The EU-funded ADVANCE project will deliver methods and tools for formal modelling, verification, and validation to produce precise models for embedded systems. This will help eliminate design errors before projects go into manufacturing, reducing costs and improving system quality.
Russian engineer Vladimir G. Shukhov invented a lattice design that supports structures with minimum materials while maintaining stability. The researchers are studying his works to identify previously unknown projects and raise awareness of their preservation.
The University of Arizona space systems engineer Roberto Furfaro and his colleagues have designed an autonomous guidance system that will fly the privately-funded Moon Express lander to the lunar surface. The $30 million X Prize is won by landing a spacecraft on the moon, deploying a robot, and sending back an image and data to Earth.
Research suggests that sex hormones play a significant role in shaping women's career interests. Females with congenital adrenal hyperplasia exhibit more interest in STEM careers due to increased androgen exposure, while those without the condition prefer people-oriented jobs.
Researchers develop method to extract ammonium from liquid animal manure using gas-permeable membrane technology, removing 50% of dissolved ammonium in 20 days. The captured ammonia can be converted into ammonium sulfate fertilizer, potentially offsetting the cost of removal and mitigating environmental pollution.
Engineered from muscle and nerve cells, the functional anal sphincters showed normal tissue function and developed a blood supply when implanted in mice. This breakthrough suggests a potential future treatment for both fecal and urinary incontinence.
Duke University engineer Nico Hotz proposes a hybrid system that uses sunlight to heat water and methanol, producing hydrogen more efficiently than current technology. The resulting hydrogen can be stored and used as fuel, making it a promising alternative to fossil fuels.
Researchers developed a new catalyst material that converts bio-ethanol into isobutene in one step, reducing costs. This process enables the creation of valuable chemicals such as tire rubber and safer solvents, expanding the applications for sustainably produced bio-ethanol.
Researchers at Boston College have developed a designer metamaterial that can engineer emitted 'blackbody' radiation with an efficiency beyond natural limits, opening doors for innovative energy harvesting applications. The material's ability to control emissivity could further enhance energy conversion efficiency.
A new software program, called a DNA compiler, designs synthetic DNA sequences to control protein production in simple organisms. The technology allows biotechnology companies to quickly identify the best DNA sequence for a particular application, increasing efficiency and productivity.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute engineer Cynthia Collins will study the effects of microgravity on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. The research aims to understand how biofilms form in space, which could help protect astronauts from infections.
Guangwen Zhou, a Binghamton University mechanical engineer, has received the National Science Foundation's Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award for his work on oxidation and reduction reactions. His research could lead to more durable gadgets and 'greener' electronics-manufacturing processes.
Rima Taher, a civil and structural engineer at NJIT, presents research on designing low-rise buildings for extreme winds and hurricanes. Her recommendations include using square or hexagonal floor plans with multiple-sloped roofs to improve wind resistance.
A University of Missouri engineer has developed a flexible solar sheet that captures more than 90% of available light, capturing both sunlight and heat for electricity generation. The team plans to make prototypes available within five years, with potential commercial applications in various industries.
Researchers at Texas AgriLife Research have identified a key molecular mechanism regulating plant stem cell development, which could lead to increased fruit, seed, and leaf production. By understanding how microRNAs interact with RNA silencing proteins, scientists can engineer plants to produce more biomass.
Researchers at JBEI have developed a technique called targeted proteomics that enables the rapid identification and quantification of specific proteins in cells or microbes. This technique can help identify bottlenecks in metabolic pathways, leading to improved efficiency and productivity in biofuel and therapeutic drug production.
Fiorenzo Omenetto, a Tufts biomedical engineer, has been awarded the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship to develop bioresorbable optical and electronic components. His research focuses on silk-based photonics, which could address unmet needs in medical, food safety, and environmental applications.
A University of Missouri researcher is leading a $6.6 million study to understand the genes that regulate carbohydrate transport in corn plants, aiming to improve yield, drought resistance and biofuel production.
An Iowa State University engineer studied the devastating impact of a February earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, which killed over 160 people. The research highlighted the importance of regular building shape and structure symmetry in resisting earthquakes.
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center successfully implanted laboratory-grown urethras in five boys, showing functional results throughout a six-year follow-up period. The engineered tissue replaced damaged segments of the urinary tube, providing an alternative to traditional tissue grafts with high failure rates.
