OUTLAW POLICE TASERS

Study finds handheld electro-shockers can pose risk for individuals with cardiac implants

Findings reported in Heart Rhythm detail interaction between handheld electro-shockers commonly used for self defense and cardiac implantable electronic devices

Elsevier

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Findings reported in Heart Rhythm detail the interaction between handheld electro-shockers commonly used for self defense and cardiac implantable electronic devices. This image depicts the study’s main results.

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Credit: Heart Rhythm / Wegner et al.

Philadelphia, April 9, 2025 – Research has found that handheld electro-shockers commonly used for self defense can potentially interact with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) such as pacemakers, putting individuals at risk. The study in Heart Rhythm, the official journal of the Heart Rhythm Society, the Cardiac Electrophysiology Society, and the Pediatric & Congenital Electrophysiology Society, published by Elsevier, shows that the individual interactive risk is primarily based on the applied voltage, but also on the manufacturer and type of implanted CIED.

The use of TASER pistols by security forces has been controversial because of associated health risks for subjects receiving a TASER shock. In contrast to TASER pistols, which shoot electrical darts over a distance of up to 10 meters and transmit electrical currents through large parts of a person’s body, a handheld electro-shocker delivers energy superficially by directly applying the device to a target. The handheld electro-shockers tested in this study are legal to own and carry in most countries and therefore, patients with CIEDs might have an increased risk of coming into contact with these devices. This is the first time a study has evaluated the effects of these electro-shockers on CIEDs.

Lead investigator Felix K. Wegner, MD, Department of Cardiology II – Electrophysiology, University Hospital Muenster, Germany, says, "Current literature and manufacturer guidelines don't fully address patients' concerns about living with a CIED. To investigate the interaction between electro-shockers and cardiac devices, we devised an experimental model in which six pacemakers and ten implantable cardioverter-defibrillators from different manufacturers were implanted in a subcutaneous and submuscular location in an isolated section of a porcine chest and connected to an interactive heart simulator. Subsequently, three types of electro-shockers were applied to the chest."

Data analysis showed that the electro-shocker with the highest applied voltage (“PowerMax,” 500,000 volt) had a high potential of interaction with all tested CIEDs. Depending on the CIED manufacturer, there was a relevant risk of inadequate shock delivery by implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Conversely, smaller handheld electro-shockers with lower applied voltages (“Electric Guard,” 250,000 volt and “Bikenda,” <50,000 volt) had a significantly reduced risk of interaction.

Dr. Wegner notes, "We were surprised to find that submuscular CIED implantation did not significantly reduce the risk of interaction when compared to subcutaneous CIED implantation. Additionally, we expected the distance between the electro-shocker application and the CIED implantation site to have a greater impact on the risk of interaction than it did in the present study. These unexpected findings indicate that electro-shocker applications to a large part of a patient with a CIED’s body may pose a relevant risk of interaction with the respective CIED.”

Senior author Lars Eckardt, Department of Cardiology II – Electrophysiology, University Hospital Muenster, Germany, concludes, “Commercially available handheld electro-shockers pose a relevant risk of interaction when applied in proximity to CIEDs. The risk of interaction is primarily dependent on applied voltage but resulting changes in cardiac device behavior differ according to the respective manufacturer. In this experimental study, which is the result of an excellent and fruitful cooperation with our local traumatologists, no signs of cardiac device damage were noted due to handheld electro-shocker application. Further research is warranted to evaluate whether our findings are transferable to all current and legacy CIED systems."

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Journal

Heart Rhythm

DOI

10.1016/10.1016/j.hrthm.2025.02.025 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

Effects of handheld electro-shockers on cardiac implantable electronic devices

Article Publication Date

9-Apr-2025

Titanium particles are common around implants

University of Gothenburg

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Tord Berglundh och Carlotta Dionigi, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg.

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Credit: Photo by Elin Lindström

Titanium micro-particles in the oral mucosa around dental implants are common. This is shown in a new study from the University of Gothenburg, which also identified 14 genes that may be affected by these particles. 

Registry data indicate that about five percent of all adults in Sweden have dental implants—and potentially also titanium particles in the tissue surrounding the implants. According to the researchers, there is no reason for concern, but more knowledge is needed. 

