Wound

Researchers based in Australia have found that Vanillin, the compound found in vanilla pods, is not only an aromatic flavoring agent for foods and perfumes, but it can also help treat chronic wounds.

Scientists at the University of Maryland have developed a novel gel sheet material with excellent absorption abilities, which they imagine finding use everywhere from messy kitchens to operating theaters.

Mussels have long been known for the adhesive they produce, which allows them to cling to rocks. The protein responsible has now been utilized in a new skin grafting technique, which reportedly results in little to no scarring.

When someone is suffering from a deep stab wound, it's important to apply pressure within that wound. A new student-designed device is intended to let first responders do just that, potentially saving lives that might otherwise be lost.

In the not-too-distant future, we may see wound dressings that default to absorbing bodily fluids, while also releasing medication on demand. The same material could allow robots to cool themselves by sweating.