Abstract: A soft-robotic grasper includes a plurality of elongated, entangling filaments having a length-to-thickness ratio of at least 20. The grasper can comprise a manifold that includes an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports in fluid communication with the outlet ports, wherein each elongated filament is coupled in fluidic communication with a respective outlet port of the manifold, wherein each elongated filament defines an interior hollow channel into which a pressurized fluid can be pumped through the respective outlet port with which it is coupled, wherein each elongated filament is mechanically programmed to undergo a curling displacement when pressurized fluid is pumped into its interior hollow channel, and wherein the elongated filaments are spaced and configured to entangle with one another when displaced via the pumping of the pressurized fluid into the interior hollow channels of the elongated filaments.

Abstract: A shape-shifting structured lattice comprises a printed lattice including printed ribs joined at nodes. Each printed rib has a predetermined sweep angle {tilde over (?)}i between adjacent nodes and a bilayer structure including at least two printed filaments in contact along a length thereof. The at least two printed filaments comprise different linear coefficients of thermal expansion and/or different values of elastic modulus. When exposed to a stimulus, the printed lattice adopts a predetermined three-dimensional geometry.

Abstract: A method of 4D printing comprises depositing a layer of filaments in a predetermined arrangement on a flexible substrate. Each filament comprises a hydrogel matrix and a plurality of anisotropic filler particles embedded therein. The filaments contact the flexible substrate at one or more contact regions. The layer of filaments is hydrated, and the filaments swell in size while remaining in contact with the flexible substrate at the contact regions. The flexible substrate is thereby induced to adopt a predetermined curved shape.

Abstract: Miura-Ori-like origami, corresponding to a smoothly varying tessellation of unit cells, each of which is composed of a 2×2 grid of quadrilaterals, is employed to closely approximate a curved surface by one that can be easily collapsed and deployed. The unit cells do not necessarily perfectly repeat, but do vary smoothly across the origami pattern.

Abstract: Specific modifications of one or more portions of a paper structure inhibits reaction by those portions to an external environmental stimulus, such as humidity. Exposure of the modified paper structure to the external environmental stimulus provides a mechanical response in the paper that provides a sensing, switching, and/or motor function.

Abstract: Closeness between nodes in a weighted network may be measured using an asymmetric generalization of classical Erdös numbers.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a microfluidic device which recreates important features of the human microcirculation on a microscope stage. In certain embodiments of the invention, the clinical scenario associated with ‘sickle cell crisis’ whereby blood vessels are occluded in various organs causing pain and tissue damage can be recreated. In certain embodiments, one can use a device of the invention to study the processes that lead to crisis, and screen therapies (such as small molecules) that might be used to prevent crisis. Further, certain embodiments of the invention allow one to study and screen therapies for a range of human blood disorders, such as hereditary spherocytosis, disorders of white blood cells, such as Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia or leukocytosis, disorders of blood platelets and coagulation, such as hemophilia A and B, activated protein C resistance, and essential thrombocythemia.