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Rechargable revolution

Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have developed a new rechargeable battery technology that can be charged and discharged within one minute, lasts ten times as long as a lithium-ion battery, and is insensitive to temperature fluctuations. The thin-film solid-state battery has the potential t...

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2023

Protective particles allow engineered probiotics to report gut disease

Researchers developed a platform that allows engineered biosensor bacteria to safely pass through the gastrointestinal tract in animal models. The platform enables real-time monitoring of gut health and can be used to diagnose and monitor various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease. It has the potential to revolutionize pati...

SourceRice University·JournalBiomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2023

Way cool: UVA professor developing ‘freeze ray’ technology for the Air Force

UVA professor Patrick Hopkins is developing a 'freeze ray' technology to cool electronics in spacecraft and high-altitude jets, which can't be cooled by nature due to the vacuum of space. The technology uses heat-generating plasma to create localized cooling, and has been granted $750,000 by the Air Force.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2023

New robot boosts solar energy research

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new robot called RoboMapper that can conduct experiments more efficiently and sustainably to develop new semiconductor materials. The robot automates the process of testing multiple samples simultaneously, reducing time and energy consumption by nearly 10 times.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2023

Researchers put a new twist on graphite

A team of researchers at the University of Washington has discovered a way to imbue bulk graphite with physical properties similar to those of graphene, a single-layer sheet. This breakthrough could unlock new approaches for studying unusual and exotic states of matter and bring them into everyday life.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2023

An unexpected antenna for nanoscale light sources

Researchers at ETH Zurich have found a novel mechanism to produce nanoscale light sources by exploiting the antenna-like behavior of semiconductor materials. By varying the voltage and measuring the current through a tunnel junction, they discovered an exciton resonance that acts as an effective antenna, enabling efficient light emission.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

Tiny device mimics human vision and memory abilities

Researchers created a small device that captures, processes, and stores visual information in a similar way to humans. This technology uses analog processing, reducing energy consumption and enhancing performance, with potential applications in bionic vision, autonomous operations, and advanced forensics.

SourceRMIT University·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2023

Creating artificially engineered organs could become quicker and easier

Researchers have developed a new manufacturing pipeline to simplify and advance high-value manufacturing of tissue-compatible organs, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. This breakthrough aims to address the dire need for artificially engineered organs and tissue grafts, potentially saving thousands of lives in the UK.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 12, 2023

Combining bioprinting techniques to pursue functional blood vessels

Researchers at the University Medical Center Utrecht combined volumetric bioprinting and melt electrowriting to create functional blood vessels. The technique allowed for the creation of tubes, forked vessels, and even venous valves with unidirectional flow, paving the way for further development into a fully functional blood vessel.

SourceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

Simultaneous multi-material embedded printing for 3D heterogeneous structures

Researchers developed a novel printing method that controls the precise deposition of bioink in embedding medium, achieving accurate and homogeneous structures. The method enables the creation of complex three-dimensional structures with multiple materials, which has potential applications in manufacturing heterogeneous tissue models.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJun 5, 2023

Stretching metals at the atomic level allows researchers to create important materials for quantum, electronic, and spintronic applications

A University of Minnesota team creates high-quality metal oxide thin films from historically difficult-to-synthesize metals using a breakthrough method that stretches the metals at the atomic level. This innovation paves the way for scientists to develop better materials for various next-generation applications.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2023

Modular builds may help construction industry weather a perfect storm

A new study suggests that modular production techniques can minimize construction delays caused by weather, resulting in cost savings for builders. The research estimates that using modular construction can reduce costs by approximately AUD$40,000 on a $6.4 million project.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Sustainable Building Technology and Urban Development·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 22, 2023

Fabrication and applications of van der Waals heterostructures

The article discusses the fabrication and applications of van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs), which have unique properties and potential for exploring condensed matter physics. Various strategies for fabricating vdWHs were developed in the past decade, leading to promising functionalities in diverse fields.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateApr 25, 2023

Researchers develop carbon-negative concrete

Scientists at Washington State University have created a carbon-negative concrete that can sequester up to 23% of its weight in CO2 while maintaining strength comparable to regular cement. This innovation could significantly reduce the industry's carbon footprint, with potential applications in pavements and bridges.

SourceWashington State University·JournalMaterials Letters·DateApr 18, 2023

Now you can be comfortable in your e-skin

Osaka University researchers develop a cellulose-based material, called nanopaper e-skin, that makes effective contact with the skin while maintaining breathability and comfort. The substrate can withstand deformation, sterilization, and environmental sustainability, making it a promising candidate for electrophysiological monitoring.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2023