A National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded study by researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and The Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering finds that neutrophils — the most abundant type of white blood cells in humans — may be altered by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, to cease their normal function of destroying pathogens in the body and, instead, significantly inhibit other immune cells critical for fighting the virus. 

A new artificial intelligence system pinpoints the origin of 3D printed parts down to the specific machine that made them. The technology could allow manufacturers to monitor their suppliers and manage their supply chains, detecting early problems and verifying that suppliers are following agreed upon processes. 

Researchers at the University of South Florida have developed a low-cost alternative to traditional laser-based cataract surgery. The new technique uses millisecond pulses from a diode laser to safely emulsify cataract-like tissue, offering a potential replacement for expensive femtosecond laser systems. Validated through computer simulations and laboratory tests on tissue models, the system delivers focused heating without damaging surrounding areas. This innovation could expand access to safe, effective cataract treatment in low- and middle-income countries.

Natural rubber, one of the world's most widely manufactured biomaterials, has been used by humans for thousands of years. Its resistance to crack growth, however, hasn't improved much for decades. 

Until now. Materials researchers at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have devised a way to produce natural rubber that retains its key properties of stretchiness and durability while greatly improving its ability to resist cracking, even after repeated cycles of use.  

The work is published in Nature Sustainability and is led by Professor Zhigang Suo.

A European group of researchers led by Aston University is taking the first steps to explore how AI can help urban mobility planners.