Articles tagged with Ocean Engineering
Scientists have discovered a novel approach to separate and capture nitrous oxide, a harmful greenhouse gas, using hydroquinone clathrate. The study reveals that the organic crystal can trap N2O at high concentrations, making it a promising option for reducing emissions and saving energy.
The Ocean and Climate Innovation Accelerator (OCIA) consortium aims to advance knowledge of the ocean's role in combating climate change and develop new solutions. The consortium will focus on advancing the 'networked ocean' concept, placing sensors across oceanic environments to monitor critical metrics.
Researchers discovered that aerosolized droplets generated by flushing a toilet and urinal in public restrooms pose a significant risk of transmitting COVID-19. The study found that these small droplets can remain suspended for hours, contaminating the air and increasing the risk of infection.
A new study on the Northern Star Coral reveals its ability to recover from laboratory-induced stress, shedding light on coral resilience. Researchers found that coral with algal symbionts recovered their mucus microbiomes more consistently and quickly.
Researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that anthropogenic noise prompts changes in cephalopod feeding behaviors. Longfin squid were less likely to capture prey during noise playback and more likely to abandon pursuing prey if the noise started during their hunt.
By 2100, winters are predicted to be shorter than two months and transitional seasons even shorter in the Northern Hemisphere. This shift could exacerbate environmental and health risks such as phenological changes and agricultural disruptions.
Researchers studied sea star shapes and found that their unique shape creates a
Researchers used passive acoustics to study shell-crushing behavior in whitespotted eagle rays, distinguishing prey types based on acoustic features. The study provides critical data for conservation efforts and ecosystem monitoring in Florida's coastal waters.
Researchers at Korea Maritime and Ocean University developed a new anode material for sodium-ion batteries by doping carbon with different atoms, improving electrochemical performance and reversible capacity. The findings have significant implications for the engineering of sustainable, inexpensive, high-performance batteries.
A leading expert on queen conch aquaculture has published a manual to culture and restore the species, which is facing decline due to overfishing and habitat damage. The manual provides a comprehensive guide to hatchery and nursery phases, with the goal of producing sustainable seafood, conservation, and restoration.
The Red Sea climate modeling system provides high-resolution analyses of the region's oceanic and atmospheric processes, revealing connections with global climate patterns. The system helps predict extreme events like oil spills and informs environmental policymaking, renewable energy projects, and flood protection.
Researchers develop a strain sensor that can detect small changes in muscle movement through clothing, demonstrating its high sensitivity. The sensor's resilience allows it to withstand repeated exposure to harsh conditions like being stabbed with a scalpel or run over by a car.
Oregon State University (OSU) will take over systems management of Ocean Observatories Initiative's cyberinfrastructure in September 2023. The team will handle data storage and delivery for the OOI, which consists of five instrumented observatories collecting over 800 instruments' data.
Researchers at Harvard SEAS developed a new lattice design inspired by marine sponge skeletons, achieving higher strength-to-weight ratios than traditional designs. The diagonal reinforcement strategy improves structural strength without adding material, paving the way for innovative infrastructural applications.
Researchers have discovered that seismic rumblings on the seafloor can provide a new way to monitor ocean temperatures, using existing seismic monitoring equipment and historic data. By analyzing sound waves from undersea earthquakes, they can determine changes in ocean temperature at depths normally out of reach of conventional tools.
Researchers study fluid physics of marine snail movement, revealing distinct swimming patterns and shell shapes. The study could lead to the development of more efficient underwater vehicles.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University found that face shields block initial droplet motion but allow them to disperse widely. Masks with exhalation valves also have limited effectiveness due to unfiltered air passage.
The Marine Technology Society has recognized a diverse group of individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to marine science and technology. The award winners include CAPT (Ret.) Craig McLean, Dr. Vladimir Ryabinin, CODAR Ocean Sensors LTD, and Dr. Manhar Dhanak, among others.
A team of researchers from Harvard SEAS has designed deployable dome using bistable joints linked by rigid bars, demonstrating the potential for morphing surfaces, reconfigurable devices, and controlled energy absorption
Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering discovered how sea stars synchronize their motion through a global directionality command and localized responses to stimuli. This decentralized nervous system can inspire more efficient robotics systems with hierarchical learning and communication.
Researchers developed a compact depth sensor inspired by jumping spiders' impressive depth perception. The metalens sensor combines with an ultra-efficient algorithm to measure depth in a single shot, enabling applications in microrobots, small wearable devices, and virtual/augmented reality headsets.
