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Purdue University


Study: Farmers and scientists divided over climate change

A study by Purdue and Iowa State universities surveyed 6,795 people in the agricultural sector, revealing a significant divide between scientists and farmers on climate change causes. More than 90% of scientists attributed climate change to human activities, while 66% of corn producers blamed natural shifts in the environment.

SourcePurdue University·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateNov 11, 2014

New technique yields fast results in drug, biomedical testing

A new technique called slug flow microextraction allows for the quick detection of drugs and monitoring of medical conditions using only a small sample of biological fluid. The method involves extracting target molecules from the sample and analyzing them with mass spectrometry, resulting in results in just minutes.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 9, 2014

Discovery is key to metal wear in sliding parts

A team of researchers has discovered a previously unknown mechanism for wear in metals, which could lead to improved durability of metal parts. The findings show that tiny bumps and surface defects can form through a swirling, fluid-like behavior in solid metals, leading to cracks and wear particles.

Purdue-designed tool helps guide brain cancer surgery

A Purdue-designed tool uses mass spectrometry to analyze brain tumor tissue, providing color-coded images that reveal the location and nature of tumor cells. The tool has been successfully used in two surgical procedures, offering a significant improvement over current methods.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2014

New manufacturing methods needed for 'soft' machines, robots

Researchers have developed a technique to produce soft machines made of elastic materials and liquid metals using a custom-built 3D printer. The technique enables the creation of strain gauges that can detect high strains and deform with almost any material, making it suitable for wearable technology and sensory skin.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 18, 2014

New teaching approach touted for engineering education

Purdue researchers have developed a new approach to teach large numbers of engineering students, resulting in improved student performance and engagement. The Purdue Mechanics Freeform Classroom system allows students to interact online while accessing instructional videos and animations, reducing the number of students who receive a D...

'Problem wells' source of greenhouse gas at unexpected stage of natural gas production

Researchers used airborne laboratory to measure methane gas above shale gas wells during drilling phase, finding high-emitting wells contributing large portion of total emissions. This discovery could lead to development new methods inventory methane emissions and better define environmental impacts of shale gas development.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2014

Nanotube coating helps shrink mass spectrometers

Researchers at Purdue University developed a nanotube coating that significantly reduces the voltage required for mass spectrometers, allowing for miniaturization and increased portability. The technique simplifies analysis by nearly eliminating background noise, making it gentler on fragile molecules.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 25, 2014

New hologram technology created with tiny nanoantennas

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new hologram technology using tiny nanoantennas that can control light with unprecedented efficiency. The metasurface, thousands of V-shaped nanoantennas, enables the creation of ultra-efficient devices for sensing, displays and information processing.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 15, 2013

Device speeds concentration step in food-pathogen detection

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a system that concentrates foodborne salmonella and other pathogens faster than traditional methods, enabling potential routine analysis within a single work shift. The device uses hollow thread-like fibers to filter out cells and recovers up to 70% of living pathogen cells.

SourcePurdue University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 14, 2013