The scarcity of new energy minerals will lead to a significant increase in trade tensions between nations. China's growing reliance on wind power to meet its renewable energy targets is exacerbating the issue, as the country needs rare earth elements like neodymium and selenium for high-strength magnets.
The new TimeTree application provides a sophisticated means of mining scientific knowledge, answering questions about species divergence and phylogeny. The app uses a vast Internet storehouse of data about the diversity of life, from bacteria to humans.
A new hyperbaric centrifuge technology has been successfully tested for recovering ultrafine coal from slurry, promising to reduce coal slurry impoundment problems. The technology developed by Virginia Tech's Center for Advanced Separation Technologies can be used to recover all mined coal and clean up existing impoundments.
A University of Alberta study finds that inorganic elements toxic at low concentrations are being discharged into the air and water by oilsands mining and processing. The research reveals that pollutant concentrations were highest near industry sites, contradicting claims of natural sources.
A new project aims to enhance the accuracy of climate models by leveraging data mining techniques. The collaboration between UT and ORNL will help predict large shifts in regional climate patterns and improve predictions of severe meteorological and hydrological events.
Mountaintop removal and valley fill mining are causing permanent alterations to Appalachian forests and streams, with devastating effects on diverse habitats and freshwater resources. Current mitigation efforts do not compensate for the losses, and scientists urge a shift towards renewable energy sources to protect the environment.
Scientists used genome mining to discover a novel antibiotic in Streptomyces coelicolor, effective against several bacterial strains. The approach also unlocks potential for discovering new antimicrobials and antitumor agents from other micro-organisms.
A University of Utah computer scientist has devised a new method to simplify and speed up data mining, allowing for the analysis of high-dimensional data. The new approach can handle larger datasets than previous methods, making it useful for various applications in natural and social sciences.
A new study suggests that genetic variations in the APOL1 gene are responsible for population disparities in kidney failure, particularly among persons of African and Hispanic heritage. The findings highlight the importance of identifying genetic mutations associated with increased risk of chronic kidney disease.
A new data mining algorithm called GOALIE reveals how biological processes are coordinated in time. The algorithm uses gene expression data to reconstruct temporal models of cellular processes, improving our understanding of cell division and metabolism.
The University of Nevada, Reno's mining engineering program has received a $2.4 million boost from the mining industry to support environmental solutions and distance education. The program will offer new classes in metallurgical engineering, with two endowed professorships and student scholarships.
Researchers have developed a method to analyze corporate firewall logs to identify errors and omissions. This approach, called traffic mining, can determine the actual rules applied by firewalls to incoming and outgoing network traffic.
Researchers use the GeoViz Toolkit to analyze disease statistics and identify trends in geographic patterns. This allows for better understanding of complex events like the spread of Swine flu.
A group of renowned environmental scientists is urging the US EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to suspend new mountaintop mining permits, citing extensive scientific evidence of permanent environmental harm and increased human health risks. The authors argue that mitigation practices are ineffective in reversing damage and recommend a 2...
A Carnegie Mellon researcher notes that data-mining techniques are increasingly being applied to personal activities and movements, raising concerns about privacy. Technical means can help limit these risks, but a public discussion about data collection, ownership, and privacy is also necessary.
A team of researchers led by Tufts University Professor Gregory Crane will create a database to track topics in primary and secondary Greek and Latin sources. The system uses data mining to determine patterns and connections, enabling undergraduate research and critical thinking.
Researchers are using genomics to study the microbial community and determine how to create conditions for them to thrive, helping to detoxify metal toxins in wastewater. The approach relies on a diverse microbial community that provides essential nutrients to microbes like Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria.
A five-year NIOSH grant will fund a study on the effects of roof falls, bumps, or explosions on underground mine ventilation systems. The project aims to develop a method for remote characterization of ventilation controls using multiple tracer gases.
Buruli ulcer is caused by mycobacterium ulcerans and primarily affects poor rural communities in tropical countries. The new study aims to identify the natural reservoir for the disease, its activation, and transmission to humans.
Coal outbursts in underground mines are among the major killers, but scientists have long been investigating their precise mechanism. New research suggests that coal outbursts occur through a process similar to explosive volcanic eruptions, driven by high gas pressure inside coal.
