Engineers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center performed delicate 'eye surgery' to implant the MIRI instrument, weighing 181 pounds, into the ISIM module. The precise operation requires coordination among multiple team members to avoid disturbing the critical science instruments.
A UT Arlington electrical engineer is working on a $8 million project to increase internet security by using the quantum nature of light to transmit more information over longer distances. The research aims to develop a method that can dramatically increase data transmission capacity and speed without compromising security.
A University of Texas at Arlington aerospace engineer is developing diagnostic and predictive tools to aid aircraft manufacturers in analyzing composite structures. The work integrates design and manufacturing processes to advance the performance of composite materials, improving safety, speed, and reliability.
A UC Riverside engineer is exploring a nearly century-old manufacturing technique to strengthen tiny titanium-based medical devices, which could lead to significant improvements in their performance and reliability. The technique, known as gas nitriding, involves heating the device in a nitrogen atmosphere to increase its strength.
Katsuichiro Goda, a renowned civil engineer, has been awarded the Charles Richter Early Career Award for his groundbreaking work in seismic risk assessment and mitigation. His research has developed new ground-motion equations and spatial correlations models to estimate seismic losses, enabling practical solutions in risk mitigation.
Chemical gardens, a school experiment, inspire origin-of-life research at hydrothermal vents. Scientist test electric currents flowing from flower-like structures in chemical gardens.
Assistant Professor Hyeok Choi's research aims to develop a sensor system that can detect biological toxins wirelessly, providing real-time data for early warning systems. The system will be deployed in areas with high concentrations of harmful algal blooms, enabling water providers to take action.
Researchers unveil public domain DNA sequences and statistical models to engineer microbes with precision, increasing reliability and accuracy. This technological foundation enables more precise genetic engineering in the future.
NREL Engineer Ian Metzger named ASHRAE's New Face of Engineering, recognized for increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy deployment. The Research Support Facility in Golden, Colorado, also won an ASHRAE Technology Award for its net-zero design, using 50% less energy than traditional commercial buildings.
A University of Texas at Arlington engineer has developed a semiconductor-based process to capture, store and transmit solar energy more efficiently. The new method increases the yield of solar energy by 10 times and improves efficiency fourfold compared to current methods.
Babak Moaveni, a Tufts civil engineer, has received a National Science Foundation early career award to develop new and improved structural health monitoring methods. This will enhance the nation's roads, bridges, and other vital structures, allowing for more informed funding decisions.
Canadian Institute for Quantum Computing research focuses on harnessing quantum laws to develop game-changing technologies. Experts hope to engineer benefits of quantum mechanics in sensor technology.
A team of scientists from Duke University and the University of Padova found that marsh plants actively tune their elevations by producing organic soil and accumulating sediments. This complex interplay with the environment helps species stabilize the soil within favorable states, allowing for greater long-term stability.
Hyejin Moon's novel microfluidic devices improve accurate images and conditions of huge numbers of samples, enabling quicker disease biomarker identification. The technology has applications for speedier drug development and may lead to the development of devices used by patients in their own homes.
A UT Arlington software engineer has developed a computer testing tool that significantly reduces the time and cost of determining whether a new program works. The Advanced Combinatorial Testing System (ACTS) uses combinatorial testing to test complex systems, such as healthcare information technology.
A multi-university team, led by Ronald Riggs, conducted research to analyze the impact of cargo containers on buildings during tsunamis. They found that water does not significantly increase the load when a container strikes a building, and the weight of contents also doesn't matter much.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a rapid method to create new parts for biological factories, which could lead to the mass production of sophisticated devices and unlock their potential in society. This breakthrough brings scientists one step closer to an 'industrial revolution' in synthetic biology.
A new strategy uses synthetic small RNA to regulate multiple genes at the translation level, allowing for efficient development of microbial cell factories. This method enables fine control of gene expression levels, transferability to different host strains, and identification of essential genes.
Scientists have discovered a new type of molecular lever that can accelerate chemical reactions 1000 times faster than other molecules. This breakthrough has the potential to engineer more efficient materials with improved mechanical and thermal properties.
Researchers identify novel enzyme involved in β-1,4-galactan production, which can be used to engineer plants for increased biofuel efficiency. The study reveals a family of proteins named GT92 that play a crucial role in pectin synthesis.
Boston College researchers create a yolk-shell nanocrystal structure with a porous 'skin' that can filter molecules based on size or chemical makeup, allowing greater selectivity in chemical reactions. The new catalyst exhibits unprecedented control and precision, paving the way for expanded applications of heterogeneous catalysis.
