Harvard University

Renewable energy from evaporating water

An immensely powerful yet invisible force pulls water from the earth to the top of the tallest redwood and delivers snow to the tops of the Himalayas. Yet despite the power of evaporating water, its potential to propel self-sufficient devices or produce electricity has remained largely untapped -- until now.

Trees are source for high-capacity, soft batteries

A method for making elastic high-capacity batteries from wood pulp was unveiled by researchers in Sweden and the US.

Translating thought to print

Coupling multiscale modeling with emerging microscale 3D-printing techniques, scientists enabled a pathway to directly fabricate and test synthetic web structures by design.

Bringing functional materials to 3D printing

Voxel8, a Harvard spinoff, are leveraging over a decade of research from Harvard Professor Jennifer A. Lewis to create highly conductive inks that can be printed at room temperature and seamlessly integrated with a broad array of matrix materials.

Researchers use bacteria to convert solar energy into liquid fuel

Scientists have created a system that uses bacteria to convert solar energy into a liquid fuel.

Hands on: crafting ultrathin color coatings

A technique that coats a metallic object with an extremely thin layer of semiconductor, just a few nanometers thick. Although the semiconductor is a steely gray color, the object ends up shining in vibrant hues.

Inflatable robotic arm inspires design of Disney's latest character

The fictional, balloon-like robot nevertheless reflects a growing field of research called soft robotics.

Smart bandage emits phosphorescent glow for healing below

Researchers have created a paint-on, see-through, smart bandage that glows to indicate a wound's tissue oxygenation concentration.

A self-organizing thousand-robot swarm

The first thousand-robot flash mob has assembled at Harvard University.

Harvesting energy from devices

A team of researchers has developed computer simulations for a new type of meta-material that would have the ability to control heat and electrical current independently.

New two-dimensional self assembling material

Researchers have found a two-dimensional material whose properties are very similar to graphene, but with some distinct advantages.

New two-dimensional material could produce solar cells, supercapacitor

Researchers around the world have been working to harness the unusual properties of graphene, a two-dimensional sheet of carbon atoms.

Living materials can conduct electricity

Inspired by natural materials such as bone — a matrix of minerals and other substances, including living cells — engineers have coaxed bacterial cells to produce biofilms that can incorporate nonliving materials, such as gold nanoparticles and quantum dots.

Infrared: A new renewable energy source?

Physicists envision a device that would harvest energy from Earth's infrared emissions into outer space.

Researchers create new flexible, transparent conductor

Researchers have developed a new stretchable and transparent electrical conductor, bringing the potential for a fully foldable cell phone or a flat-screen television that can be folded and carried under your arm closer to reality.

Getting a charge from changes in humidity

A new type of electrical generator uses bacterial spores to harness the untapped power of evaporating water, according to research.

A gel that is clearly revolutionary

Researchers are determined to manufacture stretchable biomedical devices that interface directly with organs such as the skin, heart and brain.

Organic mega flow battery promises breakthrough for renewable energy

A team of scientists and engineers has demonstrated a new type of battery that could fundamentally transform the way electricity is stored on the grid, making power from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar far more economical and reliable.

Battery offers renewable energy breakthrough

A team of scientists and engineers has demonstrated a new type of battery that could fundamentally transform the way electricity is stored on the grid, making power from renewable energy sources such as wind and sun far more economical and reliable.