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Researchers Create Materials With Unique Combo of Stiffness, Thermal Insulation

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a smartphone displays the wi-fi symbol on its screen

Jul 24, 2024

How a ‘Digital Twin’ Can Make Wireless Networks Faster, More Reliable

A new technique predicts which data wireless computing users will need before they need it, making wireless networks faster and more reliable. 
image on left is labeled 'expanded' and shows 3D grid of pink polymer; image on left is labeled 'contracted' and shows a much smaller grid of the pink polymer, with much smaller gaps between the polymer strands

Jul 22, 2024

3D Printing of Light-Activated Hydrogel Actuators

3D-printed hydrogels create structures that contract when exposed to light and expand when the light is removed, meaning they can serve as remotely controlled actuators. 
An image of a piece of advanced technology that looks like a brain.

Jul 11, 2024

AI Powers Interdisciplinary Innovation

At NC State University, interdisciplinary teams are leveraging AI to revolutionize research in agriculture, chemical engineering, education and more. 
wet spots show up as dark stains on the concrete next to a swimming pool

Jul 5, 2024

Why Do Things Look Darker When They’re Wet?

From rain-soaked sidewalks to sweat-stained dress shirts, you’ve probably noticed that most things look darker when they’re wet. Why? 
Left: person wearing the fluid motor attached to artificial muscles. Center: artificial muscle lifts suitcase off the ground. Right: robotic leg attached to artificial muscle flexes its ankle.

Jul 1, 2024

Portable Engine Can Power Artificial Muscles in Assistive Devices

What sets the new engine apart is its ability to generate significant force without being tethered to an external power source. 
image shows three different configurations of 3-D cubes

Jun 26, 2024

Mechanical Computer Relies On Kirigami Cubes, Not Electronics

The mechanical computer uses a complex structure of rigid, interconnected polymer cubes to store, retrieve and erase data without relying on electronic components. 
multicolored code streams across a computer monitor

Jun 25, 2024

Six NFR Strategies to Improve Software Performance and Security

Non-functional requirements (NFRs) are important aspects of a software system, but are often overlooked by developers. 
gloved hands are stretching a thin sheet of clear material over a nail; the material is stretching over the sharp nail without breaking

Jun 19, 2024

Researchers Create New Class of Materials Called ‘Glassy Gels’

Glassy gels are extremely hard, but not brittle – they can stretch up to five times their original length. 
time-lapse photograph shows blurred images of car lights moving in two different directions

Jun 13, 2024

New Technique Improves AI Ability to Map 3D Space With 2D Cameras

Because the technique works effectively with limited computational resources, it holds promise for improving the navigation of autonomous vehicles. 
a man runs across a green lawn wearing a robotic exoskeleton that attaches to his waist, hips and knees

Jun 12, 2024

AI-Powered Simulation Training Improves Human Performance in Robotic Exoskeletons

The robotic exoskeletons help users save energy while walking, running and climbing stairs. 
time lapsed photo shows a soft robot tendril lowering, wrapping around a tube, and lifting it into the air

Jun 11, 2024

3D-Printed Mini-Actuators Can Move Small Soft Robots, Lock Them Into New Shapes

The miniature soft hydraulic actuators can control the deformation and motion of soft robots that are less than a millimeter thick. 
diagram shows infrared light passing through an oxide membrane

Jun 10, 2024

Researchers Demonstrate New Way to ‘Squeeze’ Infrared Light

The thin-film membranes confine infrared light far better than bulk crystals, which are the established technology for infrared light confinement. 
photo of an industrial landscape with large smokestacks billowing white clouds

Jun 5, 2024

Climate Change Will Make Air Pollution Worse. Here’s How.

The study finds climate change is likely to make upward spikes of ozone at ground level worse by 2050. 
A food scientist hydrates a protein for use in a food formulation.

May 31, 2024

Bezos Earth Fund Grant Creates Sustainable Protein Research Hub at NC State

Research will engage academic and industry partners to create and commercialize new technologies to shape the future of sustainable food production. 
image shows an orderly array of blue cubes, with a network of silver spheres descending from it

May 29, 2024

Researchers Create Materials With Unique Combo of Stiffness, Thermal Insulation

This combination of properties is extremely unusual and holds promise for applications such as thermal insulation coatings for electronics.