Articles tagged with Biomimetics
Researchers at IIT developed a biodegradable seed-robot that can change shape in response to humidity, inspired by the seed structure of a South African geranium. The robot, part of the European project I-Seed, has potential applications in environmental monitoring and reforestation.
Researchers used a biomimetic model to study wound healing in burn and laceration wounds. Fibroblasts were found to clear away damaged tissue before depositing new material, but this process was slower in burn wounds due to more tissue damage. Therapies that promote wound clearance could accelerate healing.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have created a soft material with metal-like conductivity and self-healing properties that can support digital electronics and motors. The material has been demonstrated in various applications, including powering motors and enabling reconfigurable circuits.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a latch control system that enables grasshopping robots to perform efficiently on soft substrates. The team discovered that the latch can not only regulate energy output but also mediate energy transfer between the robot and its environment, leading to improved jump performance.
Researchers at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia have created a soft robot inspired by earthworms, able to crawl using soft actuators that elongate or squeeze. The prototype demonstrates improved locomotion with a speed of 1.35mm/s and has potential applications in underground exploration, excavation, search and rescue operations.
The researchers designed the robot to mimic the movement of flippers in water and centipedes on land, resulting in impressive speeds of 1.5 body lengths per second on land and 0.74 body lengths per second in water. The amphibious robot has potential applications in search and rescue, marine agriculture, and fish feeding.
Researchers at MIT create a novel approach to building deformable underwater robots using simple repeating substructures. The system can assemble into various shapes and sizes, offering scalability and efficiency improvements over current technologies.
A team of researchers has developed an artificial tissue that repairs injuries and restores normal erectile function in a pig model. The artificial tunica albuginea (ATA) shows promise for repairing penile injuries in humans by mimicking the microstructure of natural tissues.
A team of simple robots, nicknamed RAnts, use photormones to escape a corral and perform complex tasks. The research reveals how collective cooperation can arise from simple rules, applicable to solving problems like construction, search and rescue, and defense.
Great gray owls have a broad disc-like face that acts as radar to find food, while their facial features help correct for sonic distortions caused by snow. The owls' ability to hover above prey allows them to pinpoint location and avoid acoustic mirages created by the snow.
Researchers found that fruit flies compensate for catastrophic wing injuries by flapping the damaged wing harder and reducing the speed of the healthy one. This allows them to maintain stability while exchanging some performance, actively increasing damping to counteract decreased friction between the wing and air.
Researchers at NC State University have created an energy-efficient soft robot that can swim more than four times faster than previous models. The 'butterfly bots' use bistable wings for propulsion and achieve speeds of up to 3.74 body lengths per second.
A new study has found that springtails' jumping, soaring, and landing patterns are precise and controlled, with some species able to land on their feet. The research, led by Victor Ortega Jiménez, aims to teach robots how to replicate this ability.
A new technique improves tumour targeting efficiency by fixing partial cell membrane coating on nanoparticles. The method increases immune escape and specific cancer targeting capability, enhancing therapeutic outcomes and reducing adverse effects.
Researchers at Purdue University and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, have developed a metamaterial that can learn to adapt to its surroundings on its own. The material uses shape to store information in microseconds, allowing drones to quickly recall patterns associated with dangerous conditions.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh create microcapsules that exhibit life-like autonomy through self-generated motion and chemical signals. The system mimics protocell behavior, showcasing the potential for simple mechanisms to produce complex biological functions.
Researchers developed a bionic swimming robot using cultured skeletal muscle tissue and circular distributed multiple electrodes, achieving stable controllability. The robot can be efficiently propelled by only one muscle tissue, making it suitable for various applications.
A new evaluation method at Osaka University accurately compares android and human facial expressions. The study found that androids have significantly less expressiveness than humans, but the new index may aid in developing more lifelike robots.
Scientists at Beijing Institute of Technology successfully controlled honeybee steering behavior using unilateral optic lobe electrical stimulation, with an average successful rate of 87% in immobilized status. The study also explored the influence of pulse electrical signal parameters on steering response behaviors.
A new study uses a biomimetic in-silico simulator to investigate the effect of body posture and stomach motility on oral drug bioavailability. The simulation reveals that stomach contractions can induce pressure, generating complex pill trajectories and affecting drug dissolution rates.
