Their innovations include the development of tissue-like implant materials, novel X-ray detectors, healthy frozen-meal products for lower-income consumers and a precise syringe for more accurate drug dose measurements. College of Arts & Sciences faculty are among the winners.

Biological materials have complex mechanical properties that are difficult to reproduce using synthetic materials. An international team of researchers, led by UNC-Chapel Hill chemist Sergei Sheiko, has produced a biocompatible synthetic material that behaves like biological tissues and changes color when it changes shape — like chameleon skin. The research appears in the March 30 issue of Science.