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Turning proteins into glass

Duke Univ. researchers have devised a method to dry and preserve proteins in a glassified form that seems to retain the molecules' properties as workhorses of biology.

Next generation lens promises more control

Next generation lens promises more control

Duke Univ. engineers have created a new generation of lens that could greatly improve the capabilities of telecommunications or radar systems to provide a wide field of view and greater detail.

Live targeting of tumors with RNA-based technology

Finding and treating a tumor without disturbing normal tissue presents challenges—sometimes the most effective therapies can be invasive and harsh. Researchers at Duke Univ. Medical Center have devised a way they might deliver the right therapy directly to tumors using special molecules, called aptamers, which specifically bind to living tumor tissue.  

Harvesting energy from nature's motions

By taking advantage of the vagaries of the natural world, Duke Univ. engineers have developed a novel approach that they believe can more efficiently harvest electricity from the motions of everyday life. Energy harvesting is the process of converting one form of energy, such as motion, into another form of energy, in this case electricity. Strategies range from the development of massive wind farms to produce large amounts of electricity to using the vibrations of walking to power small electronic devices.  

Mushrooms and water-repellants more similar than you may think

What do spore-launching mushrooms have in common with highly water-repellant surfaces? According to Duke Univ. engineers, the answer is “jumping” water droplets. As it turns out, the same phenomenon that occurs when it’s time for certain mushrooms to eject spores also occurs when dew droplets skitter across a surface that is highly water repellant, or superhydrophobic.  

When nano may not be nano

A new analysis by an international team of researchers argues for a new look at the way nanoparticles are selected when studying the potential impacts on human health and the environment. They have found that while many small particles are considered to be "nano," these materials often do not meet full definition of having special properties that make them different from conventional materials.

Novel polymer could improve protein-based drugs

A new method for attaching a large protective polymer molecule to a protein appears to improve protein drugs significantly. Bioengineers at Duke Univ. developed the new approach and demonstrated in an animal model that the newly created protein-polymer combinations, known as conjugates, remained in circulation significantly longer than an unprotected protein.

Engineers bring two-faced particle under control

Engineers bring two-faced particle under control

Named after the Roman god whose two faces point opposite directions, the Janus particle is coated with metallic material on a single hemisphere to facilitate orientation by way of magnetic fields. However, the coating interferes with optical beams, which led engineers at Duke Univ. to create a way to coat these particles with a small cap of cobalt, allowing six degrees of freedom instead of the usual four.

Autonomous robot detects shrapnel

Autonomous robot detects shrapnel

Bioengineers at Duke Univ. have developed a laboratory robot that can successfully locate tiny pieces of metal within flesh and guide a needle to its exact location without the need for human assistance.

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Much ado about next to nothing

Much ado about next to nothing

The recent review of the past 10 years of the National Nanotechnology Initiative--as presented by the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology--suggested the rise of nanomanufacturing as the near future of nanotechnology. But the actual proposed funding reflects a cautious approach, even about nanotech in general.

Lunar tires, space MRSA, and resonating microfluidics

Lunar tires, space MRSA, and resonating microfluidics

I typically attend the annual Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy each year in pursuit of specific coverage. This year, I sought out candidates for coverage in a vacuum technology article, and pulled together some instruments for a spectroscopy guide. But as busy as that kept me, it wasn’t all mass spectrometers and vacuum pumps on the show floor.  

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NuGard Coating Ashburn Hill

NuGard Coating Ashburn Hill

NuGard First Response Protective Clothing are lightweight coveralls, jackets, and pants that provide protection from heat and flame while keeping the wearers body temperature constant.

Multi-Touch Music Maker

Multi-Touch Music Maker

Professor David Wessel shows his multi-touch interface that uses computer technologies that allow him to experiment with fine controls to "caress" the instrument.

New To Market

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Submersible FlowCAM catches particle images and data in-situ and real-time
Submersible FlowCAM catches particle images and data in-situ and real-time

Fluid Imaging Technologies recently introduced its Submersible FlowCAM particle and cell imaging and analysis system at Ocean Sciences 2010 in Portland, Ore. The remote sensing platform can be used for continuous, unattended monitoring tethered to research vessels or autonomous submersibles.

Daytime running light has just two LEDs

The new OSTAR Compact LED from OSRAM has been developed specifically for use in vehicle headlights. Despite drawing just 5 W, the device provides 300 lumens of power and meets ECE/SAE color binning requirements for use on motor vehicles.

Tools & Technology

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3D electromagnetic design tool
3D electromagnetic design tool

Cobham Technical Services is launching a 3D version of its rapid electromagnetic design tool for rotating electrical machines—the Advanced Machines Environment. The new software combines the accuracy of finite-element analysis (FEA) simulation with a design entry system that creates full 3D models of electric motors or generators.

Multi-axis linear actuator

The Slick Stick is a screw driven actuator that boasts a small, streamlined footprint suiting it for applications with tight space restrictions.

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