A new study by Columbia University engineer Sam Sia reveals a surprising range of variation in individual cells' behavior during blood vessel formation. The research found that genetically identical cells exhibit distinct patterns of cell-shape changes that are not reflected in bulk averages.
A Duke University engineer's theory predicts that dominant teams in March Madness and top-ranked universities share similar hierarchies. The constructal law explains how these systems evolve to minimize imperfections and optimize performance.
A Virginia Tech engineer is leading a government team to investigate the geotechnical impacts of the magnitude 6.3 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand. The team will focus on documenting extreme events and their effects on infrastructure.
Vikas Berry, a Kansas State University assistant professor of chemical engineering, has received a $400,000 CAREER award to study the production of graphene quantum dots. This research could lead to improved electronics and optoelectronics by controlling the properties of graphene.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have developed a new treatment for tinnitus, a debilitating hearing impairment affecting millions. Targeted nerve stimulation, paired with sounds, eliminated tinnitus in rats and shows promise for human clinical trials.
A recent study by Kansas State University professor Melinda Daniels suggests that beaver dams can create diverse river landscapes, turning single-thread channels into meadows or multichannel streams. The researchers recommend only partially removing old dams to mimic the role of beavers and restore ecosystem diversity.
A researcher at the University of Arizona is working on high-temperature resistant ceramic coatings to protect Air Force hypersonic aircraft. The coating can withstand temperatures up to 2800 degrees Celsius and has the potential to enable faster travel times.
A study by the Spanish Railways Foundation found that high-speed trains, such as the AVE, consume 29% less energy and produce 31kg less CO2 per passenger compared to traditional trains. The main advantage of high-speed lines is not in reducing fossil fuel consumption, but in attracting passengers who would otherwise travel by air or car.
Stephanie Willerth's research on HIV has significantly advanced understanding of the virus and its resistance to medications. Her study of over 15,000 different versions of the virus has led to the identification of specific genes resistant to drugs, paving the way for more effective treatments.
Researchers believe metabolic engineering could revolutionize the production of chemicals, replacing non-renewable resources with bio-based alternatives. Jay Keasling's work aims to engineer microbes to perform complex chemistry, expanding product availability and reducing costs.
Researchers at UMass Amherst develop a method to produce high-volume chemical feedstocks from pyrolytic bio-oils, a cheap liquid fuel derived from biomass. This process could reduce industry's reliance on fossil fuels worth $400 billion annually.
Scientists have successfully engineered miniature human livers that function like real ones in a laboratory setting. The next step is to test their function after transplantation in animal models, with the ultimate goal of providing a solution to the liver transplant shortage.
Duke University researchers discovered that smaller catalyst particle size is crucial for improving efficiency in chemical reactions. The team found that the surface-to-volume ratio of the catalyst particle is more important than previously thought, leading to faster reactions.
Cardiovascular Innovation Institute researchers have received a $2.027 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to further develop an implantable pump for patients with single ventricle heart disease. The device has the potential to revolutionize treatment by reducing surgeries and improving survival rates.
Researchers at UCLA have successfully controlled chemical reactions mechanically, enabling precise manipulation of molecular interactions. By applying mechanical stress to enzymes, they can influence specific steps in the reaction process, paving the way for new applications in medicine and beyond.
A Texas A&M chemical engineer has discovered a way to achieve more effective separation of DNA fragments using a hydrogel substance. The findings provide a rational approach to designing gels that can harness specific effects, leading to enhanced analysis in various fields.
A University of Georgia study identifies a critical enzyme called MEC-17 that regulates microtubule acetylation in the nervous system. The finding could lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, which have altered levels of acetylation marks on microtubules.
A University of Calgary scientist proposes two novel geoengineering approaches to mitigate global warming: releasing engineered nano-particles and sulphuric acid. These methods aim to reduce the negative effects of sulphates, which are blunt instruments for climate engineering.
University of Michigan researchers Kevin Kubarych and Carlos Baiz have achieved the feat of watching the first solvation shell respond to a chemical reaction. They realized that electrons move during chemical reactions, causing vibrational frequencies in surrounding molecules to change.
A Stanford mechanical engineer created a robot that can climb smooth surfaces like glass using the sticky property of a gecko's foot. The robot uses a material with tiny hairs to create directional adhesion, allowing it to stick and unstick from surfaces easily.
