Articles tagged with Ocean Engineering
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A team of polymer physicists and chemists at Harvard developed a way to create an ultra-soft dry silicone rubber by eliminating entanglements. The material features tunable softness to match various biological tissues, opening new opportunities in biomedical research and engineering.
Brown University professor George Em Karniadakis has been awarded the Ralph E. Kleinman Prize by SIAM for his contributions to applied mathematics, specifically in computational fluid dynamics and stochastic modeling. The $5,000 prize recognizes his research bridging high-level mathematics with practical applications.
MIT engineers have developed an autonomous mission-planning system that enables underwater robots to plan their own missions, execute, adapt, and re-plan them alone without human support. The system allows robots to make high-level decisions, prioritize tasks, and avoid collisions, freeing engineers to focus on overall strategy.
A team of Brown University engineers found that the unique internal structure of sea sponge spicules contributes to their remarkable anchoring ability. The pattern of decreasing layer thickness from center to edge enhances the spicule's strength and stability, potentially inspiring new engineering designs.
Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a novel system for separating materials using fluid-filled pores, which can precisely separate liquids, gases, and solids without clogging. The system harnesses dynamic control over a highly sensitive mechanism, allowing for efficient separation of complex mixtures.
Researchers tracked Chilean devil rays using satellite tags, finding they dive as deep as 2,000 meters in search of food. The study reveals a new link between the surface and deep ocean, shedding light on these majestic creatures' habits.
An international team has completed the first mapping of virtually all global glaciers, including their locations and sizes. The 198,000 mapped glaciers will contribute significantly to rising seas over the coming decades as temperatures rise.
Researchers at Harvard's SEAS discovered a hemihelix shape, rarely seen in nature, by stretching and joining rubber strips. The shape has a predictable and deterministic growth from a two-dimensional state to a three-dimensional state.
Scientists have created a low-cost, programmable soft actuated material that replicates the biological motion of the heart's twisting action, a key indicator of heart health. The material mimics the complex motion of the heart muscle, which is essential for efficient blood pumping.
Researchers at GEOMAR found that large-scale climate intervention methods have limited benefits and significant side effects, such as accelerated global warming. The study's results highlight the need for careful consideration of the potential social, political, legal, and ethical implications of proposed climate engineering methods.
A new study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers documents the historic sediment record along the Danube River delta and offers simple and inexpensive strategies to maintain delta environments. The team analyzed sediment cores and found that mimicking natural distributaries can help keep sediment on flood plains, rather ...
Researchers are using experimental hydrodynamics to track the source of lethal outbreaks in Great Lakes waterfowl. They have developed a novel way of tracking waterfowl carcasses and performed towing tank experiments to determine drag coefficients, which will help identify locations where waterbirds are likely exposed to botulinum toxin.
A recent study published in the Journal of Heredity has identified two distinct populations of bottlenose dolphins living in the Indian River Lagoon, separated by a north-south geographic area. The research also found genetic differences between these populations and those living in other areas, highlighting the importance of habitat a...
The University of Washington is partnering with OceanGate to develop a five-person deep-sea manned submarine that can reach depths of over 9,842 feet. The Cyclops submarine features a carbon-fiber hull and advanced control systems, allowing for increased safety and efficiency in ocean research and exploration.
Researchers at Harvard University investigated the process of villification, which shapes gut villi, and found similarities in its principles across different animal species. They discovered that mechanical forces from muscle layer differentiation drive early villus growth.
A transparent disk using a saltwater gel and ionic conductor produces sounds across the entire audible spectrum, demonstrating capabilities of ionic conductors. This technology has potential applications in biomedical devices, fast-moving robotics, and adaptive optics.
Researchers at Virginia Tech discovered a relic seawall in Bay Head, NJ, that played a crucial role in protecting homes from Hurricane Sandy's storm surges. The 1882 structure, buried beneath the beach, provided significant dampening of waves and prevented widespread destruction.
Researchers found that significant reductions in emissions will be necessary to stabilize current mercury levels, as legacy mercury persists for decades. The study highlights the need for aggressive reductions to mitigate future increases in ocean mercury levels.
The Watermark Ink device can instantly identify unknown liquids based on their surface tension, exploiting chemical and optical properties of nanostructured materials. This technology offers a cheap, fast, and portable way to perform quality control tests and detect liquid contaminants.
