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ScienceDaily: Engineering News http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/engineering/ Engineering News and Research. Browse a wide-range of engineering projects and techniques from leading research institutes around the world. Full-text, images, updated daily. en-us Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:05:01 EST Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:05:01 EST 60 ScienceDaily: Engineering News http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/engineering/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. Van-der-Waals force up close: Physicists take new look at the atom http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110125172422.htm Physicists have discovered a new way to measure how single atoms interact with a surface. Their findings help develop nanotechnology and test new theories about the internal structure of atoms. Wed, 26 Jan 2011 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110125172422.htm Making a point: Method prints nanostructures using hard, sharp 'pen' tips floating on soft polymer springs http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110126131544.htm Researchers have developed a new technique for rapidly prototyping nanoscale devices and structures that is so inexpensive the "print head" can be thrown away when done. Hard-tip, soft-spring lithography rolls into one method the best of scanning-probe lithography -- high resolution -- and the best of polymer pen lithography -- low cost and easy implementation. The new method could be used in the areas of electronics, medical diagnostics and pharmaceuticals, among others. Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110126131544.htm Nanoscale transistors used to study single-molecule interactions http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110124102946.htm Researchers have figured out a way to study single-molecule interactions on very short time scales using nanoscale transistors. Researchers show how, for the first time, transistors can be used to detect the binding of the two halves of the DNA double helix with the DNA tethered to the transistor sensor. Tue, 25 Jan 2011 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110124102946.htm New lab-on-chip advance uses low-cost, disposable paper strips http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110125172410.htm Researchers have invented a technique that uses inexpensive paper to make "microfluidic" devices for rapid medical diagnostics and chemical analysis. The innovation represents a way to enhance commercially available diagnostic devices that use paper-strip assays. Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110125172410.htm Nanoworld in color: Tiny lens arrays can record or project sharp images http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110121065755.htm Researchers in Germany have developed microscopically small nanostructured arrays of lenses that can record or project amazingly sharp images in brilliant colors. Mon, 24 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110121065755.htm GRIN plasmonics: A practical path to superfast computing, ultrapowerful optical microscopy and invisibility carpet-cloaking devices http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110124184434.htm Researchers have carried out the first experimental demonstration of GRIN plasmonics, a hybrid technology that opens the door to a wide range of exotic applications in optics, including superfast photonic computers, ultra-powerful optical microscopes and "invisibility" carpet-cloaking devices. Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110124184434.htm New device may revolutionize computer memory http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110120111025.htm Researchers have developed a new device that represents a significant advance for computer memory, making large-scale "server farms" more energy efficient and allowing computers to start more quickly. Sat, 22 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110120111025.htm For robust robots, let them be babies first http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110120131542.htm In a first-of-its-kind experiment, a scientist created robots that, like tadpoles becoming frogs, change their body forms while learning how to walk. These evolving robots learned to walk more rapidly than robots with fixed bodies and developed a more robust gait. The research suggests that the quest for adaptive and resilient robots will arrive at better designs by encouraging co-evolution of a robot's body and "brain" (controller) at the same time. Fri, 21 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110120131542.htm Highly ordered artificial spin ice created using nanotechnology http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101129111830.htm Scientists have created artificial spin ice in a state of thermal equilibrium for the first time, allowing them to examine the precise configuration of this important nanomaterial. Fri, 21 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101129111830.htm Video games with imaginary steering wheel as the controller http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101116075805.htm Scientists have designed a communication system based on hand movement and position for virtual control of a videogame through a flight time camera, and are investigating applications for this sensor in medicine, biometrics, sports and emotional intelligence. Fri, 21 Jan 2011 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101116075805.htm Better than the human eye: Tiny camera with adjustable zoom could aid endoscopic imaging, robotics, night vision http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110117152739.htm Researchers have developed a curvilinear camera, much like the human eye, with the significant feature of a zoom capability, unlike the human eye. The "eyeball camera" has a 3.5x optical zoom, takes sharp images, is inexpensive to make and is only the size of a nickel. The tunable camera holds promise for many applications, including night-vision surveillance, robotic