Two researchers, Jorge Alvarado and Monica Regalbuto, have been recognized for their exceptional work in environmental remediation and nuclear fuel cycle technology. Their achievements demonstrate the importance of diversity and talent in leading-edge scientific research.
A novel microfluidic HIV test developed by Prof. Alexander Revzin uses antibodies to 'capture' white blood cells called T cells affected by HIV. The test detects the types and levels of inflammatory proteins released by the cells, providing six parameters simultaneously from a small blood sample.
Researchers designed a floating barrier with two rows of pilings to protect levees from wave action, dissipating 75% of wave energy. The design was more effective and cost-efficient than previous methods.
The UCLA engineer's telemedicine invention uses a lensless cellphone microscope to detect sub-cellular elements and has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in developing countries. With its ability to be miniaturized, inexpensive, and easy to use, this technology aims to bridge the gaps left by inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
Researchers develop hydrothermolysis process to store and generate hydrogen for fuel cells in cars, achieving 14% hydrogen yield at near-fuel-cell operating temperatures. The technology has the potential to significantly improve hydrogen storage efficiency and make it more practical for widespread adoption.
A Duke University engineer, Adrian Bejan, argues that animal movement is like a natural wheel, distributing stresses uniformly. As animals evolve to move better, they develop fewer legs, allowing them to rise higher with each stride and increase their speed.
Mobile cells may be more sensitive to chemical signals than thought, following trails with improved accuracy. Researchers found lower-than-expected noise levels in these cells, enabling them to detect and respond to chemical cues more effectively.
A NJIT engineer is developing innovative robotic and virtual reality-based video game therapies to aid stroke patients in regaining hand and arm function. Preliminary results show promising 20-28% positive changes in motor function following therapy.
Chemical biologist Dr. Carolyn Bertozzi has made groundbreaking contributions to biotechnology, including bioorthogonal chemical reactions and genetically-encoded aldehyde tag technology. Her work has the potential to facilitate early cancer detection and develop novel protein drugs.
A new technology developed by MIT chemical engineer Christopher Love can analyze individual immune cells taken from patients, allowing for precise measurement of the cells' response to allergens. This approach enables faster and more reliable food allergy diagnoses than current tests.
The American Chemical Society's Green Chemistry Institute is developing a universal standard to evaluate chemical products and processes based on their environmental performance. This standard will provide comparative data, making it easier for consumers to choose greener products.
Duke University engineer Chris Dwyer demonstrates that DNA can be used to create simple logic gates, or switches, using light to excite molecules. This technology has the potential to produce virtually unlimited supplies of these tiny circuits, paving the way for faster and more efficient computing.
Researchers at NC State will use microbes that thrive in high-temperature environments to produce biofuels directly from carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The project aims to create a more efficient and flexible process for producing biofuels, which could be used in various applications.
Stanford researchers have developed a new technique that reinforces immune cells to seek and destroy cancer, potentially improving the efficacy of adoptive immunotherapy. The approach uses synthetic biology to engineer T cells to produce cytokines for themselves, while introducing switches to control their growth.
The UCLA engineer has created a miniature microscope, the world's smallest and lightest for telemedicine applications. The lensless microscope can deliver health care in resource-limited settings by analyzing blood samples or fluids instantly.
Alfred R. Rives led the design and construction of the iconic bridge, but was denied recognition after joining the Confederacy. New research reveals his crucial role in the project's success.
Gerald Posakony, a pioneering ultrasound expert, was honored with the John Fritz Medal for his contributions to medical diagnostic ultrasound and nondestructive evaluation technologies. His work led to modern ultrasound technology advancements, including obstetric sonography.
A new multifunctional polymer material can rapidly neutralize both biological and chemical toxins, including bacteria, viruses, and nerve agents. The material has been shown to be effective in restoring enzyme activity after exposure to toxins.
To create sustainable engineers in the 21st century, educators and students must be aware of emerging fields and their global context. This includes developing business skills and understanding social and environmental implications.
Researchers at Children's Hospital will engineer human cells into new tissues to treat blood diseases, cancer, and other disorders. Two NIH grants focus on developing embryonic stem cells for platelet supplies and induced pluripotent stem cells for custom-tissue production.