Nature gives clues to a way to break down a common greenhouse gas

Mar 10 | News

A recent discovery in understanding how to chemically break down the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into a useful form opens the doors for scientists to wonder what organism is out there—or could be created—to accomplish the task.

Artificial foot recycles energy

Feb 18 | News

An artificial foot that recycles energy otherwise wasted in between steps could make it easier for amputees to walk, its developers say.

From paper strips to monkey hair

Jan 11 | RDBlog

How pure is our drinking water? The answer to that question varies by region, country, etc. But what has begun to scare me is the threat of toxins polluting drinking water everywhere.

Paper strips can detect toxin in drinking water

Jan 11 | News

A strip of paper infused with carbon nanotubes can quickly and inexpensively detect a toxin produced by algae in drinking water. Engineers at the Univ. of Michigan led the development of the new biosensor.  

Nanoscale changes in collagen advance bone health

12/23/2009 | News

Using a technique that provides detailed images of nanoscale structures, researchers at the Univ. of Michigan and Detroit's Henry Ford Hospital have discovered changes in the collagen component of bone that directly relate to bone health.

A little magic provides an atomic-level look at bone

12/2/2009 | News

A new study using solid-state NMR spectroscopy to analyze intact bone paves the way for atomic-level explorations of how disease and aging affect bone.

Smartphone app illuminates power consumption

11/22/2009 | News

A new application for the Android smartphone shows users and software developers how much power their applications are consuming. PowerTutor was developed by doctoral students and professors at the Univ. of Michigan.

Is closed-heart surgery via gene therapy the future?

10/5/2009 | News

Scientists from the Univ. of Michigan and Univ. of Minnesota have shown that gene therapy could be used to improve an ailing heart’s ability to contract properly. They attached a gene to a modified virus that would prompt the creation of a protein that would create a fast molecular motor that would improve heart contraction rates. This adenovirus has been tested in the failing hearts of humans and rabbits.

Step toward better brain implants using conducting polymer nanotubes

9/30/2009 | News

Brain implants that can more clearly record signals from surrounding neurons in rats have been created at the Univ. of Michigan. The findings could eventually lead to more effective treatment of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and paralysis. The new brain implants developed at U-M are coated with nanotubes made of poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), a biocompatible and electrically conductive polymer that has been shown to record neural signals better than conventional metal electrodes.

First atomic-scale map of quantum dots created

9/30/2009 | News

Univ. of Michigan 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. Engineers are gaining the ability to manipulate the atoms in quantum dots to control their properties and behavior, through a process called directed assembly. But progress has been slowed, until now, by the lack of atomic-scale information about the structure and chemical makeup of quantum dots. The new atomic-scale maps will help fill that knowledge gap.  

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Much ado about next to nothing

Mar 15

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

Mar 5

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

Jan 7

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

Jan 7

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