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Researchers use synthetic silicate to stimulate stem cells into bone cells In new research published online May 13, 2013 in  Advanced Materials , researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) are the first to report that synthetic silicate nanoplatelets (also known as layered clay) can induce stem cells to become bone cells without the need of additional bone-inducing factors. Synthetic silicates are made up of simple or complex salts of silicic acids, and have been used extensively for various commercial and industrial applications, such as food additives, glass and ceramic filler materials, and anti-caking agents. "With an aging population in the US, injuries and degenerative conditions are subsequently on the rise," said Ali Khademhosseini, PhD, BWH Division of Biomedical Engineering, senior study author. "As a result, there is an increased demand for therapies that can repair damaged tissues. In particular, there is a great need for new mater

World's first light-activated antimicrobial surface that also works in the dark Mar 24, 2014 This image shows samples of silicone with the various dyes infused. Credit: Sacha Noimark, Elaine Allan and Ivan P. Parkin Researchers at UCL have developed a new antibacterial material which has potential for cutting hospital acquired infections. The combination of two simple dyes with nanoscopic particles of gold is deadly to bacteria when activated by light - even under modest indoor lighting. And in a first for this type of substance, it also shows impressive antibacterial properties in total darkness. The research, from by Sacha Noimark and Ivan Parkin (both UCL Chemistry) and Elaine Allan (UCL Eastman Dental Institute), is published today in the journal  Chemical Science . Hospital-acquired infections are a major issue for modern medicine, with pathogens like methicillin-resistant  Staphylococcus aureus  (MRSA) and  Clostridium difficile  (C. diff) getting extensive publ

Research and applications of iron oxide nanoparticles Hidasuki pattern on Bizen stoneware From the mysteries of producing red colors in traditional Japanese Bizen stoneware to iron-oxidizing bacteria for lithium ion batteries, Professor Jun Takada is at the forefront of research on innovative iron oxide nanomaterials. Professor Jun Takada is at the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology at Okayama University. "I spent thirty years investigating how craftsman were able to render the beautiful red colors in Bizen and Arita pottery," explains Takada. "This research revealed the important role of iron oxide particles for producing the colors. I am now working on innovative applications of nanometer scale iron oxide materials produced by 'iron-oxidizing bacteria'. I have made a transition from fine ceramics and Bizen stoneware to fuel cells and biotechnology!" Bizen ware has a history of more than a thousand years. The pottery has distinct