Biomimicry is an exciting field of engineering that continually produces amazing designs.  We have reported on the robotic arm based on an elephant trunk, artificial honeybee silk, and biofuels inspired by frog foam.  Now biomimicry is tackling the problems of cargo ships.

For any mode of transportation, a heavier load increases fuel costs and emissions.  This is especially true for an ocean-traveling container ship, which uses massive amounts of energy to propel through water.

However, by mimicking the hydrophobic characteristics of the water fern, researchers at the University of Bonn believe they can design a more energy-efficient container ship.

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Filed under: e-News, Materials, Ocean, Transportation | Comments Off on More Problems Solved Thanks to Biomimicry

Tags: Biomimicry, Biotechnology, Ocean, Transportation

The human brain is one of the most fascinating organs in our bodies and also one of the most complex. Thankfully, engineers are devising remarkable new ways to manipulate our neural circuitry, with applications ranging from controlling prosthetic limbs and giving voice to the paralyzed to treating depression and traumatic brain injuries. Here’s an exciting recent development in the field of neuroengineering:

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Filed under: Biomedical, Computer, e-News, Electrical | 3 Comments »

Tags: Biomedical, Computer, Electrical

The one-week ASM Materials camp at Missouri University of Science and Technology, July 25-30, 2010, offers rising juniors and seniors an opportunity to explore materials science and engineering principles through a combination of mini-demonstrations, field trips, and group projects. Past projects have included microelectronic circuitry, friction-stir welding, ceramic magnets, metal casting, glass processing, and heat treatment and mechanical property evaluation. Cost: Free. Application Deadline: May 31, 2010.

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Filed under: Grades 9-12, K-12 Outreach Programs | Comments Off on Materials Camp at Missouri S&T. July 25-30, 2010

Tags: Materials, Summer Camps & Programs (Students)

Here’s an idea that could give a boost to offshore energy plants: underwater kites that harness tidal energy. Water is almost 800 times denser than air, so capturing the its force could ultimately be even more efficient than using wind power.

Called Deep Green, the low-cost and low-impact kite captures tidal power ten times faster than the speed of the water it operates in, resulting in 1,000 times more energy gains.

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Filed under: e-News, Environmental, Ocean | Comments Off on Let’s Go Float a Kite

Tags: Energy, Environmental, Ocean

Electrical and Biomedical Engineer

I want people to be able to express themselves musically.  In the fall I will be attending the Dublin Institute of Technology, as a recipient of the Fulbright scholarship, to build an interface that will allow a disabled person to play a musical synthesizer.

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Filed under: Meet More Students | 3 Comments »

Tags: Biomedical, Electrical, Fulbright, Music