A chemical compound used to stabilize particles in suspension has proved capable of controlling the growth of ice crystals. Unlike the macromolecules previously known for their antifreeze properties, the compound in question is a simple molecule which offers many advantages, including low production costs, stability and ease of use. The research could also lead to… »
Tension wood, which forms naturally in hardwood trees as a response to bending stress, is known to possess unique features that make it desirable as a bioenergy feedstock. Researchers at the Department of Energy’s BioEnergy Science Center (BESC) have studied that phenomenon in trees which could lead to development of new crops capable to produce… »
Stanford researchers have developed a stretchable, transparent skin-like sensor that can be stretched to more than twice of its original length and return to its original shape. It can sense pressure from a firm pinch to thousands of pounds. The sensor could be used in used in medicine as pressure-sensitive bandages or sensors on prosthetic… »
If you are one of those persons who like to multitask and train their brain by trying something new, here is a research you might find interesting. Language experts and computer scientists at Newcastle University came up with a digital kitchen which brings language learning out of the classroom and combines it with an enjoyable… »
Lithium-ion batteries have found use in various portable devices, but their storage capacity limits the usability of those gadgets. As we mentioned in a couple of our previous articles, we need a new battery systems capable to charge faster and store more energy. Researchers from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) found a potential solution… »
A group of researchers, led by a Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) researcher, developed a technology which recognizes determines the difference in sound when you tap of a fingertip, the pad of the finger, a fingernail or a knuckle on a touchscreen. This technology, called TapSense, enables richer touchscreen interactions by employing the anatomy and dexterity… »
Although it has been around for a while now, quantum levitation is always interesting to observe. Researchers from Tel-Aviv University recently exhibited their Quantum Levitation project at the ASTC Annual Conference. The project involves usage of superconductivity which enables materials to become strongly diamagnetic – a property which allows them to create an equally opposing… »
A multidisciplinary team of researchers from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has been inspired by the way water is transported in trees and they used the same physicochemical effect to develop a faster way to fill the porous electrodes of lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolyte. Aside lowering the time needed for battery consumption, the… »
