A new type of cement developed by a Purdue doctoral student can cure in below-freezing temperatures, addressing a long-standing issue for the construction industry. The innovation has significant implications for reducing costs associated with heating construction sites.
The International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies (Pacifichem 2000) will bring together scientists from 20 Pacific Rim nations to share research in ten key areas of chemistry. The congress accepted a record number of papers, with over 180 symposia planned.
Researchers at INEEL develop systems model to accurately assess greenhouse gas emissions from energy use. The model considers various factors, including energy efficiency and facility operations.
Raman Venkatesh, a chemical engineer from Pittsburgh, has developed a self-contained system called ISEP that removes perchlorate and nitrate from drinking water. The technology is cost-effective, safe, and fits into existing water-treatment plants, improving access to clean drinking water for communities.
A new method developed by UF engineer Michel Ochi accurately estimates the severity of waves near shore during hurricanes, helping engineers design more hurricane-ready buildings. The study also highlights the importance of tide levels at hurricane landing, making generalizations problematic.
A new mathematical technique developed by Purdue University engineer James Longuski has significantly reduced the time required to plan space missions. By using a graphical representation of possible paths and automating calculations with software program STOUR, engineers can quickly identify optimal routes for spacecraft travel.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a way to use old tires and pistachio shells to remove mercury emissions from power plants. The activated-carbon adsorbents show promise as a cost-effective alternative to current commercial products.
The program, celebrating its 20th anniversary, allows high school seniors to work with NASA mentors and conduct meaningful research, fostering career aspirations in math, science, and engineering. Over 90% of participants go on to graduate from college, paving the way for future success.
The top 50 chemical producers saw a six percent increase in sales to nearly $400 billion, with Europe accounting for 54 percent of international sales. Capital spending decreased by 16 percent, while research and development spending rose nearly two percent.
The trillion-dollar chemical industry showed a two percent increase in production in 1999, but sales grew faster than profits, leading to decreased profitability among leading companies. A bright spot was the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector, which saw combined sales increase by 29 percent.
A U of T engineer has devised a method to control vibrations in robots assembling or repairing objects in outer space. By entering a 'corrected' equation into the system, scientists can reduce deformations and complete tasks more quickly.
The Long-Range Research Initiative (LRI) aims to advance chemical industry's research, with $100 million committed over 5 years in 10 areas. Drs. James S. Bus and Carol J. Henry will discuss LRI status and future directions.
Chemical engineer Tamotsu Imai developed more efficient catalysts to produce biodegradable detergents and increase the yield of styrene production, leading to more sustainable processes. His work has improved process safety and reduced energy consumption in the petroleum industry.
J. Larry Duda, a Penn State University chemist, has been honored with the E.V. Murphree Award in Industrial and Engineering Chemistry for his research on polymer behavior. His work helps improve product performance by understanding how small molecules migrate through polymers.
A Purdue University engineer is working on software tools that can prevent design conflicts and improve the efficiency of e-workers. The tools use 'neuro-fuzzy' programs to identify conflicts and provide fine details about their nature, enabling a resolution.
The MIT plasmatron device has been successfully installed in a commercial car engine, reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by two orders of magnitude. The next step is to integrate the system into an actual vehicle, with the team aiming to install it on a bus within a year.
The American Chemical Society's 34th Midwest Regional Meeting will feature over 200 papers on analytical chemistry for the new millennium, drawing at least 450 scientists. Colorful chemical demonstrations by Dr. Marvin Lang will also be presented.
Pacifichem 2000 will bring together leading researchers in the Pacific Rim countries to discuss topics such as food antioxidants, extremophiles and organic superconductors. The conference features over 179 symposia on various subjects including medical applications, nanomaterials and marine natural products.
Mete Sozen, a structural engineer from Purdue University, has proposed a simplified alternative engineering method for designing earthquake-resistant buildings in Turkey. The five-page method is simpler than the current 75-page code and could be more easily understood and applied by engineers.
The International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies will explore cutting-edge research in therapeutics, materials, and astrobiology. Over 179 symposia are planned to foster industrial development, improve environments, and enhance the well-being of people from Pacific Rim countries.
