Articles tagged with Mechanical Engineering
Scientists have created a new type of battery that is soft and stretchable, making it suitable for wearables and medical implants. The 'jelly batteries' use hydrogels to deliver an electric current and can be stretched up to ten times their original length without losing conductivity.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a hydrogel implant to treat endometriosis by preventing retrograde menstruation and acting as a barrier to sperm. The implant can be easily destroyed and is compatible with native tissue, offering a promising non-surgical solution for women suffering from the condition.
Researchers created RoboFabric, a wearable fabric that can stiffen on demand for medical applications and soft robotics. The technology reduces muscle activity by up to 40% when assisting joints while lifting loads.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new way to make microbes hardy enough to withstand industrial processing, high temperatures, radiation, and long-term storage. The method involves mixing bacteria with food and drug additives, resulting in stable formulations that can be used in various applications.
Scientists studied Crassula muscosa and found its unique leaves pack tiny fins that manipulate the meniscus to direct liquid transport. An artificial mimic, CMIAs, mimics this effect, enabling real-time directional control of fluid flow in various technologies.
Researchers developed a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D CNN) to compensate for errors due to sample location variations. The model achieved high accuracy, reducing mean absolute error to 0.695% and mean squared error to 0.876%.
Researchers at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) have developed an innovative robotic rehabilitation system called SPINDLE to enhance the strength and dexterity of individuals with tremors. The study revealed significant benefits, including improved motor control, coordination, and neuroplasticity.
Researchers discovered that twisting carbon nanotube bundles creates long, curved disclination lines, decreasing their mechanical strength. The study sheds light on the correlation between microscopic internal changes and material properties, paving the way for potential solutions to realize high-performance CNT yarns.
A new study by Arizona State University reveals that initial phase sweating can be three times more effective than later phase sweating in terms of evaporation. The researchers developed a wind tunnel-shaped capsule with high-magnification video imagery to capture the dynamics of sweat droplet formation and evaporation on human skin.
A new study published in GEN Biotechnology describes the establishment of a 3D hydrogel-based platform for producing functional T-cells from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The platform was engineered with key thymic components to direct T-cell development, producing cytokine-producing T-cells.
University of Texas at Dallas researchers develop AI model that can automatically reroute electricity in milliseconds to prevent power outages. The system uses machine learning to map complex relationships between entities in a power distribution network, enabling faster response times than human-controlled processes.
Glassy gels are a new class of materials that combine the properties of glassy polymers and gels, with unique characteristics including high elasticity and adhesive surfaces. The materials were created by mixing liquid precursors with an ionic liquid, resulting in a hard yet stretchable material.
Researchers developed a novel method to estimate modulation amplitude and determine spatial resolution in Brillouin optical correlation-domain reflectometry (BOCDR) without costly equipment. This innovation simplifies the process, reducing costs and enhancing convenience.
Researchers developed a 3D metamaterial capable of detecting polarization and direction of light, overcoming limitations of conventional optical devices. The breakthrough technology utilizes pi-shaped metal nanostructures with numerical aperture-detector polarimetry to analyze light distribution.
A £800,000 project aims to optimise a flexible floating offshore wind platform for applications in the Celtic Sea. The initiative will support local supply chains and increase the use of local steel in fabrication, with the goal of reducing costs and environmental impact.
A new type of dart launcher has been developed as a safer and more cost-effective alternative to firearms or air guns for injecting animals with drugs. The prototype uses electromagnetic coils and lidar technology to deliver a projectile with controlled kinetic energy.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have created metasurfaces embedded with quantum dots, enhancing their luminescence efficiency. The study achieved up to 25 times greater luminescence efficiency compared to a simple coating of quantum dots.
A new computer vision technique developed by MIT engineers significantly speeds up the characterization of newly synthesized electronic materials. The technique automatically analyzes images of printed semiconducting samples and quickly estimates two key electronic properties: band gap and stability.
A robotic device mimics natural esophageal and intestinal movement to aid digestion, helping patients with blockages caused by tumors or stents. The device has the potential to improve quality of life for the aging population.
Six UTA faculty members have received prestigious CAREER grants from the National Science Foundation for their innovative research. The total award amount is $3.23 million.
The NUS team has developed aerogels that can provide cooling to buildings through radiative cooling, reducing energy consumption in tropical climates. The researchers also created aerogels that absorb electromagnetic waves, shielding humans and sensitive equipment from adverse effects.