"Titanium is a well-studied material that has been used for decades. It is biocompatible and safe, but our findings show that we need to better understand what happens to the micro-particles over time. Do they remain in the tissue or spread elsewhere in the body?" says Tord Berglundh, senior professor of periodontology at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg. 

Found at all implants 

Previous research has shown that titanium particles may occur in inflamed tissues around dental implants. The new study, published in Communications Medicine, showed that titanium micro-particles were consistently found at all examined implants—even those without signs of inflammation. 

The researchers analyzed tissue samples from 21 patients with multiple adjacent implants. Samples were taken both at healthy implants and at implants affected by peri-implantitis, an inflammatory disease in the tissue around the implant. Each patient thus served as their own control. The density of particles varied between patients, but not between sites with and without peri-implantitis within the same patient. The analyses were conducted in collaboration with Uppsala University, where researchers used an advanced method called µ-PIXE to map the distribution of titanium particles in the tissue samples. 

Affected genes 

Peri-implantitis is a microbial biofilm-associated inflammatory disease around dental implants, with features similar to those of periodontitis around teeth. The inflammatory process is complex and the resulting destruction of supporting bone in peri-implantitis may lead to loss of the implant.  

"We observed that tissue samples with higher concentrations of titanium particles had an altered gene expression, especially genes related to inflammation and wound healing. We identified 14 such genes, but it is unclear whether the particles influence the local immune response or if the difference in gene expression reflects inter-individual variability in inflammatory conditions," says Carlotta Dionigi, specialist in periodontology and researcher at the Department of Periodontology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg. 
The researchers suspect that titanium particles are released during the surgical installation procedure, when the screw-shaped implant is inserted into the prepared canal in the alveolar bone. In this context, the observation on differences in micro-particle densities between various implant systems deserves attention, since the surface structure of the implant may influence the deposition of micro-particles. This is now an important topic for continued research.

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Journal

Communications Medicine

DOI

10.1038/s43856-025-00756-3 

Method of Research

Observational study

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

Titanium micro-particles are commonly found in soft tissues surrounding dental implants

 

Enabling Indonesia’s small farmers to embrace innovation

As agricultural technology advances, small farmers in Indonesia are being left behind – but a new report reveals practical solutions to bridge the gap between farmers and tech innovators

University of Technology Sydney

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As agricultural technology advances, small farmers in Indonesia are being left behind – but a new report reveals practical solutions to bridge the gap between farmers and tech innovators.

Indonesia’s 17.2 million small farmers help feed a population of 280 million, yet many still rely on traditional practices. Improving access to tech-enabled innovations could increase productivity and market access, boosting incomes and enhancing food security.

Trisna Mulyati, a PhD candidate at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and lead author of the report, understands these challenges first hand. Growing up in Aceh province in western Indonesia, she witnessed how small farmers lacked access to modern tools and innovations. 

“My uncle is a farmer and in more than 30 years little has changed – if anything things are worse. We need an approach where the farmer’s point of view is better understood, where they have a greater voice, to combat 'farmer exit' and empower intergenerational farming. 

“There’s enormous potential for technology-driven growth, but AgTech startups need to go beyond ‘fly-in, fly-out’ models. Farmers need long-term partnerships, not one-time interventions.”

Agricultural technology, or AgTech, refers to a wide range of tools and techniques that improve efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in farming practices. It includes precision agriculture, biotechnology, automation and data analytics, using tools like AI, sensors, drones and GPS to optimise crop growth and improve resource management.

The report, ‘Transitioning future small farms in Indonesia: Ten best practices for agritech startups & wider ecosystems’, was launched at the Australian Consulate General in Bali on 26 February. An online workshop is scheduled for 10 April to launch the Indonesian translation of the report.

The report calls for stronger engagement between tech startups, NGOs, and policymakers to help farmers overcome adoption barriers. It outlines ten best practices to enable and shape Indonesia’s rural startup ecosystem.

The research is based on interviews with 131 stakeholders, including farmers, startups, and NGOs in Jakarta, West Java, Bali, and Aceh, who provided deeper insights into how local knowledge can shape more effective technological solutions.

