Researchers developed a microfluidic device that selectively isolates targeted cells, including cancer cells, based on their electrical properties. This breakthrough enables the screening of entire blood samples for cancer detection.
Iowa State University engineer Steve Martin is working to develop better batteries for renewable energy alternatives by studying electrochemical reactions and new materials. His research aims to improve the efficiency and safety of batteries, which are crucial for widespread adoption of wind power and other forms of clean energy.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have successfully engineered tobacco plants to produce more oil in their leaves, which can be used as a sustainable biofuel. The modified plants yielded up to 20-fold more oil than normal tobacco plant leaves, paving the way for a new energy source.
Researchers discovered that longer proline repeats contract protein bubbles, helping to form longer enamel crystals. This finding could lead to new ways to engineer tooth enamel.
Biologists have discovered plant enzymes that enable plants to respond more efficiently to elevated carbon dioxide levels. This discovery could lead to the development of drought-resistant crops with improved water efficiency. The research found that specific proteins called carbonic anhydrases play a crucial role in this process.
Researchers at UCLA have genetically modified a cyanobacterium to consume carbon dioxide and produce isobutanol, a potential gasoline alternative. This method recycles carbon dioxide, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and uses solar energy, making it an efficient and less expensive approach than current biofuel production methods.
Researchers at Van Andel Institute determine molecular structure of plant hormone receptors, paving the way for engineer crops that thrive in harsh environments. The discovery also has implications for stress disorders in humans.
A NJIT engineer has discovered that particles disperse rapidly on liquid surfaces due to the oscillation of particles in a phenomenon known as repulsive hydrodynamic force. The smaller the particles, the faster they move, with nanometer-sized particles reaching speeds of up to 167 kilometers per hour.
A University of Utah engineer has developed a new method to remove oil sheen from polluted water using tiny bubbles created by pressurizing ozone gas. This method, which targets the oil sheen and other pollutants, could be used to clean wastewater discharged into coastal waters and soil contaminated with heavy metals.
Yumei Wang, a geotechnical engineer, proposes tsunami evacuation buildings in the Pacific Northwest to mitigate the risk of massive tsunamis. The buildings would provide safe spaces for emergency response and long-term recovery, with estimated costs ranging from $1 million to $2 million.
Researchers aim to understand impact of physical forces on vascular disease and neuro-degenerative disorders by stretching cells on an elastic membrane, simulating natural forces.
A team of researchers from UC San Diego, MIT, and UC Berkeley are working on fundamental multiscale studies of plasma-material interactions to improve the scientific understanding of magnetic confinement fusion. Their goal is to engineer plasma walls that can survive in the environment necessary for fusion power generation.
Dean Franklin, an engineer, and two physicians, Robert Rushmer and Robert Van Citters, pioneered noninvasive imaging and treatment of the heart. They developed devices that measured blood flow, heartbeat dimensions, and blood pressure without cutting open the body.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are analyzing insects to develop better artificial tissues and organs. They're studying the internal fluid flows of beetles, grasshoppers, and silk moths to gain insights into efficient respiratory and circulatory systems.
A team of South Korean scientists has successfully engineered the bacterium E. coli to produce putrescine, an industrial chemical traditionally created using fossil fuels. The production process relies on renewable materials and reduces environmental harm associated with chemical synthesis.
Researchers developed a rapid heating treatment called Rapid Thermal Processing (RTP) to remove structural defects in zeolite membranes, improving their performance and separation efficiency. This breakthrough could significantly increase the energy efficiency of chemical separations and enable higher production rates.
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.
Gellman is leading a research team to create solid surfaces that can select between 'left-handed' and 'right-handed' versions of complex molecules, improving efficiency in chemical processes. The goal is to control chemical reactions to yield only the desired product, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Researchers have devised a chemical technique to discover brain function and provide clues for treating brain diseases. The technique allows neuroscientists to noninvasively activate entire populations of neurons in an animal brain, promoting understanding of brain function and disease treatment.
Researchers at Georgia Tech are creating programming tools to enable defense engineers to leverage the processing power of GPUs without requiring specialized knowledge. This development aims to address computational bottlenecks in complex radar and sensor systems.
Researchers at Cancer Research UK have developed a way to regulate viral activity in cancer cells while minimizing its impact on healthy tissues. By introducing microRNA molecules, they can 'turn off' the virus in vulnerable areas, making it a promising approach for improved cancer treatments and vaccines.
