Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Copper-nickel nanowires from Duke University could make ubiquitous printable circuits]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/copper-nickel-nanowires-from-duke-university/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/copper-nickel-nanowires-from-duke-university/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/copper-nickel-nanowires-from-duke-university/#comments Nanowires

Nanowires, although they're building steam, still have to overcome the not-so-small problem of cost -- they often have to use indium tin oxide that's not just expensive, but fragile. Duke University has developed copper-nanowire films that could remedy this in style. The choice of material is both a hundred times less expensive to make than indium and is much more durable. It's flexible, too: if layered on as a coating, the nanowires would make for considerably more viable wearable electronics that won't snap under heavy stress. The catch, as you might suspect, stems from the copper itself, which doesn't conduct as much electricity as indium. The nickel will keep your copper electronics from oxidizing faster than the Statue of Liberty, however. Any practical use could be years away, but further successes from Duke could quickly see printable electronics hit the mainstream power and power our dreams of flexible displays.

Copper-nickel nanowires from Duke University could make ubiquitous printable circuits originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 04:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>copperduke universityDukeUniversityflexible displayFlexibleDisplayindium tin oxideIndiumTinOxidenano technologynano wirenano wiresNanoTechnologyNanoWireNanoWiresprintableprintable circuitsprintable electronicsPrintableCircuitsPrintableElectronicssciencewearablesThu, 31 May 2012 04:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers power microbots made of bubbles with lasers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/researchers-power-microbots-made-of-bubbles-with-lasers/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/researchers-power-microbots-made-of-bubbles-with-lasers/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/researchers-power-microbots-made-of-bubbles-with-lasers/#comments Image

They may not be "robots" as most have come to expect, but these so-called microrobots developed by a team of researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa do have at least one thing in common with many of their mechanical counterparts: lasers. As IEEE Spectrum reports, the bots themselves are actually nothing more than bubbles of air in a saline solution, but they become "microrobots" when the laser is added to the equation, which serves as an engine of sorts and allows the researchers to control both the speed and direction of the bubbles. That, they say, could allow the bots to be used for a variety of tasks, including assembling microstructures and then disappearing without a trace when the bubble is popped. Head on past the break for a video of what they're already capable of.

Continue reading Researchers power microbots made of bubbles with lasers

Researchers power microbots made of bubbles with lasers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 21:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>laserlasersmicromicrobotmicrobotsmicrorobotnanoroboticsnanotechnanotechnologyrobotrobotsUniversity of HawaiiUniversity of Hawaii at ManoaUniversityOfHawaiiUniversityOfHawaiiAtManoavideoTue, 22 May 2012 21:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Nanotech-enhanced 'smart paint' promises to detect structural damage]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/nanotech-enhanced-smart-paint-promises-to-detect-structural-da/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/nanotech-enhanced-smart-paint-promises-to-detect-structural-da/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/nanotech-enhanced-smart-paint-promises-to-detect-structural-da/#comments
We've seen scientists explore a number of ways to make paint "smarter" over the years, and now a team of researchers at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow have devised a method that they say could do nothing short of "revolutionize structural safety." The key to that is some novel nanotechnology that effectively turns the paint into a sensor network that's able to detect minor structural faults before they become a severe problem. More specifically, the paint consists of a mix of highly aligned carbon nanotubes and a recycled waste material known as fly ash -- when the nanotubes bend, the conductivity changes, indicating that there could be a structural problem developing. What's more, the fly ash is also said to give the paint a cement-like structure, which the researchers say could let it be used in harsh conditions where traditional structural monitoring can prove difficult (and expensive).

Continue reading Nanotech-enhanced 'smart paint' promises to detect structural damage

Nanotech-enhanced 'smart paint' promises to detect structural damage originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon nanotubesCarbonNanotubesglasgownanotechnanotechnologynanotubespaintsafetyscotlandsmartsmart paintSmartPaintstructuralUniversity of StrathclydeUniversityOfStrathclydeMon, 30 Jan 2012 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Scientists produce stronger T-rays, bring Tricorders closer to reality]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/scientists-produce-stronger-t-rays-bring-tricorders-closer-to-r/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/scientists-produce-stronger-t-rays-bring-tricorders-closer-to-r/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/scientists-produce-stronger-t-rays-bring-tricorders-closer-to-r/#comments
A group of scientists from Imperial College London and Singapore's Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) have developed a new technique that could have far reaching impacts for Star Trek fans everywhere. It all involves something known as Terahertz (THz), or T-rays: electromagnetic rays that have already been used in full-body airport scanners and have the potential to be used across a much broader range of medical and environmental applications. Because every molecule can be uniquely identified within the THz range, these T-rays can be used to pick up on cancerous cells and other biological matter, perhaps even within a Tricorder-like scanner. Now, Imperial College's Stefan Maier and his team of scientists say they've found a way to create a stronger beam of T-rays, using so-called "nano-antennas" to generate an amplified THz field. In fact, this field can produce about 100 times more power than most other THz sources, which could allow for sharper imaging devices. "T-rays promise to revolutionize medical scanning to make it faster and more convenient, potentially relieving patients from the inconvenience of complicated diagnostic procedures and the stress of waiting for accurate results," Maier explained. "Thanks to modern nanotechnology and nanofabrication, we have made a real breakthrough in the generation of T-rays that takes us a step closer to these new scanning devices." For more details, check out the links below.

Scientists produce stronger T-rays, bring Tricorders closer to reality originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beamcancerenvironmenthealthimperial collegeimperial college londonImperialCollegeImperialCollegeLondonmedicalmedical scannerMedicalScannermedicinenanotechnologypowerresearchscannerstar trekStarTrekt-rayterahertzterahertz imagingTerahertzImagingthzMon, 23 Jan 2012 05:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: Detroit Auto Show, solar plants and hydrophobic nanocoating]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/15/detroit-auto-show-solar-plants-and-hydrophobic-nanocoating/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/15/detroit-auto-show-solar-plants-and-hydrophobic-nanocoating/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/15/detroit-auto-show-solar-plants-and-hydrophobic-nanocoating/#commentsEach week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

This week Inhabitat hit the streets of Detroit to bring you the hottest hybrid vehicles and electric cars from the 2012 North American International Auto Show! We saw automakers unveil scores of sexy supercars like the Lexus LF-LC coupe, the Chevy MiRay, and the NSX concept hybrid, and we also showcased more realistic street-ready vehicles like Ford's Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, VW's brand new hybrid Jetta, and Via Motors' VTRUX extended-range EV pickup. We also peered into the future of sustainable transportation as we brought you the finalists in Michelin's city car design challenge, we learned that the world's largest driverless personal transit system is set to break ground in India, and we saw the UK green light the first phase of its new HS2 high-speed rail line.

It was also a bright week for alternative energy as MIT scientists discovered a way to make more efficient solar plants modeled after sunflowers and Sweden announced plans for a massive 700 megawatt wind farm in the Baltic Sea. Meanwhile, we learned that Rwanda's poo-powered prisons are able to produce 75% of their power from human waste, we showcased plans for an energy-generating rolling suitcase that charges your gadgets, and we saw the launch of several shining solar-powered devices - OLPC's XO3 tablet computer and the sun-powered Solarkindle e-reader cover.

