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News & Articles By Michael Alexander

03/13/2020 / By Michael Alexander

Scientists use cheap plastic lenses to make solar-powered desalination systems more effective

As it turns out, the addition of cheap, plastic lenses can effectively boost the efficiency of solar-powered water desalination systems. This is according to researchers from Rice University’s Laboratory for Nanophotonics (LANP), who found that by concentrating sunlight into “hotspots” using lenses, they could boost the efficiency of solar-powered membrane distillation desalination systems by more […]

03/04/2020 / By Michael Alexander

Useful AND cute: Robot “duck” clears weeds and pests in Japanese rice fields

In recent years, many farmers have turned to the use of dangerous and toxic commercially available pesticides to help keep their farms pest-free, even though these chemicals are known to cause not just problems in the environment such as water contamination and the poisoning of local wildlife, but also diseases and health problems in humans. […]

02/18/2020 / By Michael Alexander

Researchers develop a nano-scale hydrogel that can help address rheumatoid arthritis

As they say, too much of a good thing can be bad. Case in point? The body’s natural nitric oxide levels. Nitric oxide (NO) plays a key role by helping prevent high blood pressure and plaque build-up in the arteries. However, when endogenous NO is overproduced by the body — as is the case in some physiological […]

02/13/2020 / By Michael Alexander

Seashell-inspired shatterproof glass: Researchers engineer strong composite glass based on mother of pearl that can resist impact

Despite their delicate appearance, seashells are surprisingly durable. This unexpected durability comes from the tough, impact-resistant substance known as nacre, also known as mother of pearl. Nacre is an organic-inorganic composite material that also gives seashells their signature iridescence. It is made up of microscopic calcium carbonate tablets mortared together by proteins. Arranged like bricks, […]

02/09/2020 / By Michael Alexander

Updating fluid-powered machines: Scientists design bizarre-looking lionfish powered by a blood-like compound

You’ve heard of robots that can run, lift, jump and crawl. Now, prepare to see one that can bleed. In a paper published in the scientific journal Nature, a joint team of researchers from Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania detailed how they built a soft robotic lionfish, complete with a multi-functional circulatory system. […]

02/07/2020 / By Michael Alexander

Engineers develop robot gripping arm that “tastes” using bacteria

Much like how octopuses and squids use their tentacles, a new biohybrid robot developed by a joint team of researchers uses its fingers to “taste” the world around it. Created by a team of researchers from the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), the biohybrid robot uses a bioengineered strain […]

02/04/2020 / By Michael Alexander

Scientists develop new insulation material inspired by polar bears

It’s a well-known fact that living organisms have evolved well-adapted structures and materials over geological time through a process called natural selection. These include unique properties such as hydrophobicity or natural waterproofing, heat retention, bioluminescence and coloration as well as unique methods of flight and locomotion. Throughout history, scientists and engineers have made it a […]

02/04/2020 / By Michael Alexander

The quest to cool your electronics continues: New polymer can disperse heat

Overheating gadgets and devices may soon become a thing of the past, thanks to a new material developed by scientists at Rice University. Researchers from Rice University’s Brown School of Engineering recently unveiled a nanocomposite material that shows great promise as a superior dielectric or insulating material, which can then be used for flexible electronics, energy storage and electronic devices. Created […]

01/29/2020 / By Michael Alexander

Technology and road safety: Brain-training game helps improve the driving skills of older people

Older adults looking to improve their driving skills may need to sit down and play a brain-training video game before hitting the road, according to a new study. Carried out by Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan and led by Rui Nouchi, associate professor in the Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, the research found that seniors who played […]

12/14/2019 / By Michael Alexander

Stanford researchers create dog-like robot that anyone can create and modify

You’ve heard about adopting dogs from shelters, but have you heard about building one from scratch? Members of the Stanford Student Robotics club’s Extreme Mobility team at Stanford University recently developed a four-legged robot that not only performs acrobatic tricks, but also traverses challenging terrain. Dubbed “Stanford Doggo” by the team, the beagle-sized robot is the […]

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