Modified E. coli makes diesel on demand

By Maja Bosanac
23 April 2013

bacteria-can-produce-diesel-on-demandCollaboration between researchers at the University of Exeter and the researchers at the Shell Projects & Technology resulted with the development of a new technology for modifying certain strains of E. coli bacteria to produce diesel when needed. Although produced diesel is substantially similar to conventional diesel fuel, the method still confronts many challenges before... »

Using bees as early warning for a fruit tree disease

By Damir Beciri
23 April 2013

bees-tubes-1When blossoms and leaves wane and turn black, it is usually too late to fight off the disease which attacks the plant. Fire blight is a plant disease which strikes fruit trees such as apple and pear trees. Clearing the affected trees was often the only chance left before it takes over the entire orchard.... »

TakkTile sensor – inexpensive tactile sensing with MEMS barometers

By Damir Beciri
18 April 2013

takktile-array-sensorResearchers at the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) have developed an inexpensive tactile sensor for robotic hands that is sensitive enough to turn a brute machine into a dexterous manipulator. Named TakkTile, the sensor is intended to put what is currently being developed in laboratories within the grasp of commercial inventors, teachers,... »

Bioinspired microneedle adheres 3 times stronger than surgical staples

By Damir Beciri
17 April 2013

adhesive-microneedle-1Inspired by a fish parasitic worm, a group of researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) devised a way to close surgical wounds that appears better than anything currently available for clinical use. Once perfected, the invention could be used as replacement for staples and sutures used in the operating room, as well as to... »

Fujitsu touch control interface can work with low cost equipment

By Damir Beciri
One Comment16 April 2013

fujitsu-information-interaction-1Fujitsu Laboratories developed a technology that enables gesture-based information interaction which merges digital data and real objects. As many of its competitors in user interface niche, the technology can accurately detect where the user’s finger is and what is being touched. However, what makes it different compared to other approaches is the fact it uses... »

BIQ House has bioreactive façade with algae filled panels

By Damir Beciri
2 Comments14 April 2013

biq-house-1Although the idea of bioreactive façade with algae has been around for a while, the BIQ house is the world’s first building that actually utilizes this technology. The building is a pilot project that showcases this idea as a part of the the International Building Exhibition (IBA) in Hamburg. At the same time, the system... »

A small chip embeds seven devices which enable navigation without GPS

By Damir Beciri
13 April 2013

timu-michigan-pennyGlobal Positioning System (GPS) provides location and time information in as long as there is a clear line of sight from the measured position to four or more GPS satellites. While some places such as tunnels, some bridges, garages or canyons disallow GPS to function properly, interference or malfunction of GPS satellites could prove disastrous... »