A study by Michigan Technological University finds that 3-D printing can save consumers up to 90% on toy purchases, with the potential to offset $60 million in annual savings. DIY manufacturing also enables the creation of novel toys and games that are not commercially available.
A new computational model of an electrospray thruster using ionic liquid ferrofluid simulates the dynamics of the fluid, revealing key insights into its behavior. The technology has potential applications in spacecraft propulsion, spectrometry, pharmaceutical production, and nanofabrication.
Research finds magma is more solid than liquid, with crystalline and mushy states existing simultaneously. The discovery could help predict volcano risks by identifying mobile magma.
A study by Michigan Technological University found that transitioning to solar photovoltaics (PV) could save up to 51,999 American lives at $1.1 million invested per life. Solar power also has economic value, producing electricity that can be profitable to invest in, sometimes as much as several million dollars per life.
The US military could bolster its energy independence by deploying solar-powered microgrids, reducing reliance on vulnerable backup systems and enhancing grid resiliency. The proposed systems would provide localized energy security, decreasing the chance of cascading failures.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University developed a virtual keyboard that syncs with a physical keyboard, allowing VR typists to see what keys they typed. The system, which uses a light-up virtual keyboard, improves typing performance and reduces errors, making it easier for people to use head-mounted displays for office work.
A recent study by Kevin Trewartha at Michigan Technological University explores how context and distraction influence our memories of weight expectations. The research found that the brain maintains multiple representations of size-weight relationships, with limited crosstalk between unconscious and conscious memories.
The Isle Royale wolf population has remained unchanged for the second year in a row, with only two wolves left on the island. The moose population is expected to double over the next three to four years, leading to increased vegetation consumption and potentially altering the island's ecosystem.
A new fluorescent probe developed by Michigan Technological University researchers has the potential to improve cancer surgery outcomes. The probe uses a near-infrared fluorescence that can penetrate deep tissues, reducing background noise and increasing precision for surgeons.
Researchers discovered that virus surface proteins can be used to improve vaccine purification by understanding their hydrophobic properties. By analyzing the protein structures and interactions with other surfaces, scientists hope to develop more efficient methods for detecting and concentrating viruses.
Researchers have found that volcanoes collectively emit significant amounts of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, which is easier to detect from space. Human activities also emit large quantities of sulfur dioxide, but are declining in many countries due to pollution controls.
Researchers from Michigan Technological University found that fruit flies' resistance to mushroom toxins corresponds to the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, regulating cell physiology and metabolism in humans. This discovery opens up new avenues for studying diseases like cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes, depression, and n...
Researchers improve methods to study Earth's history by addressing bias in data from old rocks. New technique reduces errors, providing more accurate paleointensity measurements.
A recent study published in Technologies found that consumers can save big bucks by investing in a low-cost 3-D printer and printing household items. After analyzing the cost of printing 26 everyday items, researchers found an average savings of 98.65%, with some items saving over $12,000 after five years.
Researchers from Michigan Technological University highlight the vulnerability of power grids to cyberattacks, citing a 'gap' between physical equipment and software. They propose using quantitative methods to prioritize cybersecurity protection and establishing metrics for grid 'health'.
Researchers have identified three new uranium minerals, leesite, leószilárdite, and redcanyonite, found growing on the walls of old uranium mines in southern Utah. These minerals provide valuable insights into the chemistry and structure of uranyl compounds and their interactions with the environment.
Researchers found a correlation between parents' and babies' vitamin levels, with water-soluble vitamins higher in infants and fat-soluble vitamins in parents, particularly mothers. The study suggests tears could be used to replace clinical tests, potentially improving access to nutritional assessments for at-risk populations.
The study proposes a new approach to designing cyber-physical systems by integrating machine learning, real-time sensors, and effective communication interfaces. The team encourages combining model-based design with data-based learning to establish a durable design methodology for these complex systems.
Researchers at Michigan Tech created a new way to synthesize sodium-embedded carbon nanowalls, which have two orders of magnitude higher conductivity than three-dimensional graphene. The material also retains high capacity after 5,000 charge/discharge cycles, making it ideal for supercapacitors and energy devices.
Researchers have developed an integrated model that connects atmospheric and lake body interactions, enabling feedback between variables. This two-way coupling approach simulates hydrodynamics of the Great Lakes region with high resolution, providing a more nuanced view of regional climate change.
A team from Michigan Tech developed an online search engine to explore inactive US patents, which are nearly half of all registered patents. The tool helps inventors and innovators find potential goldmines for new developments.
A team of scientists from Michigan Technological University and other institutions has discovered a new mineral, merelaniite, with a complex structure composed of layers of molybdenum disulfide and lead sulfide. The discovery showcases the intricate microscopic beauty of exotic materials, which may have useful applications.
Researchers have developed an innovative skin graft process that combines split thickness skin grafts with a specially engineered sheet of stem cells to maximize natural healing power. The new technique shows promising results in treating large or complicated burn injuries, preserving hair follicles and oil glands.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University provide a detailed overview of Zika's history, transmission modes, and risks, including sexual transmission and miscarriage risks. The study also highlights the connection between dengue virus infection and Zika virus exacerbation.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University and University of Maryland operated a tiny electrospray thruster under a microscope to study its behavior. The thruster, which creates a force less than the weight of a human hair, was found to form needle-like spikes that disrupt its function.
