Content for Brown.Edu

Researchers report progress on molecular data storage system

“A Brown University team has shown that they can store and retrieve more than 200 kilobytes of digital image files by encoding the data in mixtures of new custom libraries of small molecules. A team of Brown University researchers has …

Researchers develop new bio-inspired wing design for small drones

“Taking a cue from birds and insects, Brown University researchers have come up with a new wing design for small drones that helps them fly more efficiently and makes them more robust to atmospheric turbulence. Researchers from Brown University have …

Researchers directly measure ‘Cheerios effect’ forces for the first time

“In a finding that could be useful in designing small aquatic robots, researchers have measured the forces that cause small objects to cluster together on the surface of a liquid — a phenomenon known as the “Cheerios effect.” There’s an …

Molecular thumb drives: Researchers store digital images in metabolite molecules

“In a step toward molecular storage systems that could hold vast amounts of data in tiny spaces, Brown University researchers have shown it’s possible to store image files in solutions of common biological small molecules. DNA molecules are well …

Research reveals exotic quantum states in double-layer graphene

“A new study reveals a suite of quantum Hall states that have not been seen previously, shedding new light on the nature of electron interactions in quantum systems and establishing a potential new platform for future quantum computers. Researchers from …

Brown undergraduate researcher teaches robots handwriting and drawing

“Working with a Brown University faculty member, an undergraduate student developed an algorithm that enables robots to reproduce human-like pen strokes just by looking at images of handwriting or sketches. An algorithm developed by Brown University computer scientists enables robots …

Dynamic hydrogel used to make ‘soft robot’ components and LEGO-like building blocks

“A new type of hydrogel material developed by Brown University researchers could soon make assembling complex microfluidic or soft robotic devices as simple as putting together a LEGO set. Using a new type of dual polymer material capable of responding …

Graphene crinkles can be used as ‘molecular zippers’

“New research shows that electrically charged crinkles in layered graphene can be useful in the directed self- assembly of molecules. PROVIDENCE, R.I.[Brown University] — A decade ago, scientists noticed something very strange happening when buckyballs — soccer ball shaped carbon …

Chemists create new quasicrystal material from nanoparticle building blocks

“Brown University researchers have discovered a new type of quasicrystal, a class of materials whose existence was thought to be impossible until the 1980s. PROVIDENCE, R.I.[Brown University] — The strange class of materials known as quasicrystals has a new …

Researchers create new ‘smart’ material with potential biomedical, environmental uses

“By combining seaweed-derived alginate with the nanomaterial graphene oxide, Brown University researchers have developed a new material that’s durable and can respond dynamically to its environment. PROVIDENCE, R.I.[Brown University] — Brown University researchers have shown a way to …