The NSF INCLUDES: SEAS Island Alliance aims to enhance U.S. leadership in discoveries and innovations by focusing on diversity, inclusion, and broadening participation in STEM at scale. The program will connect individuals across islands and partner institutions, providing expertise and mentors through the creation of new island networks.
Researchers from Harvard SEAS developed a mathematical framework that can turn any sheet of material into any prescribed shape. The framework, inspired by paper craft kirigami, uses cuts to change flexibility and morph into 3D shapes.
Researchers found that warming oceans are driving up methylmercury levels in fish due to increased energy consumption and changing diets. As sea temperatures rise, fish use more energy to swim, requiring them to consume more calories, which can lead to higher mercury levels.
A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals that microplastic particles are common throughout Monterey Bay, from the surface to the seafloor. The research found that small ocean animals are consuming microplastic, introducing it into food webs and highlighting a growing concern for marine ecosystems.
A team of researchers found that methane emissions from natural gas in Pennsylvania are significantly lower than those from coal, but not negligible. The study used a ratio of methane to ethane to determine the sources of emissions and estimated that natural gas production has about half the carbon footprint of coal mining.
Researchers developed a new snake-inspired soft robot using programmable kirigami metamaterials, enabling responsive surfaces and smart skins. The robot can now change its shape in response to programmed sequences of pop-ups, improving speed and accuracy.
Researchers have found that rogue waves are becoming more prevalent and severe, especially during winter months. The study used long-term data to investigate the behavior of these rare ocean phenomena, which can be hazardous for ships and coastal areas.
Researchers at Portland State University will study a novel method of generating electricity from ocean waves using adjustable magnetic springs. The goal is to create cost-effective and smaller devices that can harness wave energy more efficiently.
A new wave energy technology developed by University of Edinburgh and Italian engineers uses flexible rubber membranes to generate electricity from wave motion. The device has the potential to replace conventional designs and produce clean energy for thousands of homes, with potential deployment in Scottish waters within decades.
Researchers are unsure if microplastics cause harm to people as they accumulate in the body and organs, with varying effects depending on composition and additives. Microplastics have been identified in human feces, raising concerns about potential health risks.
Researchers from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a polarization-insensitive metalens using non-symmetric nanofins. This design doubles the efficiency of previous iterations and enables achromatic focusing across the visible spectrum.
UNIST has conferred an honorary doctorate degree to Dr. Fawwaz Habbal, recognizing his contributions to education and culture through industry and academia. The award is a testament to his work with the UNIST-Harvard SEAS Summer Exchange Program and joint research initiatives.
Researchers at Harvard University developed a micro-robot called HAMR-E that can climb on vertical and upside-down surfaces, allowing for non-invasive inspection of hard-to-reach areas of large machines. The robot uses electroadhesive foot pads and origami ankle joints to navigate complex environments, saving companies time and money.
Scientists from the U.S. National Science Foundation-funded expedition aboard the Atlantis will share their research findings on submarine volcanic activity and crust formation. The live broadcasts, scheduled for Dec. 11-13, will also feature young researchers and their experiences with modern deep-sea exploration.
A new study found that warming waters in the Indian Ocean are causing a decline in wind power potential in India, with western regions experiencing the steepest decrease. The research suggests that investing in wind turbines in areas with stronger monsoon winds can help minimize the impact of climate change.
A new meta-surface technology has been developed to correct for chromatic aberrations across all kinds of lenses, from simple to complex. This innovation uses a single-layer surface of nanostructures and can be incorporated into commercial optical systems, improving performance while reducing complexity.
The US Navy's Task Force Ocean aims to advance its tactical advantage through better understanding of the ocean environment. The initiative will increase research funding and sponsor graduate students and post-doctorates in physical oceanography and acoustics.
Research from Harvard suggests that reducing formaldehyde emissions could be more effective at reducing extreme wintertime haze than focusing solely on sulfur dioxide. Formaldehyde is formed by the reaction of SO2 with formaldehyde in clouds or fog droplets, and its sources are primarily vehicles and industrial facilities.
A machine-learning model provides risk assessment for complex nonlinear systems, identifying the types of extreme events likely to occur. The technique simulates wave forces and stresses on structures, offering a faster and more accurate risk assessment than traditional methods.
