North Carolina State University

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.

Wearable Health Tech Gets Efficiency Upgrade

Engineers have demonstrated a flexible device that harvests the heat energy from the human body to monitor health. The device surpasses all other flexible harvesters that use body heat as the sole energy source.

Researchers Make Robots from Self-Folding Kirigami Materials

Researchers have demonstrated how kirigami-inspired techniques allow them to design thin sheets of material that automatically reconfigure into new two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional structures in response to environmental stimuli. The researchers created a variety of robotic devices as a proof of concept for the approach.

Finalists Announced for 2019 R&D 100 Awards

Finalists for the venerable R&D 100 Awards have been announced by R&D World magazine and its new parent company, WTWH Media, LLC.

Personalized drug delivery in 3D

On a mission for innovation and translational science, Rahima Benhabbour is using 3D-printing technology and her startup company AnelleO to create a breakthrough in women's health.

New CRISPR class expands genetic engineering toolbox

Biomedical engineers have used a previously unexplored CRISPR technology to accurately regulate and edit genomes in human cells.

Plant wearable patches detect diseases

Researchers have developed a new technique that uses microneedle patches to collect DNA from plant tissues in one minute, rather than the hours needed for conventional techniques. DNA extraction is the first step in identifying plant diseases, and the new method holds promise for the development of on-site plant disease detection tools.

Ultrasound aligns living cells in bioprinted tissues

Researchers have developed a technique to improve the characteristics of engineered tissues by using ultrasound to align living cells during the biofabrication process.

Nanocrystal 'factory' could revolutionize quantum dot manufacturing

Researchers have developed a microfluidic system for synthesizing perovskite quantum dots across the entire spectrum of visible light. The system drastically reduces manufacturing costs, can be tuned on demand to any color and allows for real-time process monitoring to ensure quality control.

Elastic fibre with the strength of metal

Researchers have developed a fiber that combines the elasticity of rubber with the strength of a metal, resulting in a tougher material that could be incorporated into soft robotics, packaging materials or next-generation textiles.

3D printed soft mesh robots created

Researchers have created 3D-printed flexible mesh structures that can be controlled with applied magnetic fields while floating on water. The structures can grab small objects and carry water droplets, giving them the potential to be useful as soft robots that mimic creatures living on water surfaces or that can serve as tissue scaffolds for cell cultures.