In other news, this week we rounded up our favorite eco gadgets from CES 2012 - including a hydrophobic nanocoating that makes any gadget completely waterproof. We also saw 200 Chinese works construct a 30 story prefab building in just 15 days, and we watched superman fly across a cute animated LEGO TV. Finally, we brought you the latest and greatest developments in wearable technology - including a set of smart sunglasses that merge virtual information with the real world, a set of bone-conducting earphones, and a set of motorized skates that can be attached to any boring old pair of shoes.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: Detroit Auto Show, solar plants and hydrophobic nanocoating originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto showautomobileautomotiveAutoShowcesces 2012Ces2012conceptdetroit auto showDetroitAutoShowhybridInhabitatMITnanocoatingnanotechnologynsxsolarSun, 15 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This electric wire is four atoms thick, and you thought speaker cable was fiddly (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/06/this-electric-wire-is-four-atoms-thick-and-you-thought-speaker/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/06/this-electric-wire-is-four-atoms-thick-and-you-thought-speaker/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/06/this-electric-wire-is-four-atoms-thick-and-you-thought-speaker/#comments This should come as a great relief to anyone planning a quantum computer self-build: wires still conduct electricity and obey key laws of classical physics even when they're built at the nanoscale. Researchers at Purdue and Melbourne universities used chains of phosphorus atoms inside a silicon crystal to create a wire that's just four atoms wide and a single atom high -- 20 times smaller than the previous record-holder and infinitely narrower than anything you'd find at Newegg. The video after the break almost explains how they did it.

Continue reading This electric wire is four atoms thick, and you thought speaker cable was fiddly (video)

This electric wire is four atoms thick, and you thought speaker cable was fiddly (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atomatomicatomselectricityMelbourneMelbourne UniversityMelbourneUniversitynanoscalenanotechnologynanowirenbcohms lawOhmsLawphosphorusPurduePurdue UniversityPurdueUniversityquantumquantum computingQuantumComputingresistanceresistivityvideowireFri, 06 Jan 2012 14:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers claim to have developed 'smallest conceivable switch']]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/13/researchers-claim-to-have-developed-smallest-conceivable-switch/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/13/researchers-claim-to-have-developed-smallest-conceivable-switch/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/13/researchers-claim-to-have-developed-smallest-conceivable-switch/#comments
A team of researchers at the Technische Universitaet Muenchen (or TUM) led by Dr. Willi Auwaerter and Professor Johannes Barth appear to have made something of a breakthrough on the road to the miniaturization of everything. They've devised a molecular switch that measures just one square nanometer, but is able to switch between four distinct states on demand. That was done by placing two protons inside a single porphyrin ring; when one of the protons is removed, the other can then move to any one of the four available positions with the aid of a small current. According to the researchers, that process not only allows for the smallest switch implemented to date, but one whose state to be changed up to 500 times per second. The official press release is after the break.

Continue reading Researchers claim to have developed 'smallest conceivable switch'

Researchers claim to have developed 'smallest conceivable switch' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>molecularmolecular switchMolecularSwitchnanonano switchNanoSwitchnanotechnanotechnologyswitchTechnical University MunichTechnicalUniversityMunichTechnische Universitaet MuenchenTechnischeUniversitaetMuenchenTUMTue, 13 Dec 2011 15:26:00 EST<![CDATA[High school senior kills cancer with nanotech, still can't legally drink]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/high-school-senior-kills-cancer-with-nanotech-still-cant-legal/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/high-school-senior-kills-cancer-with-nanotech-still-cant-legal/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/high-school-senior-kills-cancer-with-nanotech-still-cant-legal/#comments Ever ask yourself, "What am I doing with my life?" No? Well, a little existential crisis is in order then. Because while you and the rest of Team teen America were busy dressing like Gaga, dancing to the Bieber and playing Angry Birds, high school senior Angela Zhang was killing cancer. Yes, this 17-year old medical prodigy from Cupertino was just awarded the Siemens Foundation grand prize -- a $100,000 payday -- for her work "Design of Image-guided, Photo-thermal Controlled Drug Releasing Multifunctional Nanosystem for the Treatment of Cancer Stem Cells." It's certainly a mouthful, but this nanotech is what one fellow researcher's calling the "Swiss Army knife of cancer treatment," as her gold and iron-oxide nanoparticle does double duty delivering the drug salinomycin to a tumor site, in addition to aiding MRI and photoacoustic imaging. If that's not impressive enough, this real-life lady Doogie Howser's also won Intel's ISEF grand award in both 2010 and 2011 for other health science-related work. Sure, Angela might inadvertently fall into the overachiever category, but girlfriend definitely deserves to win that Prom Queen crown.

High school senior kills cancer with nanotech, still can't legally drink originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Angela ZhangAngelaZhangcancercupertinodoogie howserDoogieHowsergrand prizeGrandPrizehigh schoolHighSchoolmedicalnanotechnanotechnologyprodigyresearchSiemensSiemens FoundationSiemensFoundationteensThu, 08 Dec 2011 18:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Future Nokia phones repellent, says water (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/future-nokia-phones-repellent-says-water-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/future-nokia-phones-repellent-says-water-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/future-nokia-phones-repellent-says-water-video/#comments Nokia's latest "super" hydrophobic coating doesn't take half-measures. This new technology binds a layer of nanotech magic to the surface of its devices that literally bounces liquids away. Although we've been told the nanotubes at work here are most effective with water, other liquids (and smudgy fingerprints) should also find the treated surface difficult to latch onto. Due to the thinness of this waterproofing solution, a spokesperson told us here at Nokia World that even the inner workings of a phone could be treated in the same way. No more incidents in the bathroom? Count us in. Check the video after the break for some slo-mo water slippage.

Gallery: Nokia's super hydrophobic nanotechnology at Nokia World 2011



Zach Honig contributed to this report.

Continue reading Future Nokia phones repellent, says water (video)

Future Nokia phones repellent, says water (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>futurehands-onHydrophobiahydrophobicmobilepostcrossnanotechnologynokianokia worldnokia world 2011NokiaWorldNokiaWorld2011sciencesuper hydrophobicSuperHydrophobicvideowaterwater proofwaterproofwaterproof phonewaterproof screenWaterproofPhoneWaterproofScreenThu, 27 Oct 2011 11:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Salt enables six times the storage capacity for snail-unfriendly hard drives]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/17/salt-enables-six-times-the-storage-capacity-for-snail-unfriendly/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/17/salt-enables-six-times-the-storage-capacity-for-snail-unfriendly/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/17/salt-enables-six-times-the-storage-capacity-for-snail-unfriendly/#commentsSalt: sure, you might use it to cure meats for your latest solar-powered circumnavigation. But hold onto your kippers, Magellan, because Singaporean scientists have found that sodium chloride -- ordinary table salt! -- can also dramatically increase storage capacity. You see, typical hard drives have randomly-arranged magnetic grains, which allow data density of about 0.5 terabit per square inch. But a high-resolution e-beam lithography process, aided by our good friend NaCl, arranges the grains in a tighter, more orderly fashion, upping the density to 3.3 terabits per square inch. Called nanopatterning, this technique enables a 1TB drive to hold 6TB without additional platters; it also works with current manufacturing technology, meaning no expensive upgrades. If that's got you dreaming of a higher-capacity future, hit the source link for more glorious technical details. We'll warn you, though: the pictures of luscious, bee-stung lips stop here.

