This study developed a new pH-sensitive polymer nanosphere and demonstrated its potential use as a drug delivery system. The newly developed poly(2-tetrahydropyranyl methacrylate) [poly-(THPMA)] nanospheres dissolved and released encapsulated drugs faster at pH 5.1 than pH 7.4. Compared with the FDA-approved polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanosphere, the poly-(THPMA)] nanospheres were taken up faster by cultured cancer cells and exhibited greater cytotoxicity against the cancer cells. These nanospheres may be potentially used as a controlledrelease drug delivery system for targeting tissues/cells such as solid tumor cells living in acidic microenvironment. 

Obesity is becoming a serious public health problem and increases the risks of other diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and type II diabetes. Protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP1B) mediates insulin resistance and the signaling of leptin (a hormone which regulates fat metabolism). This study synthesized a series of salicylic acid derivatives, and identified such a compound that selectively inhibited PTP1B. This compound also caused significant loss of body fat, decreased body weight gain and prevented the high fat diet-induced increases of plasma triglyceride and cholesterol in a mouse obesity model. 

Hyperbranched macromoles such as dendrimers have wide applications in various fields. However, the synthesis of such compounds is usually labor-intensive and not easily achievable. This study reported a simple method to synthesize hyperbranched macromoles via acyclic diene metathesis polymerization with an imidazolinylidene-based ruthenium olefin metathesis catalyst. Using this method of olefin metathesis, any molecules with two or more electron-poor olefins and one electron-rich olefin can be used as a monomer.

The authors built the smallest radio ever from a carbon nanotube with a simple technical design. The radio is made of a single carbon nanotube mounted to an electrode in close proximity to a counter-electrode, powered by a DC voltage source, and can be tuned to receive preselected segment of electromagnetic spectrum. The carbon nanotube simultaneously performed the functions of all four basic components of a radio (antenna, tuner, amplifier and demodulator). This study opens the door for a new generation of radio receivers, and may greatly advance the development of wireless communication devices and lead to the development of radio-controlled tiny medical devices.