Category: Engineering

Q&A: New physical model aims to boost energy storage research Engineers rely on computational tools to develop new energy storage technologies, which are critical for capitalizing on sustainable energy sources and powering electric vehicles and other devices. Researchers have now developed a new classical physics model that captures one of the most complex aspects of…

Overtaking the odds: Do passing zones make rural roads safer? The frustration of getting stuck behind a slow vehicle on a remote road is all too familiar to drivers in Pennsylvania, where rural roads make up about 60% of highways. One of the roadway features that addresses this issue are passing zones—dotted sections of two-lane…

This smarter sound shield blocks more noise without blocking air A new breakthrough from the Zhang Lab at Boston University is making waves in the world of sound control. Go to techxplore

Computers reconstruct 3D environments from 2D photos in a fraction of the time Imagine trying to make an accurate three-dimensional model of a building using only pictures taken from different angles—but you’re not sure where or how far away all the cameras were. Our big human brains can fill in a lot of those details,…

Simple algorithm uses electron microscopy to predict lithium battery failure risk Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a simple yet powerful method to characterize lithium metal battery performance with the help of a widely used imaging tool: scanning electron microscopy. The advance could accelerate the development of safer, longer-lasting and more…

Flexible optoelectronic device with minimal defects fabricated at just 90°C Dr. Jung-Dae Kwon’s research team at the Energy & Environmental Materials Research Division of the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) has successfully developed an amorphous silicon optoelectronic device with minimal defects, even using a low-temperature process at 90°C. The findings are published in the…

Physicist patents quantum computing enhancement method Quantum computers can solve complex problems in seconds—problems that would take thousands of years for today’s most powerful traditional computers. This makes them especially promising for data-intensive applications such as those in drug development, machine learning, genetic sequencing, and climate modeling. Go to techxplore

Good vibrations: Scientists use imaging technology to visualize heat Most people envision vibration on a large scale, like the buzz of a cell phone notification or the oscillation of an electric toothbrush. But scientists think about vibration on a smaller scale—atomic, even. Go to techxplore

Design strategies for reshaping stability and sustainability of perovskite solar cells A research team from the School of Engineering (SENG) at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has introduced comprehensive bio-inspired multiscale design strategies to address key challenges in the commercialization of perovskite solar cells: long-term operational stability. Drawing inspiration from natural…

Stainless-steel component boosts bacteria-based biobattery Engineering innovations generally require long hours in the lab, with a lot of trial and error through experimentation before zeroing in on the best solution. Go to techxplore

3D-printed steel capsules endure nuclear reactor testing The Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory set a new milestone in nuclear component innovation, successfully testing two 3D-printed stainless steel experimental capsules at the lab’s High Flux Isotope Reactor, or HFIR. Go to techxplore

PhaseFieldX: An open-source tool for simulating material fracture and fatigue The Python package PhaseFieldX, developed by researcher Miguel Castillón at IMDEA Materials Institute, has been published in the Journal of Open Source Software (JOSS) in a paper titled “PhaseFieldX: An Open-Source Framework for Advanced Phase-Field Simulations.” Go to techxplore

Built-in smart sensors can prevent lithium-ion battery fires before they start New smart sensors can help detect dangerous internal failures in lithium-ion batteries before they escalate into fires or explosions, say researchers from the University of Surrey. Lithium-ion batteries are at the heart of the global shift to electric vehicles and renewable energy—but when they…

From 0 to 100 in 12 minutes—roadmap for lithium–sulfur batteries Grab a coffee and your car is fully charged—this is how many people envision the future of mobility. But today’s batteries still fall short of this ideal. While modern lithium–ion batteries can charge from 20% to 80% in about 20 to 30 minutes, a full…

Eco-friendly method enhances perovskite solar cell quality using camphor-based additive A recent study demonstrates how a substance derived from camphor, a natural extract from the camphor tree, can significantly improve the quality of perovskite thin films used in solar cells. This material’s sublimation property—its ability to transition directly from solid to gas without leaving residues—has…

Low-cost method can remove CO₂ from air using cold temperatures and common materials Researchers at Georgia Tech’s School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (ChBE) have developed a promising approach for removing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere to help mitigate global warming. Go to techxplore

Mass timber could elevate hospital construction: Study shows engineered wood is more microbe-resistant than plastic Picture a hospital and you might imagine concrete, stainless steel or plastic. But University of Oregon researchers hope to make wood—often overlooked in health care facilities—more commonplace in those settings. Go to techxplore

