Magazine

Using Wood Byproducts to Produce Sustainable Bioplastics

The high-quality bioplastics can be molded into a film that can be used in plastic bags and packaging.

Organic Material for Next-Generation HVAC Technologies

An enhanced polymer could be used for more energy-efficient systems with a smaller carbon footprint.

Product of the Month

An extrudable thermoplastic 3D printing filament allows users to create lightweight, sponge-like foams.

Algorithm Gives Robots a Faster Grasp

The algorithm speeds up the planning process robots use to adjust their grip on objects for picking and sorting or tool use.

Alkaline Hydrogel Advances Skin Wound Care

A novel method was developed to produce an alkaline hydrogel that could improve wound healing.

Smartphone App Hears Ear Infections in Children

The app detects fluid behind the eardrum using a piece of paper and a smartphone’s microphone and speaker.

In-Line, Automated CT Scan Data Inspection of Electronic Connectors

A production-based X-ray solution performs product quality evaluation directly on the manufacturing line.

Green Method for Producing Hydrogen Peroxide

This portable method could enable hospitals to make their own supply of the disinfectant on demand and at lower cost.

Generation of Polystyrene Latex Spheres with Incorporated Fluorescent Dyes

Microspheres are used in wind tunnel experiments to monitor airflow, to stain biological samples, and in time-delayed drug release.

Carbon Fiber Structural Battery for “Mass-Less” Energy Storage in Vehicles

The carbon fiber serves as the electrode, conductor, and load-bearing material.

Designing Soft Materials that Mimic Biological Functions

The soft material demonstrates autonomous, heartbeat-like oscillating properties.

Flywheel Energy Storage Continues to Advance Green Initiatives

Flywheels offer an environmentally and financially sound choice for protecting critical operations.

5 Ws of Compostable Plastic

A new enzyme-activated compostable material could diminish microplastics pollution.

International Space Station Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED)

Terrestrial uses include physical therapy, clinical diagnosis, athletic training and performance, and robust exercise equipment.

Electronic Tattoo Enables Uninterrupted Heart Monitoring for Extended Periods

This wearable device is placed on the skin to measure a variety of body responses, from electrical to biomechanical signals.

High-Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for Monitoring Meteorological Parameters

The system uses infrasonic acoustics for weather monitoring and for drone or UAV activity.

Drones Use Machine Learning to Detect Landmines

Dangerous “butterfly” landmines can be detected using low-cost drones and infrared cameras.

Light-Based “Tractor Beam” Assembles Materials at the Nanoscale

The size and shape of the nanostructure can be controlled as it is assembled piece by piece.

Nature-Inspired, Manufactured, Non-Cuttable Material

The material could be used in security, health, industrial, and safety applications.

Liquid Metal Lattice

The new metal lattice material can be used to create models that regain shape after being crushed.

Insect-Sized Agile Drones

These tiny aerial robots can operate in cramped spaces and withstand collisions.

High-Performance, Energy-Absorbing Material

The new material could provide efficient and reusable protection from shock, vibration, and explosion.

Antibacterial Gel Bandage Using Yeast

The gel works even at freezing temperatures and contains natural antimicrobial compounds derived from durian husk.

Servo Motion Improves Robot Operations

Servo motion control delivers powerful, fast, and precise movement onboard robots and for associated equipment.

Magnet-Controlled Bioelectronic Implant for Relieving Pain

This could make possible embedded devices like a spinal cord-stimulating unit with a battery-powered magnetic transmitter on a wearable belt.

Photovoltaic Solar Cell Works at Night

This cell could potentially operate around the clock, balancing the power grid over the day-night cycle.

What Does Resolution Mean in 3D Printing?

Resolution is an often discussed but seldom understood value in the world of 3D printing and additive manufacturing.

Copolyimide Surface-Modifying Coating

The coating repels insects on aircraft wing surfaces and motor vehicles and reduces surface imperfections on other low-friction or non-stick surfaces.

Q&A: Wireless Charging for Electric Vehicles

Dr. Burak Ozpineci is developing a system that charges electric vehicles while driving.