The team has developed innovative miniature boats and micro fliers that utilize sound to navigate and lift off. The boats steer by adjusting sound frequencies emitted from a speaker, while the micro fliers use ultrasonic frequencies to generate lift, mimicking a helicopter’s mechanics.
Cooling Without Electricity
Innovative cooling solutions are emerging that do not rely on electricity. Traditional refrigeration systems use electrically-driven compressors and the Carnot cycle, which is not the most effective approach. Alternatives like the Einstein-Szilard refrigerator showcased energy-efficient designs without moving parts.
Recent advancements in elastocaloric cooling systems leverage shape-memory alloys that cool down upon releasing mechanical loads. Researchers paired two ultra-thin nickel-titanium films to convert thermal energy into mechanical work for cooling, allowing for potential use of waste heat or solar energy.
This technology shows promise for applications in computer processors and automotive electronics, effectively utilizing waste heat for cooling. Future developments aim to scale this method for increased cooling capacity.
DOIs:
- Science Advances, 2026: 10.1126/sciadv.aef5620
- Nature Energy, 2026: 10.1038/s41560-026-02122-6