Ole Mengshoel, a senior systems scientist at Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley, has been awarded a two-year, $498,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to create new computer tools for improving and integrating data visualization and analysis in large utility projects. The project aims to develop novel monitoring and data mining ...
Research shows consumers develop specific rules for sharing personal data online, influencing retailers' data mining practices. Understanding these rules is crucial to improving online experiences and products.
Researchers have developed a method to estimate the amount of heat that can be produced by abandoned mine tunnels, providing an alternative source of renewable energy. The geothermal energy from mines can be used for heating, hot water, and even industrial processes, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering CO2 emissions.
A Yale analysis of 240 studies found that forest ecosystems recover in 42 years, ocean bottoms in less than 10 years, and those affected by human-induced disturbances recover faster than natural events. The study suggests that restoration can become a key tool for conservation organizations to protect habitats.
A real-time risk management system will be available globally after a Queensland company was awarded a license to commercialise the CSIRO technology. Nexsys allows underground coal mines to interrogate vast amounts of digital information from various sensors and systems, providing real-time risk management and decision support.
Researchers have discovered evidence of pre-industrial mercury pollution in the Andes, dating back to 1400 BC, and challenge current thinking on the rise of mining societies. Mercury pollution was initially caused by mine dust from vermillion production, but later increased with Inca control of mines.
Researchers from Boston Children's Hospital use online surveillance tools to track emerging infectious diseases, providing up-to-the-minute information. HealthMap.org aggregates real-time data on swine flu outbreaks, highlighting the potential of internet mining for public health support.
A study found that OSA peaks between 0-4 years, then rises from 25-29 years to a peak at 55-59 years. Comorbid conditions most frequently appearing with OSA in adults are essential hypertension, obesity, and respiratory diseases. The data mining technique revealed the full clinical picture of comorbid conditions associated with OSA.
Researchers mapped brain activity associated with speech sounds and voices to identify unique 'neural fingerprints' in listeners. This breakthrough could improve computer systems for automatic speech recognition, revealing a less hierarchical processing of speech across the brain.
Researchers Edgar de Graaf and Jeroen De Knijf analyzed patterns in web surfing behavior to reduce the number of results and improve efficiency in data mining. They developed methods to detect relevant patterns quickly and effectively within large quantities of semi-structured data.
A team of 20 cloud and climate experts will investigate how Pacific clouds affect global climate and weather, including the UK. They aim to reduce errors in climate models by understanding how these clouds form and interact with the atmosphere.
Asbestos export continues in Canada, violating its own limitations and the WHO's recommendation to end chrysotile mining. The practice contributes significantly to the global health crisis caused by asbestos-related diseases.
Clemson University researcher John R. Saylor has received a $700,000 CDC grant to investigate methods for reducing harmful particulate levels in coal mines. The goal is to lower the incidence of black lung disease and its affiliated ailments by lowering coal-mine dust exposure.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute are adapting their self-driving vehicle technology to create autonomous haul trucks for Caterpillar's largest haul trucks, each with payload capacities of 240 tons or more. The goal is to provide productivity gains through consistency in processes and improve mine safety.
Michigan State University scientists are creating a genomic database to improve biofuel crops, with a focus on cellulosic ethanol. The database will centralize information on various crops and provide data-mining tools, making it easier for researchers to access and compare genetic data.
Researchers used data mining to identify subtle differences in movement between rats with ALS mutations and controls, predicting the onset of disease two months early. This novel approach may enable testing of therapies to delay or prevent disease.
Penguin populations are declining globally due to human influences such as climate change, commercial fishing, and oil spills. The threats to these species are likely to intensify in the coming years, highlighting the need for coordinated conservation efforts.
Scientists have discovered two novel compounds produced by soil bacteria that show promise in combating MRSA infections and cancer. The breakthroughs come after years of genome mining, which identifies pathways to produce new compounds from microbial DNA sequences.
Researchers applied data mining to a human resources database to discover patterns that can improve business efficiency and profits. By analyzing skills, qualifications, employment history, and interactions between personnel, businesses can predict natural staff turnover, morale changes, and employee performance.
Researchers develop data mining approach using Fuzzy Inference System to analyze river water quality, revealing high pollution levels despite individual parameter analysis. The method combines disparate parameters for a broader understanding of overall quality, potentially improving the lives of people relying on freshwater sources.
