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The University of Akron's BETA Lab received a $200,000 grant from the American Heart Association to develop polymeric heart valve implants. The project aims to replace traditional metal valves with shape memory polymers that degrade in the body, reducing the need for replacements.

Graduate and undergraduate students are involved in creating the material and structure, with plans for clinical studies following testing phases. The technology could also expand to other medical applications, including wound healing and nerve regeneration.