HackingTheUniverse

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Several technologies are nearing convergence that collectively have the ability to create a new field of skin-like electronics, that are either embedded in human skin or become an exo-skin coating. Flexible, implantable/coatable electronics will soon begin to change the way we interface with information and the computing systems around us. Digital Tattoo Interface – [core77.com] [...]

Metallic glass is a metallic material with an amorphous, non-crystalline atomic structure. Most glassy metals are alloys of several metals with high viscosities that prevent them from solidifying into the tightly ordered atomic structure of most metals and crystals. Metallic Glass Yields Secrets Under Pressure – [ciw.edu] Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Metallic glasses are emerging [...]

Miniature electronic resonaters known as microrings may significantly alter the way we exchange information of all types. These devices are very small, are low cost, require little power, operate at high frequencies and can handle high speed operations. This technology overcomes most signal interference problems and may enable replacing wire and cable connections with all [...]

Tactile Feedback (TF) skin is more commonly known as “touchy-feely” skin. As nanotechnology based artificial skins became more sophisticated and thinner, two way tactile communications has become a basic feature. When nano responsive skins were first being developed, most of the early functions involved basic hygiene; specifically the breathing and moisture control needed for long [...]

Graphene is a flat sheet of carbon atoms packed into a honeycomb like structure that is only one atom thick. Hexagonal Boron Nitride is a synthetically created ceramic that has a microstructure similar to graphite. A single layer of this substance is called a “nanomesh” which looks like an assembly of hexagonal pores. UCLA researchers [...]

The cradle is a modular “body support” system that is a hybrid of ideas found in the designs of an acceleration couch, exoskeleton frameworks, and nanotechnology spacesuits. Acceleration couch – a couch designed to absorb acceleration forces and protect the human reclining in the couch. The most advanced forms use liquid gel nano-foams that can [...]

In 1951, the movie, “The Man In The White Suit” described the fictional invention of a fiber that never wore out and could repel dirt. The inventor was able to weave the fiber into cloth and made a magical suit from the fabric. Liquid glass is a thin layer of silicon dioxide that can be [...]

Eric Drexler created the term, “exploratory engineering” to describe a process of extrapolation in engineering. Drexler maintains that logical boundaries of scope can be defined based on performance from physically possible classes of devices. Using physical laws to draw the boundaries makes it possible to create hypothetical scenarios and accomplish modeling that have higher probabilities [...]

Thin film and nanocrystal solar cells are pushing the edge of photovoltaics, but are often constructed using a silicon base doped with various forms of cadmium, tellurium, indium and other elements that push costs up. A substance that is abundant, cheap and has the right optical properties could produce an inexpensive solar cell. Iron sulfide [...]

By coating paper with an ink that contains both carbon nanotubes and silver nanowire, the paper can store an electric charge, allowing it to function as a light and flexible battery or supercapacitor. At Stanford, nanotubes + ink + paper = instant battery – [stanford.edu] Stanford scientists are harnessing nanotechnology to quickly produce ultra-lightweight, bendable [...]