Salt enables six times the storage capacity for snail-unfriendly hard drives originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 05:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angelina jolieAngelinaJolieCapacitydata densityDataDensitydriveshard drivesHardDrivesIMREInstitute of Materials Research and EngineeringInstituteOfMaterialsResearchAndEngineeringJoel YangJoelYangnaclnanonanopatterningnanotechnanotechnologyplatterssaltsciencesingaporestorageMon, 17 Oct 2011 05:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Invisibility cloak made of carbon nanotubes uses 'mirage effect' to disappear]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/invisibility-cloak-made-of-carbon-nanotubes-uses-mirage-effect/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/invisibility-cloak-made-of-carbon-nanotubes-uses-mirage-effect/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/invisibility-cloak-made-of-carbon-nanotubes-uses-mirage-effect/#comments If the phrase "I solemnly swear I'm up to no good" means anything to you, you'll be happy to know that scientists have come one step closer to a Potter-style "invisibility cloak" so you can use your Marauder's Map to the fullest. With the help of carbon nanotubes, researchers have been able to make objects seem to magically vanish by using the same principle that causes mirages. As anyone who's been especially parched along Route 66 knows, optical illusions occur when heat changes the air's temperature and density, something that forces light to "bend," making us see all sorts of crazy things. Apply the same theory under water using nanotubes -- one molecule carbon coils with super high heat conductivity -- and scientists can make a sheet of the stuff "disappear." Remember, it only works underwater, so get your gillyweed ready and check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Invisibility cloak made of carbon nanotubes uses 'mirage effect' to disappear

Invisibility cloak made of carbon nanotubes uses 'mirage effect' to disappear originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aircarbon nanotubesCarbonNanotubesdensityharry potterHarryPotterinvisibility cloakInvisibilityCloaklightmiragemiragesnanotechnologynanotubenanotubesperceptionresearchsciencescientistsunderwaterUniversity of Texas at DallasUniversityOfTexasAtDallasUTDwaterWed, 05 Oct 2011 00:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers say nanorockets could deliver medicine quickly within the blood]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/03/researchers-say-nanorockets-could-deliver-medicine-within-the-bl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/03/researchers-say-nanorockets-could-deliver-medicine-within-the-bl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/03/researchers-say-nanorockets-could-deliver-medicine-within-the-bl/#comments Faster delivery is always better when it comes to pizza, Thai food and now... drugs? Doctors seem to think so as they're experimenting with a new method of delivering medicine to the bloodstream via tiny nanotubes powered by rocket fuel. By storing healing meds within the platinum-coated metal tubes, doctors have been able to propel the tiny vessels up to 200 times their own length per second -- faster than swimming bacteria. It works as such: by introducing a hydrogen peroxide/water solution, the platinum reacts, sending it zipping forward and catalyzing the peroxide into water and oxygen. The downside? Even though the fuel is only .25 percent peroxide, it's still slightly toxic -- so it looks like it's back to the drawing board until they can develop a safer alternative. Spiders, perhaps? Check out the video demonstration after the break.

Continue reading Researchers say nanorockets could deliver medicine quickly within the blood

Researchers say nanorockets could deliver medicine quickly within the blood originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 23:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blooddoctordoctorsdrugdrugshydrogen peroxideHydrogenPeroxidemedicalmedicinenano technologynanorocketsnanotechnanotechnologynanotubesperoxideplatinumrocket fuelRocketFueltoxicvideoMon, 03 Oct 2011 23:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Nanowire batteries now as 'small as possible,' could one day be included with nano toys]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/04/nanowire-batteries-now-as-small-as-possible-could-one-day-be/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/04/nanowire-batteries-now-as-small-as-possible-could-one-day-be/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/04/nanowire-batteries-now-as-small-as-possible-could-one-day-be/#comments That black dot isn't a battery, it's an ultra-thin disc containing thousands of individual nanowire batteries. Rice University scientists claim their miniscule wires are "as small as such devices can possibly get," because each one comes complete with its own anode, cathode and gel-like electrolyte coating. This contrasts with previous examples we've seen, which bolted nanowires onto a chunky exterior cathode. On the other hand, these new all-in-one nano-batts only last for 20 charge cycles, so personally we're still betting on gooey Cambridge crude to be the next big thing in electricity. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Nanowire batteries now as 'small as possible,' could one day be included with nano toys

Nanowire batteries now as 'small as possible,' could one day be included with nano toys originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterynanonanotechnanotechnologynanowirerice universityRiceUniversityThu, 04 Aug 2011 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Scientists study orca ears, employ lasers to create hyper-sensitive underwater microphone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/27/scientists-study-orca-ears-employ-lasers-to-create-hyper-sensit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/27/scientists-study-orca-ears-employ-lasers-to-create-hyper-sensit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/27/scientists-study-orca-ears-employ-lasers-to-create-hyper-sensit/#comments There are plenty of reasons to want to monitor what's going on in the ocean, from whale migration, to the recent stylistic resurgence of hot crustacean bands. There are certain inherent difficulties, however, in creating a powerful underwater microphone, namely all of that water you've got to contend with. A team of scientists has taken cues from the design of orca ears, in order to develop a powerful microphone that can work far beneath the waves. The researchers developed membranes 25 times thinner than plastic wrap, which fluctuate as sound is made. In order to operate at extreme depths, however, the microphone must fill with water to maintain a consistent pressure. So, how does one monitor the minute movements of a membrane hampered by the presence of water? Lasers, of course! The hydrophone can capture a 160-decibel range of sounds and operate at depths of 11,000 meters, where the pressure is around 1,100 times what we're used to on earth. So if the orcas themselves ever master the laser, at least we'll be able to hear them coming.

Scientists study orca ears, employ lasers to create hyper-sensitive underwater microphone originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 05:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyrdophonekiller whaleKillerWhalelasermicmicrophonenanotechnologyoceanOnur KilicOnurKilicorcapressurestanfordstanford universityStanfordUniversityunderwaterwaterwhaleMon, 27 Jun 2011 05:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Thin film coating makes everlasting energy a piezoelectric possibility]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/thin-film-coating-makes-everlasting-energy-a-piezoelectric-possi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/thin-film-coating-makes-everlasting-energy-a-piezoelectric-possi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/thin-film-coating-makes-everlasting-energy-a-piezoelectric-possi/#comments Let's be honest, it's no big secret that we're running out of dead dinosaurs to fuel our lives. And with recent natural catastrophes proving atomic energy isn't what you'd call 'safe,' it's a good thing the researchers down at the RMIT University in Melbourne have been hard at work figuring out how to turn you into a self-sustained energy source. Marrying piezoelectrics with a thin film microchip coating, those scientists Down Under have for the first time identified just how much energy your pressure can generate. This is certainly not the first time the tech has been put to use -- Orange UK's been doing something similar, albeit bulkier, for the Glastonbury fest each year. What are some practical uses, you ask? Imagine a gym powered by a sea of workout-hamsters, each producing significant energy from the soles of their feet. Curious for more? Try a pacemaker that runs solely on blood pressure, or a laptop charged by banging out Facebook updates. Who knows, maybe even RIM can put this to use in its next Storm. Just sayin'.

[Image courtesy Alberto Villarreal]

Thin film coating makes everlasting energy a piezoelectric possibility originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 02:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative energyalternative fuelAlternativeEnergyAlternativeFuelelectricityenergynanotechnanotechnologypiezoelectricpiezoelectricspowerresearchthin filmthin film coatthin film coatingthinfilmThinFilmCoatThinFilmCoatinguniversityWed, 22 Jun 2011 02:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Metamaterial printing method inches us closer to invisibility cloaks]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/metamaterial-printing-method-inches-us-closer-to-invisibility-cl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/metamaterial-printing-method-inches-us-closer-to-invisibility-cl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/metamaterial-printing-method-inches-us-closer-to-invisibility-cl/#commentsMetamaterialIn theory, metamaterials are all kinds of awesome -- they can boost antenna strength, focus lasers, and create invisibility cloaks. But, they've been limited to day dreams lab experiments because producing the light-interfering materials in any practical quantity has been difficult and time consuming. John Rogers, a professor at the University of Illinois has figured out a way to print a layered, nano-scale mesh that bends near-infrared light in much larger amounts than previously possible. The new method, based around a plastic stamp, has been used to create sheets of metamaterial measuring a few square inches, but Rogers is confident he can scale it up to several feet. Who knows, by the time the second installment of The Deathly Hallows hits theaters in July you could get the best Harry Potter costume -- one that lets you sneak in without shelling out $13.