A team of researchers created a microfluidic human cervix model that replicates the complex interactions between cervical epithelial cells, mucus production, and microbiome. The Cervix Chip technology offers a new testbed for bacterial vaginosis therapeutics and other treatments, addressing a key women's health gap.
Scientists have engineered materials that are both stiff and excellent thermal insulators, opening up new possibilities for applications such as electronic device coatings. The discovery allows for controlling the material's properties through composition adjustments.
Researchers at Columbia University and colleagues have developed a new method to synthesize large-area graphene without oxygen, leading to reproducible and high-quality samples. The technique eliminates trace oxygen, which has previously affected the growth rate and quality of graphene.
A team of researchers has discovered a method to create the Leidenfrost effect at lower temperatures using engineered surfaces. By creating micropillars on a surface, they can increase the temperature at which water droplets hover, improving heat transfer applications.
A Virginia Tech researcher has developed a new tool that uses robotics and acoustic energy to move small targets, such as cells and medicine, within the body without cutting or invasive procedures. The 'invisible tweezers' have potential applications in various fields, including engineering, biology, and chemistry research.
The team aims to create a system that can deliver items without human contact, using cables, knots, and multiple robots. They will focus on scaling up the transport of small objects like a basketball and solar panel.
Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a new 3D printing technique that uses nanotubes to reinforce additively manufactured metals, making them stronger in corrosive environments. The technique has the potential to revolutionize the field of metal manufacturing and increase U.S. competitiveness.
The HKU Engineering team has developed an interactive multi-stage robotic positioner for MRI-guided stereotactic neurosurgery. The system enables precise interventions with a precision error of less than 3mm, demonstrating immense potential for integration into clinical practice.
Researchers developed adhesive hydrogel coatings that eliminate fibrosis, a common issue with medical implants. The coatings bind devices to tissue and prevent the immune system from attacking them.
Scientists from TU Delft and Brown University engineer string-like resonators capable of vibrating for extended periods at room temperature, enabling sensitive sensing applications. The innovation uses advanced nanotechnology techniques and machine learning algorithms to create ultra-long strings with minimal energy loss.
Engineers developed a material that mimics human bone for orthopedic femur restoration, providing optimized support and protection from external forces. This innovative approach uses machine learning, optimization, and 3D printing to create a fully controllable computational framework.
A US Army research collaboration with Boston University's KABlab used an AI machine learning robot to create a record-breaking energy-absorbing shape, breaking the known record of 71% efficiency. The shape has four points, like thin flower petals, and is taller and narrower than early designs.
Researchers developed a new component, sepiolite, to improve braking effectiveness in high-speed rail brakes. Sepiolite exhibits high-temperature lubricity, weakening bonds between its layered structures, and accelerates the formation of a surface lubricating film, providing stable friction at high temperatures.
A systematic investigation by Osaka Metropolitan University calculated 120 combinations of alloy elements with carbon and nitrogen to form bonds in steel. The results showed that specific arrangements of elements harden the iron, improving durability and material strength.
Scientists at ETH Zurich have engineered a thermal trap that can deliver heat at temperatures of over 1000 degrees Celsius using solar radiation. This technology has the potential to decarbonize energy-intensive industries on a large scale, making it an important step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed an artificial tactile system that can detect pressure by touch in a similar way to the human nervous system. The technology has the potential to restore lost functionality to patients after a stroke, as well as enhance interactions between humans and robots.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have engineered a thermal trap to deliver heat at high temperatures needed for industrial processes, overcoming the challenge of fossil fuels. The device, which uses solar radiation, absorbs sunlight and converts it into heat, minimizing radiative heat losses and increasing efficiency.
RMIT's low-carbon concrete has been shown to recycle double the amount of coal ash compared to current standards, reducing cement requirements by half. The new mixture also performs exceptionally well over time, with large concrete beam prototypes meeting Australian Standards for engineering performance and environmental requirements.
A Binghamton University professor investigates the adaptive response of fire ant rafts to mechanical load, discovering that they exhibit catch bond behavior under force, which enhances cohesion for survival. This phenomenon is being explored to develop artificial materials with autonomous self-strengthening properties.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have developed the first wide field-of-hearing metalens, overcoming traditional acoustic lens limitations. The device achieves up to 140 degrees of field-of-hearing without sound distortion, enabling new applications in acoustic imaging and high-sensitivity sensing.
