Research on machines, structures, and mechanical design. Covers metal foam for safer cars, drone flight paths, crumpling mechanics, and materials behavior.
A team of engineers led by Ioannis Poulakakis aims to create robots that can run like animals, enabling them to access areas inaccessible to conventional vehicles. Using biomechanics research, they seek to develop a family of systematic control strategies that work with the robot's natural dynamics.
Engineers have created a prototype air sampling system that can quickly blow particles off the surfaces of shoes and suck them away for analysis. The system uses air jets to dislodge particles from shoe surfaces, ensuring all liberated particles are transported in the appropriate direction.
Researchers at Iowa State University have produced a new method to create inexpensive sugars from biomass using fast pyrolysis. This process could potentially be the cheapest way to produce biofuels or biorenewable chemicals, offering a more sustainable alternative.
Three Penn State-led projects have received more than $1.6 million in combined research and development grants to improve nuclear fuel safety and develop new alloys for extended service. The projects focus on understanding corrosion protectiveness, detecting damage before fatigue cracks, and developing advanced monitoring methods.
Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology are developing innovative anti-corrosion materials with superhydrophobic properties to repel water and prevent corrosion. The grant will support the study of nanoscale wetting dynamics on these surfaces using an environmental scanning electron microscope.
Researchers created a device platform that combines electronic components for sensing, medical diagnostics, communications, and human-machine interfaces on an ultrathin skin-like patch. The circuit bends and stretches like the skin, allowing for comfortable wear and freedom of movement.
A new study published in Clinical Rehabilitation found that robot-assisted therapy, combined with functional task training, significantly improved functional arm use and bimanual arm activity in daily life among stroke patients. The study used accelerometers to measure real-world arm activity and showed that this type of therapy can pr...
A team of experts from five universities and two government research institutes aims to create new materials for high-performance applications. They plan to build 3D networks of carbon nanotubes and graphene sheets to produce strong electrical and thermal conductivity.
Dr. Eui-Hyeok Yang, a Stevens Institute of Technology professor, has received a Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) grant to support nanoscale imaging research. The grant will enable the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, including a high-resolution scanning probe microscope.
Researchers at NIST have created a measurement technique that determines mechanical properties of near-nanoscale films, enabling better design for water purification systems. The study reveals chlorine causes progressive deterioration in membrane performance over time, contradicting previous assumptions.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a graphene coating that harvests energy from flowing water, powering tiny sensors used to detect underground oil and gas. The technology enables cost-efficient oil exploration and could lead to autonomous microscale sensors for various applications.
Scientists have developed a novel method to create ferroelectric nanostructures directly on flexible plastic substrates using thermochemical nanolithography and heated AFM tips. This breakthrough enables the production of complex structures for energy harvesting, sensors, and actuators at low temperatures.
The University of California, Davis has signed an exclusive license agreement with Barobo, Inc. to commercialize the iMobot modular robot technology. The technology enables flexible and adaptable robots that can be reconfigured for various applications.
The University of Arizona College of Engineering has been awarded grants from the US Department of Defense to develop high-tech measuring equipment for real-world applications in chemical and civil engineering. Armin Sorooshian's project aims to study cloud droplets and their effect on precipitation, while Jennifer Duan's project focus...
Rogers' groundbreaking research combines soft, stretchable materials with micro-and nanoscale electronic components to create devices with diverse practical applications, including solar power and biocompatible sensor arrays. He is recognized for his ability to bridge incongruent fields of work and translate science into products.
Dr. John Rogers has developed revolutionary products in human health, fiber optics, semiconductor manufacturing, and solar power, with many currently in commercial use. He is also a mentor to students at University of Illinois, encouraging future inventors to think ingeniously and pursue solutions to grand challenges.
Dr. Frank Fisher, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology, has been added to the Fulbright Specialist Roster as a candidate for grants to cooperate internationally on academic development.
Researchers from the University of Arizona and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed graphene ceramic composites that exhibit new fracture resistance mechanisms, increasing toughness by over 200%. This breakthrough discovery could enable widespread use of ceramics in high-temperature applications.
Researchers have found that exposure to vibrations from power tools can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome, a condition that leads to numbness, loss of dexterity, and discoloration in the extremities. A study by Concordia engineer Subhash Rakheja suggests that simple seat upgrades can reduce exposure by up to 60 percent.
