In an elegant fusion of art and science, researchers at Rice University have achieved a major milestone in nanomaterials engineering by uncovering how boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) — touted for their strength, thermal stability and insulating properties — can be coaxed into forming ordered liquid crystalline phases in water. Their work, published in Langmuir, the premier American Chemical Society journal in colloid and surface chemistry, was so visually striking it graced the journal’s cover.

In the latest issue of Engineering, researchers from Donghua University and the University of British Columbia present a new design methodology for 3D rotary braiding machines. This innovative approach, based on an average cutting circle strategy, allows for the creation of complex geometric textile composites with enhanced flexibility and precision. The study details how varying the number of incisions on horn gears and combining different cut-circles can significantly expand the capabilities of 3D braiding technology. The findings offer a practical solution for producing intricate 3D braided structures, with potential applications in aerospace, automotive, medical, and emerging fields like nanogenerators and sensors.

Perovskite solar cells have emerged as a lower-cost, higher-efficiency alternative to traditional silicon solar cells due to their material structure and physical flexibility. Their large power conversion efficiency rate makes them well suited to converting lower light sources into energy. In APL Energy, researchers in Taiwan created perovskite solar cells that effectively convert indoor lighting into electrical power. They tuned the bandgap of the composition of the perovskite and their strategy for passivating the perovskite layer, which makes it less susceptible to corrosion, also improved the overall stability.

An international team of scientists has developed a biodegradable material that could slash global energy consumption without using any electricity, according to a new study published today.

Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, have created a specially designed “bottlebrush” polymer that was used to produce a reaction space the size of a single molecule. This space acted as a nanoscale vessel to allow new materials, such as specialty polymers, to be created under highly controlled conditions. The technology has applications in advanced technologies such as drug delivery and remote sensing.  

In the realm of infrastructure maintenance, a novel approach to detecting concrete bridge damage has emerged. Researchers have developed an automated detection method using an enhanced version of the YOLO (You Only Look Once) algorithm, augmented with Vision Transformers. This advancement aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of identifying structural defects in bridges, particularly those captured by drones under challenging real-world conditions. The study, published in Engineering, highlights the potential of this technology to enhance bridge inspection processes.

A new review published in Engineering explores the advancements in hand–eye coordination technology for agricultural robots, highlighting their potential to address labor shortages and enhance efficiency in complex farming tasks. The study examines various configurations of hand–eye systems, calibration methods, and control strategies, emphasizing the importance of accurate target perception and collision-free handle. While significant progress has been made, ongoing challenges such as maintaining calibration accuracy and replicating human dexterity remain. The findings suggest that continued innovation in hand–eye coordination could play a crucial role in the future development of smart agriculture.