Anti-counterfeiting tech switches printed colors by removing material

When it comes to the printing of items such as bank notes or passports, you want to use a technique that isn’t easy to replicate. Swiss scientists have developed just such a technology, which prints by taking material away instead of depositing it.Cont… Continue reading Anti-counterfeiting tech switches printed colors by removing material

Autonomous drones may be the ultimate scarecrows … for pigeons

Much as we may like pigeons, they can make quite a mess of buildings and other structures, potentially posing a health hazard. According to new research, autonomous drones may be ideal for harmlessly chasing the birds away.Continue ReadingCategory: Dro… Continue reading Autonomous drones may be the ultimate scarecrows … for pigeons

Quantum dots make for stabler, more efficient perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells have come a long way in a short time, but there’s still room for improvement. Engineers have now added a layer of quantum dots to the recipe, resulting in a more stable solar cell with near-record efficiency.Continue ReadingCateg… Continue reading Quantum dots make for stabler, more efficient perovskite solar cells

New imaging technique offers unprecedented view of cells, inside and out

The microscopic world of cells and bacteria is incredibly important to understand, but tricky to study in detail, especially without harming the subjects. Researchers at EPFL have now developed a new microscopy technique that combines two existing ones… Continue reading New imaging technique offers unprecedented view of cells, inside and out

Perovskite crystals given new job as nuclear radiation detectors

Perovskite crystals are quickly gaining a name for themselves in the solar energy field, thanks to their impressive ability to convert photons into electricity. But scientists have now tweaked this process to pick up neutrons instead, making an effecti… Continue reading Perovskite crystals given new job as nuclear radiation detectors

Robotic lamprey shows how two nervous systems are better than one

While we have seen eel-like swimming robots before, they’ve tended to simply copy the movements of their biological counterparts. AgnathaX is different, in that it utilizes simulated central and peripheral nervous systems for more robust performance.Co… Continue reading Robotic lamprey shows how two nervous systems are better than one

“Smart pen” could monitor patients’ anesthetic levels during surgery

Everyone responds to general anesthetics differently, which can make administering the correct dose tricky. A new device is designed to help, by continuously monitoring anesthetic levels in patients’ bloodstreams during surgical procedures.Continue Rea… Continue reading “Smart pen” could monitor patients’ anesthetic levels during surgery

Security keypad designed to thwart thieves – by being transparent

In order for a thief to bypass a security system’s interface, they generally have to see that interface in the first place. That’s why Swiss scientists have designed an access code keypad which is completely transparent.Continue ReadingCategory: Good T… Continue reading Security keypad designed to thwart thieves – by being transparent

First-of-a-kind sweat sensor tracks stress levels around the clock

Human sweat contains all kinds of valuable biomarkers that can be used to track different aspects of human health, such as glucose levels in diabetics or metabolic conditions during exercise, and a new breed of wearable sensors promise to make this a r… Continue reading First-of-a-kind sweat sensor tracks stress levels around the clock

Artificial aorta takes pressure off the heart to reduce transplants

When the heart is injured it can’t repair itself, meaning that heart failure often requires a transplant of the whole organ. But now, scientists at EPFL have developed an artificial aorta that can help pump blood, taking some of the pressure off the he… Continue reading Artificial aorta takes pressure off the heart to reduce transplants