Predictive model uses pressure data to help reduce water leaks in pipes Water is a resource essential for life, as valuable as it is limited. For this reason, and especially in contexts of water scarcity, preventing it from being wasted is a key objective for those who are responsible for transporting it from catchment sources—reservoirs,…

3D-printed magnetoelastic smart pen may help diagnose Parkinson’s Every year, tens of thousands of people with signs of Parkinson’s disease go unnoticed until the incurable neurodegenerative condition has already progressed. Go to techxplore

Space-based experiments show wax-filled heat sinks keep electronics cooler for longer An interdisciplinary research team including mechanical science and engineering professor Mickey Clemon from the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is investigating cooling methods for heat sinks by performing experiments onboard a satellite currently orbiting Earth. Go to techxplore

NASA advances pressure-sensitive paint research capability Many of us grew up using paint-by-number sets to create beautiful color pictures. Go to techxplore

ReSURF: Stretchable, self-healing water quality sensor enables ultrafast surveillance Clean, safe water is vital for human health and well-being. It also plays a critical role in our food security, supports high-tech industries, and enables sustainable urbanization. However, detecting contamination quickly and accurately remains a major challenge in many parts of the world. Go to techxplore

Faster topology optimization: An emerging industrial design technique gets a speed boost With the rise of 3D printing and other advanced manufacturing methods, engineers can now build structures that were once impossible to fabricate. An emerging design strategy that takes full advantage of these new capabilities is topology optimization—a computer-driven technique that determines the most…

Tough fuel cell can stabilize power grid by making and storing energy in extreme industrial conditions To build a modern-day electrical grid with the flexibility and resilience to handle ebbing and flowing energy sources like solar and wind power, West Virginia University engineers have designed and successfully tested a fuel cell that can switch between…

Reducing energy consumption with phase change materials Water has proven its value as a heat carrier, for example, when it comes to transferring heat from a boiler to a radiator or keeping cooling ceilings chilled. But there is a new contender on the scene: In the Optimus project, researchers at Fraunhofer ISE in Freiburg are…

Stealthy ship hull cuts through waves like butter Borrowing from drug-smuggling subs, Michigan engineers are helping the Navy design autonomous ships that blend in with the ocean surface. Go to techxplore

From responding to thinking ahead: Bringing energy and spatial planning together For an effective energy transition, we need to think not only about how we generate sustainable energy, but also about the spatial consequences of those choices. After all, wind turbines, solar parks and the associated infrastructure also have to be built somewhere. This is…

A trio of studies could help Puerto Rico’s energy system weather future storms When Hurricane Fiona struck Puerto Rico in 2022, it exposed the vulnerabilities of the island’s energy infrastructure. Though only a Category 1 storm, Fiona caused a total blackout across the island, leaving residents without power for days to weeks with far-reaching health,…

A deeper look at hidden damage: Nano-CT imaging maps internal battery degradation The minerals that power lithium-ion batteries—including lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite—are both highly valuable and difficult to come by. Go to techxplore

A framework for realizing a microscopic, highly precise and energy-efficient quantum clock Over the past decades, physicists have been trying to develop increasingly sophisticated and precise clocks to reliably measure the duration of physical processes that unfold over very short periods of time, helping to validate various theoretical predictions. These include so-called quantum clocks, timekeeping…

Predicting post-disaster waste disposal times to improve resilience to tsunamis and earthquakes Tsunamis and earthquakes pose devastating threats to coastal communities worldwide. However, beyond the immediate destructive power of these events, the negative impact of the disaster waste they produce is sometimes overlooked. Go to techxplore

Evaporative cooling tech could curb data centers’ rising energy demands Engineers at the University of California San Diego have developed a new cooling technology that could significantly improve the energy efficiency of data centers and high-powered electronics. The technology features a specially engineered fiber membrane that passively removes heat through evaporation. It offers a promising…

Choir singers help researchers design quieter airplanes As the beautiful harmonies of the Century Singers echo through the hallway, dozens of microphones pick up the sound of their voices—while software tracks each note. This may not sound like a typical aerospace engineering experiment, but the results may improve commercial and military airplanes. Go to techxplore

Starch-based aerogel material improves anti-concussion headgear Researchers have developed a wearable material that may help dramatically reduce the risk of a concussion, suggests a new study. Go to techxplore

