Scientists have achieved the impossible by creating self-folding origami machines that can operate in dry environments and at room temperature, all thanks to chemical reactions. This incredible breakthrough could lead to the development of tiny autonomous devices that can quickly respond to their surroundings.

This exciting research, led by Nicholas Abbott, a Tisch University Professor in the Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering in Cornell Engineering, has shown that it's possible to directly convert chemical energy into mechanical energy on a microscale. Although electric motors have been used for decades for electrical to mechanical energy transduction, chemical to mechanical transduction has been limited by extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, and slow reaction times.

However, Abbott's team found a way around this problem. By reviewing data from a catalysis experiment, they identified a section of the chemical reaction pathway that contained both slow and fast steps. By surgically extracting the rapid steps, the team was able to exploit the crucial moment that the oxygen quickly strips the hydrogen, causing the atomically thin material to deform and bend like a hinge. (Read more here)

The researchers achieved a system that actuates at 600 milliseconds per cycle and can operate at 20 degrees Celsius in dry environments. This work could lead to the development of autonomous material systems in which the controlling circuitry and onboard computation are handled by the material's response. This could lead to exciting applications, such as an autonomous chemical system that regulates flows based on chemical composition.

Overall, this research shows the power of collaboration and the potential for innovative solutions to complex problems. Who knows what other exciting developments will come from combining chemistry, physics, and engineering? Maybe self-cooking kitchens?

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⚡️ Say Goodbye to Sticky Messes

Researchers Demonstrate a Method to Adhere Soft Materials Using Electricity

Scientists have discovered a revolutionary new way to stick things together without using glue. If you're a fan of arts and crafts, you'll be all too familiar with the sticky mess that comes with using liquid adhesives. But now, thanks to the power of electricity, those messy days could be over!

This new technique, known as 'electroadhesion', uses an electric field to hold oppositely charged materials together. The result is a bond that is strong enough to withstand gravity and can last for years. Plus, it doesn't require any fancy equipment or technical know-how – all you need is a household battery and pencil lead.

Now, I know what you're thinking – "But can it work on squishy things like tissues and organs?" Well, fear not, my crafty friends, because the answer is yes! The scientists tested the technique on a gel and three types of capsules made of natural polymers, which were either positively or negatively charged. And guess what? It worked!

But that's not all – the researchers also used electroadhesion to sort the capsules by their charges and even created chains and 3D cubes out of individual spherical capsules. It's like playing with a real-life version of those magnetic construction toys, only with soft, squishy materials.

So, the next time you're struggling with a particularly stubborn adhesive, just remember – the power of electricity is on your side! Electroadhesion could be the future of crafting and even tissue engineering, so don't be surprised if you see some electrifying new creations popping up in the near future.