Hand Paddle Assesses Swimmers Strokes

While there are already performance-tracking watches that count swimmers’ laps and strokes, they typically don’t provide feedback on the quality of those strokes. A new device known as the SmartPaddle, however, is designed to do just that. The SmartPaddle was created by Trainesense, a spinoff company from the Finnish Institute of Technology. It actually consists of two devices, each one […]

Metal Infused Lumber 

While lumber certainly has many desirable qualities as a building material, it typically has to be pressure-treated with eco-unfriendly chemicals to keep from rotting. With that problem in mind, US scientists are working on a greener alternative – giving the wood a shot of metal oxide. Led by Asst. Prof. Mark Losego, a team at Georgia Tech is taking advantage […]

“Aerophilic Surface”

Although some people may like a good frothy head on their beer, the foaming of liquids is considered problematic in many fields. A new MIT-designed material could help, as it keeps such foam from forming. In various industrial processes, unwanted foam can both clog up machinery and occupy space that would otherwise be put to better use. Additionally, when foam […]

Robot Completes Supermicrosurgeries On Human

A highly precise form of reconstructive surgery, known as supermicrosurgery, seeks to connect ultra-thin blood and lymph vessels as a way of restoring them to healthy function. This requires a high level of expertise on part of the surgeons, but they may soon have a new robotic tool at their disposal called Musa, which has performed its first round of […]

Sensing Soiled Diapers 

The icky business of soiled diapers has motivated many to pursue connected nappies that alert carers when they’re in need of changing, but scientists at MIT are now putting forward a more cost effective option. The team’s new smart diapers make use of an RFID tag that works with a hydrogel to form a cheap moisture sensor, which sends an […]

Remote Control Bandage

The treatment of chronic wounds often involves the application of different medications, at different stages in the healing process. A newly-developed electronic bandage could allow this to happen, but without having to be removed for each application. Building upon a previously-developed device, the bandage is being created by a team from the University of Connecticut, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and […]

Dutch Foldable Furniture Only Requires 10 Minutes

Dutch design firm Malessa Studio has recently revealed its foldable and compact furniture collection, especially designed for students and renters who frequently move homes. Following in the footsteps of IKEA’s Råvaror collection, the Nest series features a collection of everyday furniture pieces that are specifically designed for small spaces, with the added bonus of being easily dismantled, packed, moved and […]

What is a Pulse Oximeter?

What will they think of next? Already, wearables are stuffed to the gills with all kinds of health sensors from electrocardiograms to sleep trackers. The new kid in town is named the Pulse Oximeter, and it’s starting to show up in the latest, most high-end smartwatches and fitness trackers. But what is this thing, and should your new device have […]

UV Blocking Bioplastic

Plant-based bioplastics are already a more eco-friendly alternative to their petroleum-based counterparts. Now, scientists have created a clear bioplastic film that not only blocks harmful ultraviolet radiation, but that is also more airtight than traditional plastics. Created by a team at Finland’s University of Oulu, the transparent “copolymer” film is made entirely of two organic compounds: hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and furfural. […]