Mushrooms’ microscopic filaments provide a blueprint for better materials Fungi have been around for many millions of years, with the incremental process of evolution honing and improving their survival skills through the millennia. Go to techxplore

Carbon capture method mines cement ingredients from the air University of Michigan chemist Charles McCrory and his research group, along with Jesús Velázquez’s lab at the University of California, Davis and Anastassia Alexandrova’s lab at the University of California, Los Angeles, have developed a method to capture carbon dioxide and turn it into metal oxalates,…

New technologies help wood-burning stoves burn more efficiently, produce less smoke Oregon State University researchers are gaining a more detailed understanding of emissions from wood-burning stoves and developing technologies that allow stoves to operate much more cleanly and safely, potentially limiting particulate matter pollution by 95%. Go to techxplore

An active optical intensity interferometry scheme enables synthetic aperture imaging from over a kilometer away Intensity interferometry is a promising technique that enables the precise measurement of spatial properties (i.e., distances, shapes and light properties) by probing fluctuations in the intensity (i.e., brightness) of light, as opposed to the exact timing and phase of light…

Just 2% of tidal and offshore solar energy could make a dent in carbon dioxide emissions Harnessing just 2% of the energy potential from tidal and offshore solar sources could make a significant dent in global CO2 emissions, new research has found. Go to techxplore

Sustainable, low-cost batteries for the electric vehicles of tomorrow At a time when electrified vehicles and stationary energy storage play key roles in the climate-neutral future of the energy sector, sustainable production of lithium-ion batteries is essential. A team of researchers headed by Benjamin Schumm, Holger Althues and Stefan Kaskel has developed DRYtraec (dry transfer…

New method enables sustainable recycling of rare earths from electrolyzers Hydrogen electrolysis cells contain rare earth metals. Once an electrolysis cell has done its job, the materials used in it currently end up as scrap steel. A research team at TU Bergakademie Freiberg is now investigating how the recyclable materials can be recovered from used…

AI stirs up the optimal recipe for sustainable concrete For weeks, the whiteboard in the lab was crowded with scribbles, diagrams, and chemical formulas. A research team across the Olivetti Group and the MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub (CSHub) was working intensely on a key problem: How can we reduce the amount of cement in concrete…

New prospects for green ammonia: Study provides blueprint for load-flexible production plant Converting ammonia production to a low-emission process is one of the major challenges in the fight against climate change. Ammonia, one of the most widely produced chemicals worldwide, is essential for the fertilizer industry and, in turn, the production of plant-based foods. However,…

Textile engineer develops 3D-printed material to boost mobility in protective clothing A textile engineer at Heriot-Watt University has developed a new material to boost flexibility and comfort of personal protective equipment (PPE). Go to techxplore

Next-generation materials offer integrated solutions to water treatment challenges The water we use every day is purified in wastewater treatment plants and discharged into rivers, and in recent years, the reuse of treated water for domestic and industrial use has been expanding to solve the water shortage problem. Go to techxplore

AI-augmented models improve chemical grouting predictions in complex soils Soil liquefaction—the process where saturated soil loses its structure and transforms to a fluid-like state—can have devastating outcomes, as evidenced by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Large-scale liquefaction during this disaster damaged thousands of houses in the Tokyo Bay area, posing a formidable challenge…

Ultra-thin protective coating boosts cadmium telluride solar cell performance by 13% An NYU Tandon-led research team has developed a novel technique to significantly enhance the performance of cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells. Unlike conventional silicon panels that use thick layers of silicon, these solar cells use a simpler, less expensive approach—depositing an ultra-thin layer of…

Dehydration warning at your fingertips: Touchscreen tech tracks body water levels The holy month of Ramadan is a sacred time when millions of Muslims around the world embark on a profound spiritual journey of fasting, prayer, and reflection. But it is also a time when many face serious health risks, as going without food or…

Novel elastic alloy achieves 20x temperature change and 90% Carnot efficiency in solid-state heat pumping Researchers at the School of Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed a novel elastic alloy called Ti78Nb22, which achieves remarkable efficiency for solid-state heat pumping and exhibits a reversible temperature change (ΔT) ability…

Proposed wave energy park could generate power while shielding Portuguese coastline A study by researchers from the Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR) and the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) analyzes the potential and feasibility of a wave energy converter park off the coast of Esposende, Portugal, with the…

