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Purdue University


Yeast Rises To A New Occasion

Researchers at Purdue University have successfully modified yeast to ferment both glucose and xylose from plant matter, producing more ethanol from the same amount of material. This breakthrough could make ethanol production cheaper and more sustainable.

Purdue Golf Course Serves Double Duty As Research Lab

Researchers at Purdue are testing the effectiveness of golf courses in filtering surface water and studying urban environmental issues. The course is also being used to investigate various creeping bentgrass cultivars and methods to control annual bluegrass, with goals including reducing transplant shock in newly planted trees.

New Biomaterial Has 'Star' Power

Researchers have created star polymer gels with potential applications in delivering high concentrations of drugs to specific areas in the body, such as tumors. These gels can also recognize and remove substances like cholesterol from the blood through a process called molecular imprinting.

Purdue Finding May Snuff Out The Sniffles

A Purdue University research team has solved the structure of a receptor used by the common cold virus, providing potential insights into developing new treatments. By understanding how the virus enters human cells, scientists may be able to block its interaction with receptors, potentially reducing the incidence of colds.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 1998

'Mean Gene' Found In Africanized Honey Bees

Researchers at Purdue University have identified a genetic link to the aggressive stinging behavior in Africanized honey bees. By mapping genes associated with aggression, they hope to develop markers for selective breeding of gentle bees, which could improve pollination and reduce threats to beekeepers.

SourcePurdue University·JournalGenetics·DateMar 27, 1998

'Holey' Silicon Brightens Future For Computers, Optical Devices

Porous silicon, a light-emitting material, can now be stabilized using a developed process at Purdue University. This allows for the creation of faster, smaller computers and new types of sensing devices. The treatment enables the manipulation of light-emitting properties to respond to certain chemicals or conditions.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 5, 1998

Supersonic Research Soars To New Speeds

Purdue University researchers are constructing a Mach 6 wind tunnel to study supersonic airflow and its effects on aircraft. The new facility will conduct experiments in airstreams traveling at six times the speed of sound, producing a quiet-flow Reynolds number of 13 million.

Human Breast Milk Contains Obesity Hormone

Researchers found leptin in human breast milk, which correlates with the amount of body fat in lactating mothers. The hormone may play a role in infant development and potentially influence weight gain or obesity later in life.

SourcePurdue University·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateDec 19, 1997

Never Seen A Ghost? Then TV May Be Your Teacher

A survey by Purdue University professor Glenn Sparks found that TV exposure can influence beliefs in paranormal phenomena, but only in 10% of cases. The study suggests that people tend to rely on personal experiences rather than media when they have no such experiences.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media·DateOct 30, 1997

Less Noise At Home Makes For Better-Adjusted Kids

A study by Purdue University professor Theodore Wachs found that children from highly noisy homes experience less cognitive growth, delayed language skills, and increased anxiety. To mitigate these effects, parents can implement suggestions such as turning off the TV, establishing quiet spaces, and imposing a regular schedule.

Pawpaw Shows Promise In Fighting Drug-Resistant Tumors

Researchers have discovered compounds in the bark of the pawpaw tree that show preliminary success in fighting some drug-resistant cancers. The compounds, called Annonaceous acetogenins, preferentially kill multidrug-resistant cells by inhibiting ATP production, pulling the plug on their energy source.

SourcePurdue University·JournalCancer Letters·DateSep 4, 1997

'FLARE' For Fire Research Leads To New Detector

A new fire detector developed by Purdue University engineers senses temperature to detect flames, providing a fast response time compared to traditional smoke detectors. The device can also be integrated into home security systems and may reduce false alarms caused by common household occurrences.

Research Accelerates Toward Faster Personal Computers

Researchers at Purdue University are working on optimizing performance and efficiency in personal computers, enabling applications like more accurate weather predictions and safer cars. A compiler program called POLARIS automatically translates conventional programs to run on parallel processing computers, leading to faster speeds.

Purdue Study Aims To Boost MRI Capabilities

A new test apparatus developed by Purdue researchers allows for faster, more precise MRI scans without causing discomfort to patients. The system enables doctors to gather images from previously hard-to-scanned areas like the liver and view transient phenomena like cardiac activity in a noninvasive way.

Research Sheds Light On Electron's Structure

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered that the electron's electromagnetic force may not be constant but rather increases towards the central core. The discovery reveals a cloud of virtual particles surrounding the core, which affects how we perceive the electromagnetic force from the electron.