A recent study reveals galectin-3's ability to interact with GAGs and proteoglycans, challenging previous biological functions. This discovery has significant implications for cancer treatment and research into immunodeficiency, neural growth, and inflammation.
A new study suggests that coal workers' transferable skills, such as mechanical and electrical expertise, can be applied to the growing solar energy sector. The research estimates that the solar industry can absorb layoffs from the coal industry over the next 15 years.
A study published in Nature Climate Change found that carbon dioxide emissions from dry soils will strengthen the climate forcing impact of thawing permafrost. In contrast, oxygen-poor wetlands primarily release methane. The research highlights the need to monitor changes in soil moisture conditions, which have a greater effect on carb...
A new study by Michigan Tech engineers and sociologists reveals that leaving the electrical grid is a viable option for the majority of seasonal households (92%) and single-family owner-occupied households (65%). Solar-hybrid systems, combining solar power with cogeneration and battery storage, can overcome cloudy winter days. The stud...
A research team confirms that 97% of climate scientists agree human-caused climate change, with expertise being the primary factor in this consensus. The study drew from seven independent consensus studies and found a consistent picture with high levels of scientific agreement among climate experts.
A team of chemists has developed a new method to make metal nanoframe catalysts, which could lead to improved hydrogen fuel production and reduced usage of precious materials. The breakthrough involves creating ruthenium nanocrystals with a unique crystal structure, increasing their surface area and catalytic activity.
Researchers from Michigan Technological University identified a geological pop-up structure known as the Menominee Crack, which formed in 2010. The crack is believed to be a unique feature resulting from the removal of overlying rock or ice, possibly due to glaciers receding over 11,000 years ago.
Researchers have created a new material using quantum dots of iron on boron nitride nanotubes, which can replace semiconductors in wearable technology. This new material enables transistors to shrink and reduces heat generation, making it suitable for flexible and efficient wearable electronics.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed new probes to measure surface hydrophobicity in proteins. These sensors show significant improvements over existing commercial tools, with up to a 60-fold increase in detection strength.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University developed a new method to clean contaminated water full of unwanted nanomaterials by shaking oil and water, clearing out nearly 100% of one-dimensional nanomaterials. The technique uses the physical properties of oil and water to trap nanomaterials, which can then be easily removed.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University found that thyroid cancer detection assays may not accurately measure two major biomarkers. The proteins tend to clump together, making it difficult to detect the true levels of thyroglobulin and galectin-3. By adding a step to break up these clumps, the tests could be made more accurate.
Michigan Technological University researchers have developed a method to increase the output of solar panels by 30 percent or more by using reflectors to bounce sunlight back onto panels. This innovation could lead to major retrofits for existing solar farms, making solar energy more efficient and cost-effective.
Researchers used holography to analyze cloud mixing, finding that wet and dry air form sharp boundaries affecting sunlight penetration and heat trapping. This discovery challenges base assumptions in computer models, influencing predictions for weather and climate change.
A new catalyst developed by Michigan Technological University researchers has improved the sensitivity of the PSA test for prostate cancer detection. The palladium-iridium catalyst is 110 times more sensitive than traditional peroxidase-based tests, reducing false negatives and potentially delaying treatment.
A new study proposes open source tools can reduce research costs by redirecting funding to upgradeable equipment, improving performance and grant competition outcomes. The technology has already shown promise with customizable syringe pumps that match high-end performance, potentially yielding significant returns on investment.
A new technique mimics photosynthesis by harnessing the power of catalysts, light, and sacrificial molecules to boost hydrogen production efficiency. By solving the bottleneck of converting visible light into energy, researchers create a sustainable method for producing hydrogen fuels.
A new handheld device replaces traditional methods with a safer, more accurate, and affordable testing procedure. It is adaptable for different chemical measurements and can be used by schools and individuals to gather real data in their communities.
Researchers have created digital switches using graphene-nanotube hybrids, outperforming existing graphene-based switches. The material's lopsided band gaps create a potential barrier that stops electrons, enabling high-speed switching.
Researchers from Michigan Tech study geohazards on San Vicente Volcano in El Salvador, combining traditional hazard assessments with social science techniques. Their work helps develop a more in-depth understanding of the risks present at the volcano.
Scientists have made significant progress in overcoming the challenges of creating a perfect lens using metamaterials. The team proposes a novel approach that utilizes negative index materials and plasmon-injection schemes to shield desired light waves, allowing them to pass through unscathed. This breakthrough has the potential to rev...
Research by Thomas Werner and colleagues sheds light on pesticide resistance in Asian fruit flies and links it to cancer-causing genes, providing new insights into human health.
A study published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters reveals new insights into the Earth's early core by analyzing the magnetic signatures of mineral grains in ancient rocks. The findings, led by Michigan Tech geophysicist Aleksey Smirnov, shed light on the planet's mysterious past.
Twin boundaries, naturally occurring defects in materials, can act as energy highways to enhance lithium-ion battery performance. Researchers have discovered that these defects can transport lithium ions more efficiently, leading to better battery life.
A study published in Forest Ecology and Management found that salvage logging increases sediment in water runoff, causing erosion and damage to fish habitats. Leaving slash on the ground, breaking up equipment trails with water bars, and replanting vegetation are recommended best management practices for minimizing ecological effects.
Researchers propose using photonic booms to map asteroid surfaces and study celestial objects, offering new insights into the universe. High-speed cameras could capture these flashes, revealing previously unknown information about asteroids and other cosmic bodies.