Articles tagged with Materials Engineering
Researchers developed a novel hybrid protein complex by binding lysozyme to copper for enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) removal. The CuST@lysozyme hybrid protein showed high SOD activity and stability in biological fluids, paving the way for its therapeutic applications.
Scientists developed a new method to manipulate light using non-Hermitian theory, enabling unidirectional control of surface plasmon polaritons. This breakthrough could lead to improved quantum sensors and applications in disease diagnosis and atmospheric gas detection.
A new study suggests that modular production techniques can minimize construction delays caused by weather, resulting in cost savings for builders. The research estimates that using modular construction can reduce costs by approximately AUD$40,000 on a $6.4 million project.
A University of Minnesota team creates high-quality metal oxide thin films from historically difficult-to-synthesize metals using a breakthrough method that stretches the metals at the atomic level. This innovation paves the way for scientists to develop better materials for various next-generation applications.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a smart material prototype that can control the direction and intensity of energy waves. This breakthrough could have significant implications for various fields, including military and commercial applications.
A team of researchers has discovered a liquid quasicrystal with a dodecagonal honeycomb structure, consisting of triangular, square, and trapezoidal cells. The discovery provides new insights into the formation of these special structures and offers promising applications in optics and electronics.
A POSTECH research team has successfully mass-produced metalenses for visible light, overcoming previous limitations in fabrication and efficiency. By combining photolithography and nanoimprint lithography, the team achieved high-speed production of high-performance lenses with improved efficiency up to 90%.
Researchers propose a new bonding theory that illustrates how each boron atom satisfies the octet rule and how alternating σ bonds further stabilize the 2D sheet. The theory introduces a new form of resonance, allowing delocalization of σ electrons within the plane.
The article discusses the fabrication and applications of van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs), which have unique properties and potential for exploring condensed matter physics. Various strategies for fabricating vdWHs were developed in the past decade, leading to promising functionalities in diverse fields.
A team of researchers at North Carolina State University has created a zinc-ion battery prototype with a fiber-shaped cathode, which can power a wrist watch. The team used graphene oxide and manganese dioxide materials to create a yarn-shaped battery that is strong, flexible, and electrically conductive.
A team of researchers developed a multi-organ chip on-a-chip that applies 3D cell printing technology to closely replicate the pathological environment of type 2 diabetes. The chip shows a correlation between visceral fat and T2D, as well as impaired retina cell function, indicating potential complications.
The PRISM-LT project aims to create an adaptable platform for 3D bioprinting of living tissue with dynamic functionalities and predictable shapes, using a novel tunable bioink that fosters a symbiotic relationship between stem cells and microorganisms.
Scientists at Washington State University have created a carbon-negative concrete that can sequester up to 23% of its weight in CO2 while maintaining strength comparable to regular cement. This innovation could significantly reduce the industry's carbon footprint, with potential applications in pavements and bridges.
Osaka University researchers develop a cellulose-based material, called nanopaper e-skin, that makes effective contact with the skin while maintaining breathability and comfort. The substrate can withstand deformation, sterilization, and environmental sustainability, making it a promising candidate for electrophysiological monitoring.
A KAIST research team has developed a highly sensitive, wearable piezoelectric blood pressure sensor for continuous health monitoring. The sensor's accuracy meets international standards, with errors within ±5 mmHg and a standard deviation under 8 mmHg for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Scientists have discovered how sandgrouse hold water in their feathers, enabling males to fly long distances and retain enough water for chicks. The unique feather structure uses capillary action to absorb and retain water.
A WPI researcher is leading a three-year project to investigate the effects of stretching and blood flow on cardiovascular cells in tissue-engineered heart valves. The project aims to expand understanding of mechanical forces that propel cells in the body, with potential applications in other fields like cancer and wound healing.
Researchers engineered a lightweight material by fine-tuning interlayer interactions in 2D polymers, retaining desirable mechanical properties even as a multilayer stack. The material's strong interlayer interaction is attributed to hydrogen bonding among special functional groups.
A team led by Professor Yoshihiro Yamazaki from Kyushu University discovered the chemical innerworkings of a perovskite-based electrolyte developed for solid oxide fuel cells. By combining synchrotron radiation analysis, large-scale simulations, machine learning, and thermogravimetric analysis, they found that protons are introduced at...
