Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new type of meta-DNA structure that can be used to engineer sophisticated nanoscale structures and devices. The meta-DNA self-assembly concept has opened up new possibilities for optoelectronics, including information storage and encryption, as well as synthetic biology.
Plant researchers have identified the calcium channel responsible for stomatal closing, a crucial defense mechanism against pathogens. This discovery has the potential to engineer pathogen-resistant crops by allowing plants to 'close their gates' when threatened.
Xin Ning, a Penn State aerospace engineer, has received a National Science Foundation grant to develop a stretchable sensor and foldable field hospital to aid in the COVID-19 pandemic. The wearable sensor will monitor vital signs while being flexible and wire-free.
A team of researchers has developed a computational model to describe the motion of molecular motors, shedding light on how they generate unidirectional motion. The study found that molecular motors follow a
Researchers at Yokohama National University have developed a novel light-based reaction that yields high numbers of a key chemical component. The method uses green visible light to selectively reorganize chemical components, resulting in the production of multisubstituted cyclobutanes with high efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Researchers have discovered a way for chemical reactions to accelerate Brownian diffusion by sending long-range ripples into the surrounding solvent. This finding challenges the traditional view of molecular motion and chemical reaction being decoupled.
The American Chemical Society names BASF the number one chemical company for 2019, followed by Sinopec and Dow/DuPont, in its annual Global Top 50 list. The report shows a decline in earnings due to trade tensions and poor automotive performance.
Researchers have designed a graded index waveguide that allows the width of a frequency comb to be more than doubled, compensating for material dispersion in silicon. This breakthrough enables the creation of chip-based frequency combs for high-precision spectroscopy and compact spectrometers.
A team of researchers from UMaine and UMass Amherst has developed a novel membrane technology inspired by the pitcher plant, aiming to capture COVID-19 airborne droplets efficiently. The project uses a composite material with a liquid layer on the surface of a membrane to trap pathogenic particles.
The amount of space debris has increased exponentially over the decades, posing a significant challenge for safely operating spacecrafts in lower Earth orbit. WVU engineer Piyush Mehta is working on improving drag prediction accuracy with the help of a $125,000 NASA award.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a previously unidentified nanostructure on insect surfaces that can be used to engineer stronger, more resilient water repellent coatings. These high-solid fraction textures may imbue additional water repelling benefits and could be applied to personal protective equipment (PPE) to better resis...
Biomolecular engineers at Rice University have developed a gene-editing technique that dramatically enhances the accuracy of CRISPR-based edits. The new technique, called A3G-BE, precisely modifies single targeted cytosine mutations while minimizing unwanted editing, showing significant success in treating disease-relevant contexts.
Physicists at MIT have designed a quantum light squeezer that reduces quantum noise in lasers by 15% at room temperature. The system uses an optical cavity with two mirrors to engineer the light exiting the cavity, allowing for more precise measurements in quantum computing and gravitational-wave detection.
Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno have engineered thale cress to improve water-use efficiency and salinity tolerance, a trait that can be applied to other plants to address future food shortages and climate change impacts.
The Combined Engineering Judgment review by Sandia's Delegated Chief Engineer for Nuclear Weapons Ernie Wilson validated the lab's work on the B61-12 Life Extension Program, ensuring the weapon meets safety and security requirements. The program aims to extend the bomb's service life by decades through refurbishment and modernization.
A new method allows for the creation of a complex network of microchannels in an extracellular matrix that resembles human tissues. Human endothelial cells were successfully cultured on the surface of the microchannel to form a tube mimicking blood vessels, achieving pulsatile flow under conditions of perfusion and stretch.
Researchers have created a catalyst that can break carbon-fluorine bonds via hydrodefluorination, a process known as C-F bond breaking. The innovation has potential applications in remediating fluorinated compounds and could lead to cleaner, more efficient chemical processes.
A new way to engineer optoelectronic devices has been discovered by researchers at George Washington University. Using a method called strainoptronics, the team created a novel photodetector that can operate with high efficiency at telecom wavelengths, advancing future communications and computer systems.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have successfully synthesized a non-natural fluorinated amino acid using a novel computer-assisted method. The Artificial Force Induced Reaction (AFIR) method predicts feasible reaction pathways, significantly reducing synthesis time and cost, with yields of up to 99.99%.
The Chemical Checker tool uses a similarity principle to analyze over 1M compounds and identify potential treatments for diseases. It has been used to reposition approved drugs for Alzheimer's disease and identify substitutes for expensive biologics.
