Abstract: Techniques for hydration monitoring are discussed herein. An example technique may include receiving a fluid intake value from a flow meter. The flow meter may be disposed on a beverage container and the fluid intake value may be indicative of an amount of fluid dispensed to an individual. The example technique may further include receiving a fluid output from a fluid excretion module. The fluid output value may be indicative of an amount of fluid excreted by the individual. The example technique may further include determining a hydration status of the individual based on a combination of the fluid intake value and the fluid output value. The hydration status may then be provided to the user.

Abstract: A matrix material dispersed with one or more susceptor structures can be formed into a feedstock for an additive manufacturing process. The one or more susceptor structures can be excited by an energy field such as an electric field, a magnetic field, an electromagnetic field, or any combination thereof, to produce heat. The heat that is produced can be transferred to the matrix material that surrounds the one or more susceptor structures to provide heat treatment to the matrix material. The heat treatment can improve the material and mechanical properties of three dimensional objects formed from the feedstock.

Abstract: Embodiments provided here generally relate to combinations of ultrasound aspects and antibodies. In some embodiments, antibodies are immobilized on a surface and binding of the antibodies to antigens can be detected by detecting changes in the vibrational properties of the surface.

Abstract: Food packaging and methods of making and using such packaging are disclosed. Food packaging having at least one agent may be disposed within a shape memory polymer which is adapted to release the agent in response to a stimulus. Such packaging may be used, for example, to detect environmental conditions during transport or storage, maintain a temperature of the food to preserve food quality, or provide a pleasant sensory experience to a consumer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for treating or preventing the build-up or entrapment of fecal matter in the colon. The compositions and methods disclose a delayed release laxative that provides for the release of the laxative if colon-specific conditions are achieved, otherwise the laxative passes out of the body. The condition specific release of laxatives prevents harmful side effects from excessive use of non-delayed release laxatives.

Abstract: Packaging materials including at least one copolymer sheet containing a first polymer having a high coefficient of thermal expansion, and a second polymer having a low coefficient of thermal expansion are described. In some configurations, the copolymer sheet includes one or more sections of a bimorph structure having a first layer of the first polymer and a second layer of the second polymer. Methods of making a packaging material by bonding the first layer and the second layer to form a copolymer sheet; and heating the copolymer sheet at discrete sections to destroy the layer definition forming discrete sections having a bimorph structure of the first layer and the second layer are also described, as are kits useful for preparing the packaging material.

Abstract: Self-cooling materials, such as food containers for transporting perishable food items, and methods for producing and using the materials are disclosed. The materials include a reactant adapted to produce an endothermic reaction upon hydration of the reactant by ambient water vapor.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for providing temperature control and/or regulation are provided. In some embodiments, the systems and/or methods include at least one endothermic reactant, which can be activated to control a local temperature. In some embodiments, the systems and/or methods include at least one gas producing material, which can allow for the production of gas, which can be trapped for the provision of an insulating volume.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide for terahertz tags and methods of making and using them. A tag may include a terahertz reflective material; and a saturated hygroscopic material positioned on the terahertz reflective material. A tag may include a terahertz reflective material; and an anhydrous hygroscopic material positioned on the terahertz reflective material. A humidity sensor may include a terahertz reflective material; and an anhydrous hygroscopic material positioned on the terahertz reflective material. A temperature sensor may include a terahertz reflective material; an anhydrous hygroscopic material positioned on the terahertz reflective material; and a polymer overlay having thermally controlled water permeability disposed on the anhydrous hygroscopic material. Some embodiments relate to a tag identification device configured to transmit an incident signal toward the tag, and to receive a reply signal from the tag in response to the incident signal.

