Researchers at the University of Illinois developed “smart” coatings for orthopedic implants that can monitor strain on the devices. These coatings monitor strain to provide early warnings of implant failures while killing infection-causing bacteria. They integrate flexible sensors with a nanostructured antibacterial surface. Researchers say they received inspiration for the surface from the wings of…

Researchers at collaborating universities in Illinois developed miniature biological robots with remote control capabilities. The hybrid “eBiobots” combine soft materials, living muscle and microelectronics. Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University and collaborating institutions developed them. In a post on the University of Illinois website, they described them as centimeter-scale biological machines. They…