Researchers at UCLA have made a breakthrough that could dramatically extend the lifespan of hydrogen fuel cells, making them a more viable clean energy source that can help bring sustainable, long-haul trucking closer to reality. For trucks and heavy-duty vehicles that must travel long distances without frequent, time-consuming charging stops, batteries often fall short. … [Read more...] about UCLA breakthrough dramatically extends fuel cell lifespan
Students tackle real-world space mission design at ESA Academy
In early April, 116 university students gathered across Europe to participate in the European Space Agency Academy’s Concurrent Engineering Challenge 2025. Connecting three major European institutions, Politecnico di Milano (Italy), Cranfield University (UK) and the University of Aveiro (Portugal), alongside ESA’s own educational centre in Belgium, the event pushed students to … [Read more...] about Students tackle real-world space mission design at ESA Academy
Engineers reinvent ceramics with origami-inspired 3D printing
In a breakthrough that blends ancient design with modern materials science, researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new class of ceramic structures that can bend under pressure without breaking. Potential applications for the new technology range from medical prosthetics to impact-resistant components in aerospace and robotics, where lightweight but tough … [Read more...] about Engineers reinvent ceramics with origami-inspired 3D printing
‘Biomedical lab in a box’ empowers engineers in low- and middle-income countries
Through workshops based on a course, a team of researchers at MIT has developed a ‘biomedical lab in a box’ that they’ve used to give students in Kenya and Uganda hands-on experience engineering medical hardware. Globally, and especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), a significant portion of the population lacks access to essential health-care services. … [Read more...] about ‘Biomedical lab in a box’ empowers engineers in low- and middle-income countries
Microrobot gets insect-inspired legs for soft touchdowns
Engineers in Harvard University’s Microrobotics Laboratory have equipped their tiny RoboBee flying robot with new landing gear inspired by the graceful landings of crane flies. The Harvard has long shown that it can fly, dive and hover like a real insect, and now it can land like one, too. The team led by Robert Wood, the Harry Lewis and Marlyn McGrath professor of … [Read more...] about Microrobot gets insect-inspired legs for soft touchdowns