10 key recommendations to drive change:

• Arrange on-farm demonstrations
• Offer insights that take the farmer’s point of view
• Collaborate to enable effective farm financing and advisory
• Create both in-person and online interactions
• Prioritise farmer return on investment (ROI)
• Aim for sustainable and seasonal growth
• Leverage blended capital
• Collaborate with NGOs to advocate for policy change
• Collaborate with hubs of farmers
• Be authentically sustainable

The research was supported by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the Australia-Indonesia Institute, Lestari, a sustainable innovation hub run by the Pijar Foundation and other Indonesian partners. 

Australia’s Consul-General Jo Stevens, who attended the Bali launch, reinforced the report’s significance. 

“This initiative highlights DFAT’s commitment to fostering international collaboration. It’s about ensuring a prosperous future for both Indonesia and Australia,” she said.

Building on this, UTS and Pijar Foundation have recently signed a memorandum of understanding to explore future research, education and engagement collaborations that advance their respective innovation ecosystems.

Associate Professor Martin Bliemel, Director of Innovation at the UTS Transdisciplinary School, said the report serves as a guide-map, not just for Indonesia but for AgTech innovators and rural communities worldwide.

“By moving away from one-size-fits-all startup models and embracing farmer-driven innovation, Indonesia has the chance to build a resilient agricultural sector – one that prioritises sustainability, empowers small farmers, and secures food production for generations to come.”

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DOI

10.71741/4pyxmbnjaq.28447748 

Method of Research

Survey

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

TRANSITIONING FUTURE SMALL FARMS IN INDONESIA: 10 BEST PRACTICES FOR AGRITECH STARTUPS & WIDER ECOSYSTEMS

Article Publication Date

9-Apr-2025

 

Breakthrough in battery technology: unraveling the mystery of electrolyte wetting in advanced lithium-ion batteries

Beijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd

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Unraveling mechanisms of electrolyte wetting process in three-dimensional electrode structures: Insights from realistic architectures

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Credit: GREEN ENERGY AND INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION

As the world transitions from fossil fuels to clean energy storage systems, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become increasingly vital across multiple industries. While larger battery structures offer promising solutions for enhanced energy density, they present significant challenges in electrolyte filling and wetting processes. Researchers from the Tsinghua University have now conducted groundbreaking research to understand the complex relationship between electrode microstructure and electrolyte wetting, addressing a critical bottleneck in battery manufacturing.

 

The study employed advanced X-ray computed tomography to reconstruct three-dimensional electrode structures, allowing researchers to evaluate key parameters affecting electrolyte wetting. Their findings reveal that manufacturing processes significantly impact wetting behavior through two primary mechanisms:

 

•  Manufacturing Process Effects: Increasing calendering pressure and active material content reduces electrode porosity, which decreases permeability and penetration rate while enhancing capillary action. This creates a complex interplay that determines overall wetting effectiveness.

 

•  Incomplete Wetting Causes: The research identified two primary factors behind incomplete electrolyte wetting: partial closure of pores during the calendering process that blocks electrolyte access, and non-wetting phase gases that become trapped within the electrolyte during wetting, hindering complete penetration.

 

The study provides quantitative assessments of permeability and capillary forces—critical factors that determine both the degree and rate of electrolyte wetting. These insights offer battery manufacturers concrete guidance for optimizing production processes to achieve more efficient and complete wetting, potentially reducing manufacturing costs while improving battery performance and longevity.

 

This research opens several promising avenues for battery technology advancement:

 

•  Development of optimal geometric configurations for electrodes and separators during the wetting phase, enhancing battery structural design during manufacturing

 

•  Creation of multi-scale, multi-physics numerical models to comprehensively examine various influencing mechanisms and their interactions

 

•  Establishment of macro-scale process simulation models based on the micro-scale findings to accurately determine saturation immersion times, potentially reducing production costs

 

•  Application of vibration inputs during the immersion process to facilitate the expulsion of trapped gases, thereby increasing actual electrolyte infiltration volume

 

This innovative research provides unprecedented insights into the complex mechanisms governing electrolyte wetting in lithium-ion batteries. By elucidating the relationship between manufacturing parameters, electrode microstructure, and wetting behavior, the study offers a scientific foundation for optimizing battery production processes. As the demand for high-energy-density batteries continues to grow in applications ranging from electric vehicles to renewable energy storage systems, these findings will play a crucial role in developing more efficient, higher-performing, and more reliable battery technologies to power our clean energy future.