A two-year energy audit by McMaster University identified significant energy conservation measures that could save Hamilton schools almost $2.4 million annually. The audit found opportunities to install advanced heat recovery systems, boilers, solar, and wind generating systems.
The iMobot robot has four controllable degrees of freedom and can be assembled into larger robots for specific tasks. Researchers hope the technology will speed up university and industry research in robotics.
A study by NC State University researchers found that bank shots are more effective than direct shots, especially from 12 feet away or in the 'wing' areas between the three-point line and free-throw lane. The optimal aim points create a 'V' shape near the top center of the backboard.
Caltech graduate student Guoan Zheng received the 2011 Lemelson-MIT Caltech Student Prize for his on-chip microscopy imaging technology with potential applications in malaria and blood-borne diseases. Meanwhile, Wendian Shi's portable lab-on-a-chip system for determining white blood cell counts won a $10,000 award.
Researchers developed a protective substrate to observe polymer deformation, revealing creasing-to-cratering phenomenon under increased voltage. This breakthrough could lead to improved durability and efficiency of polymers in electrical applications.
Stevens researchers create reliable nano-actuators that can benefit diverse applications, including biomaterials and nano robots. The precise arrangement of nanowires is crucial for practical applications, but current techniques face limitations.
A new method has been developed to estimate uncertainty in particle image velocimetry, a widely used technique in fluid mechanics. The approach allows for more accurate results and increased reliability in flow measurements, with potential applications in fields such as aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, and biomedical research.
Dr. Zavlanos' proposed research develops formal methods for networks of mobile robots, integrating control in the cyber and physical domains. His approach offers a more realistic look at networked robot systems, addressing environmental interference, power management, and robot dynamics.
Researchers at UC San Diego have made a breakthrough discovery that can help predict where and how quickly initial fires spread in warehouses. The study focuses on corrugated cardboard, finding that it slows the rate of fire spread due to peeling layers, making it essential for designing warehouse protection systems.
Researchers created a robotic fish that can swim vertically and horizontally with unprecedented agility. The robot uses a sophisticated fin to generate inward counterpropagating waves, allowing it to move in unexpected directions. Its potential applications include underwater recovery operations and long-term monitoring of coral reefs.
A new study in HortScience found that mechanical harvesting creates up to 250% more debris than hand-harvested controls, resulting in increased costs for citrus producers. The research also highlights the importance of tree management practices in preventing debris from entering the harvesting stream.
University of Illinois researchers create an acoustic cloak that hides underwater objects from detection, using metamaterials to manipulate sound waves. The technology has potential applications in military stealth, soundproofing, and medical imaging.
Hassan Aref, a Virginia Tech professor, has been awarded the G.I. Taylor Medal for his outstanding contributions to fluid mechanics research. His work includes shedding new light on chaotic motion and its applications.
Engineers Sunghwan Jung and Navish Wadhwa found that silicone oil jets do not coalesce when impacted at a specific angle, due to the lubrication effect of air between them. This study sheds light on non-coalescence behaviors in various engineering systems.
Jonathan Malen's research may lead to more precise thermal management devices for aircraft and other transportation systems. He proposes using thin layers of small molecules to filter vibrations that carry heat, enabling more precise control over temperature.
The number of US research doctorate degrees awarded grew to 49,562 in 2009, up 1.6% from the previous year. Doctorates in science and engineering fields increased by 1.9%, largely driven by growth in female recipients.
Rensselaer students Casey Hoffman and Jaron Kuppers won the top prize with their SET process, which offers a new method for curing advanced composites using less energy and cost. The process has the potential to trim manufacturing costs and widen the playing field of businesses that can afford to research and manufacture these materials.
Milan Begliarbekov, a doctoral candidate at Stevens Institute of Technology, has found unique applications for graphene. His research uses µ-Raman spectroscopy to differentiate between monolayer and bilayer graphene, and establishes a new signature of Klein tunneling in graphene heterojunctions.
Stevens Institute of Technology has received an NSF grant to acquire a Nanoimprint Lithography System, enhancing its research and educational capabilities in nanotechnology. The new equipment will support high-throughput nanoscale patterning and hands-on experience for students in the Nanotechnology Graduate Program.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new method to produce nanoparticles 500 times faster than traditional methods, using an arrayed microchannel reactor and laminated architecture. This breakthrough could make nanotechnology products more commercially practical and environmentally friendly.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have created intricate, curving 3-D nanostructures from carbon nanotubes using capillary action forces. These shapes can harness the exceptional mechanical, thermal, electrical, and chemical properties of carbon nanotubes in a scalable fashion.
