Self-powered sensor for human-machine interfacing

Researchers have created a thin-film triboelectric sensor which uses a polymer-nanowire-decorated triboelectric-negative polymer surface to achieve ultrasensitive tactile sensing. The device harnessed the triboelectric charges generated in the polymer surface upon contact with a foreign object to generate an output voltage.  The sensor retained its functionality even when applied to a curved surface.  Demonstrated applications included various alarm systems powered by touch alone.  Approach also offers possibilities for electronic-skin-type technologies. 

Self-Powered, Ultrasensitive, Flexible Tactile Sensors Based on Contact Electrification; G. Zhu et al, Nano Letters; dx.doi.org/10.1021/nl5005652

http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/nl5005652 

Micro-RNA sensor for cancer diagnostics

Micro-RNA-21 is overexpressed in many cancers.  A new magnetobiosensor selectively detected micro-RNA-21 at low concentrations in cancer cells and tissue samples. RNA plant-virus proteins tethered to magnetic beads captured DNA duplexes formed by adding anti-Micro-RNA-21 to the Micro-RNA-21-containing samples.  Beads were captured on screen-printed electrodes for electrochemical detection of microRNA. 

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/anie.201403270/full

Magnetobiosensors based on viral protein p19 for micro-RNA

determination in cancer cells and tissues; S. Campuzano et al; Angewandte Chemie International Edition, DOI: 10.1002/anie.201403270