Latest news with #selfhealing
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
A Cracked Piece of Metal Self-Healed in Experiment That Stunned Scientists
File this under 'That's not supposed to happen!'. In an experiment published in 2023, scientists observed a damaged section of metal healing itself. Though the repair was only on a nanoscale level, understanding the physics behind the process could inspire a whole new era of engineering. A team from Sandia National Laboratories and Texas A&M University was testing the resilience of a small piece of platinum suspended in a vacuum using a specialized transmission electron microscope technique to pull the ends of the metal 200 times every second. They then observed the self-healing at ultra-small scales in the 40-nanometer-thick wafer of metal. Cracks caused by the kind of strain described above are known as fatigue damage: repeated stress and motion that causes microscopic breaks, eventually causing machines or structures to break. Amazingly, after about 40 minutes of observation, the crack in the platinum started to fuse back together and mend itself before starting again in a different direction. "This was absolutely stunning to watch first-hand," said materials scientist Brad Boyce from Sandia National Laboratories when the results were announced. "We certainly weren't looking for it. What we have confirmed is that metals have their own intrinsic, natural ability to heal themselves, at least in the case of fatigue damage at the nanoscale." These are exact conditions, and we don't know yet exactly how this is happening or how we can use it. However, if you think about the costs and effort required for repairing everything from bridges to engines to phones, there's no telling how much difference self-healing metals could make. While the observation is unprecedented, it's not wholly unexpected. In 2013, Texas A&M University materials scientist Michael Demkowicz worked on a study predicting that this kind of nanocrack healing could happen, driven by the tiny crystalline grains inside metals essentially shifting their boundaries in response to stress. Demkowicz also worked on this study, using updated computer models to show that his decade-old theories about metal's self-healing behavior at the nanoscale matched what was happening here. That the automatic mending process happened at room temperature is another promising aspect of the research. Metal usually requires lots of heat to shift its form, but the experiment was carried out in a vacuum; it remains to be seen whether the same process will happen in conventional metals in a typical environment. A possible explanation involves a process known as cold welding, which occurs under ambient temperatures whenever metal surfaces come close enough together for their respective atoms to tangle together. Typically, thin layers of air or contaminants interfere with the process; in environments like the vacuum of space, pure metals can be forced close enough together to literally stick. "My hope is that this finding will encourage materials researchers to consider that, under the right circumstances, materials can do things we never expected," said Demkowicz. The research was published in Nature. An earlier version of this article was published in July 2023. A Fifth Force of Nature May Have Been Discovered Inside Atoms Strange Radio Signals Detected Emanating From Deep Under Antarctic Ice Light Squeezed Out of Darkness in Surprising Quantum Simulation
Sustainability Times
08-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Robot Skin Heals Itself': Scientists Unveil Breakthrough Tech That Repairs Damage Instantly Without Any Human Intervention
IN A NUTSHELL 🔧 Engineers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln have developed a self-healing artificial muscle that mimics biological tissue. that mimics biological tissue. 🔥 The muscle uses a Joule heating process to autonomously detect and repair damage without human intervention. to autonomously detect and repair damage without human intervention. 🔄 By utilizing electromigration , the system can erase damage paths, making the muscle reusable and extending its lifespan. , the system can erase damage paths, making the muscle reusable and extending its lifespan. 🌿 The technology's implications include enhancing durability in agriculture equipment and wearable medical devices, while reducing electronic waste. In a groundbreaking development, engineers from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln have unveiled an innovative self-healing artificial muscle. This technology replicates the self-repair mechanisms found in living organisms, marking a significant leap in the field of soft robotics. By employing liquid metal and heat, this new muscle can autonomously detect and repair damage, potentially transforming industries that rely on durable electronic systems. This breakthrough was presented at the prestigious IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, highlighting its potential to revolutionize how machines handle wear and tear. Mimicking Biology Through Soft Robotics Biomimicry has long fascinated scientists, especially the ability to replicate how biological organisms sense and heal damage. Led by Eric Markvicka, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln team has made strides in this area. Traditionally, the challenge has been to develop materials that not only mimic the