Researchers have developed a biomimetic formulation to treat glioblastoma by harnessing lactate metabolism. The formulation, called M@HLPC, uses nanoparticles to deliver a combination of drugs that inhibit cancer cell growth and kill glioma cells.
A new study takes inspiration from the 'waggle dance' of honeybees to devise a way for robots to communicate effectively in situations with unreliable network communications. Researchers designed a visual communication system using on-board cameras, allowing robots to interpret gestures and convey complex information.
Researchers at NIST found that gecko setae are coated in an ultra-thin layer of lipids, which repel water and help maintain grip on wet surfaces. This discovery could lead to the development of biomimetic products, such as gecko boots or gloves for improved traction.
Researchers investigated the cell adhesion behavior on spider silk fibers, films, and nanofibers. The study found that native spider silk exhibits superior properties for medical use, preventing blood clots and enduring repetitive loading and unloading.
Researchers create a new method for detecting diagnostic markers of epilepsy using EEG and MEG, enabling precise localisation of epileptogenic cortical structures. The biomimetic algorithm improves the effectiveness of neurosurgical interventions for epilepsy patients with resistant treatment.
Researchers from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a single-material, single-stimuli microstructure that can outmaneuver even living cilia. These programmable structures could be used for soft robotics, biocompatible medical devices, and dynamic information encryption.
A UK team is developing personalized ‘theranostic’ dressings that speed up wound healing while providing diagnostic information. The dressings feature biomimetic macromolecules that replicate natural tissue structures, kickstarting the body’s healing processes.
A new form of drug delivery microparticle mimics the properties of a red blood cell, enabling controlled release of drugs and targeting specific destinations. The goal is to bypass the body's filtration systems, allowing for improved efficacy and reduced negative side effects.
Scientists have devised a method to pinpoint active ingredients from traditional Chinese medicine formulations, revealing 4 analytes with significant anti-inflammatory activity. This breakthrough could improve quality control standards and lead to better herbal remedies.
Researchers developed a fully autonomous biohybrid fish from human stem-cell derived cardiac muscle cells that recreates the muscle contractions of a pumping heart. The device has two layers of muscle cells that work together to propel the fish for over 100 days.
Researchers at Stanford University have created a robotic hand with a gecko-inspired grip that can handle both delicate and heavy objects. The 'farmHand' gripper uses gecko-adhesive pads and has a unique finger design to enable both dexterity and strength.
A new floating robotic film can hoover oil spills at sea or remove contaminants from drinking water, using a pulsing motion inspired by water striders. The film is powered by light and fueled by water, making it sustainable and reusable.
A team of researchers led by Guy Genin and Stavros Thomopoulos found a previously unknown fibrous architecture in the shoulder joint, revealing new features of the attachment system. The discovery sheds light on how the rotator cuff functions and why repairs fail frequently.
Researchers created a paper-like material that folds itself into new shapes in response to environmental humidity, with potential applications in self-folding envelopes and boxes. The material's ability to morph on demand could lead to the development of autonomous origami robots and other complex shapes.
Researchers at Beijing Institute of Technology created a robot that can track fast-moving rats for extended periods using real-time localization and movement analysis. The robotic rat's built-in stereo vision system enables it to characterize typical behaviors of actual rats, promoting autonomy and reproducibility in behavior research.
Researchers developed a fluorescence quenching assay to probe the integrity of cell membrane coating on biomimetic nanoparticles. The study found that only 20% of particles were fully coated, indicating significant limitations in current coating protocols.
Researchers at Seoul National University developed a wearable artificial chameleon skin that can detect and adapt to its surroundings in real-time. The device, which combines thermochromic liquid crystal ink with vertically-stacked silver nanowires, enables high-resolution camouflage and blending into complex backgrounds.
Researchers have developed PSII-based biomimetic assemblies to improve photosynthetic activity, leveraging synthetic luminescent materials to boost ATP synthesis. The system combines PSII with artificial structures to optimize light absorption and overcome stability limitations.
Researchers at TU Freiberg create new composite material from marine bath sponges that can be used as a bi-based filter for wastewater treatment or pollutant removal, and can be reused multiple times without losing its properties.
Researchers used 4D printing to create a biomimetic microchannel scaffold made of collagen and hydroxyapatite, inducing blood vessel growth in a mouse model. The scaffold's unique structure allows for enhanced water absorption and cell infiltration.