George Stimak, a program officer at ONR, has been recognized as Top Navy Scientist and Engineer of the Year for his work on high-temperature superconducting (HTS) materials-based ship degaussing systems. The HTS degaussing coil technology eliminates a ship's magnetic signature, making it safer for ships to operate closer to shore.
Researchers have developed a microscope capable of live imaging at double the resolution of fluorescence microscopy using structured illumination. This advancement will help scientists study cellular behavior and mechanisms important for human disease with enhanced detail.
The CellThera/WPI team will continue their joint efforts in regenerating mammalian muscle tissue under a one-year $570,000 DARPA contract. They aim to reprogram and engineer cells to replace damaged skeletal muscle and restore normal function.
A mechanical engineer at Washington University in St. Louis has developed techniques to reduce vehicle drag using active flow control technology, resulting in a 15-18% reduction in fuel consumption. The technology is being researched by airplane and automobile companies worldwide to play an important role in fuel conservation.
Scientists engineer a covalent immunization approach that provides immediate protection against diseases, overcoming traditional vaccine drawbacks such as lag time. The method uses adapter molecules to trigger universal immune reactions, potentially revolutionizing disease prevention.
Farnsworth Middle School from New York won the Best Communications System Award with its efficient PED system, while St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School from Florida took third place. The Future City Competition promotes technological literacy and engineering among middle school students.
A Johns Hopkins engineer is working on coaxing human stem cells to form new blood vessels that could replace damaged tissue in people with heart disease and other illnesses. The researcher, Sharon Gerecht, aims to understand the molecular signals that cause stem cells to differentiate into blood vessels.
SnowMan, developed by UB engineers, uses fluid mechanics principles to design roadways less prone to snow drifts. The software provides precise placement of snow fences to mitigate drifting, reducing highway safety risks and winter maintenance costs.
University of Missouri researchers are creating a comprehensive database of soybean proteins and metabolites to study changes under drought and stressed conditions. The database will help breeders engineer better-performing soybean plants using computerized models that predict physiological and biological changes.
Researchers have developed a genetic modification that modifies the connections in lignin, making it easier to break down and access cellulose for ethanol production. The modified plants show increased sugar yields without compromising plant strength or lignin content.
Maura Borrego, a Virginia Tech assistant professor, received the Presidential Early Career Award for her development of methods to prepare faculty and students for interdisciplinary research. Her award marks the first one given to an engineer in this area.
University of Idaho engineers have developed unique new technology that will be used in NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission and Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission. The technology includes advanced data compression and channel coder algorithms, increasing science data return and protecting data fidelity.
Physicists Mickey Chiu and Hooman Davoudiasl were awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for their innovative research in quantum chromodynamics and theoretical particle physics. Their work aims to understand the substructure of protons and address fundamental problems in the Standard Model.
A University of Michigan engineer has created a machine called VIVACE that converts slow-moving ocean and river currents into clean, renewable power. The device works by creating vortex-induced vibrations in the water, which are then converted into mechanical energy and electricity.
Researchers at Harvard University propose that quantum computers could simulate chemical reactions with improved accuracy, reducing computational resources required. This breakthrough has significant potential for applications in drug design, materials science, and other fields.
Purdue University researchers are working on a new technique called MAGIC to identify gene combinations that increase disease resistance and stress tolerance in crops. By analyzing the genetic diversity of maize, they aim to engineer plants that can withstand most diseases and improve crop yields.
A University of Missouri engineer is working to enhance the accuracy of a landmine radar system while minimizing false alarms. He aims to create consistent radar signature patterns for landmines, differentiating them from clutter objects, to increase detection rates and reduce unnecessary military interventions.
The American Society of Agronomy recognized 2008 ASA Fellows for their professional achievements and meritorious service. The class includes experts in plant-environment interactions, environmental impact analysis, breeding for disease resistance, and crop biotechnology.
Researchers at USC's CRAFT center have developed a system to automate concrete building, with Caterpillar funding. The Contour Crafting process uses specialized concrete and has already built six-foot walls, paving the way for future research on design, robotics, and other issues.
A Duke University engineer and colleague have applied the constructal theory to explain how trees are designed for water flow and wind resistance. The resulting patterns and proportions match those of the Eiffel Tower, highlighting the interconnectedness of nature's flow systems.
