New York University

Tiny nano-robots have been developed that can grab tiny snippets of DNA and assemble them into new nano-machines – including copies of themselves

Robotics

DNA-folding nanorobots can manufacture limitless copies of themselves

Researchers have demonstrated a programmable nano-scale robot, made from a few strands of DNA, that's capable of grabbing other snippets of DNA, and positioning them together to manufacture new UV-welded nano-machines – including copies of itself.

A new thin film captures blue photons from sunlight and converts them into red ones that silicon solar cells can use to produce electricity

Energy

Film captures wasted wavelengths of light to boost solar cell efficiency

Solar cells still have plenty of room for improvement. Researchers at New York University Tandon have now developed thin film that boosts solar cell efficiency by converting wasted wavelengths of light into ones that can produce energy.

Solo 8 takes its name from having eight actuated joints – although a version with 12 joints has also been created

Robotics

Budget quadruped robot designed to boost robotics research

As many of you may have just read, Boston Dynamics' Spot quadruped robot is now commercially available – for a cool US$75,000. If that's a little outside of your budget, then you might be more interested in the much cheaper open-source Solo 8.

A traditional smartphone keypad, which shows the same configuration of numbers to all observers

Good Thinking

Optical illusion may protect your PIN

That person who's waiting behind you while you're using an ATM … are they peeking at the keypad as you enter your PIN? Well, even if they are, a new technology could thwart them – it displays the number keys in a different arrangement, depending on the distance from which it's being viewed.

Games

Want to drive better? Play these types of video games, says new study

Researchers from New York University Shanghai and the University of Hong Kong discovered that playing action-based video games can strengthen a person's visual motor skills and possibly improve real-world skills such as driving.

A new probabilistic artificial intelligence algorithm is displaying the remarkable ability to learn complex visual concepts in a single shot and manipulate them in ways that are indistinguishable from humans

Computing

New algorithm helps machines learn as quickly as humans

A new probabilistic artificial intelligence algorithm is displaying the remarkable ability to learn complex visual concepts in a single shot and manipulate them in ways that are indistinguishable from humans.

The new lightweight metal matrix foam floating in a beaker of water

Materials

Lightweight metal composite floats on water

Researchers from Deep Springs Technology (DST) and the New York University Polytechnic School of Engineering have created a new metal matrix composite that is so light it can float on water, while also boasting properties that would make it suitable for use in automobile components.

New York University's flying jellyfish (Photo: Leif Ristroph)

Aircraft

Prototype "flying jellyfish" takes to the air

What could be better than a jellyfish-inspired machine that swims underwater? Well, how about one that flies in the air? A group of scientists from New York University have created just such a contraption, and it could have big implications for tiny flying robots.

A team of researchers are developing inexpensive, light-weight, long-lasting aluminum ceramic brake rotors for everyday cars

Automotive

Tough, light, inexpensive composite brake rotors could make their way to regular cars

A team of researchers are developing inexpensive, light-weight, long-lasting aluminum ceramic brake rotors for everyday cars.