Worcester Polytechnic Institute

We have seen some interesting developments around what's known as self-healing concrete that repairs its own cracks, and scientists have now demonstrated an exciting new form of this that makes use of an enzyme found in human blood.

In order to monitor a sick infant's blood oxygen levels, the baby typically has to wear sensors that are hard-wired to a large bedside device. Soon, however, a wireless optical sensor could free such infants up, even allowing them to be taken home.

Students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) are helping to combat a major environmental threat by designing an autonomous underwater robot that can hunt for invasive lionfish without the need for a human operator.

A team of mechanical engineers at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute is working on a new electrical cooling system that has no moving parts. Already being tested aboard the International Space Station, the electrohydrodynamic cooler uses electrically charged fluids to carry away heat.

When performing in vitro fertilization, it's important to use the "best" sperm possible. And while there are already sorting methods that select the fastest-swimming sperm, a new microfluidic device also ensures that they're the healthiest.

When 18 malaria patients in the Congo failed to respond to conventional treatments, doctors knew they had to act fast – and try something different. So instead of turning to more synthetic drugs, they turned instead to nature and found a solution that delivered remarkable results.