Golden Dome: An aerospace engineer explains the proposed nationwide missile defense system President Donald Trump announced a plan to build a missile defense system, called the Golden Dome, on May 20, 2025. The system is intended to protect the United States from ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missiles, and missiles launched from space. Go to techxplore

Property owners urged to take action as study reveals overlooked flood risks The risk of heavy rainfall and severe flooding increases with climate change. But property owners—regardless of size—often underestimate their own responsibility and are unaware of what preventive measures they can take themselves. In a new scientific article, researchers from Linköping University, Sweden, show…

A new approach could fractionate crude oil using much less energy Separating crude oil into products such as gasoline, diesel, and heating oil is an energy-intensive process that accounts for about 6% of the world’s CO2 emissions. Most of that energy goes into the heat needed to separate the components by their boiling point. Go…

Metal fleeces boost battery energy density by enabling thicker, faster-charging electrodes Batteries are becoming more and more powerful. A discovery by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research in Heidelberg could now give them a significant energy boost. Go to techxplore

New metamaterial enables remote movement of objects underwater using sound Sound can do more than just provide a nice beat. Sound waves have been used for everything from mapping the seafloor to breaking apart kidney stones. Thanks to a unique material structure, researchers can now move and position objects underwater without ever touching them directly.…

Determining building risks associated with land subsidence in the Netherlands A new modeling technique discussed in the International Journal of Masonry Research and Innovation shows how building risks associated with land subsidence in The Netherlands can be determined. Go to techxplore

A new strategy to fabricate highly performing thin-film tin perovskite transistors Tin-halide perovskites, a class of tin-based materials with a characteristic crystal structure that resembles that of the compound calcium titanate, could be promising alternatives to commonly used semiconductors. Past studies have explored the possibility of using these materials to fabricate p-channel thin-film transistors (TFTs),…

Metrology matters: The hidden science driving the green and digital transition Often overlooked, metrology—the science of measurement—underpins countless aspects of daily life, from accurately telling the time to ensuring the security of digital communications. Go to techxplore

Clean power surge needed: China’s 2035 climate plan must aim high China will need to generate more than half of its power from wind and solar by 2035 to align with global climate goals, according to new research led by the University of California San Diego. The study offers timely recommendations to meet the country’s…

Simple heating step boosts pressure sensitivity in semiconductor materials eightfold Stronger cell phone signals, more accurate sensors and cleaner energy may be achieved by adding a simple step to the industrial fabrication process of certain semiconductor materials, documented in a recent study led by engineering researchers at the University of Michigan. Go to techxplore

Formula studied for a type of grout capable of ‘self-repairing’ cracks in large buildings Grout is a mixture commonly used to fill joints between tiles in small domestic projects, and usually features a simple composition of water, cement and sand. However, this is not its only application: in structures that are designed to support heavy…

Scalable, low-maintenance design recycles heat for a steady supply of drinking water off-grid Fresh drinking water is a vital yet limited resource that will only grow scarcer over the next few years, according to the World Resources Institute. Desalination, the process of removing salt from water, is an established method used to increase the fresh…

Optimizing the recovery of rare earth elements As demand for rare earth elements increases, the United States is strengthening its domestic supply chain. Ana Inés Torres is working to identify economical processes that will minimize environmental impacts. Go to techxplore

Sidewalks, crosswalks and lighting reduce crashes more effectively than fixed geometric road design attributes: Study Road traffic crashes remain a significant global issue, with more than 1.19 million fatalities and millions more injured annually. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a target to halve these deaths and injuries by 2030, emphasizing the need for…

Bringing the outdoors in: Architecture that nurtures our connection with nature EU researchers are exploring the role of architecture in designing living spaces that harness the healing power of nature to improve the health and well-being of urban populations. Go to techxplore

Scientists develop next-gen energy storage technologies that enable high power and capacity simultaneously A research team has developed a high-performance supercapacitor that is expected to become the next generation of energy storage devices. With details published in the journal Composites Part B: Engineering, the technology developed by the researchers overcomes the limitations of existing supercapacitors…

Simple changes in brick kilns cut emissions and improve air quality in Bangladesh Brick manufacturing is a central component of the economy in South Asia, but also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, as the practice releases carbon dioxide (CO2), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and other contaminants into the environment. Go…

A printable aluminum alloy system can balance strength and cost in the automotive industry Aluminum alloys are widely used in transportation applications because of their high strength-to-weight ratio, as well as their affordability. However, challenges arise when using them in extremely high-strength and high-temperature applications, particularly in components such as pistons of combustion engines, fan…

