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Purdue University


Engineers rescue aging satellites, saving millions

A team of engineers from Purdue University and Lockheed Martin Corp. developed a new technique to extend the service life of two communications satellites, saving $60 million for broadcasters. The technique equalizes propellant levels in all four fuel tanks, preventing premature shutdown and waste.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Spacecraft and Rockets·DateSep 5, 2007

New finding bubbles to surface, challenging old view

Chemical engineers discovered a fundamental flaw in the conventional view of how liquids form bubbles that grow and turn into vapors. The new findings apply to homogeneous nucleation and suggest multiple possible pathways for phase transition, potentially leading to practical safety benefits for industry.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 20, 2007

'Cars' imaging reveals clues to myelin damage

Purdue researchers used CARS imaging to study how the myelin sheath is degraded by lysophosphatidylcholine. The findings suggest that calcium ions activate enzymes that break down proteins and molecules in the myelin, leading to its degradation. This research may lead to new treatments for multiple sclerosis.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Research·DateJun 27, 2007

Researchers 'look into' plant cells to increase ethanol yields

Scientists have found that pretreating corn plant tissue with hot water increases ethanol yields by exposing minute pores of the cell walls, allowing enzymes to break down cellulose more efficiently. This discovery could lead to a viable method for large-scale production of cellulosic ethanol, a key component of green fuels.

SourcePurdue University·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateApr 26, 2007

Scientists find genes involved in the battle between Hessian flies and wheat

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered genes in wheat that neutralize toxic compounds produced by the Hessian fly larvae, making them vulnerable to attack. The study provides insight into the biochemical mechanisms involved in insect-plant interactions and may lead to novel strategies for enhancing wheat resistance.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2007

Research aims to calm your car's rattling

Researchers at Purdue University have developed mathematical models to simulate and analyze the rattling of car headrests, a major source of consumer dissatisfaction. The models can predict which vibration frequencies cause the rattling and enable automakers to tune their suspension systems more effectively.

Tiny 'gas-flow' sensor has industrial, environmental applications

Purdue University researchers have developed a new class of tiny sensors that can measure gas flow on the scale of micrometers and nanometers. These sensors could be used in environmental protection to measure the leakage of hydrocarbon fumes from fuel tanks and in pharmaceutical preservation to test packages for gas leaks.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateFeb 2, 2007

Wheat can fatally starve insect predators

A newly identified wheat gene produces proteins that bind to the stomach lining of Hessian fly larvae, causing them to starve. The gene's role in creating resistance to Hessian flies was a surprise to researchers, who found that it triggers a localized defense response that reduces energy costs for the plant.

SourcePurdue University·JournalMolecular Plant Pathology·DateJan 10, 2007