EurekAlert! News by Subject: Tech & Engineering - News by Subject: Tech & Engineering

Tech & Engineering

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 4-Apr-2026 14:15 ET (4-Apr-2026 18:15 GMT/UTC)

New insights in metamaterials lead to better implants, robot hands, and bumpers

University of Groningen
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Metamaterials are composites with a very precisely controlled structure. It is this structure that determines the properties of the metamaterial, not the substances it is made of. New research helps to predict the mechanics of metamaterials, so they can be designed with higher precision.

Journal: Small Structures

Medical AI models need more context to prepare for the clinic

Harvard Medical School
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Marinka Zitnik outlines the challenges of medical AI — and potential solutions

Journal: Nature Medicine

Fighting superbugs with nets and light switches

ETH Zurich
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A novel water-based gel, also known as a hydrogel, not only fights bacteria but also calms inflammation, thereby actively supporting wound healing.

The material functions like a net, catching bacteria and then killing them when triggered by a light pulse.

The gel has proven highly effective against the antibiotic-resistant MRSA bacteria in animal models while also accelerating wound healing.

Journal: Nature Communications

Security analysis of blockchain-based cryptocurrency

ELSP
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The rapid expansion of the cryptocurrency market has intensified security threats due to inherent technical complexities. While existing literature explores consensus mechanisms and specific defense strategies, a systematic synthesis of evolving attack patterns remains essential. This paper investigates real-world security incidents to extract 15 representative attack patterns, categorizing them into six classes based on standard blockchain architecture layers. We provide a detailed analysis of their execution mechanisms and reproduction methods. Furthermore, the study systematically evaluates current detection and defense strategies, highlighting their respective strengths and limitations. Finally, we discuss future research directions to counter evolving threats, providing a theoretical foundation for enhancing the security and resilience of the blockchain ecosystem.

Journal: Blockchain

Dynamic digital product passports for short-shelf-life food and drink could cut waste and improve safety

University of Surrey
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Dynamic digital product passports – real-time, intelligent digital records that capture the true condition of perishable goods such as food and drink throughout their lifecycle – could dramatically cut waste and improve safety, thanks to a new framework jointly developed by researchers at the University of Surrey and King’s College London.

Journal: Nature Reviews Clean Technology

Qatar and Germany expand deep-tech partnership with the launch of ESMT Berlin DEEP Institute and Creative Destruction Lab in Doha

ESMT Berlin
Business Announcement

In partnership with Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and Qatar Research Development and Innovation Council (QRDI), the Institute for Deep Tech Innovation (DEEP) at ESMT Berlin has signed a landmark agreement to expand its footprint globally and strengthen the program offering in both Berlin and Doha in areas of technology transfer and innovation.

NTU Singapore unveils locally designed and built eVTOL aircraft at Singapore Airshow 2026

Nanyang Technological University
Business Announcement

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) has unveiled Singapore’s first locally designed and built full-sized aircraft, an advanced electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology demonstrator. This eight-metre wingspan homegrown aircraft prototype, developed over more than three years by researchers and engineers from NTU Singapore, marks a significant milestone in Singapore’s aerospace research capabilities.

Eight lift rotors powered by NTU-designed electric motors are mounted on the wings to enable vertical take-off and landing from any confined space. Once airborne, the proprotor at the back quietly propels the aircraft forward, allowing it to fly like a normal airplane. It was unveiled today at the Singapore Airshow 2026 by NTU Vice President (Industry) Professor Lam Khin Yong, together with other industry partners.