From action movies to urban planning, new method for creating large 3D models of urban areas is faster and cheaper A research team led by Waterloo Engineering has developed a faster, cheaper way to create large-scale, three-dimensional (3D) computer models of urban areas, technology that could impact fields including urban planning, architectural design and filmmaking.…

Researchers publish critical analysis of review articles on energy-saving materials Nazarbayev University’s School of Engineering and Digital Sciences (NU SEDS) researchers have published a first-of-its-kind critical review of review articles on phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage in buildings. The article was featured in Applied Energy. Go to techxplore

Sensor-based waste sorting reduces number of battery fires in recycling plants An increasing amount of electronic waste is not being properly disposed of but is often discarded together with plastic waste, for example. If the batteries in these products are damaged, they can cause fires at sorting plants. In the DangerSort project, researchers at the…

New method quickly assesses underwater landslide risk for offshore turbines Heriot-Watt researchers have developed an advanced simulation tool that accurately predicts underwater landslides caused by offshore wind turbines. Go to techxplore

Discovery of extended slip bands reshapes understanding of material deformation under stress University of California, Irvine scientists have expanded on a longstanding model governing the mechanics behind slip banding, a process that produces strain marks in metals under compression, gaining a new understanding of the behavior of advanced materials critical to energy systems, space exploration…

Algorithms provide optimized radiation-shielding design solutions for new types of nuclear reactors The research team (NEAL) from the University of South China has made significant progress in nuclear reactor radiation-shielding design. The team has developed a radiation-shielding optimization method (RP-NSGA and RP-MOABC) based on a reference-point-selection strategy, which efficiently solves many-objective optimization problems in radiation-shielding…

Prevention instead of reaction: Intelligent, networked systems for structural monitoring The safety and durability of transport and building infrastructure are in the interests of both operators and users. To maintain the best possible building condition at the lowest possible cost, effective monitoring is required to improve condition assessment. Go to techxplore

Rapid lithium extraction eliminates use of acid and high heat, scientists report Lightweight lithium metal is a heavy-hitting critical mineral, serving as the key ingredient in the rechargeable batteries that power phones, laptops, electric vehicles and more. As ubiquitous as lithium is in modern technology, extracting the metal is complex and expensive. A new method,…

1200 V GaN switch enables bidirectional current flow with integrated free-wheeling diodes Technological innovations in power electronics are not only essential for the success of the energy transition, they also provide sustainable support for economic development in Europe. The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF develops power electronic components based on the wide-bandgap…

Synchrotron in a closet: Bringing powerful 3D X-ray microscopy to smaller labs For the first time, researchers can study the microstructures inside metals, ceramics and rocks with X-rays in a standard laboratory without needing to travel to a particle accelerator, according to a study led by University of Michigan engineers. Go to techxplore

Smart surfaces could represent a powerless solution to multipath signal interference The evolution of wireless communications and the miniaturization of electrical circuits have fundamentally reshaped our lives and the digital landscape. However, as we push toward higher-frequency communications in an increasingly connected world, engineers face growing challenges from multipath propagation—a phenomenon where the same radio…

Cutting the complexity from digital carpentry: System turns simple sketches into digital schematics Many products in the modern world are in some way fabricated using computer numerical control (CNC) machines, which use computers to automate machine operations in manufacturing. While simple in concept, the ways to instruct these machines is, in reality, often complex. Go…

Combining electrical and force signals boosts prosthetic hand accuracy Combining two different kinds of signals could help engineers build prosthetic limbs that better reproduce natural movements, according to a new study from the University of California, Davis. The work, published April 10 in PLOS One, shows that a combination of electromyography and force myography is…

‘Cold’ manufacturing approach solves fabrication challenge for solid-state batteries Lithium-ion batteries have been a staple in device manufacturing for years, but the liquid electrolytes they rely on to function are quite unstable, leading to fire hazards and safety concerns. Now, researchers at Penn State are pursuing a reliable alternative energy storage solution for use in…

Agrivoltaics study reveals potential solution to land competition between agriculture and solar energy Can agriculture and solar energy work together instead of competing? A study led by Maddalena Curioni, Nikolas Galli, Giampaolo Manzolini and Maria Cristina Rulli, researchers in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Department of Energy at the Politecnico di…

