http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/engineering/ Engineering News and Research. Browse a wide-range of engineering projects and techniques from leading research institutes around the world. Full-text, images, updated daily. en-us Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:05:01 EST Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/engineering/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104123029.htm Engineering researchers have fabricated a palm-sized, automated, micro-injector that can insert proteins, DNA and other biomolecules into individual cells at volumes exponentially higher than current procedures, and at a fraction of the cost. This will allow scientists to vastly increase preclinical trials for drug development and genetic engineering, and provide greater control of the process. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104123029.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111092041.htm Engineers have developed a simple technology which can be used in existing chemical reactors to ensure "right first time" drug crystal formation. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111092041.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110112440.htm In work that someday may lead to the development of novel types of nanoscale electronic devices, researchers have combined DNA's talent for self-assembly with the remarkable electronic properties of carbon nanotubes, thereby suggesting a solution to the long-standing problem of organizing carbon nanotubes into nanoscale electronic circuits. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110112440.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102111841.htm Physicists have directly observed a reverse shock wave of light in a specially tailored structure known as a left-handed metamaterial. Although it was first predicted over forty years ago, this is the first unambiguous experimental demonstration of the effect. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102111841.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110090858.htm A number of US states now use facial recognition technology when issuing drivers licenses. Similar methods are also used to grant access to buildings and to verify the identities of international travelers. Historically, obtaining accurate results with this type of technology has been a time intensive activity. Now, researchers have developed ways to make the technology more efficient while improving accuracy. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110090858.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091108131438.htm Researchers have discovered a new approach for repairing damaged nerve fibers in spinal cord injuries using nano-spheres that could be injected into the blood shortly after an accident. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091108131438.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110090900.htm Researchers have developed, characterized, and modeled a new kind of probe used in atomic force microscopy, which images, measures, and manipulates matter at the nanoscale. Using diamond, researchers made a much more durable probe than the commercially available silicon nitride probes, which are typically used in AFM to gather information from a material, but can wear down after several uses. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110090900.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109174343.htm Bioengineers have made a breakthrough development that will now allow scientists to perform full delineation of the location and use of genomic elements. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109174343.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109174258.htm The catalytic processes that facilitate the production of many chemicals and fuels could become much more environmentally friendly, thanks to a new breakthrough. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109174258.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109121220.htm Materials scientists have found a way to transform a chemical long used as an electrical conductor a thin film insulator potentially useful in transistor technology and in devices such as electronic books. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109121220.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106194235.htm A novel method of detection of cervical cancer cells has now been developed. The method uses nonspecific adhesion of silica beads to cells. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106194235.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104111737.htm A theoretical physicist has developed a method for calculating the motions and forces of thousands of atoms simultaneously over a wider range of time scales than previously possible. The method overcomes a longstanding timing gap in modeling nanometer-scale materials and many other physical, chemical and biological systems at atomic and molecular levels. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104111737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104132708.htm Professor Yosi Shacham-Diamand of Tel Aviv University's Department of Engineering, working with a team of European Union scientists, has successfully wired a state-of-the-art artificial hand to existing nerve endings in the stump of a severed arm. The device, called "SmartHand," resembles -- in function, sensitivity and appearance -- a real hand. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104132708.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103144822.htm Engineers are assessing systematic production methods that could make the costs of algae oil production more reasonable, helping move the U.S. from fossil fuel dependency to renewable energy replacements. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103144822.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021115002.htm Aerospace, automotive and airplane construction count on lightweight construction. But to make sure that lightening the load does not come at the cost of safety, researchers are working on new quality assurance systems for material testing. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021115002.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102085825.htm Nature inspires technology as an engineer and an ecologist have teamed to develop robots that use advanced materials to swim like fish to probe underwater environments. Robotic fish -- perhaps schools of them operating autonomously for months -- could give researchers far more precise data on aquatic conditions, deepening our knowledge of critical water supplies and habitats. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102085825.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091023104708.htm A team of engineers has transformed simple nanowires into reconfigurable materials and circuits, demonstrating a novel, self-assembling method for chemically creating nanoscale structures that are not possible to grow or obtain otherwise. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091023104708.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090924123310.htm During flights simulating the moon's low gravity, researchers find that sifters can separate soil particles and produce the best feedstock for an oxygen generator. Scientists are designing and testing components of the generator, which would provide oxygen needed for a lunar or Martian outpost. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090924123310.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029162022.htm Scientists have designed smartphone technology, which includes interactive games and easy-to-use logging features, especially for elderly Chinese diabetics. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029162022.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028112622.htm The United Kingdom's deepest diving Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Autosub6000, has been put through its paces during an extremely successful engineering trials cruise on the RRS Discovery, Sept. 27 to Oct. 17, 2009. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028112622.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026133016.htm A robot is currently building a looping brick wall right in the middle of New York City. Over a period of three weeks, passers-by can watch the "Pike Loop" installation in the making on a traffic island. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026133016.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026093731.htm Technology that can identify partial, distorted, scratched, smudged, or otherwise warped fingerprints in just a few seconds has just scored top marks in the world's two toughest technical fingerprint tests. The technology is also being rapidly taken up by the UK building trade who are delighted to have fingerprint technology which can cope with the often worn and ravaged builders' thumbprints. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026093731.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091025162530.htm Researchers have developed the world's first acoustic hyperlens, a device that provides an eightfold boost in the magnification power of ultrasound, underwater sonar and other sound-based imaging technologies. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091025162530.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022114351.htm More students than ever before have been accepted onto science and engineering related degree courses this autumn, according to the University and Colleges Admissions Service in the UK. Science is also now the most popular subject at school according to a new poll of children aged 5 to 18. