Irish scientists lead heart project

IRISH scientists are leading a new European research project that could see microscopic “smart materials” being used to treat heart disease.

The scientists at the Tyndall National Institute based at University College Cork (UCC) are heading up the European Commission’s new Heart-e-Gel project.

They will spend the next three years coordinating the work of material and microelectronics scientists, surgeons and medical device companies in Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Israel on the development of Electro Active Polymers (EAPs) hydrogels for use in patients.