Cilia of Vorticella for active microfluidic mixing

Active elements are fundamental components of many microsystems. Traditional elements with nonliving, artificial actuators require an external power source for operation, with magnetic and electric fields necessary to drive ...

Lab-on-a-chip technology gets a flexible upgrade

Microfluidic devices move liquids through tiny, hair-sized pathways carved into glass slides and have distinct advantages over traditional laboratories when it comes to medical diagnostics. At these reduced scales, fluid ...

Renewable energy: Nanotubes to channel osmotic power

The salinity difference between fresh water and salt water could be a source of renewable energy. However, power yields from existing techniques are not high enough to make them viable. A solution to this problem may now ...

UIC engineer tests improved 'icephobic' coatings

(PhysOrg.com) -- While scientists and engineers have developed several products that repel water and, to a lesser degree, snow and ice, considerable room remains for something "new and improved."

Breaking Up Can Be Hard

Laura Townsend '10 eases a soggy lump of concrete out from what looks like a gigantic pizza oven. "Come on, whoa! -- This bad boy is going to fall apart," she says as she inspects the pebbly mass and then gingerly places ...