The novel technology developed by the Microfluidic Group in UCD, funded by Enterprise Ireland allows the rapid manufacture of low-cost microfluidic inserts suitable for either small multiple prototype runs or for scale up polymer manufacture of 10,000+ parts using medical polymers, taking less than 1 hour for the manufacture and preparation of industrially viable inserts with features as low as 100 micron. A key issue for production of plastic microfluidics is fabrication of inverted microstructured tools. Mass production tools must be strong, durable, with the required feature size and aspect ratio, maintain a good demolding capability with a feasible draft angle, appropriate surface finish and a good cost/performance ratio. Normally technologies are slow (days) and/or expensive requiring the manufacture .

The accumulation of charge in the dielectric of a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) device results in a parasitic source of electrostatic force which, if uncontrolled, can lead to device malfunction and permanent stiction that negatively impacts on reliability. This dielectric charge accounts for a number of reliability issues in electrostatically actuated MEMS and hence is a major barrier to the commercialisation of many such devices; as in the case of RF switches. Researchers from UCD and UPC have developed this novel control method that improves the accuracy and resolution of all devices that use electrostatic actuation.

A system for search and discovery of information in a real time network, comprising: means for gathering data indicative of a message posted in an real time network, the data comprising information identifying a uniform resource locator, URL and textual information associated with the URL

A method for the manufacture of patterned microparticles comprises immobilizing microparticles, including nanoparticles, to be patterned on a surface of a porous membrane, causing an inorganic or organic coating material which can bind to exposed surfaces of said microparticles, and which can permeate through the pores of said membrane, to flow relative to said immobilized microparticles, and removing the microparticles from the membrane following binding of said coating material. The method enables one to prepare a wide range of anisotropically-modified patterned microparticles, including microparticles patterned with nanoparticles or a biomolecular material such as DNA and protein. The patterned microparticles produced can be used in wide range of applications in health, information and communication, and sustainable environment such as shelter, clothing, energy, food, transport and security.