Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a special shape-shifting polymer that can lift loads over 1,000 times its own weight. Thanks to its incredibly high elasticity, the new material is capable of returning to its original shape, when triggered by heat. Although still in the early stages of development, the technology has a…
With countries slowly increasing their solar power capacity, researchers are actively looking for ways to develop efficient energy storage systems. A team of MIT scientists, for instance, has created an entirely new material that is capable of storing solar energy during daytime, and later releasing it as heat when needed. Unlike similar research, however, the study…
Paper is quite versatile, as a group of OSU scientists, working to create paper-printed electronics, has already shown. But who would’ve thought a piece of paper can actually store energy like a powerful supercapacitor? Well as it seems, this enterprising team of Swedish researchers surely did. Crafted using organic materials, the aptly-called “power paper” is…
A rose is beautiful. A cyborg rose is beautiful and efficient. At least that is the primary notion put forth by a group of Swedish scientists at the Linköping University. To that end, the researchers have demonstrated a series of electronic circuits running through the rose plant body. These conduits (with the potential ability to…
Previously, we have talked about color-changing materials inspired by organic forms like squid and cuttlefish. Well, this time around, the scientists are inspired by the 'king of camouflage' - the chameleon. Researchers at the Stanford University have devised a new stretchable electronic skin (e-skin) that can automatically change its color depending on the varying degrees…
We here at HEXAPOLIS have discussed in details the various potential applications of graphene - the two-dimensional carbon allotrope. And now a group of resourceful researchers over at MIT have found yet another use for the one-atom thick wonder material, with its crucial impact envisioned in most of the world's electricity-producing power plants. To that…
We are all aware of the amazing color-changing ability of squids. A property that renders these marine creatures invisible to predators and potential prey, the squid's impressive camouflage skill has been the object of interest for some of the brightest scientific minds across the world. Previously, a group of researchers, at Rice University, developed an…