Articles tagged with Biomimetics
Researchers developed a bioinspired Janus air electrode with a fish-scale and waterspider-leg structure, enabling rapid substance transport and improving catalytic site utilization. The asymmetric architecture significantly enhances zinc-air battery performance, achieving high power density and specific capacity.
Researchers developed a wearable vibration sensor capable of detecting subtle body movements without external power, opening new possibilities for healthcare technologies. The sensor accurately captures physiological signals and detects extremely faint vibrations across a broad frequency range.
A new tool has arrived: a highly customizable, open-source robot design called The Robot of Theseus (TROT), developed at the University of Michigan. TROT can model most mammals and enable direct comparisons of variations on the same structure, helping researchers discover the advantages related to limb length and segmentation.
A new CRISPR/Cas9-based bionic tumor cell membrane-encapsulated nanocomposite demonstrates outstanding synergistic therapeutic effects against triple-negative breast cancer. The nanoparticle combines gene therapy with photothermal therapy, evading the immune system and targeting tumor tissue effectively.
Scientists created biologically realistic artificial cilia using hydrogel, enabling precise control over their motion. The tiny structures can be powered by low-voltage electrical signals and have shown remarkable durability and versatility.
MIT engineers developed artificial tendons made from hydrogel to connect lab-grown muscles with robotic skeletons. The tendons improved the robot's motion and force output by three times, enabling faster and more efficient biohybrid robots.
A new biomimetic mRNA delivery platform improves PTEN expression levels in patients with colorectal cancer. The system boosts precision immunotherapy by targeting tumors and evading the immune system.
Oxford researchers have developed soft robots that operate without electronics, motors, or computers, using only air pressure to generate complex, rhythmic movements. The robots can automatically synchronize their actions and perform tasks like sorting beads into containers without external control.
Researchers developed biomimetic helical fibers that form a 3D entangled network providing elasticity and structural integrity. The sponge features ultralow density, high porosity and exceptional thermal and washing durability.
Researchers created microscopic DNA 'flowers' that can change shape and behavior in response to their surroundings. These tiny robots, made from special crystals formed by combining DNA and inorganic materials, can perform tasks on their own, from delivering medicine to cleaning up pollution.
A team of researchers has developed a tiny, spider-inspired robot that can navigate the digestive system with ease, delivering therapy precisely where it's needed. The soft robot overcomes challenges faced by traditional endoscopes, showcasing its adaptability in traversing complex environments.
Researchers at Tsinghua University have achieved efficient construction of tricyclic core skeleton and total synthesis of multiple natural products through innovative strategy exploiting inherent symmetry within molecules. The method involves photoinduced [2+2] cycloaddition and ring-strain-driven oxidative ring expansion reactions.
Researchers introduce HydroSpread, a new fabrication method for creating soft robots that can move and adapt on their own. The technology uses liquid polymer to create ultrathin, uniform sheets on water's surface, allowing for complex patterns and controlled movement.
A team of researchers has developed a robot with self-morphing, wing-like feet that mimic the agile movements of water striders. The insect-scale robot enhances surface maneuverability and can execute sharp turns in just 50 milliseconds, rivaling the rapid aerial maneuvers of flying flies.
A wearable robot has been upgraded to provide personalized assistance to ALS and stroke patients. The device uses machine learning and a physics-based model to adapt to an individual user's movements, offering more nuanced help with daily tasks.
Researchers developed an alginate-based microrobot that can be tracked using Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) and performs real-time localization, selective thermal therapy, and cell delivery. The robot is powered by a single magnetic actuation system independent of conventional medical imaging devices.
A team of researchers found that a rare South African cycad's leaves owe their bluish color to a wax-based optical effect produced by lipid compounds. The coating of epicuticular wax on the leaves forms tubular crystals that reflect light, giving the plant its unique sheen.
Researchers developed a human liver organoid platform that closely replicates the liver's region-specific functional architecture, enabling disease modeling and drug screening. The system demonstrated high sensitivity in pharmacological assays and supported region-specific hepatocyte differentiation.
Developed by a research team at POSTECH, the robot uses human muscle proteins as inspiration to generate strong force while navigating through tight spaces. The technology has potential applications in various fields, including medical settings, industrial environments, home cleaning, and caregiving robots.
Researchers have developed soft artificial muscles that provide the performance and mechanical properties required for building robotic musculoskeletal systems. The new muscles can be battery-powered, enabling robots to move more naturally and safely in unstructured environments.
Bioengineers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a computational model called BrainFlow that simulates cerebrospinal fluid flow in the presence of shunt implants, providing insight into optimal shunt design and placement for hydrocephalus patients.
