A team of engineers from Columbia University in the United States has developed a new family of radio antennas that can both transmit communications signals and provide heating. Lightweight fabrics and even clothing woven with metal threads are being designed for use in remote corners of the world where traditional infrastructure is scarce or impractical.
The researchers chose a flat-knitting approach, weaving a fabric from simple yarn and ultra-thin, flexible antennas. The resulting material can send and receive signals by focusing radio waves and even generating an eddy beam. A key advantage is how approachable the production path is and how readily materials can be sourced, enabling faster manufacturing and broader accessibility.
These devices are built from commercially available off-the-shelf filaments using established manufacturing methods. Yu notes that knitters and designers could mix style with function, turning a sweater into a practical WiFi signal booster.
— Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Physics Nanfang Yu
If the technology gains traction, it could enable lightweight, multifunctional antennas to be deployed in places that lack traditional infrastructure. This capability would support expeditions, remote field work, disaster response, and travelers who rely on portable connectivity in challenging environments.
In another development, researchers in China proposed an intriguing approach to record data about diamonds.
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Source: VG Times