August 2024 Composites Blog
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August 11, 2024
Revolutionary Bio-composite Regrows Cartilage; Could prevent Knee Surgeries
Researchers at Northwestern University recently announced the development of a new bioactive material that can regenerate high quality cartilage in knee joints. The experiment was demonstrated using a large animal model. While researching the new bio-composite, researchers applied it to the damaged knee cartilage of various animals, six months later an analysis of the damaged tissue revealed significant regrowth and healing improvements. Remarkably the material was able to stimulate the development of new cartilage rich in biopolymers like collagen II and proteoglycans, both vital for pain free knee movement. The study’s lead author Samuel I. Stupp Said ““Our new therapy can induce repair in a tissue that does not naturally regenerate. We think our treatment could help address a serious, unmet clinical need.” Stupp further mentioned, “Cartilage is a critical component in our joints. When cartilage becomes damaged or breaks down over time, it can have a great impact on people’s overall health and mobility. The problem is that, in adult humans, cartilage does not have an inherent ability to heal.” The material in question was made by combining bioactive peptides with chemically modified hyaluronic acid particles. The result was nanoscale fiber bundles that mimic a cartilage structure. The material was specifically designed to attract the cells that regenerate the tissue. The material sends out bioactive signals to stimulate cells to repair the cartilage around the material. Learn more about this topic here.
August 27, 2024
Scientists Determine the Best Anti-Radiation Materials for Mars Bases and Spacesuits
Scientists Determine the Best Anti-Radiation Materials for Mars Bases and Spacesuits
Scientists recently identified the best materials for mars bases and spacesuits to shield astronauts from the high levels of radiation that exist on the planet. These materials include certain plastics, rubber, synthetic fibers, and Martian soil. In a study titled "Modeling the effectiveness of radiation shielding materials for astronaut protection on Mars" published in The European Physical Journal plus, researchers detail their findings. The study was led by Dimitra Atri researcher at Center for Astrophysics and Space Science and Group Leader of the Mars Research Group at NYU Abu Dhabi's Center for Astrophysics and Space Science. Their experiments focused on utilizing computer modeling to simulate radiation conditions on Mars and using these conditions to test various materials. To ensure accurate results they used real data collected by NASA’s Curiosity rover. Through these experiments they determined that compound materials like synthetic fibers, certain plastics, and rubber showed excellent radiation shielding potential. Martian soil also known as regolith showed some potential as well but its shielding capabilities were not as pronounced as the other materials, therefore, the researchers determined that it could be used in some circumstances as an extra layer of protection. They also determined that the most commonly used aluminum could have some radiation shielding potential when combined with other low atomic number materials. Lead author Dimitri Atri said, "This breakthrough enhances astronaut safety and makes long-term Mars missions a more realistic possibility," ... and that "It supports the future of human space exploration and potential establishment of human bases on Mars, including the UAE's Mars 2117 project and its goal of establishing a city on Mars by the year 2117." Learn more about this topic here.