The American Chemical Society has inducted 25 scientists into its Heroes of Chemistry hall of fame, including Bruce Roth, inventor of Lipitor, the world's largest selling drug. The honorees are being recognized for their groundbreaking research and contributions to humanity.
Aerospace engineer Michael Philen has received the Oak Ridge Associated Universities Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Award to develop fluidic flexible matrix composites, which can change modulus on demand. These innovative materials have potential for both government and commercial applications.
Researchers are using planetary nebulae as probes to uncover patterns of chemical enrichment in spiral galaxies. By analyzing the chemical elements in these shells of gas, scientists can gain insights into how galaxies were formed and developed.
A University of Texas at Austin biomedical engineer has received a $1.5 million grant to develop molecular imaging technologies for cancer screening, diagnosis, and therapy using nanoparticles. The project aims to detect and treat cancer at the cellular level, targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
A Northwestern University biomedical engineer has developed optical technology that can detect colon cancer early and is now being tested in large-scale clinical trials. The tests aim to predict the presence of colon cancer with adequate sensitivity, potentially leading to a routine screening test.
The Plant Metabolic Network (PMN) is a web-based resource dedicated to understanding plant metabolism, providing researchers with essential information to engineer crops for food, biofuels, and medicines. The database currently contains over 500 biochemical pathways from 290 plant species.
A Dutch engineer suggests building pyramids from solidified waste to dispose of toxic industrial and domestic waste. This innovative system reduces the risk of toxic materials leaching into groundwater, providing a sustainable solution to waste management.
Dr. Kristina M. Johnson, an IEEE Fellow and electrical engineer, received the John Fritz Medal for her internationally acknowledged expertise in optics and optoelectronic switching technology. She was also recognized for increasing women engineering faculty at Duke University.
Dr. Declan Bates is leading a £1.2m research project to examine how lung injury can be prevented in patients on ventilators and investigate potential targets for cancer treatments. The project will use systems biology and feedback control theory to develop new therapies.
Bhaskar Rao's research on MIMO systems has enabled high-quality video transmission across wireless channels without increased power consumption or bandwidth usage. His work has also influenced new WiMax standards and is world-renowned in the field of signal processing.
Jean M. Eason, a senior member of the IEEE, received the Robert S. Walleigh Distinguished Contributions to Engineering Professionalism Award for her long-term leadership and accomplishments in IEEE-USA professional activities. She is one of 24 award recipients recognized for their professionalism and technical achievements.
Jingguang Chen, a University of Delaware chemical engineer, has won the 2008 Award for Excellence in Catalysis for his work on understanding the physical and chemical properties of bimetallic and metal carbide surfaces. His research has inspired new applications of fundamental studies to catalytic and fuel cell processes.
A PhD study by Juan Pedro Reyes found that integrating safety into building design can significantly reduce accidents and costs. The research developed a mathematical model to calculate the sustainability of a building's safety, with promising results.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a biochemical pathway in plants that determines cell shape and size. By understanding this pathway, scientists may be able to engineer plants with improved properties for biofuel production, such as more massive cell walls.
The team created artificial materials that can change from hard plastic to soft rubber when exposed to water, addressing a problem with existing brain signal recording devices. This adaptability could alleviate damage to surrounding brain tissue and improve treatment for conditions like Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injuries.
Biofuels from renewable biomass feedstocks are being sought as a significant part of the US energy supply due to limitations in corn-based ethanol production. Researchers have developed new ways to engineer yeast and plant materials to produce desirable traits, holding promise for large-scale production.
A USC biomedical engineer examines the intricate circuitry between hand manipulation skills and specialized neural circuits in the brain. The study found that the human nervous system employs a time-critical strategy for tapping and pushing, which is necessary for executing fine finger movements.
A recent survey found that two out of 18 northwest England hospitals lacked a written chemical emergency plan and three A&E departments had no staff trained in chemical decontamination. The study highlights major gaps in preparedness for chemical incidents, calling for national guidelines to be set and enforced.
Iowa State engineer Terry Meyer is developing high-speed laser-based sensors to capture images of combustion chambers at thousands of frames per second. These sensors record data on pollutants, fuel sprays, and energy release, aiming to reduce pollutant emissions and enable alternative fuels.