A study models the distribution and abundance of six dominant Hawaiian coral species, predicting that Porites lobata is the most abundant around the main Hawaiian Islands. Environmental factors such as wave energy, seafloor shape, and island age influence coral cover, with highest concentrations found in wave-sheltered coastlines.
Researchers at Harvard University have successfully demonstrated the first controlled flight of a robotic insect, weighing less than a tenth of a gram, which achieves vertical takeoff, hovering, and steering. The achievement marks the culmination of over a decade's work in micromanufacturing and control systems.
A Harvard-led team of researchers has created a new type of nanoscale device that converts optical signals into waves traveling along a metal surface. The device can recognize specific polarized light and direct it in one direction or another, opening the door to precise manipulation of light at subwavelength scales.
A multi-university team, led by Ronald Riggs, conducted research to analyze the impact of cargo containers on buildings during tsunamis. They found that water does not significantly increase the load when a container strikes a building, and the weight of contents also doesn't matter much.
A study by University of Iowa researchers predicts that North Atlantic tropical storms will become more intense as CO2 levels rise, with potentially devastating consequences for the East Coast US. The research used computer models and scenarios to examine projected changes in storm intensity and frequency.
Harvard physicists have discovered that ultrathin, atomically thin films can be tailored to reflect specific colors using an overlooked optical phenomenon. The coatings, made of gold and germanium or other elements, change color with minimal thickness changes.
Researchers have gained insight into the microscopic mechanics of a sea urchin's spine, which enables it to absorb impacts and stresses while maintaining strength. The unique structure of the spine allows for an advantageous blend of elasticity and brittleness.
A team of experts at Harvard created a hydrogel that can stretch to 21 times its original length, is self-healing, and exceptionally tough. The gel combines two weak polymers in an 8:1 ratio, forming a complex network that reinforces each other.
The Arctic sea ice extent has reached its lowest level on record, according to a research team from CU-Boulder. The decline is attributed to warming temperatures caused by human-produced greenhouse gases, which have led to the replacement of old, thick multi-year ice with young, thin ice that melts quickly.
Researchers at Harvard University have created an ultrathin flat lens that focuses light without imparting distortions, approaching the physical limit set by diffraction laws. The device is scalable and simple to manufacture, making it a promising new technology for fiber-optic communications.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new coating called SLIPS that can prevent the formation of biofilms on surfaces. The technology, which is smooth and slippery due to an immobilized liquid layer, has been shown to reduce the formation of disease-causing bacteria by up to 96%.
A recent glacier break in Greenland has created an ice island approximately 46 square miles in size, similar to the mega-calving event that occurred two years ago. This phenomenon highlights the ongoing melting and reduction of the Greenland ice sheet due to global climate change.
A 'nanoclutch' has been designed to regulate the speed of nanomotors, allowing for stepless control. The device uses electrowetting forces and charged carbon nanotubes to transmit torque between tubes.
Researchers at Harvard University have successfully controlled the rate of photon emission from luminescent imperfections in diamond, a crucial step towards developing scalable quantum networks. The breakthrough uses nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond to emit red photons at room temperature.
A Virginia Tech researcher has developed an app called Small Craft Motion Program (SCraMP) that provides boat operators with motion analysis data, including acceleration, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. The app aims to help captains make informed decisions about their vessel's stability and safety.
Researchers at Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have induced light rays to behave in a way that defies the centuries-old laws of reflection and refraction. The discovery allows for beams of light that reflect and refract in arbitrary ways, depending on the surface pattern.
Researchers at Harvard discovered that a simple balance of forces determines the formation of the vertebrate gut's predictably loopy shape. The gut grows faster than its attached mesentery tissue, causing it to coil as the elastic forces build up.
A new device, called 'Watermark ink,' can identify unknown liquids by exploiting their surface tension and changes in optical properties. The device, which fits in the palm of a hand, has potential applications in quality control tests, contaminant identification, and forensic analysis.
Researchers at Harvard have identified the mechanism for diffuse axonal injury and explained why cerebral vasospasm is more common in blast-induced brain injuries. Treating neural tissue with a ROCK inhibitor within minutes of injury may lead to viable treatments, according to the study.
Researchers found that algal secretions can increase ice salinity and create channels in ice, allowing algae to live and grow. This adaptation may help sea-ice algae thrive in a warmer climate.
