Lifeboat Foundation

In the basement of the Engineering Center at the University of Colorado Boulder, a group of researchers is working to create the next generation of robots. Instead of the metallic droids you may be imagining, they are developing robots made from soft materials that are more similar to biological systems. Such soft robots contain tremendous potential for future applications as they adapt to dynamic environments and are well-suited to closely interact with humans.

A central challenge in this field known as “soft robotics” is a lack of actuators or “artificial muscles” that can replicate the versatility and performance of the real thing. However, the Keplinger Research Group in the College of Engineering and Applied Science has now developed a new class of soft, electrically activated devices capable of mimicking the expansion and contraction of natural muscles. These devices, which can be constructed from a wide range of low-cost materials, are able to self-sense their movements and self-heal from electrical damage, representing a major advance in soft robotics.

The newly developed hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic (HASEL) actuators eschew the bulky, rigid pistons and motors of conventional robots for soft structures that react to applied voltage with a wide range of motions. The soft devices can perform a variety of tasks, including grasping delicate objects such as a raspberry and a raw egg, as well as lifting heavy objects. HASEL actuators exceed or match the strength, speed and efficiency of biological muscle and their versatility may enable artificial muscles for human-like robots and a next generation of prosthetic limbs.

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Most of the cryptographic methods that keep important data secure use complex encryption software, and as a result, consume large amounts of power. As more and more electronic devices are being connected to the internet, there is a growing need for alternative low-power security methods, and this is often done by basing the security on hardware rather than software.

One of the most promising approaches to hardware-based, low-power security is to derive cryptographic keys from the randomness that inherently and uncontrollably emerges during the fabrication process of nanoscale devices. These methods, called “physical unclonable functions” (PUFs), convert the random variations in the physical devices into the binary states of “0” and “1” to create unique, random cryptographic keys. These keys can then be used to encrypt data into cipher text, as well as decrypt it back into plain text, in a process that remains secure as long as the key remains private.

However, one of the biggest challenges facing PUF technology is its vulnerability to harsh environments. Since the physical randomness that forms the basis of the key usually arises from variations in electrical characteristics, and electrical characteristics are affected by external factors such as high temperatures and radiation, these devices often do not preserve their states when exposed to such conditions.

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Author of ‘The Dark Net’

Artificial Intelligence could cause widespread social disruption if policymakers are not ready to deal with the consequences – author of ‘The Dark Net,’ and presenter of ‘Secrets of Silicon Valley,’ Jamie Bartlett.

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A look back at the most popular health articles of 2017. Here is the report: “Top Five Deadly Vitamins”

Summary: High-dose vitamin and mineral supplements were once promoted as ways to prevent heart disease, aging, and cancer. To the contrary, recent research has shown that excessive vitamin and mineral consumption sometimes shortens life. Using evidence from scores of clinical trials we generate a list of five vitamin and mineral supplements that have been shown to be harmful to an otherwise healthy person when consumed in excess. [Note: This article was extensively updated on Nov 2, 2017]. This article first appeared on LongevityFacts.com. Follow us on Google+ | Facebook | Reddit. Author: Brady Hartman.

Recent research shows that some vitamin or mineral supplements are hazardous to your health.

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A look back at the most popular health articles of 2017. Here is the report: “10 Health Benefits Of Coffee”

10 health benefits of coffee – based on new research published in July 2017. The health benefits of coffee vary depending on how you prepare it: unfiltered or decaffeinated or regular.

Coffee is a widely popular drink. While it has received a bad rap in the past, it is very healthy.

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A look back at the most popular health articles of 2017. Here is the report: “8 Answers To Top Vitamin Questions”

Answers top 8 questions about vitamins, multivitamins & supplements. PLUS: free online calculator provides tailored vitamin recommendations.

A look back at the most popular health articles of 2017. Here is the report: “9 Things Everybody Ought To Know About Fish Oils”

In brief: Do fish oil supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids significantly improve heart health, brain health and a host of other conditions? Here’s what the science says.

Fish oil is the third most widely used supplement in the U.S. According to a study published in 2015 by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), nearly one in twelve Americans used fish oils in 2012.

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A look back at the most popular health articles of 2017. Here is the report: “AHA Says Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplements Not For Everybody”

The AHA says that omega-3 fish oil supplements do not prevent heart disease or stroke in generally healthy people.

A look back at the most popular health articles of 2017. Here is the report: “Stop Wasting Money on Vitamin Supplements”

Are multivitamins necessary? This article answers the question with the latest research.