A close-up of a computer chip.

AI may soon predict how electronics fail

June 21, 2021

"Hotspots," or tiny defects in the components that make up your phone and many other devices, can cause electronics to break down. Engineers are using machine learning techniques to predict ahead of time where they might pop up.

3D renderings of post-natal kidneys

Research paves way for new kidney treatment, potential synthetic transplant options

June 17, 2021

A new lab at CU Boulder is exploring how the extracellular matrix—a network of proteins that surrounds cells and provides structural and mechanical cues in the body—specifically impacts kidney growth, development and function.

A hydrogen fuel pump

Researchers develop tool to aid in development, efficiency of hydrogen-powered cars

June 11, 2021

Widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles requires fuel cells that can convert hydrogen and oxygen safely into water—a serious implementation problem. Researchers at CU Boulder are addressing one aspect of that roadblock.

Ricardo Reyes takes air quality measurements from the back of a classroom filled with kids

Better air quality in some Colorado schools will last long after the pandemic

June 1, 2021

Kids around Colorado are kicking back for summer vacation. But one team of engineers is working to make sure when children come back to school in the fall, the air they breathe will be cleaner and healthier.

This scanning electron microscope image shows the distinct bow tie shape of an optical rectenna.

Scientists debut world’s most efficient 'optical rectennas,' devices that harvest power from heat

May 18, 2021

For decades, researchers have theorized that optical rectennas could sit on everything from bakery ovens to dirigibles flying high above Earth to harvest waste heat and turn it into electricity. But to date, those goals have remained elusive. Now, engineers have unveiled the most efficient optical rectennas yet.

Illustration of a double helical covalent polymer

Scientists construct first-ever synthetic DNA-like polymer

May 14, 2021

Scientists' recent discovery with double helical covalent polymers—which are spiraling collections of nature’s building blocks—represent a huge advancement in a critical and understudied field.

Screenshot of a mobile phone with social media icons

How digital platforms can orchestrate innovation and entrepreneurship through access control

May 7, 2021

Entrepreneurs and startups are increasingly turning to digital platforms nowadays, whether it is about creating a new platform (think Snapchat or TikTok), or providing product offerings and soliciting ideas on an existing platform.

The USS Blueback submarine

Borrowing Navy submarine radio signals to study space

May 7, 2021

Bob Marshall is studying the interaction of high-energy particles in orbit around Earth using an unlikely data source: radio signals sent by the U.S. Navy to communicate with submarines under the ocean.

Jennifer Balch

Jennifer Balch talks wildfire and data synthesis in new podcast episode

May 6, 2021

In the Buff Innovator Insights season finale, Jennifer Balch discusses her interest in the relationships between fire, Earth systems and people, and her belief that transforming data into insights can solve the world’s most challenging problems.

Sidney D’Mello

New podcast episode considers artificial intelligence in education

April 29, 2021

In this episode of Buff Innovator Insights, Sidney D’Mello shares how his unique combination of education and research experiences led to his leading-edge work reimagining the role of artificial intelligence in the classroom.

Pages