Rice University scientists developed a rapid process to remove heavy metals from coal fly ash using flash Joule heating. This purified coal fly ash can be used in infrastructure projects, reducing emissions by 30% and improving concrete strength and elasticity.
A new protein-based coating developed by Rice University researchers has the potential to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, reducing food waste and spoilage. The coating, made from surplus eggs, was shown to double the shelf life of avocados and bananas in earlier research.
Researchers developed innovative contrast-enhancing agents to tackle limitations of photoacoustic imaging, including low SNR, image contrast, and targeted delivery. The study suggests promising strategies such as photoswitching agents, near-infrared-II agents, and micromotor agents.
Researchers developed a new tool to disentangle electronic states in layered quantum materials, revealing surprising results that defy theoretical predictions. By analyzing vibrations and energy measurements, scientists can 'see' how electrons move through the layers.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are acquiring a new transmission electron microscope (TEM) with a $800,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. The TEM will allow them to conduct experiments in real-time and gain a greater understanding of material structure at an atomic level.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have built and tested a full-scale bushfire safe room that demonstrates excellent heat resistance. The results suggest the shelter could keep people alive for up to two hours in extreme conditions, but further testing is needed to confirm human survivability.
A team of researchers developed a transfer-tattoo-like cell sheet that can be directly applied to targeted surfaces, facilitating cutaneous wound healing and promoting skin tissue regeneration. The system leverages natural cell migration between surfaces, eliminating the need for external stimuli and detachment processes.
The institute aims to shorten the cycle required to design, manufacture, and test parts that can withstand space travel conditions. It will develop detailed computer models of additively manufactured parts using digital twins.
Researchers developed StarCrete, a cosmic concrete made from Martian dust, potato starch, and salt, which is twice as strong as regular concrete. The material's compressive strength reaches 72 MPa, making it suitable for space construction.
Researchers at Swansea University have created a low-cost and scalable method to manufacture fully printable perovskite photovoltaics using carbon ink. The devices achieved similar performance to conventional gold electrodes, with power conversion efficiencies of up to 14%.
Researchers developed a self-driven lab, AlphaFlow, that uses AI to optimize complex chemical reactions and discover new materials. The system significantly reduces the time needed to develop new chemistries from months to hours.
Jefferson Lab has appointed Tim Michalski as its new Engineering Division Manager, overseeing the division's 200 staff members supporting key projects. With extensive experience in engineering and management, Michalski aims to incorporate best practices from previous organizations to drive success.
A new molecular testing device has been developed to identify individuals with high hypnotizability, who are most likely to benefit from hypnosis interventions for pain treatment. The test detected a subset of highly hypnotizable individuals with high levels of postoperative pain.
Researchers developed an in situ technique to observe material behavior under various stresses, including shear stress. This allows for precise understanding of how materials respond and identify preferred slip planes.
The new technique allows for the production of a dozen different soft polymer material morphologies, including ribbons, nanoscale sheets, rods, and branched particles. By precisely controlling three sets of parameters during manufacturing, researchers can fine-tune the morphology of polymeric materials at the micro- and nano-scale.
Researchers developed a hydrogel-based sensor to monitor overactive bladder activity in real-time. The sensor measures both mechanical and bioelectrical activities, allowing for simultaneous monitoring and neural stimulation. This breakthrough has the potential to improve treatment outcomes and minimize side effects.
Researchers discover that graphene oxide's surface oxygen content is crucial for its antibacterial activity, with different interaction modes leading to distinct effects. Understanding this relationship can help design safer materials and combat antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new 'camera' that can see atomic structures in real-time, revealing the dynamic disorder of materials. This breakthrough enables better understanding of thermoelectric devices and waste heat conversion, leading to more efficient sustainable energy applications.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a new type of solar roof that can harness energy from sunlight without blocking light for plants. The innovative design uses semi-transparent organic solar cells with a layer of L-glutathione, which extends the cells' lifetime and improves efficiency.
TUS researchers develop novel method to create multi-walled CNT wiring on plastic films under ambient conditions, enabling flexible devices and energy conversion devices. The proposed method produces high-quality wires with varying resistance values.
The study found that pavement skid resistance is crucial in reducing bicycle and electric scooter crashes. Pavements with higher skid resistance, such as asphalt and concrete, are recommended for bike lanes to minimize the risk of falls and collisions.
Channeling ions into grain boundaries in perovskite materials improves the stability and operational performance of perovskite solar cells, paving the way for more efficient and practical solar cell technologies. This breakthrough finding may also inform the development of more efficient energy storage technologies.