Researchers at Hunan University and Clemson University have developed a new type of electrode material inspired by biological cells. The material, called biomimetic carbon cells, improves the cycling stability of potassium-ion batteries and allows for longer continuous operation.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed a biomimetic tongue surface using 3D printing, replicating the complex texture and mechanical properties of a human tongue. The new technology enables testing of oral processing properties of food, nutritional technologies, and pharmaceuticals without relying on human trials.
Hannes, a biomimetic hand prosthetic, has been developed to replicate human hand movement and grasp properties. It has shown improved performance compared to existing devices, enabling patients to perform daily activities with ease.
A new study reveals how remora suckerfish detach themselves from surfaces and explores the application of this mechanism in underwater robots. The research team developed a biomimetic flexible adhesive disc with controllable motion, which showed similar detachment motions to its biological counterpart.
Scientists create geometrical drawing method and software to design fan-like structures based on earwig wing folding. The method was used to recreate a Paleozoic earwig's wing folding pattern, shedding light on evolutionary pathways.
Researchers have developed self-assembling biomimetic composites with unusual electrical properties. By breaking the rule of mixtures, these materials can exhibit different in-plane and out-of-plane conductivities.
A study reveals that the unique architecture of the lip of the suction disc, featuring vertically oriented collagen fibers, provides elasticity for maximizing contact with substrates and maintains adhesive force. The discovery could lead to improved biomimetic suckers with enhanced functionality.
Researchers found a stable liquid-gas interface on the Salvinia leaf, enabling drag reduction and anti-corrosion properties. Biomimetic artificial surfaces replicated this effect using 3D printing technology.
A multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists has developed high-performance filtration membranes that demonstrate higher density of pores than commercial membranes and can be produced much faster.
A biomimetic coating developed by Xinyan Tracy Cui improves the performance of microelectrode arrays, reducing inflammation and increasing recording quality and longevity. The coating is made of a brain-derived neural adhesion molecule and has proven efficacy in establishing a healthy electrode-neuron interface.
Researchers from Texas A&M University have developed a biomimetic whistle that uses bat's natural echolocation to deter bats from flying into wind turbine blades. The device, mounted on turbine blades, produces an ultrasonic sound detectable by bats at distances of up to 100 meters.
Researchers have designed and synthesized a molecular structure featuring a helical binding pocket that selectively captures xylobiose, a disaccharide class of carbohydrates. The molecule's synthesis and characterization were published in Angewandte Chemie, with the journal editors rating it as 'very important.'
A $1.7 million NIH grant will aid in understanding citrate signaling for bone development and designing novel biomaterials. Researchers aim to mimic native tissue composition and induce bone growth through citrate-presenting biomaterials.
A Houston Methodist researcher has made a groundbreaking discovery by sharing his recipe for making nanoparticles. The new method eliminates the need for expensive equipment and allows laboratories worldwide to produce these tiny particles. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient delivery of biotherapeutic drugs and new treatments.
Researchers explore mechanisms protecting animals from chronic kidney disease, such as naked mole rats' longevity and hibernation adaptations. Biomimetics collaboration could lead to novel therapeutic approaches and improved human health.
Researchers at Hokkaido University found that bamboo's natural fiber distribution is optimized for maximum flexural rigidity while minimizing wood volume. This study sheds light on the potential of biomimetics in developing lightweight and tough materials.
Researchers from Stanford University review biomimetic strategies to heal bone defects, focusing on cell transplantation and grafts based on soluble bone minerals or structural proteins. The study highlights the potential of biomimetics in regenerative medicine.
Scientists discovered that aquatic ferns' hairy leaves can selectively absorb oil while repelling water. They developed a synthetic version of these hairy surfaces called 'nanofur', which is superhydrophobic and superoleophilic.
Researchers have developed a new technique using DNA nanocages to confine enzymes and substrate molecules, accelerating chemical reactions and shielding them from degradation. This breakthrough has far-reaching applications in industries such as medicine, diagnostics, and materials production.
Researchers have developed an autonomous fixed-wing micro air vehicle (MAV) inspired by the way kestrels hover above their prey. The MAV gains height from convenient updrafts, making it more efficient and extending its working range for tasks such as package delivery and surveillance.