Articles tagged with Materials Engineering
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.
Researchers at UCLA have created highly flexible yet mechanically robust bioelectronic membranes using van der Waals thin film technology. The membranes can be stretched and flexed over irregular geometries, making them ideal for wearable health-monitoring devices and diagnostic sensors.
Scientists at EPFL have created strained crystalline nanomechanical resonators with ultralow dissipation, enabling the creation of high-purity quantum states. These nanostrings could be used as precision force-sensors, taking advantage of interactions such as radiation pressure and magnetic fields.
Scientists captured high-resolution images of an aluminum single-crystal sample transitioning from elastic to plastic state, allowing them to predict material behavior within 5 trillionths of a second. The study could lead to the design of stronger materials for high-temperature nuclear fusion experiments and spacecraft shields.
A team of researchers has designed a compound with 'wings' that makes polymers change color when stressed, allowing for the detection of stress before breakage. The new probe is more accurate in detecting mechanical stresses in both polymer gels and films, paving the way for tougher gel materials and nanoscale tension probes.
Researchers are exploring how bacteria form biofilms, which can be detrimental to health but also have potential uses in medicine and environmental cleanup. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind microbial growth in biofilms and develop new materials and treatments.
Scientists at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, have developed a durable coating that prevents fogging and 'self-cleans' under sunlight exposure. The coating shows excellent adherence to the plastic surface and maintains durability in tests, offering an attractive long-term solution for various applications.
Researchers at the University of Surrey are working on a new approach to stress measurement techniques for nuclear fusion energy. The team aims to prove the safety and effectiveness of welds in future fusion power plants, which could be a key part of the world's long-term energy needs.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new material with remarkable toughness and stretchiness, comparable to cartilage. The ionogels created by the team exhibit self-healing and shape memory properties, making them suitable for various applications.
Researchers developed a new waveguide to overcome limitations in THz signal transmission and processing. The device allows for unprecedented flexibility towards manipulating THz pulses, enabling complex signal-processing functionalities such as holographic messaging.
Researchers at MIT and China developed a desalination system that is both more efficient and less expensive than previous methods. The system uses natural convection to draw salt from the water, eliminating the need for wicks or power sources.
A team of researchers from Skoltech and universities developed a neural network-based solution for automated recognition of chemical formulas on research paper scans. The algorithm combines molecules, functional groups, fonts, styles, and printing defects to mimic existing molecular template depiction styles.
Researchers investigated formaldehyde levels in Ghanaian market fabrics, finding some exceeded standard limits before and after washing. Washing significantly reduced formaldehyde levels, emphasizing the importance of pre-use washing to minimize health risks.
Researchers at RIT have created a biophysical model that can predict changes in cartilage mechanics and function during disease pathways. The model, informed by experimental data, enables noninvasive predictions using MRI scans, potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures.
Computer simulations reveal subtle changes in density near a stiff pillar cause a broader concentration of force than expected. The study's findings suggest that even small variations can significantly impact the properties of composite materials.
Researcher Sepideh Razavi's work focuses on droplet wetting behavior, crucial for understanding disease transmission, industrial processes, and environmental sustainability. Her project aims to advance fundamental science for novel solutions in these fields.
A new wearable magnetic metamaterial helmet can create better brain scans by boosting MRI performance. It fits over a person's head during a brain scan, creating crisper images that can be captured at twice the normal speed.
Researchers have designed a tiny and flat antenna for receiving and transmitting terahertz signals, enabling the miniaturization of THz devices. The new design integrates the antenna with the system, eliminating the need for bulky silicon lenses and reducing optical power required.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have discovered a super-elastic high-entropy Elinvar alloy that retains its stiffness even after being heated to 1000 K. The alloy's unique structure and chemical composition allow it to store a large amount of elastic energy, making it suitable for high-precision devices in aerospace enginee...
Cerium oxide mesocrystals can be fabricated in a controlled way using radiation chemistry, enabling tuning for applications such as solar cells and fuel catalysts. The unique structure of these nanomaterials allows for customization of optical, magnetic, or electronic properties.
Researchers developed a self-cleaning bioplastic that repels liquids and dirt like a lotus leaf, breaking down rapidly in soil. The bioplastic is made from cheap raw materials, compostable, and suitable for fresh food and takeaway packaging.
