Researchers developed a new spectroscopy method, 2D HYSCORE, to capture the solar water-splitting reaction at the heart of photosynthesis. The study successfully resolved the active site geometry of manganese catalase, a simpler metal-containing protein, and gained insight into the mechanism of photosynthesis.
Researchers develop an antigen-sensitive hydrogel integrated into a small wireless sensor to detect early surgical site infections in orthopedic implants. The test has the potential to guide therapy, improve outcomes and reduce readmissions and costs associated with implant-related infections.
The project aims to synthesize different atomically thin two-dimensional semiconducting layers, which possess novel properties. The team will investigate the electronic properties of transition metal dichalcogenides in various layer configurations, with potential applications in photovoltaics and photoelectronics.
Research at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute suggests a link between zinc deficiency and activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in many diseases. Zinc inhibits the autoprocessing reaction, leading to enhanced production of the Hedgehog ligand and uncontrolled cell growth.
A team of researchers found that the success of marine diatoms over the last 40 million years is linked to increased continental erosion. Diatoms consume massive amounts of carbon from oceans daily, producing organic matter that helps reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
A team of researchers, led by Yuri Lvov, has discovered that the key to thermalization in the FPU system lies in a gradual transfer of energy during coincidences of six modes. This nonreversible process leads to the irreversible transfer of energy and the eventual approach to thermal equilibrium.
Researchers aim to improve stability of transplanted regulatory T cells using computational modeling and analysis. The goal is to develop new treatment options for diseases characterized by excessive inflammation.
Lirong Xia receives $524,989 grant to investigate computational mechanisms that improve individual contributions to collective decision making processes, including crowd-sourcing and online 'noise answers'. His research focuses on improving social choice mechanisms to handle large numbers of alternatives.
New research by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute reveals that the Milky Way's galactic disk is contoured into several concentric ripples, extending its known width from 100,000 to 150,000 light years.
Rensselaer researchers predict the electrical response of metals to extreme pressures, which could benefit computer chip design. The study found that specific pressure decreases electrical resistance in different materials.
A team led by Robert Linhardt and Jian Liu created a synthetic form of low-molecular-weight heparin, which can be reversed in cases of overdose and is safer for patients with poor kidney function. The new drug is also cost-effective and has improved properties compared to the animal-derived alternative.
A $1.7 million grant from NSF supports Rensselaer researcher George Makhatadze in investigating protein folding speed to expand enzymatic range for paper manufacturing and other industries. The goal is to slow protein deterioration, extending functional life at high temperatures.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have identified a gene associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, a life-threatening birth defect. The discovery reveals the genetic root of the physical defect and offers potential routes for intervention.
Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute discovered the structural effects of V44M and V44A genetic mutations linked to FAD. The mutations lead to increased production of toxic Amyloid Beta 42 peptide, driving memory failure in patients.
Researchers aim to adapt photosynthesis for artificial use as an abundant source of renewable energy. They are using advanced spectroscopic techniques to describe the exact atomic-level mechanism of the oxygen-evolving complex through the remaining five S-states.
The NASA Mars rover Curiosity has found water in its first sample of Martian soil, with fine materials containing several percent water by weight. The discovery sheds light on the planet's surface composition and implications for future research.
A federal study by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has shifted daytime delivery truck traffic to off-hours, reducing congestion and improving supply chain management. The program benefits businesses, delivery companies, and the environment, with estimated annual emissions reductions of over 100 tons.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have created a computational model that accurately simulates the complex twists of RNA as it folds into a critical hairpin structure. The new model can simulate the folding of three known versions of a tetraloop, accurate to within one ten-billionth of a meter.
A team of researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is exploring a novel two-stage approach to harnessing petabyte data, combining cloud computing with precise computational systems. They aim to develop algorithms and methods for extracting knowledge from massive amounts of data.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have identified electron leakage as the culprit behind LED efficiency droop, a flaw that causes LEDs to lose up to 20% of their efficiency. The discovery may lead to new technologies to solve the problem and develop stronger LEDs.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new method to kill deadly pathogenic bacteria, including listeria, using nature-inspired nanobiotechnology. The coating kills listeria on contact, even at high concentrations, without affecting other bacteria.