[Thanks, Plum G.]

Metamaterial printing method inches us closer to invisibility cloaks originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>invisibility cloakInvisibilityCloakJohn RogersJohnRogersmetamaterialmetamaterialsnano technano technologyNanoTechNanoTechnologyprintingstampUniversity of IllinoisUniversityOfIllinoisMon, 13 Jun 2011 19:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Conductive nanocoating could lead to flexible, wearable devices, Lady Gaga sticks with meat suit]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/conductive-nanocoating-could-lead-to-flexible-wearable-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/conductive-nanocoating-could-lead-to-flexible-wearable-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/conductive-nanocoating-could-lead-to-flexible-wearable-devices/#comments
Flexible is the new rigid in the gadget world, from OLED panels and e-paper displays to, of course, the adorable PaperPhone. Now researchers at North Carolina State University are hoping to take flexible to the next level by applying a conductive nanocoating - thousands of times thinner than a human hair - to ordinary textiles. Their technique, called atomic layer deposition, grows an inorganic coating atop cloths like woven cotton. The treated fabric conducts electricity, opening the door to thin, wearable devices with the flexibility of everyday clothing. The technology's still in its nano-infancy, but who knows: maybe a few years from now you'll be sporting a genuinely playable Angry Birds shirt.

Conductive nanocoating could lead to flexible, wearable devices, Lady Gaga sticks with meat suit originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 03:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apparelclothesclothingcottonflexiblenanonanotechnologyncsunorth carolinaNorth Carolina State UniversityNorthCarolinaNorthCarolinaStateUniversitytextileswearablewearable computingWearableComputingwearablesFri, 10 Jun 2011 03:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Scientist cooks up adjustable strength metals]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/04/scientist-cooks-up-adjustable-strength-metals/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/04/scientist-cooks-up-adjustable-strength-metals/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/04/scientist-cooks-up-adjustable-strength-metals/#comments Adjustable strength metal As you may know, crafting a katana is a delicate process that involves carefully constructing a razor-sharp high-carbon edge around a soft shock-absorbent core. One day though, smiths and forging fires could be replaced by electrode-wielding mad-scientists, with the technology to selectively harden and soften metal at will. At least that's what we envisioned when we read about Jörg Weißmüller's breakthrough research in the field of nanomaterials. The German scientist discovered that by placing precious metals in acid he could create tiny ducts through corrosion. Once those channels are flooded with a conductive liquid, electrical currents can be used to harden the material and, if you change your mind about the brittle results, the effect can easily be reversed to make it soft again. The tech could eventually lead to self-healing vehicle armor or scratch-resistant cellphones -- but, really, we just want to zap our way to a high-quality samurai sword.

Scientist cooks up adjustable strength metals originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Jun 2011 01:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adjustableelectricitygermanyJörg WeißmüllersJörgWeißmüllersmetalnanonano materialnano materialsnano technologyNanoMaterialNanoMaterialsNanoTechnologyprogrammableresearchSat, 04 Jun 2011 01:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Flottille unfolding origami is anti-nanotechnology, pro-chilaxing (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/20/flottille-unfolding-origami-is-anti-nanotechnology-pro-chilaxin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/20/flottille-unfolding-origami-is-anti-nanotechnology-pro-chilaxin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/20/flottille-unfolding-origami-is-anti-nanotechnology-pro-chilaxin/#comments
Turn the lights off, crank up your Music for Airports LP, and clear your appointments for the rest of the afternoon -- it's time to get your relaxation on with Flottille, tiny paper snowflakes that unfold as they're exposed to water. French artist Étienne Cliquet uses a computer to design the machine-cut pieces, folds them by hand, and then gingerly dips them into the water with a pair of tweezers. The shapes expand slowly and hypnotically, likely the result of absorption through capillary action -- not quite self-folding origami, but it'll do in a pinch. Cliquet hopes they'll shine some light on the "disturbing potential of micro and nanotechnology." Fine, but what about the disturbing potential of origami-based technology?

Flottille unfolding origami is anti-nanotechnology, pro-chilaxing (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 May 2011 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artÉtienne CliquetÉtienneCliquetfrancenanotechnologyorigamipaperrelaxationvideoFri, 20 May 2011 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Nanosys QDEF screen technology ships in Q4, slips into iPad at SID 2011 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/nanosys-qdef-screen-technology-ships-in-q4-slips-into-ipad-at-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/nanosys-qdef-screen-technology-ships-in-q4-slips-into-ipad-at-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/nanosys-qdef-screen-technology-ships-in-q4-slips-into-ipad-at-s/#comments We dropped by Nanosys' nook at SID 2011, and not only was it showing off its new Quantum Dot Enhancement Film, but had hacked the tech into an off-the-shelf iPad. A company representative presented the modified slate as an example of how quickly QDEF's high color gamut magic could be integrated into existing devices, offering "OLED color depth without OLED power consumption and OLED price." Sure enough, we were told to expect to see QDEF in a "mobile device," probably an Android tablet, sometime in Q4; when pushed for details, our rep could only tell us that the device would come from a Korean firm. (LG or Samsung, take your pick.)

Integrating QDEF into new devices may be a snap, but company representatives told us the film could add as much as 100 microns to a screen's thickness, suggesting that smartphone manufactures aren't too keen on the idea of a thicker display. Still, Nanosys has high hopes for the new film and told us that it expects high-color QDEF to become an "ecosystem changer," as industry-altering as HDTV. The firm even suggested "wide color gamut" apps could be in our near future -- we love our color depth here at Engadget, but somehow it's hard to see Angry Birds: High Color (its suggestion, not ours) taking off. Check out our hands-on after the break.

Gallery: Nanosys QDEF screen technology hands-on at SID 2011

Continue reading Nanosys QDEF screen technology ships in Q4, slips into iPad at SID 2011 (video)

Nanosys QDEF screen technology ships in Q4, slips into iPad at SID 2011 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 05:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue ledBlueLedcolorcolor gamutColorGamutdotshands-onlcdLcdTvledmanufacturingnanosysnanotechnanotechnologyQDEFQuantum DotQuantum dot enhancement filmQuantumDotQuantumDotEnhancementFilmSIDSID 2011Sid2011spectrumvideowhite ledWhiteLedWed, 18 May 2011 05:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Nanosys unveils Quantum Dot Enhancement Film for LCDs, promises all kinds of colors]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/nanosys-unveils-quantum-dot-enhancement-film-for-lcds-promises/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/nanosys-unveils-quantum-dot-enhancement-film-for-lcds-promises/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/nanosys-unveils-quantum-dot-enhancement-film-for-lcds-promises/#comments Another day, another step closer to quantum dot reality. Today, Nanosys unveiled its new Quantum Dot Enhancement Film (QDEF), marking the first time that the nanotechnology is available for LCD manufacturers. According to the company, its optical film can deliver up to 60 percent of all colors visible to the human eye, compared with the 20 to 25 percent that most displays offer. To create QDEF, Nanosys' engineers suspended a blend of quantum dots within optical film and applied it to a blue LED, which helped get the nanocrystals excited. Once they started hopping around, the dots emitted high-quality white light and a rich, wide color gamut, without consuming as much power as white LED-based materials. No word yet on when we can expect to see QDEF in consumer displays, but Nanosys claims that the film is "process-ready" and easy for manufacturers to integrate. For now, you can amuse yourselves by comparing the two frogs pictured above and guessing which one is covered in quantum dots. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Nanosys unveils Quantum Dot Enhancement Film for LCDs, promises all kinds of colors

