Indian Institute of Technology

Whether they're in cars, buildings or airplanes, most of today's noise-blocking acoustic tiles are made of petrochemical-derived foam. A more eco-friendly alternative may be on the way, however, in the form of seaweed-derived membranes.

When bacteria colonize the surface of items such as medical implants, they form antibiotic-resistant coatings known as biofilms. Scientists have devised a new way of removing such films, and it involves magnetically steering augmented tea plant buds.

​​Did you know that the superabsorbent polymers used in sanitary napkins can take up to 500 years to degrade? Those polymers can also cause toxic shock syndrome. Now, however, scientists have developed an alternative which they claim is more environmentally-friendly, safer and more effective. ​

Detection of E. coli bacteria involves tests that typically take several hours, and must be performed in a lab. That could soon change, however, as scientists have developed a portable sensor that can do the job in 15 to 20 minutes. ​