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University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering


Illinois researchers develop gene circuit design strategy to advance synthetic biology

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new gene circuit design strategy that can predict gene circuit behaviors using an integrated modeling framework. The framework, developed by Associate Professor Ting Lu and his graduate students, has successfully predicted key host metrics for multiple bacteria, including Esche...

Fizzy soda water could be key to clean manufacture of flat wonder material: Graphene

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new method to manufacture graphene using carbon dioxide, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals and producing a more environmentally friendly process. This breakthrough has significant implications for the production of graphene, a key material in sensors and flexible devices.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·DateAug 16, 2017

Researchers design sounds that can be recorded by microphones but inaudible to humans

Researchers at the University of Illinois have designed a sound that is completely inaudible to humans yet is audible to any microphone. This technique, called 'BackDoor,' has numerous applications, including securing private conversations and protecting confidential meetings from electronic eavesdropping. The signal can also be used t...

Superconducting nanowire memory cell, miniaturized technology

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new nanoscale memory cell that holds promise for successful integration with superconducting processors. The device provides stable memory at a smaller size than other proposed memory devices, eliminating magnetic-field cross-talk and enabling faster and more powerful computing.

Researchers create first significant examples of optical crystallography for nanomaterials

Researchers at University of Illinois create first significant examples of optical crystallography for nanomaterials, improving precision of nanocrystal engineering and understanding of reactions. The new technique uses absorption spectroscopy to identify crystal type in liquid-dispersed nanomaterials, offering simple, accurate analysis.

Achieving near-perfect optical isolation using opto-mechanical transparency

Optical isolators are crucial for signal routing and protection in photonic circuits. Researchers demonstrated complete optical isolation within any dielectric waveguide using a simple approach without magnets or magnetic materials. The technique achieves ideal characteristics such as zero loss and perfect absorption, expanding on-chip...

Nano-level lubricant tuning improves material for electronic devices and surface coatings

Researchers at University of Illinois developed a new approach to dynamically tune the micro- and nano-scale roughness of atomically thin MoS2, improving its hydrophobicity for various applications including waterproof electronics and medical devices. The study expands toolkit for tunable wettability of 2D materials.

Novel label-free microscopy enables dynamic, high-resolution imaging of cell interactions

Researchers have developed a novel live-cell imaging method that allows for dynamic, high-resolution visualization of cell interactions. The Photonic Crystal Enhanced Microscope (PCEM) can quantify and measure cell adhesion, a critical process involved in cell migration, differentiation, division, and death.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProgress in Quantum Electronics·DateDec 7, 2016

Illinois researchers discover hot hydrogen atoms in Earth's upper atmosphere

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered hot atomic hydrogen atoms in the thermosphere, a layer of the atmosphere above 250 kilometers. This finding contradicts previous assumptions and has significant implications for understanding atmospheric escape and the behavior of satellites in low Earth orbit.

University of Illinois researchers quantify drug delivery from nanoparticles inside a cell

University of Illinois researchers have developed a method to quantify drug delivery from nanoparticles inside a cell, providing new insights into the efficacy of therapy and mechanisms underlying cellular uptake. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments by controlling and manipulating drug release.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 3, 2016

University of Illinois researchers demonstrate tunable wetting and adhesion of graphene

University of Illinois researchers have demonstrated doping-induced tunable wetting and adhesion of graphene, revealing its unique properties. The findings show that graphene can exhibit switchable hydrophobic and hydrophilic behavior, enabling the creation of reusable, self-cleaning sensors with potential energy savings.

University of Illinois researchers create 1-step graphene patterning method

University of Illinois researchers have created a simple and scalable graphene patterning technique using stencil masks fabricated via a laser cutter. This approach enables rapid design iterations and pattern replications, promoting cleaner quality graphene patterns without polymeric transfer layers or organic solvents.

Experimentation and largest-ever quantum simulation of a disordered system explain quantum many-particle problem

Physicists have successfully simulated a disordered quantum system on the largest supercomputers, providing new insights into the many-particle problem. The researchers used controlled experiments and computer simulations to study the behavior of materials such as high-temperature superconductors.

Construction of Sacramento Kings arena using drone monitoring system developed at Illinois

The University of Illinois team has developed a predictive visual data analytics tool called Flying Superintendent to streamline construction progress monitoring. This technology utilizes drone-based images and 4D BIM to quickly identify performance problems, allowing project stakeholders to prioritize issues and take corrective actions.