Tech

Tech

DNA puts its best foot forward

A robot made of DNA has taken its first steps, suggesting that such devices could eventually be used for nanoscale manufacturing.

Tech

Microwave mirror hits the spot

A technique for rebounding and refocusing sound also works for electromagnetic waves, possibly opening new uses ranging from improving cell phone communication to treating illness.

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Tiny Tubes Brighten Bulbs: Nanotubes beat tungsten in lightbulb test—maybe

Experiments suggest that lightbulbs with filaments made from carbon nanotubes outshine conventional bulbs.

Tech

Protein Power: Solar cell produces electricity from spinach and bacterial proteins

Researchers have fabricated a solar cell that uses photosynthetic proteins to convert light into electricity.

Tech

Groovy Pictures: Extracting sound from images of old audio recordings

To preserve songs and words on antique vinyl records and wax cylinders, a new scanning technique maps their grooves, then simulates a stylus moving along those contours to extract high-quality sound.

Tech

Diagnostic gadget mixes and matches all in one

Researchers have fabricated a miniature diagnostic lab that can detect disease-linked genes in a small sample of whole blood.

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Injectable Medibots: Programmable DNA could diagnose and treat cancer

Researchers have created a miniature DNA computer that can detect cancer genes in a test tube and respond by releasing a drug.

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Super-repellent surface switches on and off

Nanotechnologists have created a remarkably effective liquid-repelling surface that can also become, at the flick of a switch, liquid-attracting.

Tech

Aircraft trick may give big rigs a gentle lift

Using sheet-like jets of air to control aerodynamic drag and lift—a technology first developed for aircraft—may boost gas mileage and improve braking and handling of tractor-trailer trucks.

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Bacteria churn out new type of electronic paper

Researchers have developed a new way of making flexible electronic paper displays using cellulose derived from bacteria.

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Reinventing the Yo-Yo

No longer simple toys, today's pricey yo-yos sport high-tech features—such as ball bearing transaxles and precision string-snagging mechanisms—that permit dazzling new styles and complex tricks.

Tech

Fluid lens flows into focus

By controlling a boundary between oil and water, researchers have created a liquid lens that can quickly alter its shape in response to electric signals.