In an emerging field of science known as DNA nanotechnology, DNA is being explored for use as a material that can be used to build small and programmable structures. Researchers at the Wyss Institute have used short synthetic strands of DNA to developed interlocking DNA “building blocks” able to form complex nanostructures. Named single-stranded tiles… »
Current method of removing the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) from the flues of coal-fired power plants usually requires complicated systems which require a lot of energy and maintenance. A group of researchers from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory came up with Cyclen – a small-molecule catalyst that mimics the behavior of natural enzymes which… »
Scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine have devised a system that could ultimately be used to restore sight to people who have lost vision due to certain types of degenerative eye diseases. Although their results were achieved on rat retinas, the scientists are now testing the system in live rats, taking both physiological… »
Collaboration between researchers from Brown University, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Providence VA Medical Center, as well as researchers from Stanford University who recently joined the project, resulted with the BrainGate project – a project where restorative neurotechnology is connected with externally powered communication systems, environmental control systems, and assistive devices by persons unable to use… »
Researchers of the Max Planck Institute (MPI) of Colloids and Interfaces in Potsdam, the MPI of Microstructure Physics in Halle and the University of Vienna have investigated the composition and structure of spider fangs which serve as reusable hypodermic needles used to inject paralyzing venom into their prey. The findings may lead to development of… »
An interdisciplinary team of engineers at the University of Arkansas developed e-Nanoflex Sensor System – a wireless health-monitoring textile-based sensors that can be integrated into conventional sports bra or a vest. Since the monitored information can be sent in real time to a physician, hospital or the wearer’s smartphone, the technology enables easier monitoring of… »
Inspired by extraordinary camouflaging abilities of organisms such as squid and zebrafish, a group of researchers from the University of Bristol have created artificial muscles that can change their state and appearance at the push of a button, and demonstrated two different transforming mechanisms that could lead to new clothes with camouflaging tricks analogous to… »
Inspired by nature, where textured surfaces ranging from lotus leaves to desert-beetle carapaces and moth eyes have developed in ways that often fulfill multiple purposes at once, a group of researchers from MIT developed a glass that is self-cleaning, virtually eliminates reflections, and resists fogging and glare. These features could lower the maintenance expenses for… »