Scientists have successfully manipulated liquid metals in a non-contact manner by applying electromagnetic induction, allowing for the creation of unique shapes and structures. The discovery opens up new possibilities for advanced manufacturing and dynamic electronic structures.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University have engineered 3D human spinal cord tissues and implanted them in lab models with long-term chronic paralysis, resulting in an 80% success rate in restoring walking abilities. The team aims to conduct clinical trials in human patients within a few years to make the treatment commercially available.
Researchers at Purdue University have created a device that can dynamically rewire itself to adapt to new data, enabling artificial intelligence to learn and remember information like the human brain. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient AI systems for tasks such as image recognition and decision-making.
Scientists discovered oscillatory bifurcation patterns on liquid metal surfaces, mirroring the cyclic power blocs in 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms.' The unusual patterns emerge due to surface instability, with potential applications in plasmonic sensing and high-efficiency electronics.
A team of researchers from Penn State has developed a method to optimize acoustic and structural properties of concrete floor slabs. The study found that shaped structures can improve sound insulation performance while reducing embodied carbon emissions.
A team of researchers has successfully developed a material-based reservoir computing device using single-walled carbon nanotubes and porphyrin-polyoxometalate composites. This innovation enables AI robots to classify grasped objects based on tactile signals, demonstrating the potential for energy-saving AI systems and situational awar...
A Korean research team created a DUV LED using hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), emitting strong UV light with low skin penetrability. The new material has higher luminescence efficiency and enables miniaturization, making it suitable for various applications.
Researchers have developed a combination of materials that can morph into various shapes before hardening, similar to the natural process of bone development in the human skeleton. The soft material can be used to create microrobots that can inject themselves into complicated bone fractures and expand to form new bone.
Researchers aim to develop a biopolymer-based material to replace conventional cement in construction projects. The material has the potential to reduce environmental footprint, minimize dust, and improve soldier health. Biopolymers are naturally produced by living organisms and are safe for human consumption.
A research team at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology developed a chemical process to mimic trees' vascular systems in foamed polymers, adding structure and enabling directional fluid transport. The team discovered that increasing or decreasing gelation time enables direct control over the foam's cellular structure.
A new platform uses machine learning to design and build transformable, inflatable systems with potential applications in medicine, architecture, robotics, space travel, and more. The researchers used finite element simulations and neural networks to learn how to control the deformation of membranes when pressurized.
Researchers at Pusan National University discovered that tempered glass is more resistant to water-promoted fracture growth than annealed glass. The study found that water droplets penetrate microcracks in glass surfaces, dissolving silicon-oxygen bonds and degrading mechanical strength.
Scientists have developed a mathematical method to interpret data on underground water flows, providing more efficient and accurate imaging for planning construction works and inspecting dams. The technique has great potential for locating water reservoirs in dry areas and tapping into this resource for agricultural and industrial needs.
Researchers from Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) have discovered a way to perform 'general inverse design' with high accuracy. This breakthrough enables the creation of materials with specific characteristics and properties, paving the way for revolutionizing materials science and industrial applications.
Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed a protective cover for fruits and vegetables based on renewable raw materials. The cellulose coating extends the shelf life of bananas by more than a week, significantly reducing food waste.
Researchers developed a method to directly bond gold electrodes onto separate ultra-thin polymer films without adhesives or high temperatures. The new technique, called water-vapor plasma-assisted bonding, creates stable bonds between gold electrodes printed into ultra-thin polymer sheets.
Researchers at Rice University found that carbon nanotubes and their fibers experience fatigue under cyclic loads, leading to slippage and strain accumulation. The fibers' endurance limit is around 30%-50% of their tensile strength, allowing them to last practically forever.
A novel carbon-based biosensor developed at the University of Technology Sydney detects electrical signals sent by the brain, translating them into commands for autonomous robotic systems. The biosensor overcomes three major challenges in graphene-based biosensing: corrosion, durability, and skin-contact resistance.
University of Minnesota researchers create a self-healing concrete alternative using bacteria-engineered silica, offering potential for biomedical applications. The study provides a framework for designing novel engineered living materials with improved strength and responsiveness.
