Overcoming transistor miniaturization limits due to ‘quantum tunneling’
Breakthrough could jumpstart further miniaturization of transistors, possibly extending Moore’s law
Ultrasound-powered nanorobots clear bacteria and toxins from blood
The U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency aims to create a broad-spectrum detoxification robotic platform
Artificial sensory neurons may give future prosthetic devices and robots a subtle sense of touch
Artificial sensory nerve system combines a touch-pressure sensor, flexible electronic neuron, and artificial synaptic transistor modeled on human synapses
New noninvasive technique could be alternative to laser eye surgery
Uses a low-powered, ultrafast laser to alter biochemical and biomechanical tissue properties without causing cellular damage or tissue disruption
First 3D-printed human corneas
Using donated stem cells, bio-ink formed the shape of a specific human cornea in less than 10 minutes; could ensure an unlimited supply of corneas in the future
Teaching robots to do household chores
Future goal is to allow robots to learn by simply watching a YouTube video
Advanced brain organoid could model strokes, screen drugs
Functional blood brain barrier allows for discovering and testing new drugs that can cross over into the brain
Ingestible capsule uses light-emitting bacteria to monitor gastrointestinal health
Ultra-low-power device in gut wirelessly transmits diagnostic signal to a cell phone; multiple gastrointestinal diagnoses possible
High-quality carbon nanotubes made from carbon dioxide in the air break the manufacturing cost barrier
“The most valuable material ever sold”
Self-healing material mimics the resilience of soft biological tissue
Imagine first-responder robots that instantly heal themselves when damaged, or wires that continue to conduct electricity when cut
Revolutionary 3D nanohybrid lithium-ion battery could allow for charging in just seconds [UPDATED]
Design also prevents fires in mobile devices
MIT’s modular plug-and-play blocks allow for building medical diagnostic devices
Small labs around the world will be able to cheaply and easily detect diabetes, cancer, and infectious diseases such as Zika virus
