shown how to create a rechargeable "spin battery" made out of materials called topological insulators, a step toward building new spintronic devices and quantum computers. Unlike ordinary materials that are either insulators or conductors, topological insulators are both at the same time - they are insulators inside but conduct electricity on the surface. The materials might be used for spintronic devices and quantum computers more powerful than today's technologies.

Graphene sees more light with silicon carbide substrate

Graphene could be utilised in a wider range of highly sensitive optical devices by combining it with a silicon carbide substrate, claim researchers in the US.

Nontoxic, biodegradable orthopedic implant could provide superior support to damaged bones

Purdue University researchers are developing a nontoxic, biodegradable orthopedic implant that could be safely absorbed by the body after providing adequate support to damaged bones. The development of the technology originated in the lab of Lia Stanciu, a professor of materials engineering at Purdue in 2009. The technology could eliminate the need for a second surgery to remove conventional hardware.

Discovery Park’s Birck Nanotechnology Center hosting annual NanoDays event

On April 5-7, the Birck Nanotechnology Center in Discovery Park will host its annual NanoDays event. NanoDays is a nationwide, annual celebration that features educational programs about nanoscale science and engineering and their effect on society. NanoDays events are organized by participants in the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network and are hosted by science museums, research centers and universities. "The Birck Nanotechnology Center has had the privilege of hosting NanoDays for eight consecutive years, thereby inspiring young minds to develop an interest and fascination with science and engineering," says Ron Reger, NanoDays organizer and engineering manager at the Birck Nanotechnology Center.

Controlling forces between atoms, molecules, promising for 2-D hyperbolic’ materials

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - A new approach to control forces and interactions between atoms and molecules, such as those employed by geckos to climb vertical surfaces, could bring advances in new materials for developing quantum light sources. "Closely spaced atoms and molecules in our environment are constantly interacting, attracting and repelling each other," said Zubin Jacob, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Purdue University. "Such interactions ultimately enable a myriad of phenomena, such as the sticky pads on gecko feet, as well as photosynthesis."