Using injectable nano-network and ultrasound to help diabetics

By Maja Bosanac
1 December 2013

zhen-gu-ultrasound-1Collaboration between researchers at the North Carolina State University (NC State) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel (UNC-Chapel Hill) resulted in development of a novel nanotechnology-based technique for regulating blood sugar in diabetes patients. The technique may give diabetics the ability to maintain healthy blood sugar levels painlessly by means of a small… »

Antibacterial power of black silicon inspired by cicada wings

By Damir Beciri
One Comment30 November 2013

diplacodes-bipunctata-wandering-percherEarlier this year, we reported about a finding which revealed that physical structure of Psaltoda claripennis cicada wings can shred certain types of rod-shaped bacteria. After analyzing the surface, researchers at the Swinburne University of Technology used biomimicry to create a surface with similar properties. This nanosurface could lead to development of a new generation… »

Low-cost ‘nano-camera’ can operate at the speed of light

By Maja Bosanac
29 November 2013

mit-imaging-1MIT engineers have devised a nano-camera that can operate at the speed of light. Among other things, this 3D camera could be used in medical imaging, collision-avoidance detectors for vehicles, and for better motion tracking and gesture-recognition in interactive gaming. Aside having good properties, this novel camera is also affordable since its price is expected… »

Green architecture – Junction House, Melbourne

By Damir Beciri
3 Comments29 November 2013

junction-house-melbourne-1Situated in west Melbourne, the Junction House project required town planning due to the small lot size and its narrow northern frontage site. To overcome these issues, the architects decided to raise both the living areas and the mass of the building up. Aside being cleverly built, the house features various sustainable solutions which make… »

Using light to dramatically improve conductivity at room temperature

By Damir Beciri
2 Comments25 November 2013

marianne-tarunMany important discoveries happened by accident, and researchers at the Washington State University (WSU) had luck when they found out that exposing a crystal to light enables 400-fold increase of its electrical conductivity. The phenomenon, which lasted for days after the light was turned off, could dramatically improve the performance of devices like computer chips…. »

Improving hydrogen production with copper nanowires

By Maja Bosanac
One Comment24 November 2013

copper-nanowire-catalyst-1A group of researchers at the Duke University have managed to devise a novel water splitting system that can produce storable hydrogen fuel. The system uses copper nanowires, fused in a see-through film, which can split water molecules using the power of sunlight. These nanowires offer an efficient and low cost method for solar energy… »

e-volo Volocopter VC200 – two-person rotor aircraft

By Damir Beciri
5 Comments23 November 2013

e-volo-volocopter-vc200-1Two years ago we reported about e-volo’s electric multicopter which performed its first manned flight. Although it appeared a bit makeshift, its development involved a lot of engineering. Recently, they unveiled e-volo’s Volocopter VC200 – a prototype two-person rotor aircraft. Improvements in its design are easily noticeable and its performance is much better compared to… »

Growing artificial skin using umbilical cord stem cells

By Maja Bosanac
23 November 2013

granada-stem-cell-skin-1Scientists at the University of Granada have grown artificial skin from human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly stem cells (HWJSCs). This artificial skin can be stored in tissue banks and made available when needed. This is an important advance in treatment of patients with major burn injuries, since artificially-grown skin can be used immediately after the… »