North Carolina State University

Plants Would Grow Well in Solar Cell Greenhouses

A recent study shows that lettuce can be grown in greenhouses that filter out wavelengths of light used to generate solar power, demonstrating the feasibility of using see-through solar panels in greenhouses to generate electricity.

Improved Heat Leakage for Wearables

Researchers report significant enhancements in preventing heat leakage in the flexible body heat harvester they first reported in 2017 and updated in 2020. The harvesters use heat energy from the human body to power wearable technologies - think of smart watches that measure your heart rate, blood oxygen, glucose and other health parameters - that never need to have their batteries recharged.

Textile Sensor Patch Could Detect Pressure Points for Amputees

A soft, flexible sensor system created with electrically conductive yarns could help map problematic pressure points in the socket of an amputee's prosthetic limb, researchers report in a new study.

Self-Driving Laboratories: A Reality Waiting to Happen

Imagine a situation where, given a request, a lab automatically chooses what experiments to do, robotically carries this out, tracks the reaction with integrated sensors, acquires and analyzes the results, and then decides what experiment to do next. This seems like science-fiction, but certain truths may be closer than you think.

Flexible Material Shows Potential for Use in Fabrics to Heat, Cool

A film made of tiny carbon nanotubes may be a key material in developing clothing that can heat or cool the wearer on demand. A new study finds that the CNT film has a combination of thermal, electrical and physical properties that make it an appealing candidate for next-generation smart fabrics.

Artificial Chemist uses AI, Robotics for Autonomous R&D

Researchers have developed a technology called "Artificial Chemist," which incorporates artificial intelligence and an automated system for performing chemical reactions to accelerate R&D and manufacturing of commercially desirable materials.

CRISPR Plants: New Non-GMO Method to Edit Plants

An NC State researcher has developed a new way to get CRISPR/Cas9 into plant cells without inserting foreign DNA. This allows for precise genetic deletions or replacements, without inserting foreign DNA. Therefore, the end product is not a genetically modified organism, or GMO.

The Fastest Soft Robots, Inspired by Cheetahs

Inspired by the biomechanics of cheetahs, researchers have developed a new type of soft robot that is capable of moving more quickly on solid surfaces or in the water than previous generations of soft robots. The new soft robotics are also capable of grabbing objects delicately - or with sufficient strength to lift heavy objects.

Breathable Electronics Pave the Way for More Functional Wearable Tech

Engineering researchers have created ultrathin, stretchable electronic material that is gas permeable, allowing the material to "breathe." The material was designed specifically for use in biomedical or wearable technologies, since the gas permeability allows sweat and volatile organic compounds to evaporate away from the skin, making it more comfortable for users - especially for long-term wear.

Off-the-Shelf Cardiac Patch Repairs Heart Attack Damage in Animals

Researchers have developed an "off-the-shelf" artificial cardiac patch that can deliver cardiac cell-derived healing factors directly to the site of heart attack injury. In a rat model of heart attack, the freezable, cell-free patch improved recovery. The researchers also found similar effects in a pilot study involving a pig model of heart attack.

Design Approach May Help Fix Bias in Artificial Intelligence

Bias in artificial intelligence and machine learning programs is well established. Researchers are now proposing that software developers incorporate the concept of "feminist design thinking" into their development process as a way of improving equity - particularly in the development of software used in the hiring process.

Next Generation of Greenhouses May Be Fully Solar Powered

Many greenhouses could become energy neutral by using see-through solar panels to harvest energy - primarily from the wavelengths of light that plants don't use for photosynthesis. Those are the findings of a new modeling study.

Coin-Sized Smart Insulin Patch

Bioengineers have further developed a smart insulin-delivery patch that could one day monitor and manage glucose levels in people with diabetes and deliver the necessary insulin dosage. The adhesive patch, about the size of a quarter, is simple to manufacture and intended for once-a-day use.

'Wristwatch' Monitors Body Chemistry to Boost Athletic Performance

Engineering researchers have developed a device the size of a wristwatch that can monitor an individual's body chemistry to help improve athletic performance and identify potential health problems. The device can be used for everything from detecting dehydration to tracking athletic recovery, with applications ranging from military training to competitive sports.