Researchers have developed a hydrogel which is more than 90 per cent water and able to adhere to slippery surfaces with the strength of tendon adhering to bone. They believe the gel will be ideal for protective coatings on underwater surfaces, such as boats, oil rigs, and submarines. The hydrogel is able to stick to glass, silicon, […]
Tag: engineering
Leaky pipes can lead to water contamination
Underground water pipes can not only leak water but in certain circumstances suck in surrounding and potentially contaminated water. New research shows that while pressure in water mains typically forces water out through the leaks, when the pressure drops, pipes start to suck in groundwater. Any contaminants can then travel throughout the water main network. […]
‘Electron-rich’ nanoparticles advance solar technology
Researchers have created a new breed of nanoparticle that could lead to cheaper and more efficient solar cells. Quantum dot solar cells are built using semiconducting nanoparticles that could be mixed into ink and printed in ordinary printers, greatly reducing the cost. Like traditional solar cells, they rely on two types of semiconductor materials: one […]
Is there a place for climate engineering?
While there is no substitute for lowering our emissions, some climate engineering approaches are more promising than others, according to a new analysis. Climate engineering refers to strategies that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and/or reduce solar input, as opposed to preventing new emissions. Researchers from a variety of disciplines developed criteria to rank such […]
Researchers create artificial shark skin
A new ultra-realistic 3D model of shark skin could help humans mimic its speed-boosting properties. Researchers used micro-CT scanners to create a detailed computer model of the skin of a mako shark – which is covered in tooth-like scales called denticles – and then printed their own version using a 3D printer. Experiments showed that the […]
