Briefs: Energy

Chemical Mixture Widens the Temperature Range for Electric Car Batteries

A combination of additives shows promise for boosting battery performance in very cold or hot weather.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Technique Uses X-Rays to Detect Defective Computer Chips

This method also reverse-engineers computer chips to detect the chip’s purpose.

Briefs: Materials

Aerogel-Fiber Layered Laminate System

This multifunctional hybrid laminate composite can be used for residential and commercial construction.

Briefs: Materials

Shape Memory Alloy with Adjustable, Wide-Ranging Actuation Temperatures

This invention is a highly stable, heat-treatable, and tunable material.

Briefs: Nanotechnology

Device Creates Electricity from Snowfall

The nanogenerator also acts as a weather station.

Q&A: Photonics/Optics

Q&A: Refrigeration by Twisting Fibers

Changing directions of twist and coiling changes whether a material cools or heats.

Briefs: Materials

Photovoltaic-Powered Sensors

RFID-based devices work in indoor and outdoor lighting conditions and could transmit data for years before they need to be replaced.

Briefs: Imaging

Method Speeds 3D Printing of Millimeter-Sized Imaging Lenses

The method could impact optical imaging, vision correction, and disease diagnosis.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Optically Fixable Shape Memory Polymers

These polymers can combine thermal and optically fixable shape memory.

Briefs: Defense

Unpowered, Lightweight Ankle Exoskeleton

This low-profile ankle exoskeleton integrates into a shoe and fits under clothing.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Method Manipulates Electrons and Transmits Information Quantum-Mechanically

This technology could lead to the creation of fully functional quantum computers.

Briefs: Materials

Heat-Regulating Material for Next-Generation Space Blanket

Squid skin inspires a new material with heat-regulating properties.

Articles: Communications

Innovators Recognized for Creating the Future 2019

Top prizes in the 2019 contest were awarded on November 8 in New York City.

Briefs: Energy

Ultra-Thin Layers of Rust Generate Electricity from Flowing Water

When combined with saltwater, rust can be a source of electricity.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Transport Method Boosts Capacity of Heat Exchangers

A simple modification can improve the capability of turbulent heat exchangers by 500%.

Briefs: Energy

Macro-Fiber Composite (MFC) Actuator

This technology has applications in sonar, range measuring, directional-force sensors, flow meters, and vibration/noise sensing and control.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Adaptive Spatial Resolution Enables Focused Fiber Optic Sensing

This innovation dynamically provides fast signal processing and precision measurement.

Briefs: Automotive

Washable Sensor Can Be Woven Into Materials

The device could impact composites manufacturing and health monitoring.

Briefs: Materials

Durable Polyimide Aerogels

Stronger and flexible, polyimide aerogels provide insulation and structural support.

Products: Electronics & Computers

Product of the Month: December 2019 Tech Briefs

The GNV-720 and GNV-725 humidity temperature meters from Global Specialties feature three environmental sensors.

Blog: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

A Breakthrough in Earthquake Forecasting: Floating Buoy Measures Seafloor Motion

New measurements could help experts guess the location and size of the next earthquake.

Blog: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Aluminum Joining Methods: Welding vs. Adhesives

Our expert examines the pros and cons of welding, adhesives, and other metal joining methods.

INSIDER: Motion Control

A Mechanical Gyroscope, Inspired by Insects

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory took inspiration from flying insects to create a miniaturized gyroscope, a special sensor used in...

INSIDER: Software

System Helps Autonomous Cars Move Safely

MIT and Toyota researchers have designed a new model to help autonomous vehicles determine when it’s safe to merge into traffic at intersections with obstructed views. The model uses its own...

INSIDER: Motion Control

Vibration Isolator Steadies Telescope Optics

If you’ve ever tried to hold a camera steady for a long exposure in low light, you know exactly what happens: the camera shakes and the image blurs. The same can happen with images from...