Scientists from NC State University have discovered a way to manipulate the flow of heat through ferroelectric materials by applying different electric fields. The study, published in Advanced Materials, found that varying electric field strengths, types (AC/DC), time, and frequency can alter the thermal properties of these materials.
Scientists at SLAC and Stanford University have created a new type of quantum material with a herringbone-like pattern, showcasing the Jahn-Teller effect in a layered material. The resulting distortions are huge compared to those achieved in other materials, offering exciting possibilities for further investigation.
The article reviews the outlook of atomic layer deposition (ALD) based oxide semiconductor thin film transistors (TFTs), highlighting four benefits: in-situ composition control, vertical structure engineering, chemical reaction and film properties, and insulator and interface engineering. Despite these advantages, challenging issues re...
Researchers have identified functional networks responsible for generating seizures in children with epilepsy. The new method uses noninvasive techniques and advanced computational methods to measure electric and magnetic signals generated by neural cells.
Rice University scientists have developed a method to engineer wood that traps carbon dioxide while increasing its strength. This process involves removing lignin and hemicellulose from the wood and replacing them with metal-organic framework particles, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional materials.
Scientists from SUTD design a novel thermal-based therapy nano-system that destroys over 20% of pancreatic cancer cells using microsecond electrical pulses, improving cancer cell targeting accuracy and bio-compatibility. The introduction of the M13 virus enhances electro-thermal therapy performance by assembling more on cancer cells.
Scientists have created a new class of porous materials that can 'trap and store' volatile gases, offering an alternative approach to storing fuel and medicinal gases. The discovery expands when exposed to gases, capturing increasingly large quantities of gas as pressure is increased.
Researchers discovered a size threshold beyond which antiferroelectric materials become ferroelectric, losing energy storage advantages. At thicknesses below 40 nm, the material becomes completely ferroelectric, while above 270 nm, ferroelectric regions appear.
Researchers at Tohoku University developed flexible polymer-based actuatable fibers with integrated shape-memory alloy wires and biochemical sensing composite materials. The technology enables high-precision operations, closed-loop control, and diagnostic capabilities for soft robotic fields and minimally invasive surgical tools.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a self-assembling peptide ink that enables the 3D printing of complex structures with cells, which can then be used to grow mature tissue in a petri dish. The ink allows for control over cell behavior using structural and chemical complexity.
Researchers discuss the construction, properties, and applications of 2D/quasi-2D perovskite-based heterostructures. These heterostructures offer novel functionalities for photovoltaic solar cells, LEDs, and photodetectors.
Two research projects aim to convert rejected plastic wastes into materials for construction industries. The first project uses anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis to produce biogas and bio-oils, while the second project employs plasma technology to break down single-use plastics and create biodegradable polymers.
Researchers developed an elastic material using liquid metal that resists both gases and liquids, offering a trade-off between elasticity and gas resistance. The material, created with gallium-indium alloy, has been tested to prevent the escape of oxygen and liquids, showing promising potential for use in high-value tech packaging
A new smart contact lens has been developed to diagnose and treat glaucoma by monitoring intraocular pressure in real-time and releasing the appropriate amount of medication. The lens, created by a POSTECH research team, uses a flexible drug delivery system and wireless power and communication system.
Researchers have created a set of computational models to predict the structure, mechanical properties, and functional performance outcomes of granular hydrogels. The new framework could make it easier to design materials that can be injected for different types of applications.
Researchers at Drexel University have developed a wearable textile supercapacitor patch that can charge in minutes and power programmable electronics for almost two hours using MXene material. The innovative design enables seamless integration of technology into fabric, paving the way for health care technology applications.
Researchers at Tampere University have developed a polymer-assembly robot that can fly by the power of wind and be controlled by light. The fairy-like robot has several biomimetic features, including high porosity and lightweight structure, allowing it to float in the air and travel long distances with stability.
Researchers have visualized the structural dynamics of 2D perovskite materials under light-induced excitation, revealing a transient lattice reorganization towards a higher symmetric phase. The study demonstrates the potential to tune the interaction between perovskite lattices and light.
A team from the University of Bath has developed ultra-light aerogel insulation materials with tuneable acoustic properties and other functional properties like thermal and electromagnetic shielding. The technology aims to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 50% in aircraft fleets, contributing to the government's net zero strategy.