A new study published in Restoration Ecology reveals that damaged environments can be restored within a matter of years at virtually no cost. Spontaneous revegetation allows plants from surrounding areas to move in and take root, naturally restoring the site.
The USC project, led by Gully A.P.C. Burns, aims to develop software for laboratory use, creating a small-scale knowledge base for storing scientific articles locally. The project seeks to alleviate information overload and enable researchers to quickly find and retrieve data.
A recent study found that substance abuse in resource-based communities is linked to loneliness, lack of healthy social connections, and a 'culture of entitlement' among workers. The study recommends industry promotion of healthy lifestyles and government funding for regional drug treatment centers to address these issues.
Researchers at NIA used Genomatix to identify two novel transcription factors, B-Myb and Maz, involved in maintaining undifferentiated stem cells or early differentiation. The study linked pluripotent stem cell-associated transcripts to regulatory gene networks.
A University of Alberta study found that beaver presence increases open water availability by up to nine times, providing habitat and resources for land animals, amphibians, and livestock. The study suggests climate models predict increased drought frequency and length, where beavers can play a crucial role in maintaining wetlands.
Researchers developed a technology to spot insider threats using data mining techniques on email interactions. Individuals with latent interests in sensitive topics or those feeling alienated within the organization are potential threats.
A new aluminum-rich alloy developed by Purdue University engineers can produce hydrogen on-demand for vehicles, power generation, and other applications, reducing costs and environmental impact. The technology is made possible by the controlled microscopic structure of the solid aluminum and gallium-indium-tin alloy mixture.
Research finds link between temperature and insect feeding on leaves, boosting foraging of plant-eating insects. The study links past climate spike to increased insect damage.
Researchers found that over one-third of tropical soil samples can generate severe limitations for landmine detection using metal detectors. The study provides a classification scheme for predicting detector performance and highlights the importance of considering soil development in de-mining missions.
A Purdue University archaeologist has uncovered an ancient iron ore mine in South America, showcasing the importance of hematite to ancient Andean civilizations. The discovery provides valuable information on the Nasca people's use of minerals for ceramic paints and other purposes.
A new global overview by Duke University soil scientist Daniel Richter emphasizes the need to address soil health due to increased cultivation, grazing, and logging. The study highlights the importance of long-term observation and analysis to understand how to sustain soils and minimize adverse effects on the environment.
Researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and MIT have created a quantum molecular dynamics simulation of a shocked explosive, revealing its chemical decomposition and transformation into a semi-metallic state. The study provides new insights into the microscopic properties of explosives during detonation.
Scientists have discovered significant populations of new, rare, and threatened species in Ghana's Atewa Range Forest Reserve, underscoring the area's high biological diversity. The findings include Critically Endangered frog and butterfly species, as well as eight new species of katydids.
The chance discovery field is shifting towards a new direction, focusing on interaction, visualization, and abduction to tackle complex problems and predict future trends. By analyzing implicit symptoms in data, researchers aim to identify risks and benefits, enabling better decision-making.
Scientists are discovering that aquatic nanoparticles influence natural and engineered water chemistry differently than similar materials of a larger size. The review considers nanoparticles formed by natural processes in water and as unintended consequences of human activity, such as mining or water treatment.
LitInspector is a powerful literature and pathway mining system that offers quick and easy retrieval of pathways, genes, gene functions, and gene-gene interactions. The system utilizes cutting-edge text mining technology and leverages the largest gene synonym table available to provide comprehensive results.
A new study by MIT researchers has found that children of mothers with contaminated water supplies during pregnancy exhibit gene expression changes associated with cancer and other diseases. The team developed a reliable test using 11 genes, offering an alternative to routine blood tests.
A versatile algorithm called Cascades, developed by Carnegie Mellon researchers, identifies the best 100 blogs to read for early access to news. The algorithm also helps design efficient sensor networks in water supply systems by balancing cost and information collection.
A university-industry team led by Virginia Tech is developing a low-cost dry beneficiation technology for India to increase energy production and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The project aims to test advanced technologies for cleaning coal, increasing thermal efficiencies and reducing CO2 emissions by up to 45%.
CSIRO launches 'Terabyte Science' program to tackle massive data sets in astronomy, gene sequencing, and climate modeling. The initiative aims to develop new mathematical approaches and processes for scientists to stay competitive globally.