Nanosys unveils Quantum Dot Enhancement Film for LCDs, promises all kinds of colors originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 May 2011 13:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue ledBlueLedcolordotslcdLcdTvledmanufacturingnanosysnanotechnanotechnologyqdeftmquantumquantum dotquantum dot enhancement filmQuantumDotQuantumDotEnhancementFilmspectrumwhite ledWhiteLedTue, 17 May 2011 13:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Graphene-powered web could download 3-D movies in seconds, give MPAA nightmares]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/graphene-powered-web-could-download-3-d-movies-in-seconds-give/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/graphene-powered-web-could-download-3-d-movies-in-seconds-give/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/graphene-powered-web-could-download-3-d-movies-in-seconds-give/#comments Graphene modulator Graphene, is there anything it can't do? Researchers are already trying to put it in processors, fuel cells, and batteries -- now your internet connection might get ten-times faster thanks to the silicon successor. Researchers at UC Berkeley have created tiny, one-atom-thick modulators that could switch the data-carrying light on and off in a fiber-optic connection much faster than current technology. In addition to running at a higher frequency (the team believes it will scale up to 500GHz -- modern modulators run at about 1GHz) the smaller, 25-micron size means thinner cables could be used, reducing capacitance and further boosting speeds. Labs have already crossed the 100 terabit threshold and graphene could push that even higher, yet we're still stuck staring at a buffering screen every time we try to Netflix Degrassi.

Continue reading Graphene-powered web could download 3-D movies in seconds, give MPAA nightmares

Graphene-powered web could download 3-D movies in seconds, give MPAA nightmares originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 May 2011 05:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiber opticfiber opticsFiberOpticFiberOpticsgraphenegraphene modulatorGrapheneModulatorinternetmodulatormodulatorsnano technano technologyNanoTechNanoTechnologyUC BerkeleyUcBerkeleywebTue, 10 May 2011 05:18:00 EST<![CDATA[MIT's genetically modified viruses boost solar-cell efficiency by herding nanotubes]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/mits-genetically-modified-viruses-boost-solar-cell-efficiency-b/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/mits-genetically-modified-viruses-boost-solar-cell-efficiency-b/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/mits-genetically-modified-viruses-boost-solar-cell-efficiency-b/#comments
The wizards of MIT have done it again. Having checked artificial leaves and Operabots off the to-do list, they've moved on to improving the efficiency of solar cells. Their technique combines a genetically modified version of the M13 virus with carbon nanotubes, which have already been shown to increase efficiency. Unfortunately, some nanotubes enhance solar cell performance, while others inhibit it - and both types tend to clump together, negating their benefits. The modified M13 virus, however, can separate the two types as well as prevent clumping; we've seen similar use of the Tobacco mosaic virus to build better electrodes. Adding virus-built structures to dye-sensitized solar cells increased power conversion efficiency by almost one-third and, with only one additional step in the manufacturing process required, the new approach could be rapidly taken up by existing production facilities. MIT: proving once again that viruses are good for more than just smiting your enemies.

MIT's genetically modified viruses boost solar-cell efficiency by herding nanotubes originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 19:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>energyGreenTechGreenTechnologiesGreenTechnologym.i.t.massachusetts institute of technologyMassachusettsInstituteOfTechnologyMITnanorodNanoRodsnanotechnologynanotubenanotubesnanowirenanowiressolarsolar powerSolarPowervirusvirusesWed, 27 Apr 2011 19:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers build synthetic synapse circuit, prosthetic brains still decades away]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/25/researchers-build-synthetic-synapse-circuit-prosthetic-brains-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/25/researchers-build-synthetic-synapse-circuit-prosthetic-brains-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/25/researchers-build-synthetic-synapse-circuit-prosthetic-brains-s/#comments Building a franken-brain has long been a holy grail of sorts for scientists, but now a team of engineering researchers have made what they claim to be a significant breakthrough towards that goal. Alice Parker and Chongwu Zhou of USC used carbon nanotubes to create synthetic synapse circuits that mimic neurons, the basic building blocks of the brain. This could be invaluable to AI research, though the team still hasn't tackled the problem of scope -- our brains are home to 100 billion neurons, each of which has 10,000 synapses. Moreover, these nanotubes are critically lacking in plasticity -- they can't form new connections, produce new neurons, or adapt with age. All told, the scientists say, we're decades away from having fake brains -- or even sections of it -- but if the technology advances as they hope it will, people might one day be able to recover from devastating brain injuries and drive cars smart enough to avert deadly accidents.

Continue reading Researchers build synthetic synapse circuit, prosthetic brains still decades away

Researchers build synthetic synapse circuit, prosthetic brains still decades away originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AIAlice ParkerAliceParkerArtificial intelligenceArtificialIntelligencebrainChongwu ZhouChongwuZhoucircuitcircuitsengineerengineeringengineersfake brainFakeBrainnanotechnanotechnologynanotubenanotubesneuronneuronsprosthesisprostheticresearchresearcherresearchersscientistscientistssynapsesynthetic synapseSyntheticSynapseUSCMon, 25 Apr 2011 19:24:00 EST<![CDATA[IBM shows off 155GHz graphene transistor in the name of DARPA research]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/ibm-shows-off-155ghz-graphene-transistor-in-the-name-of-darpa-re/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/ibm-shows-off-155ghz-graphene-transistor-in-the-name-of-darpa-re/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/ibm-shows-off-155ghz-graphene-transistor-in-the-name-of-darpa-re/#commentsIBM might be cautious about touting graphene as a a silicon killer, but that hasn't stopped it from pushing the production of ever faster graphene transistors. With the recent demonstration of a 155GHz graphene transistor, the firm successfully outdid its previous record-setting efforts, which produced a cut-off frequency of 100GHz. What's more, the thing is also IBM's smallest to date, with a gate length of 40 nanometers; that's 200 nanometers less than the 100GHz iteration. This smaller, faster transistor was produced as part of a DARPA research project that aims to develop high-performance RF (radio frequency) transistors. So, no, we probably won't be seeing the things in our PCs anytime soon, but it looks like they could be right at home in war machines of the future.

IBM shows off 155GHz graphene transistor in the name of DARPA research originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 20:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>155GHz graphene transistor155ghzGrapheneTransistorDARPAfastest graphene transistorFastestGrapheneTransistorgraphenegraphene transistorGrapheneTransistornanonanotechnanotechnologytransistorwarwar machineWarMachineworlds fastestworlds smallesworlds smallestWorldsFastestWorldsSmallesWorldsSmallestFri, 08 Apr 2011 20:16:00 EST<![CDATA[NASA makes longer, straighter piezoelectric nanowires in microgravity, no flat iron needed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/nasa-makes-longer-straighter-piezoelectric-nanowires-in-microgr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/nasa-makes-longer-straighter-piezoelectric-nanowires-in-microgr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/nasa-makes-longer-straighter-piezoelectric-nanowires-in-microgr/#comments Piezoelectric nanowires are the stuff that make power-generating pants a possibility, and that prodigious potential has drawn the attention of NASA. You see, self-powered spacesuits are awfully attractive to our nation's space agency, and a few of its finest student researchers have discovered that the current-creating strands of zinc oxide can be made longer and straighter -- and therefore more powerful -- when freed from gravity's unrelenting pull. That means nanowires grown in microgravity could lead to higher capacity batteries and the aforementioned juice-generating interstellar garb. Of course, there's no such end-products yet, but let's see if NASA can do what others have not: give pants-power to the people.

