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The buried treasure in your old smartphone

Researchers at Texas A&M University are developing a new method to recover rare earth elements from old electronics, such as tablets and phones, using solid-phase extraction technology. This method aims to reduce energy use, cut down on solvents, and streamline the process, making it more environmentally friendly and commercially viable.

Physical cloaking works like a disappearing act for structural defects

Engineers at Princeton University and Georgia Institute of Technology have created a method to reinforce structures without creating new weaknesses. The approach uses microstructures designed to protect against multiple loads, allowing designers to counter various stresses simultaneously.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2025

Physics reveals the optimal roof ratios for energy efficiency

Researchers found that roofs with shorter peak heights (less than three feet) should be wider to minimize heat loss, while taller peaks require equilateral triangles with a specific height-to-width ratio. These findings are similar to those seen in ancient architecture across the world.

SourceDuke University·JournalInternational Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer·TypeObservational study·DateApr 14, 2025

Stretching spider silk makes it stronger

Researchers discovered that aligning protein chains and increasing hydrogen bonds through stretching make spider silk stronger, tougher, and more elastic. The study aims to design engineered silk-inspired proteins for strong, biodegradable materials like sutures and body armor.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 7, 2025

Soft actuators, smart sensors: Innovative sensor allows real-time monitoring of complex systems

The Dielectric Elastomer Sensor (DES) offers real-time pressure and vibration monitoring in soft fluidic actuators, ideal for robotics and biomedical devices. The sensor's flexibility and ability to withstand large deformations make it suitable for applications in automobile designing and structural health monitoring.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalMeasurement·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2025

Robots learn how to move by watching themselves

Researchers at Columbia University developed a way for robots to autonomously model their own 3D shapes using a single camera, enabling them to understand and adapt to their movements. This breakthrough allows robots to overcome damage to their bodies, making them more reliable and resilient for various applications.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeNews article·DateFeb 25, 2025

Plasma arc cutting: PNU and KIMM scientists together decode gas flow dynamics

Researchers develop novel methods to visualize and understand gas flow dynamics in plasma arc cutting, improving cut quality and efficiency. They found that curved cutting fronts result in oblique shockwave structures, which reduce flow velocity and can lead to safer and more efficient dismantling of nuclear facilities.

SourcePusan National University·JournalInternational Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 20, 2025