Research in the Journal of Tissue Engineering reveals that stem cells detect surface features with mechanosensors, which modulate gene expression through biochemical signaling cascades. This understanding opens doors to develop improved clinical prostheses with topographies that directly modulate stem cell fate.
The NSF grant funds the acquisition of a Nanonex 1000 Nanoimprint Lithography System, which will strengthen high-throughput nanoscale patterning research at Stevens. The system will provide hands-on experience to students in the Nanotechnology Graduate Program and undergraduates alike.
University of Illinois researchers have created a tiny needle that can deliver quantum dots directly into a cell's nucleus, allowing for the study of internal environments and cellular processes. This breakthrough technique uses electrical potential to control the release of molecules and offers precise monitoring capabilities, opening...
The center will focus on developing innovative ways to reduce the risks and costs of natural hazards. THOR will unify efforts from various academic disciplines to study critical societal issues such as global climate change, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, and extreme weather events.
Researchers have successfully produced sheets of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), a potential insulator to complement graphene's electronic properties. The material can be deposited and transferred to various substrates, opening up possibilities for its use in graphene-based electronics.
Researchers have developed a new ultrathin cooling technology that can efficiently cool 'power electronics' in military and automotive systems. The miniature device uses copper spheres and carbon nanotubes to passively wick a coolant, handling up to 550 watts per square centimeter of heat.
Research team discovers unique gut sliding movement in caterpillars, which inspires design of soft material robots. These 'softbots' can move without visible leg translations and are suitable for search-and-rescue operations and space applications.
Researchers at Harvard University have tracked individual atoms as they reorganized into a crystal, driven by quantum mechanics. This achievement opens possibilities for particle-by-particle study and engineering of artificial quantum materials.
The UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science will advance MEMS technology with a $5.5 million grant from the US Defense Department. The goal is to create electrically connected, rotating microscale motors for sensing and communications in defense systems.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive test for cardiovascular disease using VENDYS, a device that monitors finger temperature to measure an individual's risk. The test, which takes 15 minutes, can help identify vascular health issues and provide valuable feedback on progress.
Two studies by Queen's University researchers suggest southeastern Ontario has enormous solar energy potential, producing nearly as much power as the US nuclear grid. The studies, led by Professor Joshua Pearce, estimate 95 gigawatts of potential power in the region.
Jessica Zhang, an assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon University, has received a Young Investigator Award for her research on developing novel algorithms to improve ship design and analysis. The award provides $510,000 in funding over three years to support her research goals.
Dr. Chang-Hwan Choi has been recognized with the Young Investigator Program award for his work on efficient anti-corrosion surfaces. His research focuses on nano-engineering of superhydrophobic surfaces to enhance durability and functionality in light metal applications, addressing significant corrosion protection needs for the U.S. Navy.
A team of nanotechnologists used friction force microscopy to study the nanoscale frictional characteristics of four atomically-thin materials. They found that friction increases as the number of atomic layers decreases, regardless of material differences.
A research team at Virginia Tech is perfecting an autonomous helicopter designed to assist in investigating nuclear disasters. The helicopter will carry various payloads to detect radiation levels and map damage, while also having a miniature robot to collect evidence. Plans call for the helicopters to be mission-ready in three years.
The Emergent Behaviors of Integrated Cellular Systems (EBICS) Center will investigate the interactions of cell clusters and create biological modules that can be combined for different capabilities. The center aims to advance research and education, particularly in involving underrepresented groups.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered that certain nanomaterials can move in regions called grain boundaries, leading to changes in their strength and plasticity. This finding has implications for the fabrication of microdevices and integrated circuits, as it may alter the materials' lifespan and performance.
Carbon capture and storage technology is crucial for reducing CO2 emissions, but its widespread deployment requires a regulatory policy with a market incentive. Rubin argues that effective climate policies are necessary to incentivize the development of cleaner energy alternatives.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's National Robotics Engineering Center developed a plant-sorting machine that uses computer vision and machine learning to classify and sort harvested strawberry plants more consistently and faster than human workers. The system has the potential to improve quality, streamline production and de...
Engineering students at UC San Diego helped streamline the application process for federal Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, securing $154 million for 192 solar projects. The students developed an analytical tool to calculate energy output and payback time, allowing applications to be completed in 10 minutes.