Graphene-reinforced concrete offers a stronger, more durable option
In a recent study, researchers describe how the composite material, fortified by graphene, is at least two times as strong and four times more water-resistant than conventional concrete and could make future construction more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
3D-printed wearable monitors gastrointestinal activity, if you can stomach it
Engineers at the University of California, San Diego have developed a stomach-based wearable that can monitor a patient’s GI activity from the comfort of their homes. The system records electrical activity in the stomach over a 24-hour period, using a 3D-printed portable box hooked up to ten electrodes.
Meet the HoneyBot, a decoy robot designed to trick hackers
Developed by engineers at the Georgia Institute of Technology, the HoneyBot is a four-wheeled decoy robot designed to bait hackers, and then fool them into thinking they’ve successfully exploited a functional factory machine.
Scientists mimic odd leaf structure for potential use in cleaning up oil spills
To tackle some of today’s most pressing man-made tragedies, a team of researchers hasnow turned to the leaves of a floating fern, which have strange eggbeater-shaped protrusions.
The ‘fog harp’ pulls water out of thin air, could help drought-prone communities
By taking advantage of parallel wire arrays that line up like the string of a harp, engineers have designed a device that may be able to extract three times as much water from fog as previous tools.
Beer made with gene-edited yeast provides hoppy taste without the hops
Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, have developed new strains of yeast that can instill a hoppy flavor without the need for hops.
Drug testing could get a boost from MIT’s ‘body on a chip’
The "body on a chip" is made up of a microfluid medium that connects tissues engineered from up to ten different organs, allowing it to mimic mechanisms of the human body for weeks on end.
Fold it, stretch it, grip it! An origami-inspired arm gives drones grip
Inspired by origami, the innovative robotic arm can be folded for transport and self-assemble into a rigid appendage when it’s needed for use.
The barbers of the future may offer a trim, shampoo, and graphene infusion
Scientists from Northwestern University have found yet another possible application for the atom-thick “wonder material” graphene — as a hair dye.
A coat of diamonds could make implants more biocompatible
Engineers have devised a way to better coerce the body into accept implants, with a strategy that includes 3D-printing diamond coated devices.
NASA releases first images of Jupiter’s bizarre geometric storms
Bizarre geometric storms measuring several thousands miles across, surround a massive cyclone on each of Jupiter's poles.
Ford is lifting off from the roads and looking into drone technology
Ford recently published a blog post that revealed it is "looking to the skies" with drone research in Silicon Valley.
From poop to power: How farms could double as energy production plants
The proposed a new technology can convert manure into natural gas with the potential to heat homes, power factories, and supplement diesel fuel.
Underwater swarms and sonar-bombing drones: Meet the deep-sea Xprize finalists
Nine finalists have been announced for the Shell Ocean Discovery Xprize, a three-year competition to map the deep seafloor using autonomous technology.
Superbugs may meet their match in this bacteria-busting molecule
Scientists have created a synthetic molecule capable of killing five types of superbugs with limited side effects. Their hope is that this molecule can be used to create antimicrobial drugs capable of treating antibiotic-resistant infections.
Welcome to ‘Sheldon County,’ where “infinite” podcast stories emerge from A.I.
The Sheldon County podcast combines computer-generated text with procedural narratives, all delivered through a synthesized voice.
Meet the cannibalistic ‘cyberslug’ that just might make robots self-aware
In a recent study researchers have shown that a simulated sea slug, which they’ve taken to calling “Cyberslug,” can respond to environmental stimuli a lot like its real world counterparts.
Microsoft and University of Washington show DNA can store data in practical way
Researchers at Microsoft and the University of Washington have shown that DNA storage can be practical as well as durable and highly dense.
Robotic 3D printer uses augmented reality to fabricate designs as they’re created
The Robotic Modeling Assistant combines augmented reality (AR) with robotic modeling, allowing users to design primitive 3D models on one side of a platform while the robotic arm fabricates the object on the other.
LED-studded ‘electronic skin’ monitors your health, makes you look like a cyborg
A team of engineers from the University of Tokyo has developed an ultrathin, breathable, and stretchable display that can be worn directly on the skin.
Secrets behind cuttlefish’s camouflage could inspire shape-shifting structures
Researchers have begun to uncover the mysteries of the cuttlefish, having identified the neural circuits that give the creature its incredible shape-shifting abilities.
It doesn’t look like much, but this black box pulls energy out of thin air
Engineers from MIT have developed a small device that captures energy from fluctuations in air temperature.
The DroNet algorithm teaches drones to navigate city streets like cars
Researchers have developed a system that allows drones to navigate autonomously through streets by teaching the drones to act more like cars and bicycles.
New pressure sensor for medical uses dissolves in the patient’s body
Engineers have developed a biodegradable pressure sensor that could make certain medical procedures less invasive.
NASA’s new X-ray navigation could guide robots through deep space
In a first, NASA has demonstrated X-ray navigation in space, paving the way for autonomous spacecraft in deep space.
Implantable miniature robot helps correct defects in internal organs
A miniature robot that helps generate body tissue has been developed by a team of MDs and engineers at the Boston Children’s Hospital.
At long last, researchers develop a wearable fit for plants
Engineers have developed a wearable for plants, allowing growers to measure how their crops use water and hopefully make them more efficient.
No, an alien megastructure doesn’t explain that mysterious star
The mysterious "Tabby's Star" is more likely surrounded by dust than encircled in an energy-absorbing alien megastructure, new study finds.
As sea levels rise, researchers use A.I. to monitor urban flooding
Researchers have shown how a technological trifecta — A.I., social media, and crowdsourced citizen science — can help monitor urban flooding.
In just a few minutes, this software can verify your identity from a bit of DNA
A simple blood test can now be used to analyze a person's DNA and verify his or her identity, which may make research more cost-effective.
3D-printed objects can connect to Wi-Fi without electronics
Researchers at the University of Washington have connected 3D-printed to Wi-Fi without electronics or batteries.
Try three new photo apps as part of Google’s ‘appsperiments’ project
Google researchers want you to help them test three new photo apps as part of efforts to explore the potential of mobile photography.
Researchers wreck hundreds of drones in the name of safety
Researchers in Singapore have been flying hundreds of drones into the head of crash test dummies in the name of safety.
It’s alive! These ‘living tattoos’ may someday monitor your health
These 'living tattoos' are layered to create three dimensional and interactive structures that can signal the presence of specific compounds.