How to prevent biofilms in space
Microbial or fungal biofilms on spacecraft can clog hoses and filters, or make astronauts sick. Space Station tests show that a surface treatment can help.
How to clean solar panels without water
A new cleaning method could remove dust on solar installations in water-limited regions, improving overall efficiency.
Solar-powered system offers a route to inexpensive desalination
Passive solar evaporation system could be used to clean wastewater, provide potable water, or sterilize medical tools in off-grid areas.
Overcoming a bottleneck in carbon dioxide conversion
Study reveals why some attempts to convert the greenhouse gas into fuel have failed, and offers possible solutions.
Why boiling droplets can race across hot oily surfaces
The commonplace phenomenon, now quantified for the first time, could be harnessed for many useful applications.
How to get salt out of water: Make it self-eject
Crystallizing salts can grow “legs,” then tip over and fall away, potentially helping to prevent fouling of metal surfaces, researchers find.
Boosting the efficiency of carbon capture and conversion systems
New design could speed reaction rates in electrochemical systems for pulling carbon out of power plant emissions.
Syringe technology could enable injection of concentrated biologic drugs
Researchers have designed a simple, low-cost device for subcutaneous injection of viscous formulations.
Bubble-capturing surface helps get rid of foam
Bubbly buildup can hinder many industrial processes, but a new method can reduce or even eliminate it.
3 Questions: How to control biofilms in space
MIT and University of Colorado researchers are collaborating on an experiment to be sent to the International Space Station.
A new way to make droplets bounce away
Engineers design surfaces that send rain flying away, potentially preventing icing or soaking.
New surface treatment could improve refrigeration efficiency
A slippery surface for liquids with very low surface tension promotes droplet formation, facilitating heat transfer.
How slippery surfaces allow sticky pastes and gels to slide
Engineered surface treatment developed at MIT can reduce waste and improve efficiency in many processes.
Graduate student Sami Khan receives Young Researcher Award
The PhD candidate was honored at the 2015 World Hydropower Congress in May.
LiquiGlide slides into consumer space
Startup brings nonstick coating to consumer goods packaging in major licensing deal.