A new modular soft robotic arm enables deep-sea researchers to interact with delicate sea life without damaging them. The system features a glove-controlled arm that can flex and move with unprecedented dexterity, allowing scientists to explore understudied ocean environments.
The Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health will continue to advance research on the links between oceanic processes and human health, with a focus on harmful algal blooms. The five-year funding aims to better understand public health risks associated with environmental exposures in marine coastal regions and the Great Lakes Basin.
A multidisciplinary team developed soft, flexible, and customizable samplers that can grasp delicate sea creatures without damaging them. The researchers 3D-printed modifications to the device overnight, revolutionizing marine biology fieldwork and enabling scientists to collect samples in their native habitats.
A new device inspired by origami design safely traps soft-bodied sea creatures and releases them unharmed. The Rotary Actuated Dodecahedron (RAD) sampler has been successfully tested in the ocean at depths of 1,600-2,300 feet, capturing squid and jellyfish without causing harm.
Researchers at Harvard University's Wyss Institute develop a novel, folding polyhedron sampler that safely traps soft-bodied sea creatures like jellyfish and squid. The RAD sampler uses a simple, modular design to capture organisms in their natural habitats without harm.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed an origami-inspired device, RAD, that can capture delicate sea creatures like jellyfish, squid, and octopuses without harming them. The device uses a folding polyhedral enclosure to trap organisms, allowing scientists to collect data and then release them unharmed.
The East Coast Oceanographic Consortium will operate a new oceanographic research ship with improved science labs and state-of-the-art technologies. The vessel will support scientific studies, educational opportunities, and outreach to the public, enhancing the nation's Academic Research Fleet.
Florida Atlantic University has been awarded a $1.25 million grant by the US Navy to develop autonomous unmanned marine vehicle platforms for coastal surveillance, target tracking, and protection of at-sea assets. The project aims to create a multi-vehicle system that can safely navigate coastal waters with high autonomy.
Researchers created wind-wave maps of East China Sea using satellite altimeter data and atmospheric reanalysis. The study reveals wind-wave climate patterns, including the similarity among multiple data sources, but also highlights limitations in describing marginal-sea wind-waves.
Ocean microbes produce at least fifty percent of the oxygen in our atmosphere while removing large amounts of carbon dioxide. The new LRAUVs can transit for over 600 miles and use their own 'eyes and ears' to detect important oceanographic events like phytoplankton blooms.
A team of researchers developed a soft robot that uses kirigami to achieve locomotion, gripping the ground like snakeskin. The robot's surface transforms into a textured surface as it stretches, allowing it to crawl without rigid components.
A new study published in Nature Geoscience found that modifying the properties of land surface in populated areas and agricultural lands could reduce extreme temperatures by 2-3°C. Changing crops, adopting no-till agriculture, and lightening infrastructure are proposed modifications.
The milliDelta robot overcomes the miniaturization challenge of Delta robots, operating at millimeter scale with high speed and precision, making it suitable for micromanipulation tasks in manufacturing and medicine. Researchers demonstrated its potential as a hand tremor-cancelling device and explored its use in retinal microsurgeries.
A study found that the general public and researchers share a sceptical attitude towards climate engineering, preferring political solutions over technological interventions. Respondents expressed concerns about the complexity of systems we don't understand and the potential for greater problems than it solves.
A study published in the Journal of Wildlife Diseases found that minimizing rehabilitation time, treating diseases early, and controlling mosquitos can significantly improve African penguin survival rates. The researchers also identified body mass and hematologic parameters as important criteria for initial assessment and treatment.
Scientists from Harvard SEAS develop a technique to grow any target shape from any starting shape using a bilayer of elastic materials. The researchers demonstrate the system by modeling the growth of various shapes, including a flower petal and the face of Max Planck.
Researchers have created a new type of rubber that can self-heal, offering potential applications in durable tires, wearable electronics, and medical devices. The hybrid rubber combines covalent and reversible bonds to achieve its unique properties.
Researchers have created a super-strong adhesive that binds to tissues with strength comparable to cartilage, even when wet. The adhesive uses a double-layered hydrogel design with positively-charged polymers to create a strong bond.
Applied mathematicians at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences developed a framework to better understand and control the fabrication of optical microstructures. The researchers used this framework to grow sophisticated optical microcomponents, including resonators, waveguides, and beam splitters.
Researchers at Harvard SEAS use kirigami cuts to create 3D structures from flat sheets by stretching and buckling material. The pop-up pattern and mechanical properties can be controlled by varying the cut orientation.