flexibility and softness of biological systems but also their capability to self-repair. Markvicka's team addressed this by creating a multi-layered artificial muscle. The muscle's base is a soft electronic skin embedded with liquid metal microdroplets, providing the ability to detect and locate damage. Above this, a robust thermoplastic elastomer layer enables self-healing, while the top actuation layer facilitates movement through pressurization. This innovative combination allows the artificial muscle to respond to damage much like living tissue, making it a significant achievement in soft robotics. Living Skin for Buildings: Smart Facade in Germany Moves Like an Organism to Slash Cooling Needs and Energy Use Smart Repair With Built-In Heating This artificial muscle goes a step further by autonomously initiating repairs. It uses five monitoring currents to detect damage within the electronic skin. When a breach occurs, the system creates a new electrical path, which is then used to generate heat via a Joule heating process. This heat effectively melts and reseals the damaged area, allowing the muscle to heal itself without any human intervention. Once repaired, the system must reset the damage footprint, utilizing electromigration—traditionally a challenge in electronics. By shifting metal atoms, the team cleverly flips this flaw into a feature, erasing the damage path and making the system reusable. This unique approach not only repairs but also perpetuates the functionality of the artificial muscle, demonstrating a sophisticated blend of engineering and biological imitation. 'They Morph Like Liquid Metal': Scientists Reveal Mini-Robot Swarm That Shape-Shifts Just Like in Sci-Fi Movies Flipping a Flaw Into a Feature Electromigration is typically seen as a negative in electronic systems, often leading to circuit failures. However, the Nebraska team has ingeniously used this phenomenon to their advantage. By intentionally harnessing electromigration, they can erase the damage path, effectively resetting the system for future use. This approach turns a common electronic failure into a beneficial process, showcasing a novel way to address system longevity and reliability. 'Electromigration is generally seen as a huge negative,' Markvicka stated, emphasizing the innovative application of this failure mode. This breakthrough not only extends the lifespan of the artificial muscle but also opens new avenues for electronic miniaturization, where managing electromigration is crucial. 'Concrete That Heals Itself': Scientists Create Lichen-Inspired Material That Uses Microbes to Seal Cracks Automatically Future Impact in Farming, Wearables, and Waste The potential applications of this self-healing technology are vast. In agriculture, where equipment often encounters physical damage from natural elements, self-repairing systems could significantly enhance operational durability. Wearable medical devices, subjected to constant movement and stress, could also benefit, leading to longer-lasting and more reliable health monitors. Moreover, reducing electronic waste is a critical environmental concern. By integrating self-healing capabilities, electronic devices could enjoy prolonged lifespans, reducing the need for replacements and minimizing waste. This advancement could play a crucial role in sustainable technology development, offering benefits that extend well beyond immediate practical applications. As we embrace these technological advancements, the question arises: How will this self-healing technology shape the future of industries reliant on durable electronic systems, and what further innovations might it inspire? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (21)
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
New Book Reveals Time-Honored Healing Techniques for Mind, Body and Spirit
Blending Egyptian, Native American, and Norse traditions, energy healer Joan Schwartz shares the power of self-healing SALT LAKE CITY, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Utilizing her more than 45 years of experience with energy healing and a PhD in alternative healing, Joan Schwartz has spent most of her life helping others. She shares her wealth of knowledge with readers in her new book, "Divine Healing: Ancient Secrets of Our Ancestors," where she highlights how healing is a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and connection to the divine. Having experienced profound life events, including multiple near-death experiences and years of spiritual growth, Schwartz aims to provide readers with the tools to unlock their inherent healing abilities. Her life's work, rooted in decades of practice as a healer, seeks to harmonize ancient healing principles with contemporary scientific understanding. "Divine Healing" is designed for anyone who desires to learn how to heal themselves and assist others in their healing journey. It includes various strategies, techniques, and insights that can help individuals achieve physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Drawing on influences from Egyptian spirituality, Native American teachings, and Norse traditions, Schwartz emphasizes that healing and wholeness are rooted in universal truths and timeless practices. Schwartz's book explores prayer, consciousness, energy, emotions, and archetypes in healing. She offers a fresh take on the Lord's Prayer as a tool for spiritual renewal and examines