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022114351.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020162007.htm Maple tree seeds and the spiraling pattern in which they glide to the ground have delighted children for ages and perplexed engineers for decades. Now aerospace engineering graduate students have learned how to apply the seeds' unique design to aerial devices that can fly, hover and perform surveillance in defense and emergency situations. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020162007.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019122645.htm Scientists tested our ability to interpret a robot's "emotion" by reading its expression to see if there were any differences between the ages. They found that older adults showed some unexpected differences in the way they read a robot's face from the way younger adults performed. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019122645.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029152047.htm Nervous drivers are being helped to overcome their road phobias by donning Cyclops-style goggles that transport them to a three-dimensional virtual world. Researchers have recruited volunteers with a variety of driving phobias to test whether virtual reality can be used alongside conventional psychological therapies to help tackle their fears. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029152047.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013112524.htm Canadian engineers suggest that research is needed into the risks associated with the growing field of nanotechnology manufacture so that appropriate protective equipment can be developed urgently. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013112524.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016094030.htm Direct communication between Earth and Mars can be strongly disturbed and even blocked by the Sun for weeks at a time, cutting off any future human mission to the Red Planet. An European Space Agency engineer working with engineers in the UK may have found a solution using a new type of orbit combined with continuous-thrust ion propulsion. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016094030.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014102203.htm Researchers have discovered that, contrary to previous assumptions, older adults are more amenable than younger ones to having a robot "perform critical monitoring tasks that would require little interaction between the robot and the human." Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014102203.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002124823.htm A UK engineering student has designed a motor that could one day help transform rocket design. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002124823.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013110044.htm Researchers have developed a new "plasmonic nanorod metamaterial" using extraordinarily tiny rods of gold that will have important applications in medical, biological and chemical sensors. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013110044.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902122325.htm Weather conditions such as wind and snow loads can cause failure and collapse of supporting structures in roofs and similar constructions. Based on new hybrid intelligent construction elements (HICE), researchers in Germany have developed a shell structure which is able to adapt to changing environmental conditions. In a further step, the scientists will now use their knowledge to develop machines from these new structural elements which will also be able to react to their environments and adapt to given conditions. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902122325.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008131858.htm Researchers are capitalizing on the environmental and financial benefits of "biofuels" by using nanotechnology to further improve the cellulosic ethanol processes. Sat, 10 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008131858.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007124723.htm Batteries can power anything from small sensors to large systems. While scientists are finding ways to make them smaller but even more powerful, problems can arise when these batteries are much larger and heavier than the devices themselves. Researchers are developing a nuclear energy source that is smaller, lighter and more efficient. Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007124723.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005161332.htm The first demonstration of a renewable method for hydrogen production from wastewater using a microbial electrolysis system is underway at the Napa Wine Company in Oakville. The refrigerator-sized hydrogen generator will take winery wastewater, and using bacteria and a small amount of electrical energy, convert the organic material into hydrogen. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005161332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005123041.htm Injury is the leading cause of death for children over the age of one in industrialized countries and improving the safety of artificial environments will benefit children's health, according to a new paper. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005123041.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929181818.htm Brain implants that can more clearly record signals from surrounding neurons in rats have been created. The findings could eventually lead to more effective treatment of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and paralysis. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929181818.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929141534.htm Researchers in Louisiana are conducting innovative research on geopolymer concrete and providing ways to use a waste byproduct from coal fired power plants and help curb carbon dioxide emissions. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929141534.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929133121.htm Physicists have created the first atomic-scale maps of quantum dots, a major step toward the goal of producing "designer dots" that can be tailored for specific applications. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929133121.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928095345.htm Researchers have used nanomaterials to develop a microchip sensitive enough to quickly determine the type and severity of a patient's cancer so that the disease can be detected earlier for more effective treatment. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928095345.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928131020.htm Using an RNA-powered nanomotor, biomedical engineering researchers have successfully developed an artificial pore able to transmit nanoscale material through a membrane. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928131020.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090924101117.htm Scientists develop a new method for improving the functional characteristics of enzymes. The method has potential for wide application in the chemical, medicinal and food industries. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090924101117.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090925092702.htm Research into carbon nanostructures may some day be used in electronic, thermal, mechanical and sensing devices for the Air Force. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090925092702.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831213005.htm Researchers demonstrate a new way to make silk-based optical waveguides that are biocompatible, biodegradable and readily functionalized with active molecules. This opens up opportunities in biologically based modulation and sensing and ability to integrate light delivery in living tissue. Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831213005.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090925115459.htm The next generation of technology to turn saltwater into a fresh resource is on tap for the Navy. The Office of Naval Research is sponsoring the development of an innovative solution for generating potable water at twice the efficiency of current production for forces afloat, Marine Corps expeditionary forces and humanitarian missions ashore. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090925115459.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921091835.htm Researchers have used nature for inspiration in designing a new type of swimming robot which could bring a breakthrough in submersible technology. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921091835.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090923105817.htm Every year European roads are built and repaired to the tune of several billion Euros. Intensive efforts are underway all over the world to get 'more road for your money' by developing better methods for both design and quality control of materials. One problem is that today there are no good methods for checking how robustly and safely the roads were built. Therefore they often don't last as long as they were supposed to and more money has to go to road construction. But now a young scientist has developed a method where sound waves can reveal what a road looks like underneath and thereby show whether it is being properly built. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090923105817.htm