Researchers from Empa's Soft Kinetic group studied the rare scaly-tailed squirrels' unique bodily structure, discovering that their thorn-covered scales help them maintain position and grip onto tree bark. The study aims to inform robotics by adopting morphological structures and behaviors honed through millions of years of evolution.
Scientists created a low-cost, durable, highly-sensitive robotic 'skin' that can detect various types of touch and pressure. The technology senses multiple physical inputs simultaneously, allowing robots to interact with their environment in a more human-like way.
Researchers at KAIST developed a quadrupedal navigation system that enables the robot to reach its target destination quickly and safely in complex terrain. Inspired by cat's paw placement, they significantly reduced computational complexity.
Researchers created a soft robotics technology that can identify damage, pinpoint its location, and autonomously initiate self-repair. The system uses a multi-layer architecture featuring liquid metal microdroplets, thermoplastic elastomer, and electromigration to melt and seal damaged areas, effectively self-healing the wound.
Antonio Bicchi has been selected for the 2025 Pioneer in Robotics and Automation Award for his groundbreaking contributions to robotics and prosthetics. He is recognized for developing innovative robotic limbs that match human hand capabilities, as well as natural prosthetic limbs.
Researchers successfully constructed a large molecular spherical shell structure with the geometric topology of a regular dodecahedron through entanglement of peptides with metal ions. The resulting M60L60 metal-peptide shell exhibits remarkable stability against heat, dilution, and oxidative conditions, making it a promising platform ...
Researchers at USTC create solid-state membrane with high-performance proton gating regulated by ambient humidity, surpassing existing technologies. The membrane achieves an unprecedented proton gating ratio of 5,740 due to reversible formation and disruption of water bridges.
Researchers developed a bio-inspired thermoelectric cement with a Seebeck coefficient of −40.5 mV/K, surpassing previous materials by ten times. The composite achieves superior mechanical strength and energy storage potential, enabling continuous power supply for electronic devices.
Researchers developed a biomimetic adsorbent inspired by the natural porous structure of the Chinese sweet gum tree's fruit. The hierarchical nano-trap framework significantly enhanced ion diffusion and increased uranium adsorption capacity, outperforming competitive ions in real seawater tests.
A research team at the University of Turku developed a novel biomimetic fabrication technique to replicate bioinspired microstructures found in plant leaf skeletons. The resulting surfaces offer superior flexibility, breathability, and transparency, making them ideal for next-generation flexible electronics.
Researchers identified a Y chromosome-linked gene, UTY, as a key driver of valve calcification in males. In females, fibrotic tissue formation stiffens the valve, leading to different disease progression. The study highlights the importance of sex-based mechanisms in heart valve disease
Researchers developed magnetic micro swimmers covered in a thin coating of magnetic nanoparticles, unaffected by the coating. The algae maintained their swimming speed after magnetization and navigated 3D-printed channels using magnetic guidance.
Researchers have discovered how cholesterol crystals form in human bodies, shedding light on heart disease and gallstones. The team identified a special solvent that mimics the body's natural environment, allowing them to watch how cholesterol crystals grow in real time.
Scientists at Empa have developed a method to produce complex soft actuators using 3D printing, overcoming challenges of elasticity, softness, and material properties. The actuators, made from silicone-based materials, can be used in various applications, including robotics, cars, and potentially even medical devices.
A Chinese research team has created a single-step femtosecond laser 4D printing technology that enables rapid and precise micro-scale deformation of smart hydrogels. The innovation mimics the hierarchical structure of butterfly wings, promising applications in flexible electronics and minimally invasive medicine.
The study introduces a new way to apply cellulose nanocrystals, resulting in high-strength, reconfigurable, and mechanochromic hydrogels with improved mechanical properties and dynamic color-changing abilities. These materials have potential uses in sustainable bioplastics, flexible electronic substrates, and smart photonic devices.
Researchers developed a new material inspired by the Venus' flower basket deep-sea sponge, showcasing remarkable compressive strength and stiffness. The double lattice design overcomes limitations of existing auxetic materials, offering potential applications in construction, sports gear, and medical devices.
Researchers at Purdue University are studying mosquito antennae to develop acoustic sensors that can detect natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis. By mimicking the unique structure of these antennae, they hope to create more sensitive sound-detection technology.
Emboa Medical creates a microstructured catheter called TRAP, which mimics a boa constrictor's teeth arrangement to grab onto blood clots without tearing them. The TRAP design has shown significant benefits in removing clots on the first attempt and improving outcomes for stroke patients.
