Physicist Pierre Ramond has been awarded the 2015 Dannie Heineman Prize for his groundbreaking contributions to supersymmetry and superstring theory. His work provides a compelling picture of the universe, with tiny string-like objects vibrating to form particles.
The Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM) of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope withstood 116 days of extremely cold temperatures, simulating conditions found in space. The successful test ensures the telescope will function correctly at its final destination one million miles away from Earth.
A team of researchers led by D.J. Seo will integrate data from advanced weather radar systems, wireless sensors, and crowdsourced cell phone data to create high-resolution models of urban water systems. The project aims to produce a suite of products for flash flood forecasting, water quality monitoring, and storm management.
Weian Zhao, a UCI stem cell scientist, has been awarded the prestigious NIH New Innovator Award to create stem cell-based detection methods for cancer. His project aims to engineer smart stem cell systems to target cancer cells and improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers have made breakthroughs in understanding the interactions between botulinum neurotoxins and cells, paving the way for safer forms of Botox. By designing inhibitors or specific antibodies, scientists hope to prevent toxic interactions and engineer safer toxins for medical and cosmetic use.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $1 million in two grants to the University of Missouri to install a supercomputer enabling data-intensive research and education at MU. The new cyberinfrastructure (CI) engineer will collaborate with researchers to develop new tools and provide expertise for efficient data analysis.
Researchers at Carnegie Institution use high pressure to engineer gallium arsenide, a promising semiconductor material for solar cells. The study found that applying pressure can widen the 'band gap' and induce metallic electronic properties in two different crystalline structures of GaAs.
A Harvard team has created a novel protein engineering system called BIND to engineer bacteria into living foundries for the production of biomaterials with specific functions. The researchers have demonstrated the ability to fuse multiple proteins to create multifunctional biofilms that can be programmed to perform various tasks.
Researchers at Duke University have identified a gene, called OSCA1, that helps plants sense water availability and adjust their water conservation machinery accordingly. The findings could lead to new ways to help crops thrive when water is scarce.
Jason Budinoff's project uses additive manufacturing to create fully functional imaging telescopes with a reduced number of components. The technology enables the production of complex geometries and mitigates risks associated with traditional manufacturing methods.
A biomedical engineer has received a $250,000 grant to expand his research on a novel lupus drug that targets B cells. The goal is to treat a range of autoimmune diseases, offering an alternative to steroids with fewer side effects.
Dr. Terry Baughn, a senior lecturer in mechanical engineering at UT Dallas, has been named Engineer of the Year by the North Texas section of ASME. He was recognized for his extensive industry experience and dedication to mentoring students. Baughn's expertise in advanced strength of materials and design of machine elements makes him a...
Gila Stein, a University of Houston chemical engineer, received an NSF grant to build models explaining lithography systems used for device fabrication. Her research focuses on chemically amplified resists, which are crucial for patterning semiconductor devices in smaller sizes.
Isabell Thomann's research focuses on improving photocatalysis, a process that uses light to drive chemical reactions, with a goal of reducing carbon dioxide using sunlight. She will use an ultrafast laser spectroscopy system to study short-lived chemical intermediates and optimize the efficiency and selectivity of chemical reactions.
Understanding the structure and movement within molecular factories in microorganisms enables researchers to design and engineer systems for producing novel drugs. The discovery provides a blueprint for redesigning microbial assembly lines, holding promise for developing new medicines.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee have made significant progress in engineering enzymes that can break down nerve agents, potentially creating a prophylactic drug. The study uses neutron scattering and computational sciences to improve the efficiency of these bioscavengers, which could lead to safer use of chemical weapons.
A Case Western Reserve University engineer has devised a technique to reconstitute collagen into tough fibers and induce adult stem cells to grow into tendons, which could lead to regenerating bulk volume of the tendon. The technology may also be used to repair hernias or urinary incontinence.
A Stanford electrical engineer has invented a way to wirelessly transfer power deep inside the body, paving the way for new 'electroceutical' devices to treat illness or alleviate pain. The technology uses roughly the same power as a cell phone and can safely penetrate deep into the body.
A new paper in Physics of Fluids provides a more consistent way to describe the forces acting on waves and undertows. The researchers found that different approaches were due to incorrect handling of weak forces, not methodology. This advance enables better models for predicting beach erosion and can help preserve shorelines.