A team of physicists at Harvard University has demonstrated the formation of semipermeable vesicles from inorganic clay, which could have played a key role in the origins of life. The clay vesicles provide an ideal container for compartmentalizing complex organic molecules.
Scientists have created a new system that uses two video cameras and advanced computer software to study ocean waves in real-time. The technology can help explain the dynamics of near-shore waves and provide accurate insights into coastal erosion.
The new LRAUV, Tethys, combines the best of propeller-driven and glider designs, allowing for rapid travel and extended hovering periods. With its sophisticated power-saving software and fail-safe systems, Tethys has shown promising initial results in oceanographic research.
The new IMOS ocean-observing array will use advanced technologies like autonomous floats, marine mammals with satellite tags, and underwater gliders to study the open ocean. This data will help scientists understand how the ocean's physical properties influence the marine ecosystem.
A Greenland glacier has lost a quarter of its floating ice-shelf, giving birth to an ice island four times the size of Manhattan. The freshwater stored in this ice island could keep the Delaware or Hudson rivers flowing for more than two years.
Researchers at Harvard University reveal a two-step process that creates a ring of smaller bubbles when a large bubble bursts. The curved nature of the bubble plays a critical role in this phenomenon, which has been observed in various environments and materials.
Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution estimate the world's ocean volume to be 1.332 billion cubic kilometers, a reduction of 5 times the Gulf of Mexico or 500 times the Great Lakes. The study uses satellite measurements to calculate ocean volume and depth, with an accuracy comparable to those of 30 years ago.
A new undersea optical communication system enables real-time video transfer and self-powered ROVs without a physical connection, reducing costs and simplifying operations. This technology complements acoustic systems, offering faster data rates of up to 20 megabits per second.
Ron O'Dor will talk about the international Ocean Tracking Network's ambitious plans and how new tracking technologies can help manage sustainable fisheries. The Canadian initiative has committed $45 million to this global project.
A recent special edition of Ocean Engineering analyzes Hurricane Katrina's impact and provides lessons learned from an IPET study conducted between 2005-2006. The study assessed the performance of flood protection systems in affected coastal areas.
UC San Diego engineers develop algorithms for swarms of ocean robots to track ocean currents, predict oil spill movement, and improve models. The system will enable local agencies to deploy robots quickly to monitor spills and aid in the development of marine protected areas.
The Harvard research team aims to advance micro-manufacturing, ultra-low-power computing and multi-agent coordination using nature as inspiration. They will create artificial sensors and coordination algorithms to mimic the collective behavior of a bee colony.
Scientists can now drill to the Earth's mantle with reduced environmental impact. The technology allows for investigation of subseafloor areas in great depths, where oceanic crust may be thinner.
Researchers from Caltech have discovered a mechanism that explains how tiny swimming animals can affect the ocean environment, creating instability and mixing large scales. The impact of biogenic ocean mixing is estimated to be comparable to wind forcing and tidal forcing.
A new study published in New Journal of Physics suggests that the Earth's main magnetic field may be induced by ocean currents, defying previous theories. The researchers found correlations between changes in ocean circulation and geomagnetic secular variation, which could revolutionize our understanding of the magnetosphere.
The Nereus hybrid remotely operated vehicle successfully reached the deepest part of the ocean, the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench. The dive demonstrates the vehicle's capabilities for exploring the world's last frontiers and gathering images, data, and samples from extreme depths.
Researchers developed a statistical model to measure extreme wave heights, revealing seasonal variations in different locations. The study's findings have vital importance for coastal management, marine construction, and understanding biological processes.
Elgar, an oceanographer at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, was chosen from 468 nominees to conduct long-term research on challenging technical issues underpinning the DoD. He will investigate rip currents and their impact on public safety and defense interests.
Dr. Robert D. Ballard returned to the Office of Naval Research to discuss the future of deep-sea exploration and its applications for the fleet. He highlighted ONR's investments in cutting-edge technologies, such as Remotely Operated Vehicles, Unmanned Undersea Vehicles, and autonomy.
The US Department of Homeland Security has developed a non-lethal traffic stopper called SQUID, which uses sticky tendrils to immobilize vehicles. The device, inspired by a sea creature and Spiderman's webbing, aims to provide a safer alternative to traditional methods of stopping fleeing drivers.
Dr. David Keith proposes a potential solution for reducing CO2 emissions by storing it in giant inflatable bags on the seabed. The concept is technically feasible with current-day technology and may offer a viable complement to other storage methods.