HEADLINES ARCHIVE
Analytical method pegs marine microplastics
The hybrid method can help render microplastics research more standardized and accessible.
DARPA-funded gel-film pulls water from air
To improve access to drinking water in arid regions characterized by water scarcity and that rely on groundwater in the absence of freshwater sources, the researchers developed the low-cost gel film.
ESA-led project seeks self-cleaning coatings for spacecraft surfaces
Beyond sickening astronauts, the microbial populations could also compromise spacecraft integrity by producing biofilms that can tarnish and eat away at metal, glass, plastic and rubber.
New sanitization chamber enables the reuse of clothing, PPE
The sanitization chamber will reduce waste in the shape of landfilled textiles and single-use PPE such as masks. Likewise, the system will reduce the amount of water used in the washing of used clothing.
The benefits of polymer coatings in tribology
Thinking outside the circle, evolving tribology beyond bearings.
BMW establishes EV battery recycling system in China
The process established in China, the world’s largest market for EVs, is intended to supply the raw materials for production of new battery cells.
Biomedical implant elasticity, durability to benefit from new alloy
A new biomaterial offers scope for improving the flexibility and durability of human bone replacement implants.
Colorado teen creates tote bag that transforms into bulletproof vest
Trent Bush developed the LifeTote, a backpack featuring Kevlar inserts and breakaway zippers that easily dismantle the structure of the bag, enabling the user to turn it into a bulletproof vest.
This is the HVAC tech that will replace vapor compression
Emerging HVAC technologies are more environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient relative to common vapor compression systems.
A nondestructive method to catch cracks in concrete
Successfully demonstrated at the laboratory scale, the method could be used to diagnose cracking phenomena in dams, bridges and other concrete structures.
Video: New records set for climate change indicators in 2021
Discover which four key climate change indicators set new records in 2021.
Watch as this soft pasta-like robot maneuvers a maze
The corkscrew design and smart material composition of the soft robots enable them to maneuver through mazes and other complex environments without guidance from computer software or humans, according to the robot’s developers.
Patch detects real-time changes in water temperature, contaminants from within pipes
To develop the onsite, non-destructive quality control method for such facilities, the scientists have developed a flexible sheet that includes an embedded carbon nanotube film that functions as a photodetector layer.
Video: New bio-glue may replace sutures, staples and other adhesives for wound-healing
Designed for use in emergency and rescue operations, the so-called bio-glue promises to replace current adhesives used for emergency wound sealing applications.
Thermal energy storage solutions for buildings
On the road to low carbon, environmentally friendly and energy-sustainable buildings, thermal energy storage provides a wide variety of options and advantages for lowering energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Banana peels key to tackling food waste?
To model the browning of bananas, which is caused by enzymatic reactions and the air, researchers simulated spot patterns on banana peels to demonstrate how the peels brown over time.
The end of nuclear fuel reprocessing in the UK
The Magnox reprocessing plant at Sellafield, the last remaining facility of its kind in the U.K., will cease operations in July 2022.
Silver-based coating may protect implants from bacteria
The so-called silver-based film-forming antibacterial engineered ("SAFE") coating features silver nitrate, dopamine and two hydrophilic polymers — a recipe that, according to the researchers, resulted in stable, silver-containing assemblies that gradually release silver ions.
Sugar shield protects materials in hostile environments
To develop the coating, researchers layered carbon black derived from burnt confectioners’ sugar with silica in a seashell-like configuration.
Candy-coated solution for pharmaceutical fraud
Using a method that Professor Grover has dubbed CandyCode, a coating featuring nonpareils could potentially be applied to pharmaceutical tablets and capsules to prevent the occurrence of pharmaceutical fraud.