University of Texas at Dallas

Silicon's energy-harvesting power

A collaboration has designed a better way for electronics to convert waste heat into reusable energy. The collaborative project demonstrated that silicon's ability to harvest energy from heat can be greatly increased while remaining mass-producible.

Sheaths become mighty new layer in artificial muscles

Over the last 15 years, researchers have invented several types of strong, powerful artificial muscles using materials ranging from high-tech carbon nanotubes to ordinary fishing line.

Novel graphene fibres as a new electrical stimulation device

Researchers have developed novel graphene fibres as a new electrical stimulation device that could replace the use of pharmaceuticals to treat a range of medical conditions.

Enhanced rehab for stroke doubles movement recovery

A novel therapy technique invented by researchers at has been shown in a pilot study to double the rate of upper limb recovery in stroke patients.

Route to flexible electronics made from exotic materials

Engineers have developed a technique to fabricate ultrathin semiconducting films made from a host of exotic materials other than silicon. To demonstrate their technique, the researchers fabricated flexible films made from gallium arsenide, gallium nitride, and lithium fluoride — materials that exhibit better performance than silicon but until now have been prohibitively expensive to produce in functional devices.

Vagus nerve stimulation boosts post-stroke motor skill recovery

Researchers have demonstrated a method to accelerate motor skill recovery after a stroke by helping the brain reorganize itself more quickly.

Vagus nerve stimulation shows progress against PTSD

Researchers are exploring how mild stimulation of the vagus nerve could help alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

No batteries required: energy-harvesting yarns generate electricity

An international research team has developed high-tech yarns that generate electricity when they are stretched or twisted.

Sensor that measures perspiration to monitor glucose levels

Researchers are sweating the small stuff in their efforts to develop a wearable device that can monitor an individual's glucose level via perspiration on the skin.

Scientists put a new twist on artificial muscles

In recent years, researchers at The University of Texas at Dallas and colleagues at the University of Wollongong in Australia have put a high-tech twist on the ancient art of fiber spinning, using modern materials to create ultra-strong, powerful, shape-shifting yarns.

Discovery could energize development of longer-lasting batteries

A researcher has made a discovery that could open the door to cellphone and car batteries that last five times longer than current ones.

Engineer to build device to capture lost heat energy

An engineer is co-leading a team that is seeking ways to harness heat energy lost from automobiles, buildings and other devices.

Nanotechnology device to simplify blood sugar testing

This innovation depends on an injectable, near-infrared optical biosensor nanotube that would read a person's blood glucose constantly and an optical glucose scanner that can access the data collected by nanotube.

Coming to a monitor near you: a defect-free, molecule-thick film

An emerging class of atomically thin materials known as monolayer semiconductors has generated a great deal of buzz in the world of materials science.

Novel plastic could spur new green energy applications

A plastic used in filters and tubing has an unusual trait: It can produce electricity when pulled or pressed.

New technology may lead to prolonged power in mobile devices

Researchers have created technology that could be the first step toward wearable computers with self-contained power sources or, more immediately, a smartphone that doesn't die after a few hours of heavy use.