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Sea sponges stay put with anchors that bend but don't break

Researchers found that the internal structure of sea sponge anchors, known as basalia spicules, allows them to bend up to 2.4 times before breaking, enabling them to securely attach to the seafloor. The study's findings may lead to the development of new materials with similar properties.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials·DateJun 22, 2017

Breaking glass in infinite dimensions

A team of researchers, led by Sho Yaida, have found a phase transition in glasses using infinite-dimensional calculations. This discovery could significantly change the properties of glasses at low temperatures, affecting their response to heat, sound and stress.

New 'tougher-than-metal' fiber-reinforced hydrogels

Scientists at Hokkaido University have created 'fiber-reinforced soft composites' that combine the flexibility of hydrogels with the strength of glass fibers. These materials are 5 times tougher than carbon steel, making them suitable for various applications such as artificial ligaments and tendons.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 23, 2017

A nano-roundabout for light

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have created a nano-roundabout for light signals using an atomic switch, allowing for precise control over the direction of circulation. The system utilizes a bottle resonator and a single rubidium atom to break symmetry and define traffic rules.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·DateDec 8, 2016

Model could shatter a mystery of glass

Princeton University researchers have developed a new model that creates a 'perfect glass' that never crystallizes, even at absolute zero. The model considers 2-, 3-, and 4-body interactions to suppress crystallization, revealing unique properties of perfect glasses.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 28, 2016

Learning Morse code without trying

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a system that teaches people Morse code in four hours using vibrations felt near the ear. Participants were 94% accurate keying a sentence and 98% accurate writing codes for every letter, even while playing games and feeling the taps without paying attention.

Super cement's secret

Scientists create a unique cement semiconductor by introducing electron anions, which transforms its properties from insulator to transparent conductor. The material's glass equivalent has a lower glass transition temperature, allowing for greater control over the formation process.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2016

Your brain on Google Glass

Researchers at Drexel University used functional near-infrared spectroscopy to measure brain activity while participants navigated a college campus with Google Glass. They found that users had higher situation awareness and lower mental workload than those using an iPhone, but also experienced cognitive tunneling.

SourceDrexel University·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateAug 11, 2016

Wearable technology gets good ratings from plastic surgeons

A recent study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that plastic surgeons gave high ratings to Google Glass for comfort and overall satisfaction, with average scores of nearly four out of five for photo and video quality. However, some limitations were noted, including difficulties with capturing images during surgery.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateJun 29, 2016

Glass now has smart potential

Australian researchers have developed a method to embed light-emitting nanoparticles into glass without losing their properties. The new 'hybrid glass' combines nanoparticles' luminescence with glass' transparency and versatility, opening up possibilities for ultra-high-tech applications like biological sensing and 3D displays.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJun 7, 2016

Nanocars taken for a rough ride

Researchers at Rice University tested nanocars in ambient conditions, finding they stuck to surfaces due to hydrophobicity. The vehicles slowed down as molecules absorbed from the air created obstacles that acted like sticky foam, eventually trapping them.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateJun 1, 2016

New fabrication and thermo-optical tuning of whispering gallery microlasers

Scientists at OIST have developed a new method to fabricate glass microlasers, called whispering gallery microlasers, which are tiny optical devices that create intense light with one color or wavelength. The new technique allows for quick and easy fabrication of smaller devices for biosensing and optical communications.

Coding and computers help spot methane, explosives

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new technology using coded apertures to improve the performance of mass spectrometers, enabling portable devices to detect environmental hazards in the field. The innovation could lead to miniaturized mass spectrometers for detecting trace amounts of methane and explosives.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Mass Spectrometry·DateApr 14, 2016