Industries
A portable device for rapid and highly sensitive diagnostics
When remote regions with limited health facilities experience an epidemic, they need portable diagnostic equipment that functions outside the hospital. As demand for such equipment grows, EPFL researchers have developed a low-cost and portable microfluidic diagnostic device. It has been tested on Ebola and can be used to detect many other diseases. Over the past several years, microfluidic devices have shown extraordinary potential in the ar...
Engineered nanoparticles deliver cancer drugs to tumours
Chemotherapy isn't supposed to make your hair fall out—it's supposed to kill cancer cells. A new molecular delivery system created at U of T could help ensure that chemotherapy drugs get to their target while minimising collateral damage. Many cancer drugs target fast-growing cells. Injected into a patient, they swirl around in the bloodstream acting on fast-growing cells wherever they find them. That includes tumours, but unfortunately als...
Microfluidic device could speed up DNA insertion in bacteria
Genetically engineering any organism requires first getting its cells to take in foreign DNA. To do this, scientists often perform a process called electroporation, in which they expose cells to an electric field. If that field is at just the right magnitude, it will open up pores within the cell membrane, through which DNA can flow. But it can take scientists months or even years to figure out the exact electric field conditions to reversibly un...
Nanoparticle has the potential to treat ocular cancer
Researchers at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center have developed a new nanoparticle that uses a tumor cell's protective mechanism against itself - short-circuiting tumor cell metabolism and killing tumor cells. "Our work uses a semiconducting nanoparticle with an attached platinum electrode to drive the synthesis of an anti-cancer compound when illuminated by light," says Howard R. Petty, Ph.D., professor of ophthalmology and visual sc...
ITRI selects CEVA-XC DSP for 4G small cell base stations
CEVA has announced that ITRI, the award-winning Taiwanese research and development organisation, has selected the CEVA-XC DSP for the development of its new 4G small cell base station platform. ITRI small cell projects are funded from the Department of Industrial Technology (DoIT) of the Ministry of Economy Affairs (MOEA), Taiwan.
Wirepas launches a dedicated connectivity product for beacons
Wirepas is extending its product portfolio to a new application area - beacons. The new product is based on the unique Wirepas Connectivity protocol, and it is optimised to fulfill the needs of various beacon use cases. Beacons are a fast growing application area within the device connectivity and IoT markets. Beacons have several use cases in retail, transportation and events for example.
Automotive grade MLCCs operate at up to +200°C
Designed for automotive applications, the GCB series MLCCs have been unveiled by Murata. The use of electronic components in automobiles continues to rise, particularly inside engine compartments, powertrains & safety devices. These are typically exposed to demanding environments and must have not only high levels of reliability but be able to function at high temperatures too.
Bats inspire unique design for micro air vehicles
Researchers from the University of Southampton have designed innovative membrane wings which have been inspired by the flight of bats. This could potentialy open the door for next-gen Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs) that offer improved aerodynamic properties, can fly over longer distances and are more economical to run.
VME64x custom 6U extender card enables military applications
Verotec has developed a custom 280mm long 6U VME64x extender card for a leading embedded systems company to facilitate testing and debugging of their cards used in a ruggedised military application. The custom extender provides an interface between the standard DIN41612 connectors used in the VME64x-based test system and the high density 160-way female connectors used to connect to the board under test.
Robot transforms musician into three-armed drummer
Georgia Institute of Technology researchers have built a wearable robotic limb that allows drummers to play with three arms. The two-foot long "smart arm" can be attached to a musician's shoulder. It responds to human gestures and the music it hears. When the drummer moves to play the high hat cymbal, for example, the robotic arm maneuvers to play the ride cymbal. When the drummer switches to the snare, the mechanical arm shifts to the tom.