Shape-memory alloy component could make for quieter aircraft landings

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

3D-printable phase-change materials insulate buildings better at scale

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

Organic, metal-free battery breaks down in acid for recycling

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

Externally powered implant designed to treat obesity

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

Self-deleting genes promise risk-free genetic engineering of mosquitoes

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

New filament tech lets regular 3D printers build multi-material items

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

α-WaLTR robot will have wheels that double as legs

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

Plant-based supercapacitor keeps costs low and energy storage high

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

Antivitamins breakthrough could make for antibiotics alternative

Antibiotics are one of the most important medical breakthroughs of all time – but their usefulness is beginning to unravel, with potentially devastating results. In the hunt for new drugs, researchers have now investigated how an antivitamin of Vitamin… Continue reading Antivitamins breakthrough could make for antibiotics alternative

Eco-friendly tech uses local soil to 3D-print structures

While 3D printing technology does allow for the quicker and cheaper construction of buildings, such structures are typically made of concrete, which isn’t very eco-friendly. Soon, though, it may be possible to print buildings out of local soil.Continue… Continue reading Eco-friendly tech uses local soil to 3D-print structures