Brown University

Novel Brain Stimulation Approach Treats Severe Depression

Patients are awake during surgery as electrical leads are implanted in their brain. This procedure uses a first-of-its-kind approach that incorporates intracranial electroencephalography (EEG) recordings and stimulation to personalize the understanding of network behavior in the brain during a depressive state and its response to the DBS device.

Molecular Glue Makes Perovskite Solar Cells More Reliable Over Time

In a study that could help to bring inexpensive, efficient perovskite solar cells one step closer to commercial use, researchers found a way to strengthen a key weak point in the cells, dramatically increasing their functional life.

First Human Use of High Bandwidth Wireless Brain Computer Interface

Brain-computer interfaces are an emerging assistive technology, enabling people with paralysis to type on computer screens or manipulate robotic prostheses just by thinking about moving their own bodies. For years, investigational BCIs used in clinical trials have required cables to connect the sensing array in the brain to computers that decode the signals and use them to drive external devices.

New Graphene Nanochannel Water Filters

Researchers have shown that tiny channels between graphene sheets can be aligned in a way that makes them ideal for water filtration.

Deep Learning for Mechanical Property Evaluation

A standard method for testing some of the mechanical properties of materials is to poke them with a sharp point. This "indentation technique" can provide detailed measurements of how the material responds to the point's force, as a function of its penetration depth.

Graphene shield shows promise in blocking mosquito bites

An innovative graphene-based film helps shield people from disease-carrying mosquitos, according to a new study.

Teaching robots to write and draw

An algorithm enables robots to put pen to paper, writing words using stroke patterns similar to human handwriting. It's a step, the researchers say, toward robots that are able to communicate more fluently with human co-workers and collaborators.

New smart material with potential biomedical, environmental uses

By combining seaweed-derived alginate with the nanomaterial graphene oxide, researchers have developed a new material that's durable and can respond dynamically to its environment.

New, durable catalyst for key fuel cell reaction

The new catalyst exceeds Department of Energy targets for performing the oxygen reduction reaction, a key step in generating an electric current in a hydrogen fuel cell.

Nanotube rebar makes graphene twice as tough

Rebar graphene is the nanoscale analog of rebar (reinforcement bars) in concrete, in which embedded steel bars enhance the material's strength and durability. Rebar graphene, developed by the Rice lab of chemist James Tour in 2014, uses carbon nanotubes for reinforcement.

Graphene forms electrically charged crinkles

Gently compressed stacks of graphene form sharp crinkles that carry an electric charge, which could be useful in nanoscale self-assembly and other applications.

3D printed biomaterials that degrade on demand

Engineers have demonstrated a technique for making 3-D-printed biomaterials that can degrade on demand, which can be useful in making intricately patterned microfluidic devices or in making cell cultures than can change dynamically during experiments.

Helping robots learn to see in 3D

Autonomous robots can inspect nuclear power plants, clean up oil spills in the ocean, accompany fighter planes into combat and explore the surface of Mars. Yet for all their talents, robots still can't make a cup of tea.

Towards a high-resolution, implantable neural interface

The goal of The Neural Engineering System Design program is developing an implantable system able to provide precision communication between the brain and the digital world.