New Atlas

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MIT punches out cell-sized robots made of graphene

Michael Irving October 23, 2018

MIT engineers recently managed to create cell-sized robots that could collect data about their environment, but were a little tricky to manufacture. Now, the team has found a way to mass produce these synthetic cells (syncells) through controlled fracturing of graphene.

MIT researchers have developed a technique to mass produce cell-sized robots out of graphene

Science

Self-powered sensor could monitor joint-surgery patients

Ben Coxworth August 28, 2018

When someone is recovering from joint surgery, it's important for doctors to monitor factors such as their range of motion. A new self-powered sensor could make doing so easier than ever, by wirelessly transmitting movement data from an orthopedic brace on that joint.

The device incorporates magnets, along with polymers that create a triboelectric effect when rubbed together

Medical

New MIT system wirelessly powers medical implants using radio waves

Rich Haridy June 4, 2018

Traditional batteries are large, contain toxic chemicals, and need to be periodically replaced, meaning they're not ideal for powering medical implants. But new research from MIT and Brigham and Women’s Hospital has demonstrated a new way to power implanted devices using radio waves.

Medical

Genetically engineered bacteria lets ingestible sensor monitor gut health

Rich Haridy May 24, 2018

A team of researchers at MIT has produced a new system that combines engineered bacteria that can detect intestinal bleeding with an ingestible electronic circuit that can wirelessly send a signal to a computer.

Bacteria engineered to detect specific molecules are placed in four wells on the custom-designed sensor, which ...

Science

Fresh coat of conductive paint turns walls into interactive sensors

Nick Lavars April 24, 2018

If these walls could talk. A new treatment that smartens up walls might not be about to give your bedroom a voice, but it could give it the ability to track your movements and your use of electronics, thanks to a special electrode-laden coating that turns them into interactive surfaces.

Researchers at CMU and Disney Research have come up with a way to turn regular dumb ...

Automotive

Laser system may let autonomous vehicles see around corners

Michael Irving March 5, 2018

Autonomous vehicles are getting better at sensing their surroundings, but even they still need to be able to directly see a hazard to react to it. Now, a Stanford team is developing a laser-based system that may allow driverless cars to see around blind corners.

Stanford researchers David Lindell (left) and Matt O’Toole work on a laser-based system that can detect ...

Medical

Stretchable throat sensor a "game-changer" in stroke treatment

James Holloway February 21, 2018

We've seen all sorts of innovations to help rehabilitate stroke patients, from Nintendo Wii games to stem cell treatments. Now, a team of researchers has come up with a band-aid-like sensor, worn on the throat, which tracks vital information to send wirelessly to a doctor.

The sensor can measure heart activity, muscle movement, sleep quality, swallowing ability, and patterns of speech

Electronics

Flexible, sensor-packed e-skin can be healed when damaged and recycled when no longer needed

Paul Ridden February 12, 2018

Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder have developed an electronic skin embedded with a host of sensors that can be bent and twisted to custom fit its owner. If it gets damaged, the e-skin can be healed, and it can be completely recycled at the end of its useful life.

The electronic skin is described as malleable, can be healed when cut and is fully recyclable

Science

Gut gases measured by ingestible capsule reveal entirely new immune mechanism

Rich Haridy January 8, 2018

An innovative ingestible capsule, designed to measure gases inside the gut, has just passed phase one human trials. The swallowable sensor could reframe how gastrointestinal disorders are diagnosed as well as offering a new insight into the activity of crucial bacteria in our gut microbiome.

These swallowable capsules will allow doctors the ability to measure gas levels inside a patient's stomach ...

Materials

Magnetic "nerves" to let vehicles sense damage

Michael Irving December 13, 2017

Imagine if your car could feel pain and alert you when it takes damage. The US Army is funding research to make that a reality, with vehicles outfitted with a smart material that senses damage the way nerves sense pain, relaying a damage report to help with maintenance and repairs.

Clemson University researchers with a sample of their new smart material, which could act as damage ...