A CU-led team has been awarded a $9.2 million DOE grant to research modifying E. coli to produce biofuels like gasoline. The team aims to develop technologies that can efficiently and inexpensively convert E. coli into ethylene and isobutanol, widely used commodities for gasoline production.
A team of researchers has discovered a bacterium that can efficiently degrade hemicellulose, a key component in biofuels. By unlocking this microbe's enzymes, scientists may be able to engineer microbes that can convert more plant material into fuel.
Researchers successfully engineered Arabidopsis plants to reduce xylan content and improve breakdown of carbohydrate into simple sugars. The resulting plants exhibit improved saccharification properties, allowing for better production of biofuels from plant biomass.
The Carnegie Institution has received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to engineer broad-spectrum resistance against rice bacterial blight through genetic engineering. The project aims to create durable and environmentally friendly solutions to combat this disease in developing countries.
Researchers found that cell death leads to wrinkles in biofilms, while stiffness affects wrinkling patterns. They created artificial wrinkle patterns in bacteria to verify their findings, shedding light on the mechanics of cell, tissue and organ formation.
Researchers have designed a complex logic circuit using bacterial genes, enabling synthetic bacteria to monitor and respond to their environments. The circuit consists of four sensors and three two-input AND gates, allowing the bacteria to perform tasks such as detecting cancer indicators and releasing tumor-killing factors.
Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute engineer a new kind of DNA barcode that can come in an almost limitless array of styles, allowing for vastly more vital information to be gathered from cell samples. The method harnesses the natural ability of DNA to self-assemble, enabling low-cost and robust cellular imaging.
A UT Arlington civil engineering assistant professor is teaming up with a private sector engineer to develop a tool for rehabilitating manholes. The project aims to improve the structural capabilities of common manhole materials and provide vital information for decision-makers.
A new study has outlined how interactions between genes, proteins and molecules direct the development of stem cells into mature heart cells. The research could help scientists better understand how genetic mutations lead to congenital heart defects and assist efforts to engineer artificial heart tissue.
Francois Baccelli, renowned French mathematician and engineer, joins The University of Texas at Austin as the first Simons Chair in Mathematics and Electrical and Computer Engineering. He brings a $1.5 million grant to establish a new Center in Information and Network Science.
A University of Illinois metabolic engineer has synthesized a key breast milk ingredient, 2-fluoro-lactose (2FL), which could lead to the development of infant formula. This breakthrough allows researchers to study the role of 2FL in infant nutrition and make recommendations for its addition to infant formula.
Researchers connect 250 years of organic chemical knowledge into a giant computer network, optimizing syntheses of drug molecules and identifying suspicious chemical recipes. The Chematica system learns from experience and can test every possible synthesis, finding truly optimal ways to make desired chemicals.
The Office of Naval Research has recognized five engineers for their work on the electromagnetic railgun, a long-range weapons system that fires projectiles using electricity. The team's achievements include two world record launches and significant advancements to the launcher technology.
Organisms build unnecessary structures during development to avoid disrupting later stages of growth. This approach allows newly evolved traits to emerge at the end of development with less risk of disruption.
A new paper reveals the off-label use of dexamethasone to engineer fetal sex in pregnant women at risk for congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The synthetic steroid is known to cause significant developmental changes, raising questions about the ethics of prenatal experimentation.
Researchers developed nano-FTIR, combining s-SNOM and FTIR spectroscopy for nanoscale chemical identification and mapping. The technique offers high sensitivity and resolution, making it a unique tool for polymer chemistry, biomedicine, and pharmaceutical industry.
Peter J. Stang has been awarded the American Chemical Society's Priestley Medal for his pioneering work on supramolecular chemistry, a field that could lead to new drug delivery vehicles and more efficient oil refining. With over 450 papers authored, Stang is a prominent figure in the field of organic chemistry.
A study of 400 patients found that 20.3% met the criteria for chemical intolerance, a condition characterized by sensitivity to common substances. Patients with chemical intolerance often experience multi-system symptoms and may need to avoid certain chemicals, foods, or medical prescriptions to manage their condition.
The University of Akron has established a Conquer Chiari Research Center to improve diagnosis and treatment of Chiari malformation, a disorder causing head, neck, and shoulder pain. Researchers will use computational fluid dynamics to simulate brain fluid flow, helping determine if surgery is warranted.