vision and endoscopic imaging. Thu, 20 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110117152739.htm Robotic ghost knifefish is 'born' http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110119095045.htm Researchers have created a robotic fish that can move from swimming forward and backward to swimming vertically almost instantaneously by using a sophisticated, ribbon-like fin. The robot -- created after observing and creating computer simulations of the black ghost knifefish of the Amazon River Basin -- could pave the way for nimble robots that could perform underwater recovery operations or long-term monitoring of coral reefs. Wed, 19 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110119095045.htm Advance could speed use of genetic material RNA in nanotechnology http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110119125312.htm Scientists are reporting an advance in overcoming a major barrier to the use of the genetic material RNA in nanotechnology -- the field that involves building machines thousands of times smaller than the width of a human hair and now is dominated by its cousin, DNA. Their findings could speed the use of RNA nanotechnology for treating disease. Wed, 19 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110119125312.htm Underwater glider to dive beneath the Ross Ice Shelf http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110119141721.htm Researchers have successfully deployed an underwater glider at 77° south to dive beneath the Ross Ice Shelf. Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110119141721.htm Korean researchers reveal new sea defense model http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110118101350.htm Military tension between North Korea and the Republic of Korea (South Korea) extends to areas of the Yellow Sea. Now defense experts based in the Republic of Korea have devised improved methods to model underwater warfare, which they believe can aid future decisions about weapons and defense purchases. Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110118101350.htm Silicon microdevices show promise for detecting metastatic breast cancer cells http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110110103836.htm Research by engineers and cancer biologists indicates that using specific silicon microdevices might provide a new way to screen breast cancer cells' ability to metastasize. Mon, 17 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110110103836.htm Self-assembling structures open door to new class of materials http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110113141629.htm Researchers have demonstrated bio-inspired structures that self-assemble from simple building blocks: spheres. The helical "supermolecules" are made of tiny colloid balls instead of atoms or molecules. Similar methods could be used to make new materials with the functionality of complex colloidal molecules. Sat, 15 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110113141629.htm When metals reach end of life: Researcher develops new method http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110113134109.htm Though the prevalence of machinery allowed us to build bigger, travel faster and create more quickly with complexity increasing as science advances, our dependence upon them has limitations. Everything that moves can and will break, especially metals under strain. When they fail, the consequences can be catastrophic. A researcher has developed and proven a novel method to avoid the danger that comes with reaching the breaking point. Fri, 14 Jan 2011 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110113134109.htm Lab-on-a-chip developed for fast, inexpensive blood tests: Smartphone app next http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110110053033.htm While most blood tests require shipping a vial of blood to a laboratory for analysis and waiting several days for the results, a new device invented by a team of engineers and students uses just a pinprick of blood in a portable device that provides results in less than 30 minutes. The next step will turn blood testing into a smartphone application. Wed, 12 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110110053033.htm No left turn: 'Superstreet' traffic design improves travel time, safety http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110110103741.htm The so-called "superstreet" traffic design results in significantly faster travel times, and leads to a drastic reduction in automobile collisions and injuries, according to researchers who have conducted the largest-ever study of superstreets and their impacts. Wed, 12 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110110103741.htm Wave power could contain fusion plasma http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110110053212.htm Researchers may have found a way to channel the flux and fury of a nuclear fusion plasma into a means to help sustain the electric current needed to contain that very same fusion plasma. Tue, 11 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110110053212.htm Graphene grains make atom-thick patchwork 'quilts' http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110105131747.htm Artistry from science: researchers have unveiled striking, atomic-resolution details of what graphene "quilts" look like at the boundaries between patches, and have uncovered key insights into graphene's electrical and mechanical properties. Tue, 11 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110105131747.htm New method for reporting solar data http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110111132517.htm A straightforward new way to calculate, compile, and graphically present solar radiation measurements in a format that is accessible to decision makers and the general public has been developed. Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110111132517.htm The 'mad' Egyptian scholar who proved Aristotle wrong http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110106144254.htm Ibn al-Haytham's 11th-century Book of Optics, which was published exactly 1000 years ago, is often cited alongside Newton's Principia as one of the most influential books in physics. Yet very little is known about the writer, considered by many to be the father of modern optics. Mon, 10 Jan 2011 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110106144254.htm Newly developed cloak hides underwater objects from sonar http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110105152004.htm Researchers have demonstrated an acoustic cloak, a technology that renders underwater objects invisible to sonar and other ultrasound waves. They have developed a working prototype, metamaterial capable of hiding an object from a broad range of sound waves. Sixteen layers of specially structured acoustic circuits bend sound waves to wrap them around the outer layers of the cloak. Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110105152004.htm Recycled Haitian concrete can be safe, strong and less expensive, researchers say http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110104151141.htm Nearly one year after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake rocked the Republic of Haiti, engineering and concrete experts report that concrete and other debris in Port-au-Prince could be safely and inexpensively recycled into strong new construction material. Wed, 05 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110104151141.htm New glaucoma test allows earlier, more accurate detection http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110104101331.htm A prototype glaucoma test instrument that's noninvasive and simpler to use than current procedures -- and can also be used in situations that are difficult or impossible with current tests -- has been designed by engineering researchers. Wed, 05 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110104101331.htm Researchers helping electric-wheelchair users move more easily http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110103110355.htm Thick gravel, mud, snow, steep ramps or hills ... They might get a pedestrian a little dirty or out of breath, but to someone in an electric wheelchair, they could mean terrain that's simply too difficult to cross alone. To address this problem, researchers are working on technology that will enable electric-powered wheelchairs to detect hazardous terrain and automatically adjust their control settings to maneuver more safely. Tue, 04 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110103110355.htm New solar cell self-repairs like natural plant systems http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110104133909.htm Researchers are creating a new type of solar cell designed to self-repair like natural photosynthetic systems in plants by using carbon nanotubes and DNA, an approach aimed at increasing service life and reducing cost. Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110104133909.htm Enzyme cocktail could eliminate a step in biofuel process http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101227100824.htm Conversion of biomass to fuel requires several steps: chemical pretreatment to break up the biomass, detoxification to remove the toxic chemicals required in pretreatment, and microbial fermentation to convert the soluble sugars to fuels. Researchers have discovered an enzyme mixture that works in the presence of the toxic infused liquid biomass (hydrolysate), meaning that the detoxification step is unnecessary. Sun, 02 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101227100824.htm New cognitive robotics lab tests theories of human thought http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101230114808.htm Researchers are exploring how human thought outwits brute force computing in the real world. Twenty programmable robots allow students to test the real-world performance of computer models that mimic human thought. Fri, 31 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101230114808.htm New technology to speed cleanup of nuclear contaminated sites http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101230140705.htm Engineers have invented a new type of radiation detection and measurement device that will be particularly useful for cleanup of sites with radioactive contamination, making the process faster, more accurate and less expensive. Fri, 31 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101230140705.htm New chemical-free, anti-bacterial plastic 'skins' inspired by dolphin skin http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101228094106.htm Taking inspiration from animals like dolphins and pilot whales that are known to have anti-fouling skins, researchers are using nanotechnology to create synthetic, chemical-free, anti-bacterial surfaces. Wed, 29 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101228094106.htm A robot with finger-tip sensitivity http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101222112239.htm Two arms, three cameras, finger-tip sensitivity and a variety of facial expressions -- these are the distinguishing features of the pi4-workerbot. Similar in size to a human being, it can be employed at any modern workstation in an industrial manufacturing environment. Its purpose is to help keep European production competitive. Wed, 22 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101222112239.htm Removal of hexavalent chromium from your drinking water http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101222121614.htm The only way to learn if your water source has hexavalent chromium is to check with your public water supplier and request a water quality report, said a civil/environmental engineer. Most municipal or city engineers should be able to provide such a report upon request. Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101222121614.htm Strange new twist: Researchers discover Möbius symmetry in metamaterials http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101220150938.htm Researchers have discovered Möbius symmetry in metamaterials -- materials engineered from artificial "atoms" and "molecules." This phenomenon, never observed in natural materials, could open new avenues for unique applications in quantum electronics and optics. Tue, 21 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101220150938.htm As earthquakes take their toll, engineers look at enhancing building designs http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101217152522.htm A next generation of design criteria for buildings located in geographic regions where earthquakes are known to occur, either rarely or frequently, is under development. Sat, 18 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101217152522.htm Physicist developing, improving designer optical materials http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101216142532.htm Advancements in fabrication technologies may lead to superlenses and other designer optical materials, according to physicists. Thu, 16 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101216142532.htm Newly discovered phase helps explain materials' ability to convert waste heat to electricity http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101216142515.htm Scientists have discovered that a class of materials known to convert heat to electricity and vice versa behaves quite unexpectedly at the nanoscale. The discovery -- a new "opposite-direction" phase transition that helps explain the strong thermoelectric response of these materials -- may help scientists identify other useful thermoelectrics, and could further their application in capturing energy lost as heat, for example, in automotive and factory exhaust. Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101216142515.htm Highly unidirectional 'whispering gallery' microlasers created http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101213151415.htm Utilizing a century-old phenomenon discovered in St. Paul's Cathedral, London, scientists have demonstrated, for the first time, highly collimated unidirectional microlasers. The breakthrough elliptical cavity enables a wide range of applications in photonics. Mon, 13 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101213151415.htm Large uncertainty in carbon footprint calculating http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101213121741.htm The calculation of carbon footprints for products if often riddled with large uncertainties, particularly related to electronic goods. Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101213121741.htm Assessing the environmental effects of tidal turbines http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101213101806.htm A tidal energy demonstration project in Puget Sound, the first on the US West Coast, will help determine the environmental effects of underwater turbines. Researchers devising monitoring methods say the pilot project will have the most comprehensive environmental monitoring of any tidal energy installation to date. Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101213101806.htm 'Green' water treatments may not kill bacteria in large building cooling systems http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101210154530.htm Non-chemical water treatment systems -- touted as environmentally conscious stand-ins for such chemicals as chlorine -- may allow dangerous bacteria to flourish in the cooling systems of hospitals, commercial offices and other water-cooled buildings. The study is the first to thoroughly investigate the ability of nonchemical treatment devices to control the growth of bacteria in water-based air-conditioning systems found in many large buildings. Sun, 12 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101210154530.htm Theoretical breakthrough: Generating matter and antimatter from nothing http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101208130038.htm Under just the right conditions -- which involve an ultra-high-intensity laser beam and a two-mile-long particle accelerator -- it could be possible to create something out of nothing, according to researchers. Wed, 08 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101208130038.htm Doctor Who's trusty invention is anything but sci-fi: Sonic screwdriver to solve future DIY woes http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101207112319.htm Ultrasonic engineers have uncovered how a real life version of the fictional screwdriver -- which uses sonic technology to open locks and undo screws -- could be created. Tue, 07 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101207112319.htm Self-healing autonomous material comes to life http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101207091813.htm Researchers have created a material that may be able to sense and heal damage, such as cracking in a fiber reinforced composite. The aim of developing "autonomous adaptive structures" is to mimic the ability of biological systems such as bone to sense the presence of damage, halt its progression and regenerate itself. Tue, 07 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101207091813.htm Developing robots for the hospital emergency room http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101207121442.htm A group of computer engineers is convinced that the basic technology is now available to create robot assistants that can perform effectively in the often-chaotic environment of the emergency room. The specialists in emergency medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center are enthusiastic about the potential advantages. So, the two groups have formed an interdisciplinary team to explore the use of robotics in this critical and challenging setting. Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101207121442.htm Color-changing 'blast badge' detects exposure to explosive shock waves http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101129121121.htm Mimicking the reflective iridescence of a butterfly's wing, investigators have developed a color-changing patch that could be worn on soldiers' helmets and uniforms to indicate the strength of exposure to blasts from explosives in the field. Future studies aim to calibrate the color change to the intensity of exposure to provide an immediate read on the potential harm to the brain and the subsequent need for medical intervention. Sat, 04 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101129121121.htm
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