NASA makes longer, straighter piezoelectric nanowires in microgravity, no flat iron needed originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 01:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astronautelectricitygeneratormicrogravitymovementnanogeneratornanotechnologynanowirenanowiresnasapiezopiezoelectricpiezoelectricspowerresearchsciencespacespacesuitzinczinc oxideZincOxideWed, 06 Apr 2011 01:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Nanogenerators produce electricity by squeezing your fingers together, while you dance]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/nanogenerators-produce-electricity-by-squeezing-your-fingers-tog/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/nanogenerators-produce-electricity-by-squeezing-your-fingers-tog/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/nanogenerators-produce-electricity-by-squeezing-your-fingers-tog/#comments It's been a while since we last heard about nanogenerators -- you know, those insanely tiny fibers that could potentially be woven into your hoodie to juice up your smartphone. Dr. Zhong Lin Wang of the Georgia Institute of Technology has reported that he and his team of Einsteins constructed nanogenerators with enough energy to potentially power LCDs, LEDs and laser diodes by moving your various limbs. These micro-powerhouses -- strands of piezoelectric zinc oxide, 1 / 500 the width of a single hair strand -- can generate electrical charges when flexed or strained. Wang and his team of researchers shoved a collection of their nanogenerators into a chip 1 / 4 the size of a stamp, stacked five of them on top of one another and can pinch the stack between their fingers to generate the output of two standard AA batteries -- around 3 volts. Although it's not much, we're super excited at this point in development -- imagine how convenient to charge your phone in your pocket sans the bulky battery add-ons. And that's only one application of this technology. Yea, we know.

Continue reading Nanogenerators produce electricity by squeezing your fingers together, while you dance

Nanogenerators produce electricity by squeezing your fingers together, while you dance originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargeDr zhong lin wangDrZhongLinWangelectricelectricityfibergenerategeneratorgeorgia institute of technologyGeorgiaInstituteOfTechnologyLCDLEDmovementnanonanogeneratornanotechnologyoxidepiezoelectricpowerwangwirezhong lin wangZhongLinWangzinczinc oxideZincOxideThu, 31 Mar 2011 20:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Carbon nanotubes used to more easily detect cancer cells, HIV]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/carbon-nanotubes-used-more-easily-detect-cancer-cells-hiv/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/carbon-nanotubes-used-more-easily-detect-cancer-cells-hiv/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/carbon-nanotubes-used-more-easily-detect-cancer-cells-hiv/#comments Cancer's not slowing its march to ruining as many lives as it possibly can, so it's always pleasing to hear of any new developments that act as hurdles. The latest in the world of disease-prevention comes from Harvard University, where researches have created a dime-sized carbon nanotube forest (read: lots of nanotubes, like those shown above) that can be used to trap cancer cells when blood passes through. A few years back, Mehmet Toner, a biomedical engineering professor at Harvard, created a device similar to the nano-forest that was less effective because silicon was used instead of carbon tubes. Today, Toner has teamed up with Brian Wardle, associate professor of aeronautics and astronautics at MIT, who together have redesigned the original microfluid device to work eight times more efficiently than its predecessor. The carbon nanotubes make diagnosis a fair bit simpler, largely because of the antibodies attached to them that help trap cancer cells as they pass through -- something that's being tailored to work with HIV as well. Things are starting to look moderately promising for cancer-stricken individuals, as hospitals have already began using the original device to detect malignant cells and ultimately prevent them from spreading -- here's hoping it's qualified for mass adoption sooner rather than later.

Carbon nanotubes used to more easily detect cancer cells, HIV originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 01:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antibodiesBrianBrian WardleBrianWardlecancercarboncellsdetectiondevicediseaseengineerharvardharvard universityHarvardUniversityHIVmalignantMehmetMehmet TonerMehmetTonernanonano tubenanotechnologynanotubepreventionprofessorresearchresearcherssciencespreadTonertrapuniversityWardleThu, 31 Mar 2011 01:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicine might be the new graphene, now that it's been physically constructed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/28/silicine-might-be-the-new-graphene-now-that-its-been-physicall/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/28/silicine-might-be-the-new-graphene-now-that-its-been-physicall/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/28/silicine-might-be-the-new-graphene-now-that-its-been-physicall/#comments Surely you've heard of graphene, the one-atom-thick layer of pencil lead that has the potential to change the world of computers, batteries and screens? You might want to familiarize yourself with the term "silicine," too. It's basically a version of graphene constructed out of silicon, which doesn't naturally align itself into the same eminently useful honeycomb shape -- but, given a little prod here and a layer of silver or ceramic compound there, can do much the same thing, and with better computing compatibility. First proposed around 2007, it's reportedly been produced twice now by two different teams, which gives physicists hope that it could actually be useful some day. For now, researchers need to figure out a way to easily produce it so detailed experiments can be performed -- from what we understand, the good ol' scotch tape method just won't do the job.

Silicine might be the new graphene, now that it's been physically constructed originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 06:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>graphenenanonanotechnanotechnologysciencesilicinesilicontechnologyMon, 28 Mar 2011 06:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Self-strengthening polymer nanocomposite works best under pressure]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/27/self-strengthening-polymer-nanocomposite-works-best-under-pressu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/27/self-strengthening-polymer-nanocomposite-works-best-under-pressu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/27/self-strengthening-polymer-nanocomposite-works-best-under-pressu/#comments No one keeps carbon nanotubes down -- especially not these guys. The always popular allotropes have been enlisted by researchers at Rice University to create a composite material that gets stronger under pressure. When combined with polydimethylsiloxane, a rubbery polymer, the tubes form a nanocomposite that exhibits self-strengthening properties also exhibited in bones. During testing, the team found the material increased in stiffness by 12 percent after 3.5 million compressions. Apparently, the crew is stumped on why it reacts this way, but is no less eager to see it working in the real world -- discussion is already underway to use the stuff as artificial cartilage. And here we thought aerogel was cool. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Self-strengthening polymer nanocomposite works best under pressure

Self-strengthening polymer nanocomposite works best under pressure originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Mar 2011 06:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon nanotubecarbon nanotubesCarbonNanotubeCarbonNanotubesmaterialmedicinenanocompositenanocompositesnanotechnanotechnologyNASApolydimethylsiloxanepolymerpolymer nanocompositesPolymerNanocompositesPulickel AjayanPulickelAjayanresearchricerice univeristyRiceUniveristyself-strengtheningstrengthstrongSun, 27 Mar 2011 06:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers produce cheaper, 'cooler' semiconductor nanowires]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/25/researchers-produce-cheaper-cooler-semiconductor-nanowires/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/25/researchers-produce-cheaper-cooler-semiconductor-nanowires/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/25/researchers-produce-cheaper-cooler-semiconductor-nanowires/#comments
Advances in nanowires may occur on a pretty regular basis these days, but this new development out of Germany's Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems could have a particularly big impact on one all-important area: cost. As PhysOrg reports, manufacturing semiconducter nanowires at an industrial scale is currently very expensive because they need to be produced at extremely high temperatures (600 to 900 degrees Celsius), and the process used to manufacture them generally uses pure gold as a catalyst, which obviously adds to the cost. This new process, however, can use inexpensive materials like aluminum as a catalyst, and it can produce crystalline semiconductor nanowires at temperatures of just 150 degrees Celsius. Of course, that's all still only being done in the lab at the moment, and there's no indication as to when it might actually be more widely used.

