GolTech

Imagine a bandage that doesn’t just cover a wound—it helps it heal. Hydrogels are water-rich, flexible polymers that mimic human tissue and gradually release medication where it’s needed. Unlike traditional bandages, hydrogel dressings keep wounds moist, protect from infection, and actively support healing. Hydrogels are especially promising for burns and chronic wounds, where healing is slow and infection risk is high. They allow the wound to stay hydrated and can release antibiotics or growth factors over time, speeding recovery and reducing scarring. Startups like GolTech are making these "smart bandages" easier to bring to market by automating and refining how hydrogel properties are tested. As we see more of these innovations, the future of wound care is shifting from protection to active healing.

Incredible!! AI Hydrogels have learned how to play ping-pong. ?? ?? Researchers at the University of Reading wondered wether it would be possible for non-biological matter to play video games. Inspired by in vitro systems involving neurons in a dish, the researchers embedded electro-active hydrogels into the game of pong. Every time the ball moved through the material, the gel responded by moving the game paddle to a different position, thus, successfully playing pong. Furthermore, this AI gel got better at the pong, over time, improving its ability to respond to the movements of the ball. Mind blowing. Follow GolTech for more Hydrogel news. Reference: Electro-active polymer hydrogels exhibit emergent memory when embodied in a simulated game environment Strong, Vincent et al. Cell Reports Physical Science, Volume 0, Issue 0, 102151