Researchers have developed a new method of 3D-printing gels and other soft materials that has the potential to create complex structures with nanometer-scale precision. Because many gels are compatible with living cells, the new method could jump-start the production of soft tiny medical devices such as drug delivery systems or flexible electrodes that can be inserted into the human body.

Key takeaways and IDTechEx market commentary from the leading biennial event.

IDTechEx forecasts that flexible electronics in cardiac monitoring, deployed in electronic skin patches and electronic textiles, will be a $2 billion market in the year 2030.

The world is currently far off-track for limiting greenhouse gas emissions to the target of 2°C of warming as outlined in the Paris Agreement. There is an urgent need for technologies that can help reduce emissions and mitigate the impacts of greenhouse gases on the Earth's atmosphere.

A medical robotic hand could allow doctors to more accurately diagnose and treat people from halfway around the world, but currently available technologies aren't good enough to match the in-person experience.

Face masks have become an important tool in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic. However, improper use or disposal of masks may lead to "secondary transmission". A research team has successfully produced graphene masks with an anti-bacterial efficiency of 80%, which can be enhanced to almost 100% with exposure to sunlight for around 10 minutes.

Researchers have successfully developed a high-efficiency large-area organic solution processable solar cell by controlling the speed at which the solution of raw materials for solar cells became solidified after being coated.

Thursday 24 September - Electric vehicle growth and expansion; introduction to key trends in EV power electronics and the link to die attach technology; technology evolution of die and substrate attach paste; and power modules in EVs.

Metal powders are the most common feedstock used in metal additive manufacturing.

LG and Total become the latest major players to make a significant announcement for their materials informatics intentions.

At analyst IDTechEx we believe we have moral responsibilities, as do the researchers and industrialists we serve. One reason why we reject those seeking buy our company is that we do not wish to be constrained by the sensitivities of a parent when speaking the truth.

Join the webinar 23rd September - Introduction to changes in telecommunications infrastructure; choice of semiconductor technology for sub-6 GHz and mmWave 5G; case studies of sub-6 GHz and mmWave antenna and more.

PragmatIC has appointed Erik Langaker as independent Chair to complement its existing strong Board of Directors. This appointment comes alongside additional funding of over £13 million to support ongoing production ramp-up, accelerate manufacturing optimisation and drive continued product innovation.

OrelTech GmbH is a Berlin-based company that produces conductive metal inks for printed electronics applications. OrelTech pioneered a novel platform metallization technology that enables high-precision metal deposition onto a variety of surfaces, including temperature-sensitive plastics, fabrics, paper, composites, and active organic materials.

This article contains key reflections of the high-level discussions that took place during the congress and is structured by theme.

3D printed electronics, here explored in detail, is an emerging technology that enables a new manufacturing paradigm.

Flexible Hybrid Electronics: Conforming to the Market - Overview of latest market forecast and key trends; technology benchmarking and new entrant analysis; and analysis of technological transitions and associated innovation opportunities.

Researchers have created an artificial iris embedded in a smart contact lens. The smart contact lens is designed to operate for an entire day thanks to an ultra-low power design, offering a practical solution for people who suffer from human eye iris deficiencies like aniridia, high order aberrations like keratoconus, and light sensitivity or photophobia.

Sensors in the water and wastewater treatment industries are an emerging technology market area, forecast to grow to $2Bn+ in 2030. IDTechEx has analyzed this market in its new report "Sensors in the Water and Wastewater treatment industries 2020-2030".