Posted on August 15th, 2010 by jxh
Biomimicry is back again, and this time butterflies are the source of imitation.
The Morpho butterfly possesses acute chemical-sensing abilities thanks to nano-level structures underneath the colorful scales on its wings.
The submicroscopic structures can pick up even the smallest trace of airborne chemicals and the exposure changes the spectral reflectivity of the butterfly’s wings.
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Filed under: Chemical, e-News, Materials | 2 Comments »
Tags: Biomimicry, Chemical, Defense, Materials, Nanotechnology
Posted on August 12th, 2010 by jxh
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and most intact of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built as a tomb for Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu around 2560 BC, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years.
Now, a robotics team from Leeds University in the UK will attempt to unlock one of the pyramid’s greatest secrets: what lies behind a hidden doorway in the Queen’s Chamber.
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Filed under: Architectural, e-News, Mechanical | 9 Comments »
Tags: Architectural, Engineering in History, Mechanical, Robotics
Posted on August 10th, 2010 by axb
Ever wish your ride to school didn’t take so long? Try climbing aboard this jet-powered school bus, and you may have a few more minutes to sleep in this morning.
Made by master mechanic Paul Stender (of speeding port-a-potty fame), this school bus is made of aviation grade metals, fitted with a jet engine, and can reach speeds up to 347mph! Watch it in action after the jump:
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Filed under: Aerospace, e-News, Transportation | 1 Comment »
Tags: Aerospace, And Now, Aviation, Cars
Posted on August 10th, 2010 by jxh
Chemical Engineer
Engineering can be difficult and challenging, but that is what I enjoy most about it. When I was a junior in high school, I got a terrible grade on my first chemistry test and I wanted to quit the class after two weeks. But I stuck with it and now I am a chemical engineering major at Oklahoma State and I love it.
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Filed under: Chemical, Meet More Students | 3 Comments »
Tags: Chemical
Posted on August 8th, 2010 by axb
Here’s some good news for all the Transformers fans out there: researchers at Harvard and MIT have been busy creating new smart material that can change its shape on command. Called “programmable matter by folding,” this nifty robotics project involves wiring flexible alloys and programming them to fold themselves into origami-like shapes.
The current prototype can fold itself into a boat or an airplane depending on the signal it receives – watch in this video [after the jump]:
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Filed under: Computer, e-News, Electrical, Materials, Mechanical | 1 Comment »
Tags: Computer, Electrical, Materials, Mechanical, Robotics
