Mad as a March Basketball
Every spring, Americans fall victim to a syndrome known as “March Madness.” Early onset symptoms include a loss of interest in regular activities, coupled with racing thoughts about the NCAA. Later stages are marked by a craving for CollegeHoopsNet.com posts, obsessive bracket picking, and frequent betting in office pools. Final stage is incessant streaming of […]
CPG Researchers Receive Hip Replacement Positioning Patent
CPG researchers, along with orthopedic surgeons from the Massachusetts General Hospital, received a U.S. patent for a low cost navigation system designed to assist surgeons in aligning the acetabular cup used in hip replacement surgeries. The USTPO issued the patent as number 9,554,731. Hip replacements now have a possible life expectancy of over 20 years, […]
The Technology of Football Helmets
We continue our discussion of polymers in sports equipment by looking at football helmets. The well-publicized dangers of head injuries have put helmet design back in the forefront of sports equipment manufacturers. Modern day football helmets bear little resemblance to the original leather helmets first introduced in the early 1900s. These leather helmets had no […]
Get Rich to Avoid Infections
The Antimicrobial Properties of Silver The phrase ‘blue bloods’ is associated with nobility or wealthy upper class. The etymology of the phrase has a few sources. One is that the pale skin associated with a non-laboring class of citizens allowed the blue veins to be better observed. A second, and more scientifically intriguing, source is […]
Antisocial Polymers
Social scientists have opined that social behavior is influenced both by environment and genetic makeup, the latter relating to our body chemistry. Interestingly, many polymers’ resistance to cracking follows these same two influences. Whereas some cracking results from excessive loads, or from thermal or UV degradation, a large percentage of plastic part failure results from […]
PET for Pets
Some of Cambridge Polymer Group’s staff spent last Friday’s lunch hour working with polymers for a good cause. Unlike our usual analytical testing and contract R&D, this particular work did not require a lab. We braided polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into dog toys for PetsEmpower, a non-profit that fosters and reunites pets with survivors of domestic […]
Cooling Polymer Sheets
Warming from the sun occurs through the absorption of visible light and infrared light into materials whose molecular groups become energized at specific wavelengths, and the material warms. These molecules then can lose the energy by emitting it at different wavelengths, often in the infrared spectrum, cooling the material. Passive Cooling Creating surfaces that do […]
Breathe Easy
Biosafety Level 4 labs are used to study the deadliest pathogens known to humankind. In these labs, the scientists are garbed in protective suits that provide an external air supply and positive pressure throughout, to prevent inhalation and permeation of any airborne pathogens that may be present in the lab. The NY Times reported that […]
Was the Mad Hatter Actually a Dentist?
Material Selection in Dental Fillings So you indulged in a little too much holiday candy, and now need a cavity filled? There are several material choices, including amalgam alloy and composite resin. Metal Amalgam vs. Polymeric Composite If you had a filling prior to 1986, it was likely composed of an amalgam alloy, which is […]
What Are Candy Hearts Made Of?
Sweetheart Conversation Hearts are an iconic symbol of Valentine’s Day. First created by the New England Confectionery Company in 1902, Sweethearts are Necco Wafers cut in heart shapes and stamped with romantic messages. The recipe hasn’t changed much since the early 20th century, but the messages are updated as popular vernacular evolves, and now include […]