A new technology able to automatically identify different type of plastic could significantly speed up the sorting process while also reducing instances of human error. The system will identify the plastic types by exposing the pieces to a flash of light, which will cause them to fluoresce. That light will then be read by photoelectric sensors, which will measure how long it takes the fluorescent light to fade. Since the polymer materials used to make plastic items have specific...

By capturing wavelengths invisible to the human eye, it is possible to create transparent solar panels that will be placed on windows or device screens without blocking the view. The technology will be based around small, organic molecules able to absorb sunlight wavelengths invisible to the human eye. These materials will be tuned to pick up just the ultraviolet and the near infrared wavelengths that then 'glow' at another wavelength in the infrared. The trapped light waves will...

Nanonsheet material able to cling to irregular skin could provide a more effective treatment for burn victims. The nanosheets will be made by first spinning the biodegradable polymer poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) in a test tube of water, breaking the material down into smaller pieces. This mixture will then be poured onto a flat surface, where the pieces overlap and merge to dry into a single sheet. The unique makeup of the nanosheet will allow it to tightly cover even tiny bumps and...

A new thin-film drug-delivery technique could enable medications to be released directly into targeted locations in the body for up to 14 months--drastically altering the way we traditionally treat pain. The technique will make use of biodegradable, thin-films that have been loaded with drug molecules using a "layer-by-layer" method. This layer method will allow the drug to be released steadily and for a longer period of time than previous methods, and the amount of drug being...

According to research, each year one in three people 65 or older fall every year, and many of them do not fully recover. A protective belt will be a personal, waist-worn airbag that will expand to help protect the elderly from falls. It will be worn around the waist, where its integrated sensors will monitor the motion of the wearer's hips. If the system determines that the person is falling, the airbag will trigger and expand to cushion the fall before the person hits the ground.

The shirt will be able to detect an epileptic seizure and contact a doctor immediately, allowing for a quick response as well as a way to continuously monitor seizure patterns. It will be equipped with sensors able to monitor the wearer's heart rate and other physiological characteristics--including brain activity--in real-time. The data will be transmitted to a smartphone via Bluetooth and then uploaded to the cloud, where a designated physician will access the information and...

A new digital system that will allow the visually-impaired to 'read' graphs could provide them with more learning and employment opportunities while also making day-to-day business a bit easier. The system will provide a way for the visually-impaired to read the graphs and statistics that are so commonly used today. The device will use pattern recognition, machine learning and segmentation methods to identify blocks of texts or pictures and arrange them in the proper reading order....

By boosting the cells' performance with a coating of perovskite, it is possible to develop spray-on solar cell technology that will be both efficient and affordable. Spray-painted solar cells have been being manufactured for some time now by using organic semi-conductors, but their efficiency has been traditionally very low. However, I suggest developing a spray-on technology that will use perovskite. It will create very little waste and can be scaled up to high-volume...

The smart nicotine patch will inject a specific dose of nicotine on demand, helping to prevent cravings and making it easier to stop smoking. Instead of delivering a steady stream of nicotine like conventional nicotine patches, the smart patch will deliver doses that are synchronized with the user's cravings. The system will also be equipped with Bluetooth, which will allow it to send real-time data to smartphones regarding nicotine consumption while also providing a way to control...

The sensor will monitor your sleep patterns and bedroom environment to help ensure the best sleep possible. The system will be made up of two main components. The globe-shaped sensor will monitor the bedroom ambiance, gathering information on the room's levels of noise, light, temperature, humidity and air particulates, while another sensor will attach to your pillow to track sleep behavior. The first sensor will glow green when the environment is well-suited for sleeping, and will...