Nacre, also known as mother of pearl is a composite, organic-inorganic material produced in nature in the inner shell layer of molluscs and the outer coating of pearls. The material is resilient and iridescent with high strength ...
The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) in South Korea developed a thermoelectric module that generates electricity using human body heat. The module, which is 5 cm in width and 11 cm in length, can ...
Engineering
Mar 1, 2019
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37
Over hundreds of millions of years of evolution, nature has produced a myriad of biological materials that serve either as skeletons or as defensive or offensive weapons. Although these natural structural materials are derived ...
Polymers
Aug 13, 2018
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9
When it comes to solar cells, less is more—the less their surfaces reflect a sun's rays, the more energy can be generated. A typical fix to the problem of reflectivity is an anti-reflective coating, but that might not always ...
Optics & Photonics
Aug 31, 2017
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217
New research explains why so many biological networks, including the human brain (a network of neurons), exhibit a hierarchical structure, and will improve attempts to create artificial intelligence. The study, published ...
Computer Sciences
Jun 9, 2016
1
77
(Phys.org)—Many insects, birds, fish, and amphibians emit light as a way to communicate with each other, but the species that produces light most efficiently is the firefly. In a new study, researchers have investigated ...
Nature is no doubt the world's best biological engineer, whose simple, exquisite but powerful designs have inspired scientists and engineers to tackle the challenges of technologies for centuries. Scientists recently mimicked ...
Optics & Photonics
Apr 14, 2016
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27
In a new paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS), researchers in the laboratory of Julia R. Greer, professor of Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering and Medical Engineering, have ...
Nanomaterials
Sep 2, 2015
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18
Having a hierarchical social structure with just a few well-connected leaders enables pigeon flocks to navigate more accurately on the wing, new research shows.
Plants & Animals
Jun 9, 2015
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466
Researchers working to design new materials that are durable, lightweight and environmentally sustainable are increasingly looking to natural composites, such as bone, for inspiration: Bone is strong and tough because its ...
Materials Science
Jun 17, 2013
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