University of Houston

$5.5 million to apply machine learning to geothermal exploration

The US Department of Energy announced up to $5.5 million for 10 new projects to apply machine learning techniques to geothermal exploration and production. Machine learning - the use of advanced algorithms to identify patterns in and make inferences from data - could assist in finding and developing new geothermal resources.

Advances in stretchable rubbery semiconductors

Researchers have reported significant advances in stretchable electronics, moving the field closer to commercialization.

Meet Holmes & Watson: Robot security

Houston Methodist Hospital has added two new members to its security team — a pair of robots that patrol the halls on wheels.

Properties of 100,000 compounds predicted on a personal computer

Researchers have devised a new machine learning algorithm that is efficient enough to run on a personal computer and predict the properties of more than 100,000 compounds in search of those most likely to be efficient phosphors for LED lighting.

Artificial skin gives robotic hand a sense of touch

A team of researchers has reported a breakthrough in stretchable electronics that can serve as an artificial skin, allowing a robotic hand to sense the difference between hot and cold, while also offering advantages for a wide range of biomedical devices.

New way to make dissolving electronics

Researchers have reported a new type of electronic device that can be triggered to dissolve through exposure to water molecules in the atmosphere.

Better way to create organic bioelectronics

With increasing scientific and medical interest in communication with the nervous system, demand is growing for biomedical devices that can better record and stimulate the nervous system, as well as deliver drugs and biomolecules in precise dosages.

New robot speeds sampling of ocean's biogeochemistry and health

The world's first underwater vehicle designed specifically to collect both biological and chemical samples from the ocean water column successfully completed sea trials.

Decoding a treasure trove of data from the brain

Research and new technologies have dramatically expanded the amount of data that can be captured from the brain over the past few years. The challenge now is to determine what that data can tell us.

Biofeedback technology helping improve balance in Parkinson's patients

A research team is developing a system that guides patients through a series of balance exercises using wearable technology.

Inexpensive organic material gives safe batteries a longer life

Modern batteries power everything from cars to cell phones, but they are far from perfect - they catch fire, they perform poorly in cold weather and they have relatively short lifecycles, among other issues. Now researchers have described a new class of material that addresses many of those concerns.

Building a better battery

From portable electronics to transportation and sending satellites into space, the quest for a better battery - lighter, safer, longer lasting - is drawing increasing interest in the scientific community.

MRI-powered mini-robots could offer targeted treatment

Scientists instead want to deploy dozens, or even thousands of tiny robots to travel the body's venous system as they deliver drugs or a self-assembled interventional tool.

New thermoelectric material with high power factor

Researchers reported that they have demonstrated a step forward in converting waste heat - from industrial smokestacks, power generating plants or even automobile tailpipes - into electricity.

Naval research grant will speed work on materials, energy

A grant will help researchers more efficiently test advanced materials being developed.

Band-aid senses temperature, lights up, and delivers medicine

Engineers have designed what may be the Band-Aid of the future: a sticky, stretchy, gel-like material that can incorporate temperature sensors, LED lights, and other electronics, as well as tiny, drug-delivering reservoirs and channels.

Fatigue-free, stretchable conductor

Researchers have discovered a new stretchable, transparent conductor that can be folded or stretched and released, resulting in a large curvature or a significant strain, at least 10,000 times without showing signs of fatigue.

Researchers discover n-type polymer for fast organic battery

Researchers at the University of Houston have reported developing an efficient conductive electron-transporting polymer, a long-missing puzzle piece that will allow ultrafast battery applications.

Running on waste heat

Researchers have now created a thermoelectric generator (TEG) — a one-square-inch, quarter-inch-thick module — that turns waste heat emitted by vehicles into electricity to lend those vehicles added power.

Researchers identify one of world's thinnest piezoelectric materials

Researchers have identified one of the thinnest possible piezoelectric materials on the planet - graphene nitride.