The idea is to investigate ways to make objects 'invisible' to earthquakes by applying some of the same principles involved in the light-bending cloaking technique used to render objects invisible. The cloaking technique works by bending light of specific frequencies around the object meant to be hidden. I propose the idea of drilling a precisely tuned system of boreholes around an earthquake-prone city (or vital building like a power plant or hospital). In theory, the boreholes...

The application will transform a smartphone into a peephole, letting you see who's at the door even if you're not at home. The device itself will be made of high-density polymer and will include an infrared camera able to capture video at both day and night. When visitor presses the LED illuminated push-to-talk button, the video and audio will be sent via the local Wi-Fi connection to the user's smartphone.

A parasitic worm could inspire a new type of bandage for skin grafts that will not only hold well, but will also inject drugs into the skin. The bandage is inspired by a small, fish-infecting worm with a spine-covered proboscis on the top of its head. When the worm infects a fish, it inserts its proboscis to the fish's intestinal wall and then plumps the proboscis with its muscles, which gives it a strong hold inside the fish. Taking a cue from the plumping proboscis, the new...

A new, sustainable lamp design will use algae to illuminate a room while consuming carbon dioxide, potentially scrubbing as much as a ton carbon from the air in one year. The tube-shaped lamps will be filled with algae, which will grow well inside the structure and use photosynthesis to emit a green glow. The lamps will also store the energy created during photosynthesis for later use, such as at night or in low-light settings. A single light will be able to absorb about a ton of...

The body dryer will be designed to replace germy and environmentally unfriendly bathroom towels with a more environmentally sound solution--compressed ionized air. The body dryer will be equipped with angled vents that will be adjusted according to the needs, or size, of the user. The arrangement of the vents will send a cylindrical tunnel of compressed air up from the footplate to dry the individual in about 30 seconds, with no towel required. The air temperature will be adjusted...

A new plant-based extract used as a clothing dye for over 3500 years could also provide a green alternative to the metal ores used to make lithium-ion batteries. The extract, called purpurin, comes from the root of the madder plant. Purpurin, along with other biologically-based color molecules, contain carbonyl and hydroxyl groups able to pass electrons back and forth in the same way as traditional electrodes. Purpurin can be made and stored at room temperature, with a color change...

Why not develop a way to harvest the energy generated during photosynthesis to create a greener form of energy and a new generation of solar panels? During photosynthesis, light is turned into chemical energy by the splitting of water atoms into hydrogen and oxygen. The electrons are then used to create sugars to feed the plant. The idea is to find a way to collect those electrons before they are turned to sugars. The technique will involve interrupting the paths along which...

The multi-modal vehicle concept drone can fly, swim and hop through various terrains by shedding and transforming parts of itself as needed. The transforming drone will travel by land, sea and air either under the control of a remote operator or semi-autonomously. As it adjusts itself to the conditions, the wings will become fins for underwater travel, for example, and then swapped for wheels for on-land travel. Currently, carrying out a drone mission on such different...

Designed with freelance and other independent workers in mind, the desktop assistant will help the user develop more efficient work habits. Featuring an inviting squishy top and a small LCD screen, the device concept will use gamification to help individuals manage their time. By accessing the user's online organization systems, such as apps and calendars, the device will create a to do list based on the user's own input. Throughout the day, it will display messages on its screen:...