Embedded smart trackers boost security for radioactive shipments Every day, cancer patients visit medical facilities for treatments to lessen or alleviate the destructive illness. Treatments often include radioisotopes and other radioactive materials that target and destroy cancer cells effectively. Go to techxplore

NASA calibrates second shock-sensing probe for X-59 testing When you’re testing a cutting-edge NASA aircraft, you need specialized tools to conduct tests and capture data—but if those tools need maintenance, you need to wait until they’re fixed. Unless you have a backup. That’s why NASA recently calibrated a new shock-sensing probe to capture shock wave…

Eco-voxels: Researchers pioneer reconfigurable building blocks for Earth and off-world construction For centuries, innovations in structural materials have prioritized strength and durability—often at a steep environmental price. Today, the construction industry accounts for approximately 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with cement, steel, and concrete responsible for more than two-thirds of that total. As the…

What keeps alternating current in sync when large power generators go offline? In the future, Europe is to be dominantly powered by renewable energy. The expansion of wind and solar power capacity and the provision of sufficient power in winter are just two of the challenges that this presents. Go to techxplore

Scientists discover pioneering technique to accelerate accurate quantum measurements Researchers have developed a new way to speed up quantum measurements, a vital building block for the next generation of quantum technologies. Go to techxplore

‘Hyperadaptor’ alloy with stable properties stands strong across extreme temperatures A research team at POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) has developed a new alloy that maintains its strength and ductility across extreme temperatures ranging from –196 °C to 600 °C. The findings, which have drawn attention from the aerospace and automotive industries, were…

Stainless steel strengthened: Twisting technique creates submicron ‘anti-crash wall’ A combined team of metallurgists, materials scientists and engineers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shandong University and the Georgia Institute of Technology has developed a way to make stainless steel more resistant to metal fatigue. In their study published in the journal Science, the group…

Researchers unveil nearly invisible brain-computer interface Georgia Tech researchers have developed an almost imperceptible microstructure brain sensor to be inserted into the minuscule spaces between hair follicles and slightly under the skin. The sensor offers high-fidelity signals and makes the continuous use of brain-computer interfaces (BCI) in everyday life possible. Go to techxplore

Taking the heat off: Smarter cooling technology tackles climate challenge EU researchers are developing a smarter system of sustainable cooling, replacing toxic refrigerants with safer, more efficient, and recyclable metals. Go to techxplore

Augmented reality improves carpentry ease and precision A system developed at EPFL uses augmented reality (AR) to help carpenters make extremely precise timber cuts without having to measure or mark up beams. Its hybrid approach stands to make digitally assisted technology affordable for small businesses, woodworkers and construction professionals in developing countries. Go to techxplore

Ultra-thin cooling solution for mobile devices unlocks slimmer, high-performance technology Scientists from Nagoya University in Japan have developed an innovative cooling device—an ultra-thin loop heat pipe—that significantly improves heat control for electronic components in smartphones and tablets. This breakthrough successfully manages heat levels generated during intensive smartphone usage, potentially enabling the development of even thinner…

Simultaneously burying broadband and electricity could save small towns big money When it comes to upgrading electrical and broadband infrastructure, new research from the University of Massachusetts Amherst shows that a “dig once” approach is nearly 40% more cost effective than replacing them separately. Go to techxplore

Spray drying tech used in instant coffee applied to high-capacity battery production The Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) and the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) have jointly developed spray drying technology-based high-performance dry electrode manufacturing technology for the realization of high-capacity secondary batteries. The study is published in the Chemical Engineering Journal. Go to…

‘No-splash’ urinal design could prevent 1 million liters of urine spillage daily A urinal designed to avoid urine splashback on the user and the floor will improve sanitation, bathroom cleanliness, and user experience. Go to techxplore

Details on material composition now available for Germany’s entire building stock could promote sustainability The construction sector is one of the world’s biggest polluters. It is responsible for the enormous consumption of natural resources and the emission of large quantities of greenhouse gases. At the same time, it generates many tons of construction waste. If…

Rare crystal shape found to increase the strength of 3D-printed metal Andrew Iams saw something strange while looking through his electron microscope. He was examining a sliver of a new aluminum alloy at the atomic scale, searching for the key to its strength, when he noticed that the atoms were arranged in an extremely unusual…

Single-atom catalysts transform hydrogenation, improving food and fuel production A chemical reaction that’s vital to a range of commercial and industrial goods may soon be initiated more effectively and less expensively thanks to a collaboration that included Oregon State University College of Engineering researchers. Go to techxplore