Bristol Interaction Group’s biomimicry research project, Skin-On Interfaces, has delivered the uncanny: skin for electronics that’s modeled after and closely resembles real flesh. Composed of silicone layers, molded with human-like wrinkles, the epidermis can be squeezed, stroked and twisted. These actions trigger a reaction from the grid of electrode wires (the same as you’d find in any smartphone touchscreen) beneath the skin. In many ways, …
Fungi’s Many Life-Changing Uses While there are 144,000 discovered species of fungi on the planet, there could be many more—millions more, in fact. But finding fungi and sorting out whether or not they contain any useful chemical compounds comes down to chance. The serendipity, scientists argue, is what led to great discoveries like penicillin—so hope for similar-level finds persists. Recent tests may have uncovered compounds …
With the hope of being the primary provider of high-speed and long-lasting mobile phones throughout Africa, telecom companies, governments and upstart entrepreneurs in various nations across the continent have announced their intention to bring an Africa-made phone to market. The motivations behind the race are two-fold: to compete with big, imported brands and to build out the technological interests of the general population. Also, by …
