The following podcast takes on the form of a game show in which the topics of Microfluidics and MEMS development are the centers of attention. Microfluidics take advantage of photolithography to produce channels in PDMS that are on the scale of nanometers. By bonding this piece of PDMS to a piece of glass the channels are enclosed and fluids can be passed through. The infinite design possibilities allow engineers to control chemical reactions in the chip to test for any possible number of things.  MEMS, or microelectro-mechanical systems, are small micro-machines that are made up of components that are on the scale of nanometers and micrometers.  They are used in various techniques of microfabrication and for carrying out processes in small scale.

Colin Lenskold, Cameron Smith, Aleeza Ajmal

In our podcast, we discuss the innovations that enabled additive manufacturing (AM). We focus on 3D printing, how it works and the advantages and the challenges facing further development. We also mention a possible research topic in 3D printing to help show some of the challenges facing the technology. The podcast was set up as an interview between a podcast host (Ryan) and two scientists (Tyler and Roberto). The diagram shows how the process of 3D printing works.

Ryan Moore, Roberto Quinteros, Tyler Monko

Gold is much more than a symbol of luxury, and in this episode of All Gold Everything (AGE) host Kristin Cabrera and scientist Raj Singh talk about the function of gold nano-particles in cancer treatment. While other nano-particles such graphene are also sometimes used, gold, specifically in the  form as nanorods, is the optimal material in treatment due its ability to absorb in the IR a, high conductivity, and reflectivity.

In this episode of Interviews with Science, Hosts Shakil And Colleen unravel the mysteries of microfluidic devices in point of care diagnostics with Dr. Ethan Luxemburg. Most people might not know what some of its great advantages are (including our host, Colleen), so today we brought Dr. Luxemburg to give us a great explanation on the advantages of this technology!

Ethan Luxemburg, Colleen Lavelle, Shakil Gofur

Ian Miller, Connor Nace, Kexiang Yin

In this episode of Inside the Phone, host Connor Nace talks to Ian Miller and Ben Yin about Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS). Most people probably have never heard of the term before, yet MEMS occupy a central role in many modern electronic devices.  These roles include the accelerometers now found in most smartphones, airbag collision detection sensors, and ink jet printer heads.  Manufacturing devices that fit inside these space-confined areas, however, poses a challenge.  To find out the what, why, and how of MEMS technology, you’ll have to go Inside the Phone.

In exploring the use of gold nano-particle shells in cancer treatment, this podcast will focus on how photo-thermal therapy works, its successes, and its future. Beginning with the detrimental effects of cancer and why chemotherapy is not enough, this podcast offers photo-thermal therapy as an alternative. By using gold nano-particles and near-infrared light greater precision in treatment is achieved than more traditional methods. The diagram above shows the process as well as lab photographs of the results.

– Alaa Agag and Seiver Jorgensen

In this podcast, we will be describing an important device related to micromechanical surgery. This new micro device has the potential to provide an efficient and accurate reading of intraocular pressure (IOP) within the eyeball. IOP measurements are used to monitor glaucoma in patients. Therefore, having a highly sensitive pressure sensor that works in the convenience of one’s home will save time and money. This podcast goes into depth of the fabrication of this needle implantable, suture-less device. The schematic above shows the process flow for the step-by-step fabrication starting at the top. Eventually, IOP pressure sensors will be implanted into patients’ eyes through micromechanical surgery.

Rachel Young and Nicolette Lupo