Researchers are developing a bio-inspired hydrofoil turbine that harnesses the power of natural river flows to generate electricity. The system aims to provide a more efficient, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional renewable energy sources.
A new simulation method predicts blood flow conditions that cause pathological behavior of the human blood protein vWF. This breakthrough has the potential to optimize the design of left ventricular assist devices used in heart failure patients and improve diagnosis and treatment of von Willebrand disease, a common inherited bleeding d...
A new method for growing bulk single-crystal nitrides has been developed by Lehigh University materials scientist Siddha Pimputkar, which could lead to more-efficient and less-costly electronic devices. The approach involves using lithium nitride as a precursor and a specialized pressure cooker to overcome the challenges of growing lar...
A team of researchers led by Lehigh University's Damien Thévenin is studying the connections between a protein called PTPRJ and human health. They aim to develop therapies that could overcome resistance to current treatments and provide new hope for cancer patients.
Researchers have identified a specific mechanism of von Willebrand Factor (vWF) that enables it to bind to platelets and initiate clotting. The discontinuous autoinhibitory module (AIM) is a prime site for new antithrombotic drug development.
Roslyn Weiss, a Lehigh University professor of philosophy, has been awarded a 2021 Guggenheim Fellowship for her research on Plato's Republic. Her project focuses on the first book of the Republic and explores Socrates' concept of justice as life-enhancing.
A new study identifies non-Th2, or non-atopic childhood asthma, as a distinct disease with early exposure to airborne Benzo[a]pyrene linked to its development. The findings suggest that air pollution is a likely contributor to the most severe form of asthma.
A new analysis suggests that public health institutions must address white supremacy to achieve true equity. Researchers propose strategies for dismantling white supremacy, including tracking exposure to police brutality and educating policymakers on its impact.
Researchers at Lehigh University have identified a previously unknown interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and ACE2 receptors in human cells, which strengthens the virus-cell interaction. This finding may partially explain COVID-19's higher infection rate compared to SARS.
A newly published IAEA report outlines the benefits of wireless technology in nuclear power plants, enabling safe remote monitoring and reducing risks. Wireless devices act as sensors to monitor process conditions, preventing potential accidents and promoting reliable operation.
Researchers demonstrate that nanoscale features of substrates influence cell behavior through adsorbed proteins, which restructure themselves and electrostatically interact with the material. The study sheds light on how biomaterials respond to interfacial layer characteristics.
Lehigh University's Fathima Wakeel will discuss how to address population health disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic using maternal and child health epidemiological approaches. Her presentation aims to harness data to improve health outcomes among vulnerable populations.
Research from Lehigh University finds college students with ADHD receive lower grades and are at a higher risk of dropping out, despite having the skills to graduate from high school.
Researchers identified a nontransitive evolutionary sequence in a 1,000-generation yeast experiment. The study found that an evolved clone outcompetes its recent ancestor but loses to a distant ancestor due to multilevel selection acting on both the yeast nuclear genome and an intracellular RNA virus.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Lehigh University a $5.3 million grant to renew the NHERI Experimental Facility for another five years. The facility will provide unique experimental resources and data management for studying the effects of natural hazards on civil infrastructure, enabling researchers to develop transformati...
A study from Lehigh University finds that light pollution may increase the likelihood of preterm birth, with a possible increase of up to 12.9%. The researchers suggest that circadian rhythm disruption could be a biological mechanism underlying this link.
Researchers at Lehigh University and Iowa State University have developed a hybrid Cuckoo Search algorithm that accelerates computational modeling of complex alloys by reducing search time up to 13,000-fold. This breakthrough enables the creation of physically realizable systems that can be directly compared against experimental samples.
Lehigh University researchers are transforming an aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) into a synchrotron facility, expanding scientists' ability to characterize material composition and bonding status down to the single-atom level. The new system will have capabilities up to ~13,000 eV and enable the i...
Researchers found that acetylcholine, a neuromodulator, enhances neural discrimination of tones from noise stimuli, potentially contributing to processing important acoustic signals like speech. The study also identified novel connections between the modulatory centers and the auditory system.
Computer simulation is crucial for developing human-interactive smart robots, enabling safer, faster, and more efficient design and control. By analyzing the biology of soft animal structures, researchers can construct virtual proving grounds to understand robot behavior and optimize performance.
New research from Lehigh University explores the link between drought, food insecurity, and HIV among women in less-developed countries. The study finds that drought escalates food insecurity, leading to reduced access to education, healthcare, and autonomy, ultimately increasing the percentage of HIV cases among women.
The Lehigh University's Plasma Control Group has been awarded a $1.5 million DOE grant to investigate the spherical tokamak concept and design more efficient fusion reactors. The team will focus on understanding plasma dynamics and developing advanced control systems to regulate plasmas in closed loops.
A new study from Lehigh University's College of Business found that conservatives are more sensitive to threats with high agency, proposing free will as the primary driver of outcomes in life. To get greater buy-in on safety measures, policymakers should discuss the virus in terms that give it more agency.
Researchers found a 17% increase in the likelihood of having a baby with fetal macrosomia among women in relatively strenuous jobs. The study highlights potential inadequacies in workplace accommodation laws and urges lawmakers to consider the impact on maternal and fetal health.
Researchers discovered a two-component system in the Butters prophage that blocks entry of some phages, but not others, from attacking a strain of mycobacteria. The study advances phage therapy development and may lead to engineering phage-resistant bacteria.