Researchers produce cheaper, 'cooler' semiconductor nanowires originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 09:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Max Planck InstituteMax Planck Institute for Intelligent SystemsMaxPlanckInstituteMaxPlanckInstituteForIntelligentSystemsnanonanotechnologynanowiressemiconductorsemiconductor nanowiresSemiconductorNanowiresFri, 25 Mar 2011 09:18:00 EST<![CDATA[University of Twente's new lens reveals the sub-100nm level with visible light]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/24/university-of-twentes-new-lens-reveals-the-sub-100nm-level-with/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/24/university-of-twentes-new-lens-reveals-the-sub-100nm-level-with/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/24/university-of-twentes-new-lens-reveals-the-sub-100nm-level-with/#comments Small is beautiful, but only when you can see it. Specifically, we're talking about nanostructures -- including cellular organelles and nanoelectronic circuits -- around the order of 100nm. The problem is with a microscope, visible light only takes us down to a resolution of 200nm at best, and it's not always ideal to use conventional methods to boost the resolution -- you'd either have to dope the subject with fluorescent dye or use highly delicate equipment. Thankfully, the University of Twente has come up with a new type of lens that would solve this problem: in a nutshell, a nanoparticle is placed on one side of the gallium phosphide lens, while the other side -- disorderedly etched with acid -- takes in a precisely modulated laser beam and scatters it into a focal point of your choice. Sure, this sounds bizarre and ironic, but apparently the modulation is controlled in such a way that the scattered beam focuses much tighter than an ordinary beam would using an ordinary lens. Have a look at the comparison shots of some gold nanoparticles after the break -- that's some sweet 97nm resolution right there for ya.

Continue reading University of Twente's new lens reveals the sub-100nm level with visible light

University of Twente's new lens reveals the sub-100nm level with visible light originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 23:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gallium phosphideGalliumPhosphidelaserlensmagnificationmicroscopenanonanometernanometer imageNanometerImagenanoparticlenanotechnologyNetherlandsopticscatterscatteringUniversity of TwenteUniversityOfTwentevisible lightVisibleLightThu, 24 Mar 2011 23:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Scientists separate plasma from blood with working biochip]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/21/scientists-separate-plasma-from-blood-with-working-biochip/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/21/scientists-separate-plasma-from-blood-with-working-biochip/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/21/scientists-separate-plasma-from-blood-with-working-biochip/#comments Disposable biotech sensors won't let you diagnose your own diseases quite yet, but we've taken the first step -- a research team spanning three universities has successfully prototyped a lab-on-a-chip. Called the Self-powered Integrated Microfluidic Blood Analysis System (or SIMBAS for short, thankfully), the device takes a single drop of blood and separates the cells from the plasma. There's no electricity, mechanics or chemical reactions needed here, just the work of gravity to pull the fluid through the tiny trenches and grooves, and it can take as little as ten minutes to produce a useful result. It's just the first of a projected series of devices to make malady detection fast, affordable and portable. Diagram after the break!

Continue reading Scientists separate plasma from blood with working biochip

Scientists separate plasma from blood with working biochip originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 20:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biochipbloodblood testBloodTestdiagnosisdiseaselab on a chiplab-on-a-chipLabOnAChipmedicalmedicinemicrofluidicmicrofluidicsnanonanofluidicnanofluidicsnanotechnanotechnologySIMBAStesttestsUC BerkeleyUcBerkeleyMon, 21 Mar 2011 20:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers tout self-repairing multi-core processors]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/18/researchers-tout-self-repairing-multi-core-processors/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/18/researchers-tout-self-repairing-multi-core-processors/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/18/researchers-tout-self-repairing-multi-core-processors/#comments
 The race for ever-tinier computer chips is on, and barring physical limitations, doesn't seem to be slowing anytime soon -- but with chips, as with humans, the smaller they get, the more fragile they become. A team of researchers called CRISP (Cutting edge Reconfigurable ICs for Stream Processing) is working to create a self-repairing multi-core processor that would allow on-chip components to keep on shrinking, while combating concerns over accelerated degradation. Basically, the team's conceptualized a chip that allows for 100 percent functionality, even with faulty components. With multiple cores sharing tasks, and a run-time resource manager doling out those tasks, the chip can continue to degrade without ever compromising its intended functions -- a process CRISP calls graceful degradation. Once one core fails, the on-chip manager assigns its task to another core, continuing on in this fashion for the complete lifetime of the chip. Of course the technology is still in its infancy, but if CRISP's chips comes to fruition, we could see virtually indestructible processors that make 14nm look bulky by comparison.

Researchers tout self-repairing multi-core processors originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 18:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chipcomponentcomponent degradationComponentDegradationcomputer chipcomputer chipsComputerChipComputerChipsdegradationgraceful degradationGracefulDegradationmicroprocessormulti coremulti-coremulti-core processorMulti-coreProcessorMultiCorenanoscalenanotechnanotechnologyprocessorself-repairingsmalltinyFri, 18 Mar 2011 18:48:00 EST<![CDATA[GE's new phase-change based thermal conductor could mean cooler laptops -- literally]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/ges-new-phase-change-based-thermal-conductor-could-mean-cooler/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/ges-new-phase-change-based-thermal-conductor-could-mean-cooler/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/ges-new-phase-change-based-thermal-conductor-could-mean-cooler/#comments
It's no secret: if your laptop sits atop your lap for an extended period of time, you're going to get burned -- okay, so maybe not burned, but you're definitely going to feel the heat. Luckily GE has been working (under contract for DARPA) on a new phase-change based thermal conductor that promises to cool electronics twice as well as copper, at one-fourth the weight. The breakthrough means big things for those of us who'd like to make babies one day, but we doubt that's why DARPA's shelling out the big bucks -- the new material functions at 10 times normal gravity, making it a shoo-in for on-board computing systems in jetliners. Using "unique surface engineered coatings" that simultaneously attract and repel water, the new nanotechnology could mean not only lighter, cooler electronics, but also an increase in computing speeds. Goodbye scrotal hyperthermia, hello cool computing! Full PR after the break.

Continue reading GE's new phase-change based thermal conductor could mean cooler laptops -- literally

GE's new phase-change based thermal conductor could mean cooler laptops -- literally originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>changeconductorcoolcoolercoolingDARPAGEgeneral electricGeneralElectricheatheatinghigh gravityHighGravityhotlap toplaptopnanonanotechnanotechnologyoverheatingphasephase changephase-changePhaseChangeresearchtemperaturethermal conductorThermalConductorWed, 16 Mar 2011 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[New phase-change memory gets boost from carbon nanotubes, puts PRAM claims to shame]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/12/new-phase-change-memory-gets-boost-from-carbon-nanotubes-puts-p/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/12/new-phase-change-memory-gets-boost-from-carbon-nanotubes-puts-p/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/12/new-phase-change-memory-gets-boost-from-carbon-nanotubes-puts-p/#commentsWe've been hearing about the potential flash killer for years, and now a team of University of Illinois engineers is claiming that its new phase-change technology could make the PRAM of our dreams look quaint by comparison. Like so many groundbreaking discoveries of late, carbon nanotubes are at the heart of the this new mode of memory, which uses 100x less power than its phase-change predecessors. So, how does it work? Basically, the team replaced metal wires with carbon nanotubes to pump electricity through phase-change bits, reducing the size of the conductor and the amount of energy consumed. Still too much technobabble? How 'bout this -- they're using tiny tubes to give your cellphone juice for days. Get it? Good.

