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TEST Rob Aid has published 74 articles.

Tech»

A new stem cell bandage could help in cartilage regeneration

By Rob Aid
2 Comments18 June 2011

knee-cartilage_0Millions of people with knee injuries could benefit from a new type of stem cell bandage treatment if clinical trials prove successful. The world’s first clinical trial for the treatment of patients with torn meniscal cartilage has received approval from the MHRA (UK regulatory agency). The current treatment for the majority of tears is the… »

Bionics| Tech»

Single GFP-expressing cell is basis of a living biological laser device

By Rob Aid
One Comment13 June 2011

laser-beam-sharkTwo researchers at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a living laser, in which a single cell genetically engineered to express green fluorescent protein (GFP). Before you start thinking about sharks with lasers or other science fiction creatures, this technology is used to amplify photons into nanosecond-long pulses of laser… »

Tech»

Using solar power to clean up industrial oxidation reactions

By Rob Aid
9 June 2011

kevin-moeller-using-solar-power-to-clean-up-industrial-oxydation-reactions-1A group of researchers from Washington University in St. Louis came up with an idea to combine two existing technologies in order to clean up industrial oxidation reactions. They are using photovoltaic cells to power electrochemical reactions to eliminate the toxic byproducts of reactions commonly used in chemical synthesis — and with them the environmental… »

Bionics| Robotics»

Researchers use birds for models of future UAVs

By Rob Aid
One Comment31 May 2011

ucsd-perching-uavBirds routinely land on small surfaces, using wing morphing and flapping techniques. The UC San Diego engineers, led by mechanical and aerospace engineering professor Tom Bewley and graduate student Kim Wright, analyzed slow motion videos of birds landing to generate a working hypotheses for how biomimicry of wing morphing and flapping can be used for… »

Tech»

Alcoa EcoClean coating for aluminum panels fights against air pollution

By Rob Aid
One Comment29 May 2011

alcoa-reynobond-ecoclean-panelAs the primary component of smog, nitrogen oxide (NOx) not only makes buildings dirty, but it also threatens the quality of the air we breathe. Alcoa Architectural Products has developed EcoClean technology – a special titanium dioxide coating for aluminum panels which counter smog and clean the panels from other organic materials such as diesel… »

Bionics| Tech»

Bioengineered algae could be used to produce hydrogen from water

By Rob Aid
3 Comments24 May 2011

mit-hydrogen-producing-algae-1Many kinds of algae and cyanobacteria are capable to use the energy from sunlight in order to produce compounds needed for their own survival, and during that process they split water molecules and release hydrogen, which holds promise as a clean and carbon-free fuel for the future. A group of researchers found a way to… »

Gadgets»

Is airpiano something you miss in your stage performance?

By Rob Aid
One Comment30 April 2011

airpiano-1The airpiano is a MIDI and OSC controller which allows the user to trigger invisible keys and faders in midair. Although playing the airpiano is similar to playing Theremin, it has its own features which make it a completely different instrument. The main difference is the ability to play discrete keys (triggers) and faders on… »

Tech»

New 3D nanocone solar cell technology boosts the efficiency

By Rob Aid
29 April 2011

nanocone-solar-cell-illustrationA team of researchers, led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL’s) Jun Xu, created a 3D nanocone-based solar cell platform which boosts the light-to-power conversion efficiency of photovoltaics by nearly 80 percent. The technology substantially overcomes the problem of poor transport of charges generated by solar photons, which occur due to defects in bulk materials… »