Chemical engineers at UMass Amherst have discovered a new method to produce p-xylene with an efficient yield of 75%, using most of the biomass feedstock. The process creates the same chemical used in petroleum-based plastics, but from renewable biomass sources.
Robert J. Wood, an Associate Professor at Harvard University, has won the prestigious Alan T. Waterman Award for his innovative research in biologically inspired robotics and microfabrication. The award recognizes his work on developing robotic flying insects and a new fabrication technique inspired by children's pop-up books.
A team of UMass Amherst chemical engineers has discovered a 'mini-cellulose' molecule that behaves like cellulose when converted to biofuel. This breakthrough enables the use of computer simulations to study biomass conversion, which could lead to more efficient and cost-effective biofuels.
Sandia's decontamination foam is now used to clean up illegal methamphetamine labs, leaving chemicals harmless and surfaces safe for reuse. The foam contains mild, non-toxic chemicals that break down agent molecules into nontoxic pieces.
The American Chemical Society is developing new crime-fighting tools to deter and catch terrorists, utilizing chemical forensics to trace weaponized toxic substances. The research aims to send a message to would-be terrorists that science is prepared to stop them.
Using computer simulations at the Ohio Supercomputer Center, researchers aim to engineer cyanobacteria to thrive in diverse illumination conditions. By understanding light sensing and harvesting in Anabaena sensory rhodopsin bacteria, they hope to develop new properties for alternative energy via microbial conversion of light energy.
The chemical industry is expected to see a boost in sales due to growing demand for chemicals used in agriculture, electronics, cars, and airplanes. However, the industry faces challenges such as expiring patents and slowing growth in Asia, which will impact industries like paint and construction materials.
Researchers identified a three-dimensional crystal structure of the Abies grandis α-bisabolene synthase, an enzyme that produces bisabolene, a precursor to bisabolane. This breakthrough could lead to improved catalytic efficiency and stability, enabling microbes to produce bisabolene faster.
Joint BioEnergy Institute researchers have developed CAD-type models and simulations for RNA molecules, enabling the design of complex RNA-based control systems. These systems can process cellular information and program gene expression, holding enormous potential for microbial-based sustainable production of advanced biofuels.
The American Chemical Society revisited key research advances from 2001, including self-healing plastics and carbon-based electronic devices. These discoveries have had lasting impacts on various fields of science.
A new fracture control plan for steel bridges aims to reduce the risk of failure through improved material selection, design, and inspection. The plan has the potential to save costs on maintenance budgets by identifying critical members that need protection from brittle fracture.
The article highlights the importance of pharmacists' knowledge of toxic agents and treatment methods in event of a chemical weapons attack. Pharmacists can provide valuable expertise to healthcare facilities and government agencies, and are also essential in managing biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.
Two NASA engineers, Diane Elizabeth Pugel and Steven Scott, received achievement awards for their groundbreaking work on the Orion crew vehicle and thermal-protection system. Pugel's non-destructive testing approach for materials evaluation was recognized as a breakthrough in aerospace engineering.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have designed and synthesized a protein with 242 amino acids, validating a new approach to engineer large proteins. This breakthrough expands the scope of protein engineering efforts, enabling the creation of new antibodies and other beneficial proteins.
The American Chemical Society's Employment Outlook feature package explores the jobs situation for chemists, with a focus on the impact of economic weakness on hiring plans. The article also provides guidance for current and future job seekers to fully benefit from recruiters' services.
Tufts University researcher Catherine Kuo is developing living tissue in the lab to study factors contributing to birth defects. She plans to engineer normal and abnormal tissues to investigate the impact of muscle movement on embryonic development.
A group of international diabetes researchers have been awarded $4.5 million to engineer an artificial pancreas system that can monitor and adapt to the body's complex physiological changes. The system aims to improve quality of life for patients with type 1 diabetes by treating the condition in their natural environment.
Scientists at University of California, Riverside, are conducting a two-year study on hybrid bulldozer and excavator emission reduction benefits. The project aims to establish the methodology for comparing hybrid vehicles under varied conditions and may inform a hybrid incentive program.
Researchers at University of Notre Dame engineer a new way to inhibit allergic reactions by introducing a special molecule that outcompetes allergens for mast cells. This approach prevents allergic reactions from occurring in the first place without suppressing the entire immune system.
Theoretical physicists have developed a new concept to create exotic topological states using dissipation, which can lead to immune quantum computers. They successfully linked concepts of quantum optics and condensed matter physics, demonstrating the feasibility of this approach.