Thomas McAndrew's novel framework combines computational models with human understanding of social determinants of health to better forecast COVID-19 outbreaks. His research aims to inform public health decision-making and reduce morbidity and mortality, providing actionable predictions for policymakers and the general public.
A 14,000-year peat record reveals an ecosystem shift after seabird establishment 5,000 years ago, driven by guano-derived nutrients. This study highlights the critical role of seabirds in terrestrial ecosystems and warns of potential consequences for their survival in a warming climate.
LGBTQ+ campus centers are essential resources for LGBTQ+ students, providing counseling, support and student sense of belonging. Research shows that these centers correlate with lower levels of discrimination, less distress and increased self-acceptance among LGBTQ+ students.
A new study from Lehigh University College of Business professor Charles E. Stevens found that firms taking a third approach to managing corruption in developing countries, known as an 'engagement strategy', are successful due to deeper long-term commitments and partnerships.
A recent study by an international research team found that the 'open science' movement promotes greater equity, diversity, and inclusivity. Women publish more often in high-status authorship positions in open science, whereas participation decreases in the reproducibility literature.
Computational experiments on semiconducting polymers show that adding small molecules enhances performance and stability; predicting improved solar cell materials for extreme operational stress-strain conditions. Researchers at Lehigh University used Frontera, the world's fastest academic supercomputer, to demonstrate this finding.
Scientists have discovered that hydrogen depletion at hydrothermal vent fluids is not caused by microorganisms, but rather by non-biological processes. This finding has significant implications for understanding the global hydrogen budget and constraining the extent of a deep biosphere.
Two startup nonprofits in Jordan are documenting, conserving, protecting and making decisions about the future of Jordan's archaeological sites. Professor Allison Mickel is studying their progress to understand what works and what doesn't in engaging local communities in heritage management.
A new method of detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has been developed using a powerful label-free detection method and machine learning algorithm. The technique achieved an overall accuracy of 88.6% in patient blood samples and 97% on cultured cells, outperforming existing methods.
Lehigh University researchers study factors that promote resilience and protect against stress in vulnerable communities. By understanding the role of personal capital, they aim to develop insights for improving reproductive health outcomes and promoting health equity.
Lehigh University's Energy Research Center receives $750,000 from the DOE to improve power plant efficiency and develop a technology to measure toxic heavy metals in power plant wastewater. The project aims to optimize operating efficiency, system reliability, and emission reductions.
Researchers at Lehigh University have developed a hydrogel material that can degrade and re-form in the stomach, protecting oral drugs from acidic environments. The gel, called covalent adaptable hydrogels (CAHs), could revolutionize oral drug delivery by targeting specific areas of the intestine.
Lehigh University researchers have developed a new complex material design strategy for potential use in neuromorphic computing, using metallocene intercalation in hafnium disulfide (HfS2). The work demonstrates the effectiveness of functionalizing a 2D material with an organic molecule, achieving high tunability and energy efficiency.
Vincent Graber, a PhD student in Prof. Eugenio Schuster's group, has been awarded a highly competitive DOE award to conduct research on burn control simulation in fusion reactors. He will work with researchers at PPPL using the TRANSP code to develop more sophisticated models of plasma behavior.
Researchers at Lehigh University have identified a causal link between high-level noise exposure and low birth weight. The study found that mothers living close to Newark Liberty International Airport, exposed to noise levels over 55 dB threshold, had a 22% increased risk of having a low birth weight baby.
A new microscopy technique reveals the interactions between particles in thin film coatings as they dry, shedding light on their properties and behavior. The research has implications for pharmaceutical devices used to deliver drugs.
A new microscopy technique called Pulsed Force Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (PF-KPFM) has been developed, allowing for less than 10 nanometer measurements of work function and surface potential in a single-pass AFM scan. This breakthrough enables the characterization of the electrical properties of nanomaterials at the nanoscale.
Lehigh University has received a state grant to develop a novel polymer coating that can kill coronavirus on surfaces, reducing transmission. The project aims to create a long-lasting, effective coating that can be used in healthcare settings and public spaces.
Researchers developed the first fully-glycosylated full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike protein models available to other scientists. The models can be used for innovative simulation research to prevent and treat COVID-19.
A $3.3 million NIH grant will fund research into the structure and mechanisms of TDP-43, a protein linked to neurodegenerative conditions like ALS and Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to better understand how post-translational modifications affect TDP-43 assembly and interactions with therapeutic targets.
Four Lehigh University researchers have been awarded grants from the Manufacturing PA Innovation Program to support projects in biomedicine, energy, and consumer goods. The recipients will collaborate with industry partners to develop new technologies and processes that foster innovation and develop a 21st-century workforce.
Researchers at Lehigh University developed a new phase-locking technique to achieve record-high output power for terahertz lasers, resulting in the highest radiative efficiency for any single-wavelength semiconductor quantum cascade laser. The breakthrough enables higher intensity and brightness, paving the way for applications in iden...
Jonas Baltrusaitis is investigating dry mechanochemical synthesis of urea ionic cocrystals for more stable fertilizer materials. This technology aims to slow down urea hydrolysis, reduce ammonia emissions and extend nitrogen availability to plants.
A recent article by Arman Grigoryan challenges the liberal notion that democracies prioritize democracy support. Grigoryan argues that the West's differing responses to Ukraine and Armenia's democratic movements reveal a pattern of supporting democracy when it aligns with material interests, but not when it conflicts with them.
Lehigh University has been awarded a $2.85 million NSF grant to develop programs that boost high school students' geospatial skills, STEM literacy and prepare them for careers in the field. The project aims to enhance learning in geospatial technologies through hands-on investigations.