[Thanks, Jeff]

New phase-change memory gets boost from carbon nanotubes, puts PRAM claims to shame originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 12 Mar 2011 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterybattery lifeBatteryLifecarboncarbon nanotubesCarbonNanotubescell phonecell phonesCellPhoneCellPhoneshandsetsjuicememorynanotechnanotechnologynanotubenanotubesPCMphase changephase change memoryPhaseChangePhaseChangeMemorypowerPRAMuniveristy of illinoisUniveristyOfIllinoisSat, 12 Mar 2011 15:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese researchers weave capacitive touch into large-area textiles, want to make them wearable (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/04/japanese-researchers-weave-capacitive-touch-into-large-area-text/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/04/japanese-researchers-weave-capacitive-touch-into-large-area-text/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/04/japanese-researchers-weave-capacitive-touch-into-large-area-text/#comments Conductive fibers, yo, they're the future. Japan's AIST is back with yet another quirky idea, this time integrating capacitive touch sensors into 1-micron thick nylon fibers. The results is a big old cloth that can sense your loving touch and inform nearby computers of what you're up to. Initial uses envisioned by the research outfit include implementation in hospitals to monitor bedridden patients, but the ultimate goal is to make this extra-sensitive array a wearable accoutrement. Wouldn't that be lovely?

Continue reading Japanese researchers weave capacitive touch into large-area textiles, want to make them wearable (video)

Japanese researchers weave capacitive touch into large-area textiles, want to make them wearable (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 06:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aistcapacitiveclothfabrichealthhealthcarejapanmedicalnanotechnanotechnologyresearchsensorsensorstextiletouchtouch-sensitivetouch-sensitive materialsTouch-sensitiveMaterialsvideoFri, 04 Mar 2011 06:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers debut one-cubic-millimeter computer, want to stick it in your eye]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/26/researchers-debut-one-cubic-millimeter-computer-want-to-stick-i/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/26/researchers-debut-one-cubic-millimeter-computer-want-to-stick-i/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/26/researchers-debut-one-cubic-millimeter-computer-want-to-stick-i/#comments This as-of-yet-unnamed mini computer was fashioned as an implantable eye pressure monitor for glaucoma patients, but its creators envision a future where we're all crawling with the little buggers. Taking up just over one cubic millimeter of space, the thing stuffs a pressure sensor, memory, thin-film battery, solar cell, wireless radio, and low-power microprocessor all into one very small translucent container. The processor behind this little guy uses an "extreme" sleep mode to keep it napping at 15-minute intervals and sucking up 5.3 nanowatts while awake, and its battery runs off 10 hours of indoor light or one and a half hours of sun beams. Using the sensor to measure eye pressure and the radio to communicate with an external reader, the system will continuously track the progress of glaucoma, without those pesky contacts. Of course, the mad scientists behind it look forward to a day when the tiny device will do much more, with each of us toting hundreds of the computer implants all over our bodies -- looks like a bright future for cyborgdom.

Researchers debut one-cubic-millimeter computer, want to stick it in your eye originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 Feb 2011 17:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 millimeter computer1MillimeterComputercomputerdiseaseseyeeye pressure monitorEyePressureMonitoreyesglaucomahealthhealthcareimplantimplantablemedicalmedicinemonitornanoscalenanotechnologypressureresearchsmallsolarsolar cellssolar powerSolarCellsSolarPowertinytiny computerTinyComputeruniversity of michiganUniversityOfMichiganUOfMSat, 26 Feb 2011 17:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Fuel cells get stronger, potentially cheaper with graphene, ITO]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/16/fuel-cells-get-stronger-potentially-cheaper-with-graphene-ito/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/16/fuel-cells-get-stronger-potentially-cheaper-with-graphene-ito/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/16/fuel-cells-get-stronger-potentially-cheaper-with-graphene-ito/#comments As the sustainable Juggernaut of fuel cell vehicles (FCV) powers ever forward, a group of scientists are cooking up ways to make the alternative energy source more durable and even cheaper. By combining graphene -- think pencil lead -- and indium tin oxide (ITO) nanoparticles, the team produced a catalytic material that is both stronger and more chemically active than the usual catalytic combo. Fuel cells typically use a chemical catalyst like platinum, sitting atop a base of black carbon or metal oxides, to break down oxygen and hydrogen gases, creating water in the process -- thing is, carbon is easily eroded by the resulting water, and metal oxides, while more stable, are less conductive. Using graphene -- which because of its porousness erodes less quickly -- in combination with the stable ITO and platinum nanoparticles, researchers have created what could be referred to as a super fuel cell -- a stronger, longer lasting, and potentially cheaper version of the alternative energy source. Unfortunately, without enough hydrogen filling stations, these super fuel cells won't come to anyone's rescue anytime soon.

Fuel cells get stronger, potentially cheaper with graphene, ITO originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 01:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>catalystDepartment of EnergyDepartmentOfEnergydoeenergyfcvFuel Cellfuel cell vehiclesFuelCellFuelCellVehiclesgraphenehydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCellindium tin oxideIndiumTinOxideITOnanotechnanotechnologyPacific Northwest National LaboratoryPacificNorthwestNationalLaboratoryprincetonrenewable energyRenewableEnergyWashington UniversityWashingtonUniversityWed, 16 Feb 2011 01:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: the dangers of LED lighting, self-healing nanotech, and spray-on solar power]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/13/inhabitats-week-in-green-the-dangers-of-led-lighting-self-hea/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/13/inhabitats-week-in-green-the-dangers-of-led-lighting-self-hea/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/13/inhabitats-week-in-green-the-dangers-of-led-lighting-self-hea/#commentsEach week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

This week Inhabitat shed light on the next generation of solar power as we showcased a spray-on film capable of generating 300% more energy than traditional photovoltaics and a new breed of nanotech cells that can heal themselves like plants. New biofuel projects also broke ground around the world as the US began construction on its first commercial biofuel plant and Canada upgraded a waste plant to be powered by soda and beer. And another farticle, er, article covers a project in Greenpoint, Brooklyn that takes the result of the results of those drinks (methane) and turns it into fuel.

We also interviewed energy efficiency expert David Johnston, who shared 5 tips that could cut your electricity bill by up to 50 percent. And on a more sour energy efficiency note, we were appalled to see this new study that found that LEDs, like CFLs, also contain unsafe levels of carcinogenic toxins. The big (or should we say B.I.G) architecture news of the week was the unveiling of Bjarke Ingels Group's sloping residential pyramid for midtown Manhattan.

In transportation news, Nissan revealed plans to roll out its Tesla-trouncing ESFLOW electric supercar at the Geneva Auto Show, while Chevrolet announced that the Volt will receive a $5,000 tax rebate in California. We also applauded the US government's $53 billion plan to jump start high speed rail, while republicans rallied against the movement towards more efficient infrastructure.

We also showcased several stylish examples of wearable eco tech - a set of bio sensors that improve physical and emotional health, and a pair of GPS-enabled snow goggles that are perfect for shredding through uncharted territory. Finally, we shared 10 green iPad cases that are perfect for protecting your e-reader from blustery winter weather.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: the dangers of LED lighting, self-healing nanotech, and spray-on solar power originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architecturebiofuelcarcinogensDavid JohnstonDavidJohnstonInhabitatinhabitats week in greenInhabitatsWeekInGreenLEDLED lightingLedLightingmethanenanotechnanotechnologysodasolarsolar powerSolarPowertoxintoxinsWeek in GreenWeekInGreenSun, 13 Feb 2011 22:15:00 EST