Research news

Learn more about the latest discoveries and innovations from the U of T Engineering community. Our researchers are developing new ways of capturing and storing clean energy, medical devices that can save and extend lives, smarter ways to design and build cities and much more.

Researchers develop method to improve transplantation of artificial insulin-producing cells

January 17, 2020

The research could improve the success of implantable islets to treat people living with diabetes

From left: Abdullah Syed, Shrey Sindhwani and Professor Warren Chan (all IBBME) are three of the co-authors of a new paper that describes how engineered nanoparticles enter tumours. (Photo: Neil Ta)

Most engineered nanoparticles enter tumours through cells, not between them

January 13, 2020

Discovery by U of T Engineering researchers challenges a ‘long-held dogma’ in the field of cancer nanomedicine

Super stretchy, transparent and self-powering, researchers Xinyu Liu (MIE) and Binbin Ying (MIE, pictured) believe their AISkin will lead to meaningful advancements in wearable electronics, personal health care, and robotics. (Photo: Daria Perevezentsev)

Skin-like sensors bring a human touch to wearable tech

January 8, 2020

Artificial “skin” sensor could be the future of wearable and stretchable electronics, with applications in wound-healing, gaming and more

As a PhD student, Pavani Cherukpally researched the use of polyurethane foams to adsorb droplets of oil in wastewater. (Photo: Kevin Soobrian)

Oil-adsorbing sponge could prevent environmental contamination

December 16, 2019

U of T researchers have developed a chemically modified sponge that can remove oil microdroplets from wastewater with more than 90% efficiency in just 10 minutes

Professor Angela Schoellig (left, UTIAS), an autonomous robotics expert, is among 34 newly appointed CIFAR AI chairs. (Credit: Neil Ta)

Autonomous robotics expert among CIFAR’s newest research chairs in Artificial Intelligence

December 9, 2019

Appointment to boost Professor Angela Schoellig’s research in enhancing the capabilities of robots within human-centric environments

Fengwang Li demonstrates the copper-based catalyst that he and his collaborators have designed. Placed within an electrolyzer, the catalyst is capable of efficiently transforming waste CO2 directly into ethylene, a valuable commodity chemical. (Photo: Tyler Irving)

U of T Engineering and Caltech collaborate on pathway to carbon-neutral plastics

November 20, 2019

Improved catalyst transforms renewable electricity and waste CO2 into ethylene, one of the world’s most widely-used commodity chemicals

Professors Tracey Galloway and Chris Beck in one of the planes used to transport food, supplies and passengers to remote Indigenous communities in Northern Ontario. (Photo courtesy of Chris Beck)

Reconciliation through Engineering Initiative to improve transportation and housing in Indigenous communities

November 14, 2019

Indigenous leaders, U of T researchers begin collaborations to mitigate indoor mould and improve air transportation of food and goods in Northern Ontario

U of T Engineering researchers, innovators to pitch ideas for Ontario’s growth at annual economic summit

November 13, 2019

Professors Goldie Nejat, Hani Naguib and alumnus Allen Lau will pitch their ideas at the Ontario Economic Summit

MapinHood is a new navigation app designed to take account of issues that affect pedestrians — from sidewalk construction to low-hanging branches — especially those that affect people with low vision. (Image courtesy iMerciv)

This U of T startup aims to make the world more navigable for pedestrians

November 13, 2019

iMerciv, co-founded by a U of T Engineering alumnus, is building a navigation app that focuses on the needs of people who travel on foot, especially those with low vision

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