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English ivy nanoparticles could be used for future sunscreens

By Damir Beciri
One Comment20 July 2010

english-ivy-hedera-helix-1Researchers at the University of Tennessee reported that English ivy nanoparticles may protect skin from UV radiation better than other metal-based nanoparticles such as titanium dioxide (TiO2). The team was led by Mingjun Zhang, an associate professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Tennessee, who previously discovered that English ivy owes its amazing clinging… »

Bionics| Robotics»

REX Bionics robotic exoskeleton Rex could aid to paraplegics

By Damir Beciri
3 Comments16 July 2010

rex-bionics-robotic-exoskeleton-rex-controlsWe already wrote several articles regarding exoskeletons as HULC, HAL-5 and power suit developed for elder Japanese farmers, however, the exoskeleton described in this article differs in its main porpoise. A robotic exoskeleton called Rex puts wheelchair users back on their feet, enabling a person to stand, walk and go up and down the stairs… »

Bionics| Tech»

VisionCare’s Implantable Miniature Telescope approved by FDA

By Damir Beciri
One Comment12 July 2010

visioncare-implantable-miniature-telescopeVisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies, Inc., a developer of advanced visual prosthetic devices, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the company’s Implantable Miniature Telescope which is used to improve vision in patients with end-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD). VisionCare’s telescope implant is integral to a new patient care program, CentraSight, for treating patients… »

Bionics| Robotics»

Insects biomimicry for robots that hop, jump and stick

By Damir Beciri
One Comment28 June 2010

mirko-kovac-robot-perching-mechanismWe already wrote several articles regarding swarm robotics because it is offering innovative solutions to real-world problems by creating a new form of artificial intelligence based biomimicry of insect-like instincts. Mirko Kovac, from EPFL’s Laboratory of Intelligent Systems, is a robotics engineer who has already made leaps forward in the field with his grasshopper-inspired jumping… »

Bionics| Robotics| Tech»

Sandfish lizard motion biomimicry used for robot development

By Damir Beciri
One Comment26 June 2010

sandfish-lizard-under-sandTo survive in its hot habitat, the sandfish lizard (Scincus scincus), like other desert-dwelling creatures, spends a lot of time underground. Unlike other creatures that live in burrows or sand traps, this lizard moves over and through the sand in its own unique way. That movement intrigued researchers and inspired them  to develop a robot… »

Bionics| Tech»

Biomimicry of nature used for creation of protein nanofabrics

By Damir Beciri
One Comment11 June 2010

3d-nanofabric-netCells and tissues assemble and organize themselves within a matrix of protein fibers that ultimately determines their structure and function, such as the elasticity of skin and the contractility of heart tissue. These natural design principles have now been successfully replicated in the lab by bioengineers at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and… »

Bionics| Robotics| Tech»

Controlling a robot arm with your mind? Even a monkey can do it

By Damir Beciri
One Comment5 June 2010

monkey-with-robot-armIn our previous articles we already described a few interfaces meant to connect our thoughts to machines such as Emotiv EPOC or Honda BMI. Back in May of 2008 experiments were conducted by Dr. Schwartz, a professor of neurobiology at the University of Pittsburgh, to teach a monkey to feed itself by using its thoughts… »

Bionics| Tech»

Scientists made a living cell entirely controlled by synthetic DNA

By Damir Beciri
2 June 2010

mycoplasma-mycoides-jcvi-syn-1-0-2Although the potential benefits of the technology could have have been over-stated, and it could introduce the dangers posed by synthetic organisms, it is a scientific landmark that deserved to become an article in our archive. Scientists in the US have succeeded in developing the first living cell to be controlled entirely by synthetic DNA…. »