University of Maryland

CRISPR 3.0 System for Highly Efficient Gene Activation in Plants

This third generation CRISPR system focuses on multiplexed gene activation, meaning that it can boost the function of multiple genes simultaneously.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation Helps Language Learning in Adults

A recent study showed language learning advantages with transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation included up to a 30% increase in accuracy and recall for some subjects.

Innovative Battery Chemistry Revolutionises Zinc-Air Battery

High-performance, eco-friendly, safe and at the same time cost-effective: the zinc-air battery is an attractive energy storage technology of the future. Until now, the conventional zinc-air battery has struggled with a high chemical instability, parasitic reactions which rooted in the usage of alkaline electrolytes lead to electrochemical irreversibility.

New Machine Learning Tool Tracks Urban Traffic Congestion

A new machine learning algorithm is poised to help urban transportation analysts relieve bottlenecks and chokepoints that routinely snarl city traffic.

Researchers Tap CRISPR Technology to Connect Biology, Electronics

In an effort to create first-of-kind microelectronic devices that connect with biological systems, researchers are utilizing CRISPR technology in a novel way to electronically turn "on" and "off" several genes simultaneously. Their technique has the potential to further bridge the gap between the electronic and biological worlds, paving the way for new wearable and "smart" devices.

MaterialsZone

MaterialsZone are a platform technology for connected research data. IDTechEx interviewed their Co-founder and CTO Barak Sela.

Potassium Metal Battery Emerges as a Rival to Lithium-Ion Technology

Researchers demonstrate how they can overcome a persistent challenge known as dendrites to create a metal battery that performs nearly as well as a lithium-ion battery, but relies on potassium — a much more abundant and less expensive element.

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.

Additive Manufacturing and NI/TI Metal Bolster Cooling Technology

Scientists have developed a novel elastocaloric cooling material, comprised of a nickel-titanium alloy and sculpted using additive technology, that is highly efficient, eco-friendly and easily scaled-up for commercial use.

Helping robots remember

A new way of combining perception and motor commands using the so-called hyperdimensional computing theory, which could fundamentally alter and improve the basic artificial intelligence task of sensorimotor representation -- how agents like robots translate what they sense into what they do.

Army discovery opens path to safer batteries

Soldiers carrying 15-25 pounds of batteries could carry batteries a fraction of the weight but with the same energy and improved safety, a new study shows.

Reversible chemistry clears path for safer batteries

Researchers have taken a critical step on the path to better high energy batteries by improving their water-in-salt battery with a new type of chemical transformation of the cathode that creates a reversible solid salt layer, a phenomenon yet unknown in the field of water-based batteries.

Solar evaporator offers a fresh route to fresh water

Researchers have demonstrated a successful prototype of one critical component for affordable small-scale desalination: an inexpensive solar evaporator, made of wood.

3D printed tissues may keep athletes in action

Bioscientists are moving closer to 3D-printed artificial tissues to help heal bone and cartilage typically damaged in sports-related injuries to knees, ankles and elbows.

First fabric to automatically cool or insulate depending on conditions

Despite decades of innovation in fabrics with high-tech thermal properties that keep marathon runners cool or alpine hikers warm, there has never been a material that changes its insulating properties in response to the environment. Until now.

A new dimension for batteries

Engineers have created a thin battery, made of a few million carefully constructed "microbatteries" in a square inch. Each microbattery is shaped like a very tall, round room, providing much surface area - like wall space - on which nano-thin battery layers are assembled.

Projects drive biopharmaceutical manufacturing innovation

The National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals is pleased to announce a group of projects, designed to advance biopharmaceutical manufacturing and workforce development in the United States.

These robots are tiny. And they are awesome

No one said building tiny robots was easy. But the payoff? Huge. Inspired by the strength, speed, and agility of insects microrobots could be used to help avoid catastrophic collapses by inspecting bridges and other large infrastructure, or deployed in search scenarios after a natural disaster such as an earthquake. In effect, robots the size of an ant could go where humans can't or shouldn't—accessing tight spaces, operating under various weather and safety conditions, and autonomously executing tasks for long periods of time—to help save lives.

Roads Need More Electricity: They Will Make It Themselves

As more and more capabilities are added to roads instead of simply covering a country with extra roads, they are starting to make their own electricity, notably as solar road surface but then with added silent wind turbines, photovoltaic verges and barriers and more.

Roads need more electricity: They will make it themselves

For now, electricity for road systems is provided by very expensive infrastructure to the grid except for a few solar/ wind street lights in China and Korea for example. However, as more and more capabilities are added to roads instead of simply covering a country with extra roads, they are starting to make their own electricity, notably as solar road surface but then with added silent wind turbines, photovoltaic verges and barriers and more.