Taking inspiration from plants, researchers demonstrate a proof-of-concept device that extracts hydrogen fuel from humidity using sunlight.
Robert Lea
Robert Lea is a science journalist in the United Kingdom specializing in space and physics reporting. His articles have been published in Space, Physics World, Popular Mechanics, Live Science, and Newsweek.
NASA’s Lunar Flashlight Spacecraft may be in deep space trouble
Three of the briefcase-size satellite’s thrusters are underperforming, jeopardizing its journey to the Moon.
A self-breathing battery helps robots take a deep dive
A new battery design not only provides energy,not only provides energy, but facilitates automatic surfacing and diving mechanisms in electronic, underwater equipment.
Blood-curdling inspiration for mixed-size porous materials
Blood coagulation is a common but delicate physiological behavior and is inspiring new porous materials.
Visualizing cell membranes using a plasma membrane-on-a-chip
Compared to other platforms, this new “on-a-chip” system allows membrane proteins to be studied in their natural state.
Molecular dye plays “tag” with chemotherapy drugs
A new hydrogel platform helps monitor chemotherapies in the body in real-time, allowing their side effects and potency to be better understood.
Massive shoreline hints at an ancient ocean on Mars
The 3.5-billion-year-old shoreline provides evidence of an ancient ocean in Mars’ northern hemisphere as well as sea-level rise.
Designing “fluid brains” to take the edge off soft robots
Rigid elements are holding soft robots back from their full potential, and new research suggests swapping in fluid-based systems.
Largest-ever radar study of near-Earth asteroids
Years’ worth of radar data from the now-destroyed Arecibo Observatory has helped detail almost 200 near-Earth asteroids.
Indoor 5G gets a much-needed signal boost
A user-friendly system consisting of units that can direct 5G around obstacles in the home aim to eliminate communication shading areas.