consciousness and the subconscious mind's role in healing. Utilizing ancient wisdom, she provides exercises on intuition, energy frequencies, and emotional well-being. She also explores archetypes and myths, guiding readers to recognize and integrate their shadow aspects for personal growth. A central focus is the seven-step Integrated Healing Dynamics (IHD) Method, designed for shock and trauma healing. Key components of this structured method include prayer and intention setting, energy clearing, mind-body alignment, visualization techniques, breathing exercises, intuitive guidance and healing scripts. "The purpose of this book is to guide you to the power within to heal yourself," Schwartz said. "Whether you are a beginner or have some experience in healing practices, this book provides valuable information to support your growth and development. It merges science and spirituality to deepen your connection to healing energy, balance your energy, and activate your body's self-healing. This book helps you remove the mask that keeps you from claiming this divine right." "Divine Healing: Ancient Secrets of Our Ancestors" By Joan Schwartz ISBN: 9798765255162 (softcover); 9798765255186 (hardcover); 9798765255179 (electronic) Available at Balboa Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the author Joan Schwartz has worked for more than 45 years in energy healing. She is a medical and clinical hypnotherapist with a PhD in alternative healing. She believes in the power of integrative healing, honoring both traditional medicine and alternative modalities. She has five children, two stepchildren, 25 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren, plus her newly acquired Maltipoo puppy, Little Missy. Schwartz enjoys gardening, travel and exploration, the study of new topics, genealogy, watercolor painting, and writing poetry. To learn more, please visit General Inquiries: LAVIDGE – Phoenix Ashley Fletcher afletcher@ Media Contact Ashley Fletcher, LAVIDGE, 4809982600, afletcher@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE LAVIDGE Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
I was so scared of being alone after my divorce that I immediately jumped into a new relationship. I regret not taking the time to heal.
When I got divorced, I was so scared of being alone that I immediately went on the dating sites. I jumped into a relationship very quickly without realizing we had different values. When that relationship ended, I learned to heal and focus on myself. It was only six months since my divorce became final that I did something I still regret. I created a profile. I was just a week away from turning 40 and newly alone. I was hiding my pain so well that my friend suggested I start online dating. I knew it was a bad idea, but I took her advice anyway. I quickly got into a relationship with a man when I should have been focusing on myself and my healing post-divorce. Getting divorced in my early 40s was not in the plan. When it became my reality, I struggled with loneliness. I had been married for almost 16 years and had known my ex-husband for 18 years. The idea of suddenly being alone at night and having no one to share my day with was scary. It also meant having no financial support and having to rely solely on myself for the first time. Instead of facing it, I buried that pain. I distracted myself by reading the messages from guys on dating apps. There were too many choices on the apps, and I quickly found out that you don't know a person unless you've gone out with them a few times and learned to ask the right questions. So that's what I did. I felt I was interviewing and hiring a man to be a boyfriend; it did not feel great. I wanted a more natural way of meeting someone, but with my busy work schedule, long commute, and kids, the apps were the best way to meet someone. The dating apps were helping to distract me from my pain, but also making me feel even more alone. I knew I needed to get into a relationship and off the apps fast. I wanted a nice, kind guy, and I did not care if he was older or younger. I wanted somebody who could be a great friend and show much-needed love and care. I thought I found someone who fit the bill right after my birthday. He was tall, handsome, and a little bit older. He portrayed himself as a strong, caring man. He also made me feel safe. He accepted my flaws, weirdness, and sense of humor. I filled the emptiness in my heart with the occasional dates with him. I felt alive again when I heard his laughter. It was exciting and fun when we spent time together. But something didn't feel right. We dated for two years, and ultimately, I realized we had different priorities and values. He was not my match; I just started dating him and stayed with him to avoid the cold, empty bed at night after my divorce. I made the biggest mistake of looking happy and making my friends believe I was ready for a new relationship after my divorce. The fact is, I was not prepared for a new relationship, not even close. I was so eager to find a man to walk down the aisle with again, but I made the wrong move. I forgot to find myself first. It's been 10 years since that relationship ended, and I have since invested money, energy, and time into my spiritual and personal growth. I can now say I am OK with being single as I approach my 50th birthday. I now value the relationship I have with myself. Read the original article on Business Insider