Researchers developed mini biohybrid rays using cardiomyocytes and rubber, demonstrating improved swimming efficiencies approximately two times greater than previous biomimetic designs. The application of machine-learning directed optimization enabled an efficient search for high-performance design configurations.
The researchers created a chemotaxic biomimetic liquid metallic entity that exhibits various behaviors like engulfing foreign substances and changing shape, similar to living cells. These liquid metal structures can autonomously climb slopes and move through complicated surfaces with versatility and potential for future applications.
Researchers design flexible, batlike wings that boost lift and improve flight performance. The study found that smooth curvature of the membrane wing generates more lift than a leading-edge vortex.
A research team has uncovered the propagation and toughening mechanism of tortuous crack front in bioinspired anisotropic heterogeneities. They developed an optimization design for toughness amplification by manipulating microstructural orientation, leading to a 3D helical crack-tip configuration.
A novel bio-inspired camera capable of ultra-high-speed imaging and high sensitivity has been developed by KAIST researchers. The camera mimics the visual structure of insect eyes and achieves frame rates thousands of times faster than conventional cameras, while providing clear images in low-light conditions.
The University of Virginia's AI-powered vision system, mimicking praying mantis eyes, has been selected as the best paper of 2024 by Science Robotics. The innovative system enables machines to track objects in 3D space, addressing limitations in current visual data processing.
Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo developed a method to detect wind direction using seven strain gauges on a flapping wing and a convolutional neural network model. The system achieved high classification accuracy of 99.5% in detecting wind conditions, opening up new possibilities for improving robotic flight control.
A research team at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed a technology that visualizes the deformation of 'serpentine' structures in real-time through color changes. This innovation eliminates the need for complex nanofabrication processes, providing actionable design guidelines for optimizing these structures.
Researchers developed AI-driven therapeutic platform mimicking viral structures to deliver therapeutic genes to target cells. The innovative approach achieved precise symmetrical structures and effectively delivered payloads, paving the way for breakthroughs in gene therapies and next-generation vaccines.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a skin-like material that can mimic human skin textures and elasticity, simulating conditions for bacterial growth. The Ecoflex-based skin replicas can be used to test wearable sensors and improve catheter designs, potentially reducing the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections.
Researchers create SciAgents framework to autonomously generate and evaluate promising research hypotheses in biologically inspired materials. The framework uses graph reasoning methods to organize relationships between scientific concepts, mimicking biological systems.
A pioneering study reveals that transplanting vibrant invertebrate and microbial communities from healthy reefs to damaged ones significantly boosts coral health. The innovative approach, known as 'a coral reef ecosystem transplant,' demonstrates notable improvements in coral photosynthetic efficiency and physiological function.
A novel physical reservoir computing device uses a dye-sensitized solar cell to mimic human synaptic elements, enabling efficient time-series data processing and low power consumption. The device achieved high computational performance in tasks such as human motion classification with over 90% accuracy.
The São Paulo Advanced School on Disordered Systems will bring together students and researchers in complexity, bio-inspired applications, information science, and quantum materials. The school, supported by FAPESP, aims to establish a common forum for learning and discussing theories of general interest.
A robotic bird model with real pigeon feathers replicates the continuous adjustments made by birds to stabilize their flight. The robot's algorithm enables rudderless flight, a long-sought innovation in aviation that could lead to more fuel-efficient airplanes and improved jet fighter operations.
Researchers at Kyushu University develop a novel technique for building complex 3D microfluidic networks using plant roots and fungal hyphae in silica nanoparticles. This bio-inspired method enables the creation of intricate biological structures, opening new opportunities for research in plant and fungal biology.
Researchers at Princeton University developed a new technology inspired by bird feathers, which improves flight performance and prevents stalling. The covert-inspired flaps deploy in response to changes in airflow, offering an inexpensive and lightweight method to increase flight performance without complex machinery.
Researchers at Newcastle University developed a novel approach using electromagnetic waves to solve partial differential equations, specifically the Helmholtz wave equation. The innovative structure, known as a metatronic network, effectively behaves like a grid of T-circuits and allows for control over PDE parameters.
Scientists develop artificial mouth with programmed tongue to simulate human oral processing, testing with soft foods such as cream dessert and chocolate mousse. The device accurately reproduces food properties like firmness and viscosity, offering a new tool for studying dynamics of food processing.
Researchers developed an octopus-inspired adhesive with elastic, curved stalk and membrane that adheres to multiple surfaces in wet environments. The adhesive demonstrated strong attachment to complex objects and could be rapidly attached and released.