Daniel Preston, a Rice engineer, has received a National Science Foundation grant to investigate the effect of varying temperatures on SARS-CoV-2. His project aims to provide evidence-based guidelines for PPE sterilization and predict virus lifetime in different climates.
A Rutgers engineer has developed a mathematical model that accurately estimates the COVID-19 death toll in the United States, predicting approximately 68,120 cumulative deaths by late June 2020. The model shows high confidence in its predictions, with reported death totals closely matching its estimates.
Zebrafish can regenerate their hearts after cardiac arrest due to faster and more complete scar tissue healing than other animals. A UTA engineer is using an EKG jacket and super-resolution microscope to study this phenomenon and its potential applications for human heart attack treatment.
A Washington University engineer has received a grant to develop a rapid and highly sensitive COVID-19 test using the new biolabeling technology called plasmonic-fluor. The test is expected to be 100 times more sensitive than traditional methods, allowing for earlier diagnosis and reducing false negatives.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have outlined high-priority goals and opportunities for advancing knowledge on cavitation science, which occurs in soft materials and tissues during traumatic brain injury. The team proposes using cavitation as a unique tool to understand soft tissues and develop new medical devices.
Pradeep Sharma, a UH mechanical engineer, received a Guggenheim Fellowship to investigate why some people can instantly reproduce music while others cannot. He aims to find a physics explanation for this phenomenon, considering the brain and physical characteristics of the ears.
A University of Houston engineer is developing a system capable of supporting 5G infrastructure, enabling faster speeds and greater bandwidth. The $1.7 million grant-funded project aims to improve radio frequency communication capacity and advance power electronics to support the demands of 5G networks.
Biofuels have yet to reach cost parity with conventional petroleum fuels, but engineers can engineer plants to produce valuable chemical compounds as they grow. A new study defines the optimal amount of bioproducts plants need to produce for a cost-effective process, promising cheaper alternatives to petroleum fuels.
Scientists have engineered T-cells to target multiple sites on leukemia cells, offering a more effective treatment for resistant acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The new CAR-T therapy, TriCAR T-cells, targeting CD-19/20/22, demonstrate improved efficacy compared to single-antigen therapies.
CABBI researchers have developed a triad of innovative tools to engineer low-pH-tolerant yeast Issatchenkia orientalis for production of valuable bioproducts. The three tools facilitate genetic expression, DNA assembly, and stability in the yeast strain, enabling its use as a robust organic acid producer.
Scientists have successfully engineered CAR macrophages to target and kill solid tumors, using a novel approach that could lead to more effective cancer treatments. The discovery centers around harnessing the immune-boosting properties of macrophages, which are often co-opted by tumors.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new strategy to destroy antibiotic-resistant genes, known as superbugs, in sewage system wastewater. The nano technology traps and degrades these genetic remnants before they can infect other bacteria.
Researchers discovered significant chemical differences between PM1 and PM2.5 aerosol species, affecting particle acidity and water content predictions. These findings are crucial for accurately modeling air pollution in highly polluted regions, where the distinction is critical.
Researchers developed oscillating catalyst technology that accelerates chemical reactions without side reactions, improving performance and cost-efficiency. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce waste by thousands of tons annually and transform the way chemicals are manufactured.
Researchers developed a new strategy to control both target chemical production and microbe propagation, boosting muconic acid yield. The Parallel Metabolic Pathway Engineering approach allows for independent utilization of sugars for microbe growth and target chemical production.
A first cell atlas of the human thymus gland has been mapped, revealing new cell types and signals that guide immune cell development. The atlas could help engineer improved therapeutic T cells to attack cancer, offering a potential breakthrough in immunotherapy.
Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have experimentally detected the transition state in chemical reactions, a hidden aspect that controls product formation. This breakthrough could improve industrial processes and lead to the synthesis of new life-saving drugs.
A WVU engineer is developing a new model to improve understanding of energy transfer between the sun's solar wind and Earth's magnetosphere. The goal is to create more accurate space weather forecasts to prevent devastating effects on power grids and technology.
Researchers developed a Noncontact Catalysis System (NCCS) to accelerate chemical reactions using gold nanoclusters as intermediaries, enabling independent reactions of normally incompatible substances. This breakthrough could lead to more versatile, efficient, and cost-effective industrial chemical production processes.
Bernd Chudoba, a UTA aerospace engineer, is working with NASA on a feasibility study to make hypersonic travel more affordable. The study aims to explore the practicality and affordability of commercial hypersonic transports.
