New Atlas

Science Audio available

Cell-herding ultrasound developed for better bioprinting

Ben Coxworth April 11, 2019

We've been hearing a lot lately about how living cells can be combined with polymer gels, the mix then being 3D-printed to create biological tissue for use in transplants or experimentation. Such material could soon be getting even more like the real thing, thanks to new ultrasound tech.

A human meniscus created via ultrasound-assisted biofabrication

Materials

Hybrid fiber combines strength of metal and elasticity of rubber

Ben Coxworth February 25, 2019

Metal fibers are strong, but can't be stretched very far. Rubber fibers are stretchy, but they're not very strong. Well, scientists have combined the selling points of both materials into one type of hybrid fiber. It could be used in applications such as soft robotics.

A sample of the fiber is stretched in the lab – the silver sections are the ...

Materials Audio available

Superfast laser pulses convert carbon nanofibers to diamond at room temperature

Michael Irving January 24, 2019

Diamond is a useful material, but its relative rarity on Earth makes it difficult to get. Now, researchers at NCSU have demonstrated a new way to convert carbon nanofibers and nanotubes into diamond fibers that can be performed in a lab more easily than existing techniques.

A new technique for converting carbon nanofibers and nanotubes into diamond fibers can be done at ...

Robotics

3D printed, magnetic mesh "robots" float, bend and grab on demand

Michael Irving January 23, 2019

When you imagine robots, you probably aren’t picturing stretchy meshes that can float on water, but that’s exactly what researchers have developed. These soft structures are 3D printed and embedded with magnetic particles that let them stretch and compress to pick up and move small objects.

This claw robot can retract when a magnetic field is switched on

Biology Audio available

Prehistoric shark had video-game teeth

Ben Coxworth January 21, 2019

"Sue" is the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever found. Although the fossilized bones were unearthed 20 years ago, scientists recently discovered the remains of a previously-unknown shark that co-existed along with the dinosaur – and the fish has been named after a classic video game.

Galagadon nordquisti likely lay on the riverbed, feeding on invertebrates

Environment

Scientists track sharks with everyday drones

James Holloway November 28, 2018

Small consumer drones can be used to detect and monitor big sea animals in shallow waters, according to new research from North Carolina State University. The team has shown that a quadcopter drone can be an easy means to collect reliable data.

Enie Hensel launches a DJI Phantom Vision+ 2 to observe marine fauna

Automotive

Radically smaller, more efficient and perhaps faster EV charger may be on its way

Ben Coxworth October 4, 2018

Chargers for electric vehicles could be getting much smaller and more energy-efficient, if technology developed by scientists at North Carolina State University reaches consumers. The system may also allow for considerably quicker charging times.

The medium voltage fast charger (seen here) is claimed to waste over 60 percent less power ...

Medical

Nanospheres may provide alternative to heart-attack surgery

Ben Coxworth August 9, 2018

When a clot blocks a blood vessel in the heart, a heart attack is the unfortunate result. Frequently, surgery is required in order to remove that clot. Thanks to an experimental new drug-delivery system, however, that approach may become increasingly unnecessary.

The drug-containing nanospheres could be injected into the bloodstream of heart attack patients

Medical

Synthetic molecule super-effective against superbugs

Michael Irving June 1, 2018

Bacteria are evolving resistance to our best antibiotics at an alarming rate, so developing new ones is a crucial area of study. Inspired by a natural molecule, researchers at NC State University have synthesized a new compound that shows promising antibacterial properties against resistant bugs.

Researchers have developed a new molecule that shows great potential in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Drones

EagleRay amphibious fixed-wing drone is at home in sea or sky

Michael Irving February 14, 2018

We’re increasingly seeing drones that cross over between sea and sky. Now engineers from North Carolina State University have developed the EagleRay XAV, an amphibious fixed-wing drone that can fly above or dive below the waves as needed.

The EagleRay XAV is an amphibious fixed-wing drone that can fly or swim as needed