HEADLINES ARCHIVE
Shape-shifting microrobots emerge from CU Boulder
The shape-shifting ‘active particles’ could potentially function as microrobots for targeted drug delivery in hard-to-reach parts of the body, or as the foundation for responsive, self-healing materials.
Scientists turn crop waste into plastics for medical devices, auto parts
The team intends to create a cost-effective, energy-efficient technology for manufacturing plastics based on polybutylene succinate (PBS).
A water purification system that multitasks
Desalination and water electrolysis are combined to yield purified water as well as hydrogen gas.
District heating with the world’s largest sand battery
An industrial-scale thermal energy storage unit for a district heating network in Finland will deliver 2 MW of thermal output and 250 MWh of storage capacity.
Machine learning helping locate what cannot be seen
If space rocks can carry familiar ingredients but not the chemical “signature” that life leaves behind, then identifying the true signs of biology becomes extremely complicated. To solve this, a new approach to data analysis was developed.
pH control in tissue culture: The key to cellular success
This article explores why accurate pH measurement matters and how pH shapes vital cellular processes.
Brewing up low-carbon concrete with coffee waste
The team determined, using a life-cycle analysis, that biochar derived from spent coffee grounds could be used to produce a lower-carbon concrete while simultaneously supporting strength benefits.
Researchers develop quick-setting, sustainable material to replace concrete in 3D printing
The team created a clay-based material that cures during extrusion thanks to an acrylamide binder that triggers a frontal polymerization reaction.
Eco-friendly mushroom coating promises to replace traditional plastic wrap
The team used edible fungus in combination with processed wood fibers to develop a coating capable of blocking water, oil and grease and that is food-safe.
Beckman Coulter Life Sciences unveils small but powerful benchtop liquid handler
Purpose-built for low- to medium-throughput workflows, the Biomek i3 Benchtop Liquid Handler delivers powerful automation in a compact, cost-effective format.
Seashells promise to pave the way for greener, low-carbon concrete
In a bid to solve one of the construction industry's biggest carbon problems, the low-carbon concrete ingredient promises to potentially cut significant amounts of carbon dioxide from what is one of the world's most polluting materials.
A sound way to harvest atmospheric water
This system emits ultrasound waves that are tuned to shake water molecules out of a water-harvesting sorbent placed on the device.
Coating collects water and keeps buildings cool
A nanoengineered polymer paint-like coating performs two functions: passive cooling of buildings and collection of water from the atmosphere.
Why CERN relies on KNF diaphragm pumps
These diaphragm pumps circulate gas mixtures through the Large Hadron Collider to keep the gases contamination-free.
Smart bra monitors breast cancer risk in real time
The team is currently developing an electronic textile that is designed to fit within a bra and monitor whether a tumor is growing in real time.
COVID vaccine tech shows promise in taking the sting out of snake venom
The team enveloped specific mRNA molecules in tiny fat particles that, when injected into muscle, taught cells to generate protective antibodies that prevent damage incurred by snake venom.
Old tires show promise in building stronger, more durable roads
The team examined the performance of roads constructed from bitumen and asphalt modified with shredded tire waste from trucks and passenger vehicles as well as recycled plastics.
Tiny patch shows potential for healing damaged heart muscle post-heart attack
The patch painlessly delivers a targeted dose of interleukin-4 (IL-4), directly into injured tissue, potentially repairing the heart itself while simultaneously avoiding the side effects of earlier drug delivery methods.
Swallowable bacterial “pills” may spot gut diseases — minus the colonoscopy
According to its developers, the miniature pills, which are taken orally, also contain magnetic particles that make the pills easy to retrieve from stool.
Lab-grown diamond coatings curb mineral scale buildup in industrial piping
The team turned to diamond because it is well-known for its hardness, chemical stability and ability to withstand high heat.