A nanoclutch for nanobots
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.
Mechanics
Articles tagged with Mechanics
The psychology of the left-turn lane: How human behavior influences traffic patterns
Researchers are developing a new traffic modeling system that incorporates individual human behavior traits to forecast transportation needs. The VASTO model simulates habitual patterns with real-time reactions and will allow planners to see what would happen if traffic is rerouted or construction is proposed.
New seismology research on Haiti, slow earthquakes and the southern San Andreas Fault
Researchers explore scaling relationships of slow slip events and compare them to similar laws for earthquakes, highlighting the need for further study to understand fault mechanics. A newly defined propeller-like geometry of southern San Andreas Fault may require re-thinking ground motion assessments.
Chemists reveal the force within you
A new method visualizes mechanical forces on cell surfaces in real-time, providing detailed view of forces as they occur. The technique has potential to diagnose and treat diseases related to cellular mechanics.
'I'm a Mac' -- so what? Study finds way to measure brand personality appeal
Researchers from North Carolina State University developed a system to measure brand personality appeal (BPA), allowing companies to understand how favorably their brand is viewed by consumers. The BPA framework assesses three components: favorability, originality, and clarity, grading brands on their overall appeal.
A bicycle built for none: Riderless bike helps researchers learn how balance rolls along
Bicycle balance relies on a mixture of physical effects linked to mass distribution, not gyroscopic or caster effects. Researchers built a riderless bike that balanced itself without these effects.
Stretching the truth: JILA biophysicists help unravel DNA stretching mystery
Researchers at JILA disprove the popular theory that DNA's backbone needs a small gap or loose ends to extend by 70% when subjected to 65 picoNewtons of force. The new study uses a novel test structure to demonstrate that the mechanism behind overstretching is the same for both nicked and intact DNA molecules.
Popular Mechanics breakthrough awardees announced
The National Science Foundation has recognized three projects with Breakthrough Awards: an artificial retina restoring sight to the blind; a system using controlled rocking to help buildings withstand earthquakes; and a low-cost medical microscope for detecting malaria-infected blood cells.
Preventing friendly fire: A role for the thymic cortex in stopping your body from attacking itself
A new study has shed light on the inner mechanics of the thymus, revealing its role in negative selection, which prevents immune cells from attacking the body's own tissues. Researchers genetically engineered mice to contain an antigen only in the cortex, finding that T cells programmed to attack it were absent from mature mice.
With BYU partner, FSU's Magnet Lab researchers deciphering flu virus
Researchers at FSU's Magnet Lab, in partnership with Brigham Young University, are studying the Influenza Type A virus using advanced NMR technology. They have discovered key components of protein channels that regulate viral gene distribution and reproduction.
Nanomotors and mechanical nanoswitches offer applications in medicine and pharmaceutics
Researchers have deciphered engineering principles of biological nanosystems to develop new technologies, including assembly lines for cargo at the nanoscale level. This breakthrough promises novel ways to combat bacterial infections and interact with synthetic surfaces.
First powder injection molding process for pure niobium
The Penn State team has successfully developed a method to calculate optimal proportions of niobium powder to binder and temperature for sintering, opening doors to injection-molded niobium parts. The approach can be applied to other materials with irregularly-shaped particles, expanding its potential applications.
January Shuttle Flight Experiment To Help Expand Understanding Of Soil Mechanics
The Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiment aims to expand investigations into soil mechanics started on STS-79 in 1996. The new flight will run twice as many tests under various experimental conditions, providing insights into the behavior of soils under low-confining pressures.
Theory Supporting Radical Heart Surgery Proposed By Penn Surgeon
A mathematical model explains the scientific basis of radical heart surgery, potentially selecting suitable candidates for therapeutic removal of large heart muscle portions. The Batista procedure aims to improve cardiac function by reducing heart size and stress.