Scanning Raman picoscopy enables visualization of vibrational modes and direct construction of molecule structures. Researchers achieve Ångström-resolved imaging, correlating local vibrations with constituent groups to assemble molecules in real space.
Researchers at the University of Illinois constructed synthetic microbial communities to study their dynamics and predict behavior. The study found that increasing variability in microbial interactions drives community structure, and that characterizing this variation can empower predictions of ecosystem succession.
University of Delaware biomedical engineer Emily Day is developing a platform technology that can transform the treatment of benign and malignant blood disorders. Her research uses nanoparticle carrier systems to target and deliver cargo to blood stem cells, potentially replacing bone marrow transplants.
The American Chemical Society forecasts a year marked by environmental improvements, such as reducing plastic use and recycling. Regulatory actions are also expected, including updated chemical risk assessments and classification of PFAS as hazardous materials.
Researchers at NAU are developing a polypropylene glycol-based biomaterial to treat cerebral aneurysms, aiming to improve outcomes and reduce recurrence rates. The material, PPODA-QT, is designed to fill the aneurysm space effectively, leaving a smooth surface for healing.
A Pitt engineer has received a $1.6M NIH award to develop a wireless neural device for precise and long-term stimulation of specific neurons. The proposed technology uses photostimulation to activate neurons with great precision, minimizing tissue damage and improving spatial selectivity.
Alan Mar, a Sandia National Laboratories engineer, is recognized for his work in ensuring components made for the U.S. nuclear stockpile pass stringent standards to resist radiation. He is now leading a team to develop a comprehensive computer model that can predict the radiation effects on a whole weapons component.
Researchers recommend simplifying air quality testing methods to improve accuracy in simulating atmospheric chemical reactions and reducing pollution. A combination of bottom-up and top-down techniques can help achieve more accurate results.
A new model developed by UBC Okanagan engineer Hadi Mohammadi maps the impact of trauma on a pregnant woman's uterus, aiming to make airbags and seatbelts safer. The study found that pregnant abdomens respond more rigidly to greater impacts, posing a risk to both mother and fetus.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center developed an immunogen that selectively bound to antibodies with necessary mutations, which led to the production of potent neutralizing antibodies. The study demonstrates the ability to engineer the immune system to create an environment where effective antibodies can be made.
Sangyeop Lee, a Pitt engineer, has received a $500K NSF CAREER Award to develop machine learning models that predict material conductive properties. The project aims to create more efficient heat management in electronic devices and energy storage systems.
A new report recommends that researchers use expert reviews and computational Big Data approaches to select high-quality chemical probes. The report highlights the value of resources like the Chemical Probes Portal, which provides assessments on 192 chemical probes for 181 different proteins of interest.
A team of scientists has developed an artificial intelligence approach to engineer improved AAV capsids for gene therapy delivery. The research reveals the existence of a previously unknown protein and demonstrates the potential to transform gene therapy. The study's findings have significant implications for the future of gene therapy.
Researchers at McMaster University created a new coating material to prevent clotting and infection in synthetic vascular grafts. The smart coatings selectively attract targeted cells, promoting faster, smoother healing. The coatings have already been approved for use in humans.
Yu Zhang is studying how to assess costly economic and ecological impacts of natural disasters on industries and waterways around the Neches River basin in southeast Texas. He's investigating whether wetlands can filter out pollutants that enter Texas waterways following extended flooding.
A team led by biomedical engineer Kam Leong has received a $3.2 million NIH grant to develop efficient, noninvasive gene editing methods for the brain. The goal is to overcome current inefficiencies in delivering CRISPR-based gene editing elements to the brain and treat devastating diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin engineer molecular sensors based on porphyrin pigments, which can detect and capture pollutants. The novel sensors exploit the shape of porphyrins to mimic a Venus flytrap's opening leaves, enabling selective binding of target molecules.
Bison in Yellowstone engineer the range to their benefit by manipulating the landscape through grazing, affecting plant growth patterns. This allows them to maintain high-quality diets despite not following the broader pattern of spring green-up.
Scientists cultivate chemical reactions similar to those found on Earth, using a novel strategy to study the origin of life. The system appears to consume its raw materials, forming feedback loops and self-propagating networks.
Researchers use electrochemistry to synthesize difficult-to-make compounds and reduce waste and toxic byproducts compared to traditional chemical reagents. The ElectraSyn 2.0 module has enabled chemists to access the technology without electronics expertise, but scaling up production remains a challenge.