Kate McAlpine
Kate McAlpine, senior writer & assistant news editor, University of Michigan
Articles
Walking and slithering aren’t as different as you think
A mathematical model links up slithering with some kinds of swimming and walking, and it could make programming many-legged robots easier.
Laser pulse development paves the way for processing quantum information
University of Michigan researchers have found how quantum materials emit light as though it were only a positive pulse, rather than a positive-negative oscillation.
Nanotech OLED could cut power consumption
An electrode that could free up 20% more light from organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) could help extend the battery life of smartphones and laptops and other devices, making them more energy efficient.
Bird-like wings could help drones keep stable in gusts
3D morphing wings developed by University of Michigan researchers could help small aircraft safely navigate windy streets and other close-corridor situations.
Expanded funding for COVID-19 wastewater monitoring
University of Michigan researchers are surveying wastewater systems for COVID-19 will continue until 2023 after receiving an additional $5 million in funding.
Self-erasing chips stop counterfeit electronics
Self-erasing chips developed relies on a material that temporarily stores energy, changing the color of the light it emits and it self-erases in a matter of days or erased on demand.
Mirror-like photovoltaics get more electricity out of heat
Heat-harnessing solar cells that reflect 99% of the energy they can’t convert to electricity could help bring down the price of storing renewable energy as heat and improve overall energy efficiency.
How biomorphic batteries can provide more power for robots
Rechargeable batteries that store energy the way animals store fat could help robots operate for longer periods according to a research team at the University of Michigan.
Making plastic more transparent while adding electrical conductivity
University of Michigan researchers have made plastic conductive while also making it more transparent, which can improve large touchscreens, LED light panels and window-mounted infrared solar cells.
Electron energy distribution measured for improved storage, conversion
Researchers at the University of Michigan, Purdue University, and the University of Liverpool in the UK have figured out a way to measure how many hot charge carrier are present in a metal nanostructure for improved energy storage and conversion.