NREL honored Principal Engineer Bhushan Sopori with the Distinguished Innovator Award for his leadership in solar energy research. The lab also recognized Rising Stars, including Kirstin Alberi, Arrelaine Dameron, and Gregg Beckham, who have made significant contributions to technology transfer and commercialization.
Rice University synthetic biologist Jeff Tabor is working on a three-year project to engineer probiotic bacteria that can detect disease signals in the gut and prevent diseases such as obesity and depression. The goal is to create an edible probiotic bacterium that can help protect sailors and marines from these health issues.
UH chemical engineer Lars Grabow has received a $750,000 five-year award from the Department of Energy to continue his research on upgrading bio-oil. Bio-oil is created by heating biomass and has high oxygen content, making it unstable for use as transportation fuel or chemical feedstock.
A biomedical engineer at UH is studying a potential treatment for lupus nephritis by targeting the interaction between three specific molecules. The goal is to determine if blocking this pathway can prevent kidney inflammation and failure.
A UH biomedical engineer is working on a device to separate well-preserved red blood cells from potentially harmful materials in blood transfusions. The system uses microfluidic technology to scale up the separation process, making it safer and more efficient.
Researchers at Virginia Tech and MIT have developed a computer-aided design tool called GenoCAD to create genetic languages for designing biological systems. The tool helps capture biological rules to engineer organisms that produce useful products or healthcare solutions from inexpensive materials. GenoCAD enables the standardization ...
A novel platform connects engineers in their offices with production locations, enabling real-time video transmission and interactive 3D model views. This approach facilitates remote maintenance by showing operators multiple views of the machine on screen.
A chemical leak in Charleston, W.Va., highlights the shortcomings of policies and research on thousands of chemicals. The incident led to 300,000 residents relying on bottled water due to the lack of complete toxicology studies on the leaked chemical, MCHM.
Erik Fisher's Socio-Technical Integration Research (STIR) project brings social scientists together with natural scientists to tackle the societal impacts of emerging technologies. By collaborating on projects, they aim to mitigate negative environmental impacts and improve worker safety through responsible innovation.
Researchers have revealed the structure of the Cas9 complex, a key part of the CRISPR-Cas system used for genome editing. The study provides a detailed picture of the complex, enabling researchers to refine and engineer the tool to accelerate genomic research and bring it closer to treating human genetic disease.
Researchers from University of Southern Denmark engineer controlled assemblies of artificial vesicles, resembling natural tissues in architecture and functionality. The new systems have potential applications in personalized medicine, studying cells, and as small bioreactors.
Scientists have successfully engineered dermo-epidermal skin grafts that contain functional blood and lymphatic capillaries, which can rapidly supply tissue fluid and prevent accumulation. This breakthrough could improve wound healing and organ structure of these skin grafts.
A Kansas State University engineer has developed a composite paper that can efficiently store sodium atoms and serve as a flexible current collector in sodium-ion batteries. The paper offers stable charge capacity and eliminates the need for polymeric binders and copper current collectors.
Briand's work on model-based software verification and testing has been recognized for its outstanding contribution to reliability engineering. The award honors his efforts to deliver predictable dependable software-intensive systems within cost and time constraints.
BYU engineer Dah-Jye Lee has created a genetic algorithm that accurately identifies objects in images or video sequences without human intervention. The algorithm learns from a set of images and sets its own parameters, achieving 100% accurate recognition on four image datasets and distinguishing between fish species with 99.4% accuracy.
The global chemical industry is expected to rise by 2.5% in the US and see increased sales in Europe, driven by strong economic growth in China and India. Low-priced natural gas from shale deposits and an uptick in housing starts are also contributing factors.
A Virginia Tech engineer is studying the impact of the recent Colorado flood on antibiotic resistance genes. The researcher aims to understand how floodwaters can transport and disseminate these genes, which could have significant implications for human and animal health.
A University of Texas at Arlington civil engineer will investigate the impact of technology on pedestrian safety, sustainable commuting practices and driver safety. The research aims to develop comprehensive, more livable transportation solutions that prioritize community and public health.
A study by PNNL researchers found that highly insulating windows reduce energy consumption by 12.2% in a home setting. However, the high upfront cost takes anywhere from 23 to 55 years to pay off, making comfort and other benefits more immediate.
Researchers are working on an injectable compound that can block enzymes that further break down the tendon, reducing injury severity or promoting healing. The therapy aims to treat tendon injuries at an early stage, potentially benefiting athletes and industrial workers.