The study found that an 80% concentration of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) and specific solvents leads to the highest pattern transfer efficiency. The conversion efficiency reaches impressive levels in the ultraviolet spectrum, paving the way for commercial viability of metasurfaces.
Engineers at Stanford University have developed a prototype augmented reality headset that uses holographic imaging to overlay full-color, 3D moving images on the lenses of regular glasses. The new approach delivers a visually satisfying 3D viewing experience in a compact and comfortable form factor suitable for all-day wear.
Scientists at the University of Surrey are developing a new type of spacecraft that harnesses thin air for propulsion, enabling higher-resolution Earth observation and faster telecommunications. This innovation has the potential to extend mission lifetimes by removing the need for stored propellant.
A comprehensive study by University of Technology Sydney researchers confirms CPAP therapy's safety without adverse effects on the respiratory system. The study uses computational modeling to assess airflow velocity and shear stress, providing reassurance for patients.
A team of researchers has developed a hemostasis sponge that swiftly staunchs kidney bleeding and facilitates wound recovery. The material uses kidney-derived decellularized extracellular matrix to recreate the kidney's microenvironment, boasting high biocompatibility.
A research team at Waseda University has discovered a family of poly(thiourea)s (PTUs) with exceptional optical properties, including transparency over 92% and a refractive index of 1.81. The polymers can be easily degraded into simpler molecules, making them suitable for sustainable optoelectronic applications.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new 3D microscope technology using an electronically tunable lens, which automates the focusing process and reduces costs. This innovation enables fast and high-quality 3D imaging, overcoming limitations of traditional microscopes.
Researchers have developed a theoretical equation to predict the average buckling strength of shells with geometric imperfections. The model, which considers shapes and distribution of imperfections, offers promise for creating lightweight and sustainable structures while ensuring structural reliability.
Researchers developed a device with AI algorithms to analyze suckling strength and pattern in newborns. The system showed improved accuracy over subjective clinician assessments, identifying abnormal patterns that may indicate the need for surgical intervention or improved feeding practices.
MIT engineers have developed a closed-loop drug-delivery system that can improve chemotherapy outcomes by continuously monitoring patients and adjusting dosage. The new system, called CLAUDIA, uses commercially available equipment to analyze blood samples every five minutes and adjust infusion rates in real-time.
Research at Tampere University aims to develop adaptable safety systems for autonomous off-road mobile machinery. The framework focuses on ensuring public safety without compromising technological advancements, incorporating a human-in-the-loop safety option.
An interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers compared various aspects of running robots with their equivalents in animals, finding that biological components performed poorly compared to fabricated parts. However, animals excel in integrating and controlling these components.
Researchers found that older adults tend to conserve energy by modifying their movements under certain circumstances. The findings suggest that the effort costs of reaching are a determining factor in slowing movement with age. This research may lead to new tools for diagnosing diseases, including Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a novel 2D/3D/2D heterostructure material that can minimize energy loss while preserving ferroelectric material properties. The new structure achieved an energy density up to 19 times higher than commercially available capacitors and efficiency over 90%.
Florida Atlantic University's College of Engineering and Computer Science has been selected to work with NASA on the University Nanosatellite Program. The program provides systems engineering training for students and aims to prepare them to work in the space industry.
The WVU Research Experience for Undergraduates program aims to solve real-world problems in Appalachia using mobile robotics. Students will conduct independent research in areas like drone navigation and swarming behaviors, focusing on enabling change with robotics tools.
A new online curriculum and simulation training program, developed by Penn State researchers, significantly reduced complications in central line placement. The program, launched in 2022, has been shown to decrease error rates for mechanical issues, infections, and blood clots.
The team created ten holograms with varying colors and shapes using an inverse design technique driven by artificial intelligence. They integrated an oblique helicoidal cholesterics-based wavelength modulator to accurately implement the designed holograms, enabling the establishment of an optical security system.
Lehigh University researcher A. Emrah Bayrak explores best practices for human-AI collaboration in complex design tasks, aiming to maximize productivity and job satisfaction. His project uses models that predict human decision-making and combines it with AI's training data analysis to determine strategies for division of labor.