Duke University

ENGIE to build 8 hybrid solar power plants in Gabon

ENGIE has signed an agreement with CDC, the Gabonese financial institution Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, to deploy eight hybrid solar power plants in Gabon, representing a combined capacity of 2.2 MW.

Biomaterial helps regrow brain tissue after stroke in mice

New stroke-healing gel helped regrow neurons and blood vessels in mice with stroke-damaged brains, hinting at what may someday be a new therapy for stroke in people.

Why a robot can't yet outjump a flea

When it comes to things that are ultrafast and lightweight, robots can't hold a candle to the fastest-jumping insects and other small-but-powerful creatures. New research could help explain why nature still beats robots, and describes how machines might take the lead.

Stretchable, twistable wires for wearable electronics

The exercise-tracking power of a Fitbit may soon jump from your wrist and into your clothing. Researchers are seeking to embed electronics such as fitness trackers and health monitors into our shirts, hats, and shoes. But no one wants stiff copper wires or silicon transistors deforming their clothing or poking into their skin.

Using drones to feed billions

As our population continues its rapid growth, food is becoming increasingly scarce. By the year 2050, we will need to double our current food production to feed the estimated 9.6 million mouths that will inhabit Earth.

Laser evaporation technology to create new solar materials

Materials scientists have developed a method to create hybrid thin-film materials that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to make. The technique could be the gateway to new generations of solar cells, light-emitting diodes and photodetectors.

Blood testing via sound waves may replace some tissue biopsies

Cells secrete nanoscale packets called exosomes that carry important messages from one part of the body to another. Scientists have now devised a way to intercept these messages, which could be used to diagnose problems such as cancer or fetal abnormalities.

Next generation spinal cord stimulator for chronic pain

Neurostimulation therapy for chronic intractable pain uses a medical device placed under a patient's skin to deliver mild electrical impulses through a lead implanted in the epidural space to block pain signals from going to the brain.

Project connects brain science with electric cars

Technology developed to help neurosurgeons control electric currents during noninvasive brain stimulation could also lead to safer, more efficient batteries for electric cars and solar panels.

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.

Air pollution casts shadow over solar energy production

Global solar energy production is taking a major hit due to air pollution and dust.

Printed sensors monitor tire wear in real time

Electrical engineers have invented an inexpensive printed sensor that can monitor the tread of car tires in real time, warning drivers when the rubber meeting the road has grown dangerously thin.

3D printable implants may ease damaged knees

A cartilage-mimicking material created by researchers at Duke University may one day allow surgeons to 3-D print replacement knee parts that are custom-shaped to each patient's anatomy.

Infrared-emitting device could allow energy harvesting from waste heat

A new reconfigurable device that emits patterns of thermal infrared light in a fully controllable manner could one day make it possible to collect waste heat at infrared wavelengths and turn it into usable energy.

Spray on memory could enable bendable digital storage

Researchers have brought us closer to a future of low-cost, flexible electronics by creating a new "spray-on" digital memory device using only an aerosol jet printer and nanoparticle inks.

Nanowire 'inks' enable paper-based printable electronics

By suspending tiny metal nanoparticles in liquids, scientists are brewing up conductive ink-jet printer "inks" to print inexpensive, customizable circuit patterns on just about any surface.

A partnership to secure and protect the emerging Internet of Things

National Science Foundation and Intel Corporation team to improve the security and privacy of computing systems that interact with the physical world using a new cooperative research model.

Superfast fluorescence sets new speed record

Researchers have developed an ultrafast light-emitting device that can flip on and off 90 billion times a second and could form the basis of optical computing.

Tough biogel structures produced by 3-D printing

Researchers have developed a new way of making tough biocompatible materials, called "hydrogels," into complex and intricately patterned shapes.

Metamaterials and 3D printing lead to invisibility cloak

Researcher uses a 3-D printer to make metamaterials from metals, plastics and other substances.