Researchers Hanna, Guven, and Müller used patterns on whirling dervish skirts to create mathematical equations governing cone-shaped structures in rotation. Their work enhances understanding of flexible object dynamics and pattern formation in rotating systems.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have developed a method to genetically engineer marine algae to produce more lipids, the fat molecules that store energy for fuel. This breakthrough enhances biofuel production and has the potential to lower costs and increase efficiency.
Close to 1,400 tons of chemical weapons remain in Syria, requiring multiple strategies for destruction. Destroying the stockpile will require specialized equipment and careful handling of precursor chemicals.
Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories are working on a $34 million project to develop biocatalyst technologies that can convert natural gas into liquid fuel for transportation. They aim to engineer pathways from microbes that metabolize methane to produce butanol, a promising biofuel option.
A Rutgers-Camden professor is building a large-scale database of chemical toxicity information, combining in-vitro and computational methods to provide valuable data for scientists. The online database will aid in drug development by helping determine safe doses for patients.
In response to economic downturns, large chemical firms are reorganizing by acquiring specialty companies with high market potential. DuPont's Danisco acquisition and Dow's Rohm and Haas purchase have proven successful in shedding underperforming businesses.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed spring-like fibers to engineer cardiac tissue that can pump more like the real thing. The new fibers show improved elasticity and contraction force compared to straight fibers, holding promise for repairing damaged heart tissue.
A UT Arlington engineer has received a $142,223 National Science Foundation grant to develop a system that uses complex data analysis to ensure consistency in various manufacturing processes. By examining this data, researchers can identify irregularities and help manufacturers adjust their variables for more consistent systems.
Researchers create a system to encrypt software, making it unreverse-engineerable without solving mathematical problems. This mechanism uses multilinear jigsaw puzzles to prevent deciphering of the code behind software.
A NASA team has successfully grown uniform layers of carbon nanotubes using atomic layer deposition, enabling the growth of these forests on three-dimensional components like baffles and tubes. This innovation promises to make spacecraft instruments more sensitive without enlarging their size.
D.J. Seo's research will provide timely and location-specific information for dispatching emergency personnel in flash-flooding situations, reducing response times by up to 30 minutes. The prototype will also examine the impact of development on rainfall-runoff response and improve water conservation programs in North Texas.
A UT Arlington environmental engineer is investigating the best methods to add monochloramine to water in the pipeline to eliminate biological growths and invasive species. The research aims to ensure efficient water delivery and last-long duration for the pipeline, benefiting over 4.4 million people in North Texas.
A team of biomechanics experts at SMU are investigating the forces involved in typical basketball collisions and their relationship to balance and body control. The research aims to estimate 'flopping' forces from video data and potentially enhance video reviews of alleged flopping.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a way to correct genetic defects in skin cells of patients with epidermolysis bullosa. They used engineered transcription activator-like effector nucleases to target and fix mutation-causing genes, resulting in the production of missing proteins in living skin models.
Cornell University engineers have developed a new smartphone-based system for in-the-field detection of Kaposi's sarcoma and other conditions, utilizing a plug-in optical sensor and disposable microfluidic chips. This novel technique provides a quick method to quantify viral DNA levels, requiring minimal training and expertise.
Researchers developed optics-based methods for determining viral load by counting individual virus particles, allowing for faster and cheaper testing. These new methods could conduct measurements in a medical office or hospital instead of a laboratory, providing rapid results and fast turnaround.
A study of small dams in China found that they can pose a greater threat to ecosystems and natural landscapes than large dams. The research team surveyed habitat loss and damage at several dam sites, revealing that the environmental harm from small dams was often greater, sometimes by several orders of magnitude.
Researchers at Rice and Penn State universities have created solar cells using block copolymers, which outperform other polymer compounds as active elements. The new cells reach about 3% efficiency, surprisingly better than previous labs have achieved.
The Purdue University R.B. Wetherill Laboratory of Chemistry has been recognized as a National Historic Chemical Landmark by the American Chemical Society (ACS) for its 80-plus years of service as a center for education and cutting-edge research. The laboratory, which has educated generations of chemists and chemical engineers, includi...
Researchers have developed a flat spray-on material that can act as a flat lens, allowing for arbitrary aperture sizes and potentially revolutionizing imaging devices. The technology has significant advancements in ultraviolet light imaging of biological specimens.
Researchers at MIT have discovered a method to engineer graphene with a band gap, necessary for transistors and semiconductor devices. The new technique involves stacking graphene with hexagonal boron nitride, producing a hybrid material with varying electronic characteristics.