Industries
Robots mimic how centipedes move
Centipedes move quickly. And when one is coming directly at you, you might not care to spend a moment pondering its agility. So perhaps our lack of understanding about just why centipedes move with such dexterity, even over obstacles, has been related to fear. But undeterred, researchers at Kyoto University have asked precisely this question, and have turned to computer simulations and ultimately robotics to find an answer.
Placenta-on-a-chip models the transport of nutrients
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed the first placenta-on-a-chip that can fully model the transport of nutrients across the placental barrier. The flash-drive-sized device contains two layers of human cells that model the interface between mother and fetus. Microfluidic channels on either side of those layers allow researchers to study how molecules are transported through, or are blocked by, that interface.
2.4GHz wireless communication module is ISA100 compliant
Murata has announced that its 2.4GHz-band wireless communication module, the LBBA0ZZ1EU, has been certified to be ISA100 Wireless compliant.
Space exploration technologies to break down barriers of space travel
Space has long been a field reserved for big spenders such as governments and large companies. However with rapid advances in electronics and information technology, Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, of El Segundo, California, seeks to break through the cost barrier with its family of low-cost Falcon launch vehicles and the Dragon spacecraft.
Prototype robot helps improve sports recovery
Trials of a prototype robot for sports therapy have just begun in Singapore, to create a high quality and repeatable treatment routine to improve sports recovery, reducing reliance on trained therapists. The robot named Emma, short for Expert Manipulative Massage Automation, has already treated 50 patients in trials including professional athletes for conditions ranging from tennis elbows, stiff neck and shoulders, to lower back pain.
Israeli Ministry of Defence use LED lights for tank project
The Israeli Ministry of Defence Procurement and Production Directorate (PPD) has selected exterior LED lights by Imco Industries, for a project if upgrading IDF tank transports. Imco Industries, provider of electrical harnesses, control boxes, electromechanical devices and LED lights for military applications, breaks new ground as the industry’s designer and manufacturer of these LED lights.
Scientists program cells to respond to stimuli
Synthetic biology allows researchers to program cells to perform novel functions such as fluorescing in response to a particular chemical or producing drugs in response to disease markers. In a step toward devising much more complex cellular circuits, MIT engineers have now programmed cells to remember and respond to a series of events. These cells can remember, in the correct order, up to three different inputs, but this approach should be ...
Flying fishing… but not as you know it!
Fishing is one of the most popular recreational activities in the UK, with one in five of the population participating, according to figures from the Environment Agency. Much of its attraction is the almost primal format on which the ‘sport’ is based. Many an angler will wax lyrical about the attraction of a deserted river bank, and the ancient battle between man and beast.
Rugged data acquisition field kit delivers reliable data
SLICE PRO Field, a completely self-contained rugged Data Acquisition System (DAS) in a portable kit has been introduced by Diversified Technical Systems (DTS). SLICE PRO Field delivers reliable data in low temperatures, high altitudes and low pressure environments, making it suited for aerospace and aircraft applications.
Automotive surface mount varistors operate up to +150°C
Stackpole has announced its AVY series of automotive surface mount varistors that operate at temperatures up to +150°C. This higher operating temperature allows their use in a wider range of environments compared to most varistors that can only operate at temperatures up to +125°C. The AVY series is rated for up to 2,000A of current and 25J load dump energy.