Recent Advances in Science
This article highlights the latest discoveries made in the field of science:
Skin That Conceals Wrinkles
Researchers have developed a wearable skin layer known as XPL, which is smooth to the touch, invisible, and capable of hiding under-eye puffiness and wrinkles. This innovative layer enhances skin freshness and conceals signs of fatigue. Notably, it does not require specific temperature or lighting conditions for application, nor does it hinder the skin’s ability to breathe. However, its effects are temporary, lasting just one day. Originally made from silicone, this layer has been employed in medical applications to treat skin conditions such as dermatitis, with potential future enhancements allowing it to block harmful UV rays and assist in wound healing.
The layer consists of tiny units that incorporate a chemical compound called siloxane, which underwent five years of development under the guidance of Professor Robert Langer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States. This research has demonstrated its effectiveness, achieving a 250% increase in skin freshness while tightening under-eye bags. Additionally, it may also provide hydration and maintain the mechanical integrity of the skin.
Lifetime Batteries
A serendipitous discovery at the University of California led to the invention of a new technology involving nanoscale wires capable of being used in batteries that can be charged thousands of times without losing capacity. These wires are thousands of times thinner than a human hair and exhibit excellent conductivity, along with a sufficient surface area for electron storage. Importantly, it’s worth noting that nano wires are fragile and cannot withstand repeated charging and discharging.
The university team addressed this challenge by encasing the nano wires in a layer of manganese dioxide and improving their functioning by embedding them in a specialized gel material. This groundbreaking development could pave the way for batteries used in smartphones, laptops, spacecraft, and vehicles that last a lifetime, maintaining their efficiency without degradation post-use. Remarkably, the material has been tested for over 200,000 charge and discharge cycles within three months without any loss of capacity or energy.
Wood Sawdust-Based Disinfectant
Environment engineer Shicheng Zhang from China discovered that wood contains phenol-like particles. By heating a mixture of water and sawdust for one hour and then filtering the resulting solution, he tested its ability to kill germs. The resulting liquid effectively eradicated E. coli bacteria, known for causing food poisoning, as well as anthrax bacteria, and helped prevent the transmission of influenza virus infections.