northwestern university

Working in the lab, Northwestern alumnus Bill Yen buries the fuel cell in soil.
A new fuel cell harvests energy from microbes living in dirt runs forever
An artistic interpretation of brain-like computing. Image by Xiaodong Yan/Northwestern University
A new synaptic transistor is capable of higher-level thinking mimics human intelligence
SEAS researchers have developed a multiscale approach that allows particle-reinforced rubber to bear high loads and resist crack growth over repeated use. Above, cracks grow in the left sample while the cracks in the right sample, made from the multiscale material, remain intact after 350,000 cycles. Credit: Suo Group/Harvard SEAS)
Seriously increasing the longevity of rubber products such as tires
Found in fishing nets, carpet, clothing, Nylon-6 is a major contributor to plastic pollution, including ocean pollution.
A new catalyst that quickly, cleanly and completely breaks down fishing nets, carpet and clothing without leaving harmful byproducts behind
A new synthetic melanin, developed by researchers at Northwestern University, mimicking the natural melanin in human skin, can be applied topically to injured skin, where it accelerates wound healing. Credit: Yu Chen.
Imagine a skin cream that heals damage occurring throughout the day when your skin is exposed to sunlight or environmental toxins
The inside of the robot contains "air muscles," as shown on the left.
The first artificial intelligence to date that can intelligently design robots from scratch
The first implantable drug delivery system that is triggered by external light sources of different wavelengths and not by electronics
Dr. Yanfa Yan, professor of physics, with his perovskite solar cells which are able to increase the total electrical power generated by using two parts of the sun's spectrum
Perovskite solar cells have their durability issue finally solved
Remotely controlled miniature biological robots have many potential applications in medicine, sensing and environmental monitoring. Image courtesy of Yongdeok Kim
A remote control for biological robots
An artist's rendering shows how a new pacemaker, designed by a UArizona-led team of researchers, is able to envelop the heart. The wireless, battery-free pacemaker could be implanted with a less invasive procedure than currently possible and would cause patients less pain.Courtesy of Philipp Gutruff
A battery-free light-powered pacemaker
A discovery by Rice University engineers brings efficient, stable bilayer perovskite solar cells closer to commercialization. The cells are about a micron thick, with 2D and 3D layers. Photo by Jeff Fitlow
Making perovskite solar cells stable enough to be ready for prime time
The researchers suspended microporous nanocrystals in water and other aqueous solutions. Courtesy of Jarad Mason
Microporous water opens up enormous possibilities for biomedical and energy applications.
At its widest point, the tiny device is just 5 millimeters wide. One end is curled into a cuff that softly wraps around a single nerve, bypassing the need for sutures.
Relieving pain without drugs using a dissolving implantable device
Smaller than a flea, this robot can walk, bend, twist, turn and jump
Overcome: A major hurdle to the restoration of hearing