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Journal

Green Energy and Intelligent Transportation

DOI

10.1016/j.geits.2024.100248 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Unraveling mechanisms of electrolyte wetting process in three-dimensional electrode structures: Insights from realistic architectures

 

Breakthrough in ultra-thin lithium metal anodes opens the era of longer-lasting batteries

DGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)

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A research team led by Professor Yu Jong-sung from the Department of Energy Science and Engineering at DGIST (President Kunwoo Lee) has developed a technology that dramatically enhances the stability of ultra-thin metal anodes with a thickness of just 20μm. The team proposed a new method using electrolyte additives to address the issues of lifetime and safety that have hindered the commercialization of lithium metal batteries.

 

□ Lithium metal anodes (3,860 mAh g⁻¹) have over 10 times the capacity of widely used graphite anodes (372 mAh g⁻¹) and feature a low standard reduction potential, making them promising candidates for next-generation anode materials. However, during charge-discharge cycles, lithium tends to grow in dendritic forms, causing short circuits and thermal runaway, which lead to lifetime and safety issues. Moreover, due to volume expansion, the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) repeatedly degrades and reforms, leading to rapid electrolyte depletion.

 

□ The use of ultra-thin lithium metal with a thickness below 50μm is essential, especially for the commercialization of lithium metal batteries. However, such issues become more severe as thickness reduces. Accordingly, both academia and industry have focused on SEI engineering to enhance the stability of lithium metal anodes, among which SEI formation strategies using electrolyte additives have emerged as a simple yet effective approach.

 

□ Previous studies have shown that lithium fluoride (LiF) contributes to the enhanced stability of lithium (Li) metal anodes due to its high mechanical strength. More recently, silver (Ag) has also been reported to promote uniform lithium deposition through an alloy reaction with Li. However, no research has yet explored a single additive capable of simultaneously forming both Ag and LiF.

 

□ To this end, Professor Yu’s team introduced Silver Trifluoromethanesulfonate[1](AgCF₃SO₃, or AgTFMS) as an electrolyte additive to address dendrite formation and poor cycle life. Through various surface analyses, the team confirmed that using an AgTFMS-containing electrolyte leads to the simultaneous formation of Ag and LiF on the lithium metal surface. Based on this, they successfully enhanced the stability of ultra-thin (20μm) lithium metal anodes and experimentally verified that dendrite formation could be effectively suppressed and the battery life could be extended by more than seven times compared to the conventional system. Simultaneously, Professor Kang Jun-hee’s team at Pusan National University employed computational chemistry to analyze the interaction energy between Li and Ag, thereby elucidating the underlying mechanism for enhanced stability.

 

□ Professor Yu Jong-sung of DGIST stated, “This study focused on overcoming the limitations of ultra-thin lithium metal and significantly enhancing the stability of lithium metal batteries. By forming a high-performance SEI through a simple approach, we have developed a technology that improves both the lifetime and efficiency of lithium batteries. We expect that this advancement will accelerate the commercialization of lithium metal batteries as sustainable energy storage systems across various applications, including electric vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and ships.”

 

□ This research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea’s Mid-Career Researcher Program (2024) and conducted jointly with Professor Kang Jun-hee’s team from the Department of Nanoenergy Engineering at Pusan National University. The findings (first author: Sung Jong-hun, Ph.D. candidate at DGIST; co-author: Lee Woon-hwan, M.S. student at Pusan National University) were published in the prestigious journal Advanced Energy Materials.

 

- Corresponding Author E-mail Address : jsyu@dgist.ac.kr
 

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[1] Silver Trifluoromethanesulfonate: An inorganic compound composed of Ag and OTf⁻, the anion of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TfOH). It is commonly used in organic synthesis as a strong nucleophile and Lewis acid catalyst, particularly in carbocation formation reactions and metal-catalyzed reactions.

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Journal

Advanced Energy Materials

DOI

10.1002/aenm.202500279 

Article Title

Breakthrough in Ultra-Thin Lithium Metal Anodes Opens the Era of Longer-Lasting Batteries