Robotic devices are usually composed of hard components such as aluminum and steel, in contrast to the soft tissues that power biological organisms. A study conducted by A*STAR researchers now makes it easier to turn squishy, ...
Polymers
Jun 29, 2016
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10
Medical implants mimic the softness of human tissue by mixing liquids such oil with long silicone polymers to create a squishy, wet gel. While implants have improved dramatically over the years, there is still a chance of ...
Polymers
Aug 10, 2015
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433
Diabetics often have little feeling in their feet and don't perceive the body's pressure or temperature signals there. This can result in unnoticed wounds that then develop into abscesses. Many diabetics have to have toes ...
Engineering
May 5, 2015
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28
Cephalopods, which include octopuses, squid, and cuttlefish, are among nature's most skillful camouflage artists, able to change both the color and texture of their skin within seconds to blend into their surroundings—a ...
Materials Science
Sep 17, 2014
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0
(Phys.org) —Shape memory polymers are "smart" plastic materials that can be transformed into a temporary shape and then return to their original shape, triggered by an external stimulus such as heat or pressure. These polymers ...
Polymers
Jul 18, 2014
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(Phys.org) —A team of researchers working in France has found a way to toughen elastomers—a class of rubbers. In their paper published in the journal Science, the team describes how they used a technique similar to that ...
Scientists in Spain have reported the first self-healing polymer that spontaneously and independently repairs itself without any intervention. The new material could be used to improve the security and lifetime of plastic ...
Polymers
Sep 13, 2013
5
0
(Phys.org) —If you've ever watched a drop of water form into a bead or a water strider scoot across a pond, you are familiar with a property of liquids called surface tension.
General Physics
Aug 30, 2013
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0
Octopods, which are also known as octopuses or squid, are considered to be the most intelligent invertebrates. In fact, they have been referred to as the "sages of the sea". They are capable of learning; they can open tin ...
Engineering
Jul 22, 2013
1
0
Nature inspires creativity: in building a silent propulsion system for boats and water sport devices, researchers used the octopus as their role model. The system can be produced at a low cost and in a single step with a ...
Engineering
Jul 1, 2013
1
0
