Collaborate Disseminate
Texas A&M engineers led by Ana Diaz Artiles are developing soft robotic technology that could make future “SmartSuit” space suits for planetary exploration more safe, comfortable, and energy efficient for astronauts.Continue ReadingCategory: Space, Sci… Continue reading Robotic joints could make future space suits more comfortable
Ceramic materials are strong and can stand up to heat very well, but they’re notoriously fragile. Now, researchers at Texas A&M have uncovered a previously unknown self-healing mechanism in a certain type of ceramic, which works at room temperature.Con… Continue reading Kinky class of ceramics self-heals cracks at room temperature
Although an airliner’s engines may be quite loud on takeoff, its wings also create a lot of wind noise when it’s landing. According to a new study, the latter problem could be addressed with the addition of a shape-memory alloy filler within the wing.C… Continue reading Shape-memory alloy component could make for quieter aircraft landings
Heating and cooling systems are some of the biggest energy guzzlers in use, so passive temperature control could be a good way to reduce emissions. Phase-change materials (PCMs) show promise for this, and now engineers at Texas A&M have developed a new… Continue reading 3D-printable phase-change materials insulate buildings better at scale
One of the problems with our ongoing shift toward renewable energy relates to the way we store it, with today’s metal-laden lithium batteries currently serving us well but carrying sustainability issues of their own. Scientists are investigating altern… Continue reading Organic, metal-free battery breaks down in acid for recycling
When an obese person really needs to lose weight, gastric bypass surgery is sometimes performed – but it’s quite an invasive procedure. An experimental new implant, however, may produce similar results with much less fuss.Continue ReadingCategory: Medi… Continue reading Externally powered implant designed to treat obesity
They might be small and their kills may be indirect, but for humans, mosquitoes are the deadliest animals on the planet by quite a margin. While tackling the diseases these annoying insects spread is one approach to reduce their lethality, others are l… Continue reading Self-deleting genes promise risk-free genetic engineering of mosquitoes
Ordinarily, when using an off-the-shelf 3D printer, it’s quite difficult to print a single object that incorporates multiple materials. An experimental new system could make it easier, though, by utilizing a “programmable filament.”Continue ReadingCate… Continue reading New filament tech lets regular 3D printers build multi-material items
When it comes to methods of locomotion for robots, wheels are good for some things, while legs are better for others. Scientists are now working on a bot that combines the best of both worlds, with wheels that become legs.Continue ReadingCategory: Robo… Continue reading α-WaLTR robot will have wheels that double as legs
Supercapacitors have the potential to pave the way for electric vehicles that charge in minutes rather than hours, overcoming one of the barriers to widespread adoption and being good for drivers and the environment. In a step towards such a reality, s… Continue reading Plant-based supercapacitor keeps costs low and energy storage high