Science and Technology
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$2M to replace fossil fuels with solar power in fertilizer production
U-M researchers will study the effectiveness of a new ammonia production process aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Bringing the process directly to farmers could cut environmental costs by reducing transportation requirements.
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Energy from waste: Cow-inspired biodigesters
A proposed energy-production system based, in part, on cow stomachs could generate 40 percent more power from municipal waste streams, at a 20 percent reduced cost — and provide a viable alternative to sending waste to landfills.
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Exoskeletons to assist workers, the elderly, etc.
U-M is developing a solution for the one in eight Americans who faces a mobility disability. A $1.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health is funding the creation of a modular, powered exoskeleton system that could be used on one or multiple joints of the legs.
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Individual finger control for advanced prostheses demonstrated in primates
In a first, a computer that could fit on an implantable device has interpreted brain signals for precise, high-speed, multifinger movements in primates. This is a key step toward giving those who have lost limb function more natural, real-time control over advanced prostheses.
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Solar cells with 30-year lifetimes for power-generating windows
A new transparency-friendly solar cell design could marry high efficiencies with 30-year estimated lifetimes, which may pave the way for windows that also provide solar power. The high-efficiency but fragile molecules for converting light to electricity thrive with a little protection.
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Dementia’s toll on US
U-M study shows major gaps in who gets care that could help them remain at home. Black, low-income, or people with lower levels of education are less likely than their counterparts to have available spouse caregivers, but more likely to have adult children available to provide care.
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XR technology ‘brings’ conference goers to iconic U-M space
As the Center for Academic Innovation prepared for its first annual XR Summit, organizers had an idea: create a virtual representation of the Diag for people to meet, using the technology that was the focus of the event. So cool.
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First-responder robots could team with wildfire fighters
A three-year project funded by a $1 million grant aims to equip bipedal walking robots with the technology to trek in areas that are too dangerous for humans, including collapsed buildings and other disaster areas.
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Data is life: Amazon holds clues about climate
Follow Michigan researchers deep into (and above) the Amazon as they collect data, day by day and tree by tree, that could drive a better understanding of the Earth’s climate future.