Engineering News

A group of researchers from Skoltech, Tomsk Polytechnic University, and other academic organizations in Russia and China used the method of plasma dynamic synthesis to obtain a high-entropy carbide—a compound of titanium, zirconium, niobium, hafnium, tantalum with carbon—and carbonitride—a solid solution formed by carbides and nitrides of the transition metals—in the form of nanopowders.

If conventional speaking valves for tracheostomized patients are used improperly, dangerous overpressure can occur, which can cause serious complications and even death. In a collaboration between the Freiburg Botanical Garden, the Medical Center—University of Freiburg and the Cluster of Excellence livMatS of the University of Freiburg, researchers developed a speaking valve with an integrated pressure release valve and an acoustic warning signal, inspired by the trapping mechanism of the carnivorous bladderwort plant Utricularia vulgaris.