![Susan Quaggin](../../../images/quaggin-thumbnail.jpg)
2024 News
![Susan Quaggin](../../../images/quaggin-thumbnail.jpg)
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NIBIB highlights recent bladder research from SQI faculty
The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) published a “science highlight” on new technologies to improve bladder surgery and monitoring, developed by SQI members Arun Sharma, Guillermo Ameer and John Rogers. Their translational research, which combines regenerative medicine and bioelectronics, was originally published in separate papers in PNAS and PNAS Nexus.
![Susan Quaggin](../../../images/quaggin-thumbnail.jpg)
Quaggin named winner of the John P. Peters Award
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Antioxidant gel preserves islet function after pancreas removal
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ISTC names Rivnay a ‘Researcher to Know’
SQI member Jonathan Rivnay was named to the 2024 “Researchers to Know” list by the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition (ISTC). An expert in organic and hybrid bioelectronics, Rivnay was one of 31 faculty members from across the state recognized by the ISTC.
![Shana Kelley](../../../images/shana-kelley-thumbnail.jpg)
Kelley featured on Weinberg’s faculty speaker series
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Hersam elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences
![Mark Hersam](../../../images/mark-hersam-thumbnail.jpg)
Hersam wins MRS Mid-Career Research Award
![Jes Sanders](../../../images/jes-sanders.jpg)
Meet the Researchers: Jes Sanders
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Implant and app enables patients to monitor bladder function
Researchers led by SQI members Guillermo Ameer, John Rogers and Arun Sharma have developed a new soft, flexible, battery-free implant that attaches to the bladder wall to sense filling. Then, it wirelessly transmits data to a smartphone app, so users can monitor their bladder fullness in real time.
While this new device is unnecessary for the average person, it could be a game-changer for people with paralysis, spina bifida, bladder cancer or end-stage bladder disease. The sensor system also can enable clinicians to monitor their patients remotely and continuously to make more informed — and faster — treatment decisions.
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Implantable sensor could lead to timelier Crohn’s treatment
![Jonathan Rivnay](../../../images/rivnay-thumbnail.jpg)
Polymer electronics feel strain and evolve during operation
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Outsmarting chemo-resistant ovarian cancer
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Synthetic ‘bladder patch’ promotes tissue regeneration, restores function
![Mark Hersam](../../../images/mark-hersam-thumbnail.jpg)
Hersam elected to National Academy of Engineering
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SQI announces first round of Synthesizer Research Grants
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Decorated nanoparticles prevent allergic reactions
Northwestern University researchers led by SQI member Evan Scott have developed the first selective therapy to prevent allergic reactions, which can range in severity from itchy hives and watery eyes to trouble breathing and even death.
To develop the new therapy, researchers decorated nanoparticles with antibodies capable of shutting down specific immune cells (called mast cells) responsible for allergic responses, as well as an allergen that corresponds to the patient’s specific allergy. In this two-step approach, the allergen engages the precise mast cells responsible for the specific allergy, and then the antibodies shut down only those cells.
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