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Bionics»

New genetic-modification approach could eliminate sleeping sickness

By Maja Bosanac
One Comment4 October 2013

osu-tse-tse-flyResearchers at the Oregon State University (OSU) have devised innovative approach that could reduce or even eliminate the deadly disease African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), which was shown in a recent mathematical modeling study. They developed genetic-modification strategies to reduce the transmission of sleeping sickness, but this method appears as a promising strategy for reducing the… »

Tech»

Turning winemaking waste into food supplements and flowerpots

By Damir Beciri
19 March 2013

osu-wine-grape-pulp-1Not so long ago, we published a story about orange pomace and its potential to be used as gluten-free flour, and researchers at the Oregon State University (OSU) have discovered how to turn the pulp from crushed wine grapes into a natural food preservative, biodegradable packaging materials, as well as a nutritional enhancement for baked… »

Tech»

Using microwave heating to produce new promising solar cells

By Damir Beciri
One Comment2 September 2012

osu-microwave-solar-cell-1The same type of microwave oven technology that most people use to heat up leftover food has found a new application in the solar cell production. Engineers at Oregon State University have for the first time developed a way to use heating from microwave oven to provide a new way to make thin-film photovoltaic products… »

Tech»

Pyrite could be used to generate solar power after all

By Damir Beciri
One Comment29 November 2011

pyriteAlthough it has been referred as “fool’s gold” throughout the history, dating to times of ancient Rome and tricking prospectors for centuries, yellow-toned mineral pyrite found its use as an inexpensive and promising option for solar energy. Oregon State University (OSU) researchers discovered related compounds that use the advantages of the material without the downsides… »

Tech»

Microchannel heat exchangers improve thermally activated cooling systems

By Damir Beciri
13 June 2011

osu-microchannel-heat-exchangersEngineers at Oregon State University (OSU) have made a major step toward addressing one of the leading problems in energy use  around the world today – the waste of half or more of the energy produced by cars, factories and power plants. They have built a prototype which captures and uses the low-to-medium grade waste… »

Bionics| Tech»

Dandelion roots could be used as a sustainable natural rubber resource

By Damir Beciri
2 Comments12 May 2011

dandelionsThe Program of Excellence in Natural Rubber Alternatives (PENRA) was created to focus on research and commercialization of a viable natural rubber alternative, in order to counter the natural rubber supply shortage. Continuing the research, scientists at Ford and the Ohio State University see a species of dandelion as a new sustainable resource for rubber…. »

Robotics»

OSU researchers advance robot walking and running abilities

By Damir Beciri
28 May 2010

biped-robotResearchers at Oregon State University have made an advance in robotics by improving the robots movement. The robots can walk and run effectively, while they use little energy in the process as well. By achieving an optimal approach with robotic mechanisms, studies are moving closer to creating better robots and prosthetic limbs for humans that… »

Bionics| Robotics»

For a fast walking robot combine a guinea hen with a cockroach

By Damir Beciri
One Comment28 December 2009

cockroach-and-guinea-henAfter writing about biomimicry of penguins, sharks, butterflies and bats, we’re going to write about cockroach biomimicry. Although the sight of a crawling cockroach dashing for cover may be repulsive, the insect is also a biological and engineering marvel. Cockroaches and guinea hens serve as bioinspiration to the researchers at Oregon State University where they… »