skip to content

Energy

Interdisciplinary Research Centre
 

Study links intense energy bursts to ventilator-induced lung injury

A new study sheds light on ventilator-induced lung injury, a complication that gained increased attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a surge in patients requiring mechanical ventilation. The study suggests that repeated collapse and reopening of tiny alveoli -- air sacs in the lungs essential for breathing -- during mechanical ventilation may cause microscopic tissue damage, playing a key role in ventilator-related injuries that contribute to thousands of deaths annually.

From handicap to asset: AI approach leverages optics phenomenon to produce better images

Quantitative phase imaging (QPI) is a microscopy technique widely used to investigate cells and tissues. Even though first biomedical applications based on QPI have been developed, both acquisition speed and image quality need to improve to guarantee a widespread reception. Scientists suggest leveraging an optical phenomenon called chromatic aberration -- that usually degrades image quality -- to produce suitable images with standard microscopes.

Smart adhesive electrode avoids nerve damage

A research team has developed a three-dimensional neural electrode that deforms smoothly using soft actuation technology. It is expected to be used in various next-generation soft bioelectronic devices, including electroceuticals for peripheral nerve treatment.

Scientists use AI to better understand nanoparticles

A team of scientists has developed a method to illuminate the dynamic behavior of nanoparticles, which are foundational components in the creation of pharmaceuticals, electronics, and industrial and energy-conversion materials.

Evidence expanding that 40Hz gamma stimulation promotes brain health

A decade of studies from labs around the world provide a growing evidence base that increasing the power of the brain's gamma rhythms could help fight Alzheimer's, and perhaps other, neurological diseases.

Breaking the surface: How damage reshapes ripples in graphene

Scientists discover how defects in the surface of two-dimensional sheets alter ripple effects, even freezing the sheet's motion altogether.

New biosensor can detect airborne bird flu in under 5 minutes

As highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza continues to spread in the U.S., posing serious threats to dairy and poultry farms, both farmers and public health experts need better ways to monitor for infections, in real time, to mitigate and respond to outbreaks. Newly devised virus trackers can monitor for airborne particles of H5N1.

A hot droplet can bounce across a cool pan, too

When a droplet of water falls on a hot pan, it dances across the surface, skimming on a thin layer of steam like a tiny hovercraft; this is known as the Leidenfrost effect. But now, researchers know what happens when a hot droplet falls on a cool surface. These new findings demonstrate that hot and burning droplets can bounce off cool surfaces, propelled by a thin layer of air that forms beneath them. This phenomenon could inspire new strategies for slowing the spread of fires and improving engine efficiency.

Engineers create more effective burner to reduce methane emissions

Researchers have published a new study showing an advanced new methane flare burner, created with additive manufacturing and machine learning, eliminates 98% of methane vented during oil production.

Breakthrough CRISPR-based test offers faster, more accurate diagnosis for fungal pneumonia

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is the most common fungal pneumonia in children. But current diagnostic methods can take days an require an invasive bronchoscopy procedure. Now, a new CRISPR-based test has been developed to diagnose PJP more quickly and less invasively.

Researchers develop efficient lithium extraction method, setting stage for sustainable EV battery supply chains

In the race to meet the growing global demand for lithium -- a critical component in batteries for electric vehicles -- a team of researchers has developed a breakthrough lithium extraction method that could reshape the industry. In their study, the researchers demonstrated near-perfect lithium selectivity by repurposing solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) as membrane materials for aqueous lithium extraction. While originally designed for the rapid conduction of lithium ions in solid-state batteries -- where there are no other ions or liquid solvents -- the highly ordered and confined structure of SSEs was found to enable unprecedented separation of both ions and water in aqueous mixtures.