A new device has been developed that converts sunlight into two promising sources of renewable fuels – ethylene and hydrogen. The researchers found that by optimizing the working conditions for cuprous oxide, a promising artificial photosynthesis material, they can create a more stable system.
Researchers at Duke University developed a lightweight material that traps thermal energy when dry but opens tiny vents to let heat escape when a person starts sweating. The material has potential as a patch on clothing to help keep the wearer comfortable, expanding thermal comfort zones by 30%.
The University of Texas at El Paso has received a $917,000 grant from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research to develop advanced materials for national defense, power electronics, and security. UTEP students will perform cutting-edge research on gallium oxide-based semiconductors.
Researchers developed a new process to produce stable formamidinium perovskite (FAPbI3) materials, which can be used to make more efficient and stable solar cells. The novel approach uses lower temperatures and eliminates additives, making it suitable for large-scale production and flexible solar cell applications.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a simple analytical model to predict chip formation and optimize surface finish in manufacturing processes. The study reveals the critical cutting depth for almost every material, tool geometry, and running conditions, minimizing tool wear and improving product quality.
Scientists have created a new material using nanometer-scale ceramic particles decorated with polymer strands that exhibit enhanced toughness. The material's unique property allows it to dissipate energy from impacts rapidly, making it suitable for applications such as body armor and bulletproof glass.
A new design for thermal actuators accelerates soft robotic movement by exploiting temperature-dependent bi-stability. The structure changes shape in response to heat, allowing for rapid snapping actions. Prototypes demonstrate rapid movement capabilities, paving the way for biomedical, prosthetic, and manufacturing applications.
Researchers from Brazil and international collaborators demonstrate the conversion of low-cost waste biomass into bioplastic, electronic devices, and other high-value materials. The study highlights the potential of this approach to address global waste management challenges and promote a circular economy.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed water-walking liquid robots that can retrieve and deliver precious chemicals autonomously. The robots use chemistry to control buoyancy and do not require electrical energy, making them ideal for applications such as chemical synthesis and drug delivery.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have discovered a new type of sound wave that vibrates transversely and carries both spin and orbital angular momentum like light. This finding provides new degrees of freedom for sound manipulations, enabling unprecedented acoustic communications and sensing capabilities.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new sodium-based battery material that overcomes the dendrite problem in earlier sodium batteries. The new material recharges as quickly as a traditional lithium-ion battery and has a higher energy capacity than existing sodium-ion batteries.
Researchers from Osaka University have successfully grown high-quality magnetite thin films on a hexagonal boron nitride substrate without compromising the film's properties. This breakthrough enables the development of flexible spintronics devices with preserved electronic and magnetic properties.
The study found that certain grain boundaries in strontium titanate exhibit enhanced thermal expansion, leading to potential material failures. This discovery highlights the importance of grain boundaries in material properties and has implications for selecting suitable materials for various applications.
Researchers have synthesized a new form of carbon glass with three-dimensional bonds, the hardest known glass material. The discovery has potential for mass production and opens up new possibilities in devices and electronics.
Researchers genetically engineer E. coli microbes to convert glucose into olefins, a type of hydrocarbon found in gasoline, using a two-step process with a catalyst. This method has potential to advance green energy technology and create sustainable biofuels.
Scientists from City University of Hong Kong successfully developed battery-like electrochemical Nb2CTx MXene electrodes with stable voltage output and high energy density. The findings break the performance bottleneck of MXene devices, exhibiting superior rate capability, durable cyclic performance, and high energy density.
Researchers from The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science used computer simulations to study the aging mechanism that can cause an amorphous glassy material to turn into a crystal. By removing tiny irregularities in local densities, they found that it prevents atomic avalanches that trigger ordered structure formation.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have created model protein-RNA droplets with properties similar to those of viscoelastic Maxwell fluid and Silly Putty. These droplets exhibit dual behavior, acting like both elastic solids and viscous liquids, depending on the timescale.
A team at Sandia National Laboratories tested specially designed stainless-steel containers for fire safety and found they did not split open even when heated to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. The containers developed small pinholes instead, allowing superheated gas to escape without pressurizing the container.
Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have created a biocompatible adhesive hydrogel that can stick to various surfaces underwater, with properties similar to natural mussel foot protein and spider silk. This breakthrough has potential applications in tissue repair, particularly for tendon-bone repair.