Abstract: Symbologies for encoding data, as well as methods of encoding and decoding thereof are described. The symbologies may have a plurality of pixels arranged in a plurality of patterns on or in a substrate. Furthermore, each of the plurality of pixels may have one or more optical properties that each provides one or more types of non-interacting data.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for changing a property of a coating are provided. The coating includes a dynamic material configured to be reversibly convertible between a hydrophobic state and a hydrophilic state, wherein transition between the hydrophilic state to the hydrophobic state occurs in an environment dependent manner. The coating also includes an environment altering material configured to alter the hydrophobic or hydrophilic state of the dynamic material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing localized cooling of a surface are described. Localized cooling devices may include a thermal element configured to generate a temperature gradient in a cooling interface in contact with the surface. Temperature gradient may operate to facilitate conductive heat transfer from the surface, through the cooling interface, and out into the ambient environment. The thermal elements may include thermoelectric cooling elements (TECs), such as Peltier cooling elements. In some embodiments, the localized cooling devices may be configured to treat swelling associated with periorbital edema by providing convenient, efficient, and continuous cooling of the affected area.

Abstract: Antibodies and antibody fragments that selectively bind to nanoparticles are provided herein.

Abstract: Technologies are disclosed for a method and a device for detecting device colonization. Disclosed herein is an indwelling medical device configured to detect a biofilm. The device comprises a substrate configured to contact blood and a detecting material, disposed with the substrate, configured to detect the presence of a biofilm thereon. The detecting material is soluble in blood, removable by kidneys from the blood, and passable to urine by the kidneys for detection in the urine. A method for detecting the growth of a biofilm on an indwelling medical and a method for making an indwelling medical device are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Technologies are generally provided for a medical sponge configured to reduce a temperature at a surgical site. Endothermic reactants may be incorporated with the medical sponge to reduce a temperature at the surgical site in response to absorption of fluids. The sponge may be placed at a surgical site, and as the sponge absorbs fluids, the endothermic reactants may become hydrated. Hydration of the endothermic elements may induce an endothermic reaction, resulting in reduction of a temperature of the surrounding surgical site. The endothermic elements may be inserted within semi-permeable pouches that may be layered with the sponge. Additionally, endothermic elements may be inserted within hollow semi-permeable fibers and woven together to form the sponge. Hemostatic agents, antimicrobial agents, and analgesics may also be integrated with the medical sponge to prevent and treat other conditions experienced at the surgical site such as inflammation, pain, and infection.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and devices for sensing air quality. In some embodiments, materials from mitochondrial membranes, and/or material that is present in mitochondrial membranes can be used as a detection system to optically detect the presence and/or absence of various materials.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for a method and a device for detecting device colonization. Disclosed herein is an indwelling medical device configured to detect a biofilm. The device comprises a substrate configured to contact blood and a detecting material, disposed with the substrate, configured to detect the presence of a biofilm thereon. The detecting material is soluble in blood, removable by kidneys from the blood, and passable to urine by the kidneys for detection in the urine. A method for detecting the growth of a biofilm on an indwelling medical and a method for making an indwelling medical device are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for devices for detection of a biofilm by a color change in a moisture-indicating substance, such as a chemical or a dye. The moisture indicating material may be supported by a substrate and sealed to keep moisture from the moisture indicating material. Alternatively, the moisture indicating material may be supported in a pouch and sealed by the pouch. The color change results from an ingress of moisture accompanying growth of a biofilm. The moisture-indicating substance may be used with indwelling or other devices to detect a biofilm. When the biofilm has sufficiently degraded the seal, an ingress of moisture and its accompanying pH may cause a color change in the moisture-indicating substance to signify the presence of the biofilm. Methods of manufacture and use of the disclosed devices are also described.

Abstract: Symbologies for encoding data, as well as methods of encoding and decoding thereof are described. The symbologies may have a plurality of pixels arranged in a plurality of patterns on or in a substrate. Furthermore, each of the plurality of pixels may have one or more optical properties that each provides one or more types of non-interacting data.

Abstract: Provided herein are packaging materials that include a bioactive material, as well as methods of using and methods of making such bioactive packaging material.