University of Cincinnati engineer Peter Smirniotis has received a $270,000 NATO Science for Peace grant to collaborate with Russian scientists on degrading toxic chemical weapons. The project aims to minimize environmental harm and potentially lead to a marketable product that can help Russia boost its economy.
University of Illinois scientists developed a method to improve T-cell receptor properties, allowing for manipulation of the immune system's recognition molecules. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic approaches for diseases such as AIDS, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.
A Johns Hopkins University engineer has developed a microchip-based robotic vision system that enables toy cars to follow lines while avoiding obstacles. The technology could also be used in medical systems, manufacturing plants, and surveillance systems.
Scientists have developed a technique to produce green fluorescent silk fibers by infecting silkworm larvae with a genetically engineered virus. This approach opens doors for genetic researchers to engineer silk proteins and produces potential economic applications.
The American Chemical Society is honoring black chemist Percy Julian's accomplishments in pharmaceuticals and chemical synthesis. Julian made significant contributions to the development of a low-cost synthetic method for cortisone, an antiarthritis drug, and synthesized the glaucoma medication physostigime.
Researchers at HHMI and Stanford University have developed a new method to engineer drug molecules that bind more effectively to their targets. By attaching small molecule inhibitors to larger proteins, the team increased the binding affinity of the inhibitor, making it easier to inhibit protein-protein interactions.
Researchers have developed a new method to engineer glass that can withstand stress without catastrophic failure, reducing the variability in strength. This new approach creates internal compressed layers that stop crack propagation, making the glass more consistent and reliable.
Engineers warn that natural alpha particle emissions from materials like lead solder could corrupt data, causing crashes or data loss. The next generation of microprocessors will be more susceptible to this threat due to shrinking transistors.
KSU civil engineer Steven K. Starrett developed the KTURF program to predict pesticide and nitrogen leaching, which is within 4% of testing case values. The tool helps golf course turf managers screen chemicals and reduce groundwater contamination.
A recent study by Patricia Kramer suggests that early human ancestors like Lucy walked at a slow speed, similar to a leisurely stroll, allowing them to conserve energy. This efficient walking style enabled them to gather food and reproduce without excessive energy expenditure, particularly important for primate females.
Industry analysts discuss studies on NAFTA's effects since its implementation, exploring trade increases and their causes. Current conditions suggest a positive impact on the chemical industry, with increased production, consumption, and investment among U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
A new technique using electricity instead of chemicals to drive chemical separation processes could greatly reduce waste byproducts at the Hanford nuclear site. The method, being tested for large-scale cleanup efforts, has shown promise in reducing radioactive waste and hazardous byproducts.
Peter Nagy's research uses laser irradiation to pinpoint damage specific to fatigue in older aircraft. By detecting changes in metal behavior when heated, he can identify the inherent degradation of materials and prevent further cracking.
Engineer Max Lagally and colleagues create tiny pyramids assembled from several thousand germanium atoms, perfectly shaped and uniform across the surface. The pyramid crystals can hold a single charge and represent some of the smallest materials structures ever created.
Researchers have developed microporous ceramic materials that can remove extremely fine particles from indoor air and water. These materials offer a durable, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional technologies, such as incineration.
A Penn State engineer has developed liquid crystal fibers that can automatically prevent overload and protect optical sensors from laser damage. The fibers absorb all colors of light and react non-linearly to intensity, allowing low levels of laser light to pass through.
Researchers successfully engineer a protein-based vaccine that primes killer T cells to respond against infection, providing protection against a model pathogen. The approach shows promise for developing new vaccines against viruses, bacteria, and parasites, as well as cancer vaccines and therapies.
A prototype propulsion system powered by a kitchen microwave has the potential to reduce propellant needed by up to 50%, enabling longer satellite lifespans and cost savings. The microwave-powered thruster operates more efficiently than chemical systems and is safer, as it only produces thrust when microwaves are active.
In a study by Cornell University, male fire-colored beetles (Neopyrochroa flabellata) entice females with a chemical offering containing cantharidin. The female ingests the chemical, which is then transferred to her eggs, protecting them from predators. This unique strategy highlights the resourcefulness of male insects in seeking mates.
A new computer program developed at the University of Rochester enables users to have natural conversations with computers. The program, Phenelope DuJour, uses intention recognition to understand user intent and respond accordingly, improving the efficiency of human-computer interactions.