Scientists aim to unravel the mystery of microtubule directional signs, crucial for understanding diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS. The study's focus is on identifying modifications that could serve as road signs along molecular highways.
A new study from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and UC Berkeley uses blue light to activate specific proteins into large clusters, controlling cell signaling. This technique has potential applications in understanding cellular function and optimizing energy production.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is establishing a fellowship in astrobiology thanks to a $480,000 gift from the Emily Landecker Foundation. The James P. Ferris Fellowship will support graduate students pursuing research in the interdisciplinary field of astrobiology.
A new study reveals how tiny holes in bones can weaken them, but also shows that strengthening osteocalcin could lead to stronger bones. Researchers suggest that increasing vitamin K intake through foods like spinach and broccoli may help prevent bone fractures.
A team of researchers developed a new method to significantly increase heat transfer rate across different materials by sandwiching an ultrathin layer of 'nanoglue' between copper and silica. The approach demonstrated a four-fold increase in thermal conductance, promising new innovations in cooling and energy applications.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have created novel antibodies that can prevent the formation of toxic protein particles linked to diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. These antibodies bind to 10 proteins per molecule, making them more potent inhibitors than conventional antibodies.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has been awarded a prestigious grant to establish a Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professorship in Computer Science, advancing women's participation in the field. The five-year $499,000 grant will hire a female assistant professor with a focus on mobile and distributed computing systems.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed an ultrasensitive method for detecting sugar molecules, known as Glyco-qPCR. This technique enables a more detailed understanding of cellular functions than genetic or proteomic information can provide, and has the potential to revolutionize the study of glycans.
Researchers studied the binding and activation of water molecules in the catalytic site of photosystem II, a key step in converting sunlight into chemical energy. The study provides new insights into the ultra-efficient energy conversion process in nature and could inform the development of more efficient solar-energy technologies.
Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are developing a new tool to analyze millions of text documents for emerging technological and scientific trends. The system will prioritize patterns indicative of new ideas, enabling human analysts to focus on promising areas.
A new study calculates that obese patients receive 62% more radiation during a CT scan than normal-weight patients. New phantoms created by Rensselaer engineers can help physicians configure and optimize CT scanning devices to minimize radiation exposure.
Jie Lian, a nuclear engineering expert at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has won a prestigious Faculty Early Career Development Award (CAREER) from the National Science Foundation. He will use the award to develop new advanced materials for use in nuclear power production.
Researchers have developed a computational model called 'cell graphs' that links the structure of human tissue to its corresponding biological function. This new tool uses graph theory and can be used to determine whether a tissue sample is cancerous or not, eliminating differences of opinion between doctors.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found a previously unknown link between breast cancer cells and the stroma. Cadherin-23, a new molecule, helps connect cancerous tumor cells to healthy tissue, facilitating invasive growth.
A new study by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researchers reveals that the size and curvature of nanosurfaces significantly impact protein orientation and stability. This discovery is crucial for controlling protein function in various biological applications, such as biosensors and tissue engineering.
A new study from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute shows that men and women faculty are retained at the same rate, except in mathematics departments where women depart sooner. The median retention rate for all university professors is just 11 years, highlighting a significant challenge for universities.
Ryan Gilbert, assistant professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, receives a $500,000 NSF CAREER Award to create novel biomaterials that can reduce astrocyte reactivity and aid nerve regeneration after spinal cord injuries. The project aims to deliver therapies directly to the injury site to promote axon growth.
Researchers are developing new flight system programming that combines data analysis with aviation know-how to create safer skies. The project aims to improve the accuracy and timeliness of flight data, reducing the risk of accidents caused by outdated or incorrect information.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Rice University discovered that a single layer of graphene enables near-perfect wetting transparency. The extreme thinness of graphene allows it to be transparent to water, with contact angles varying from 77 to 86 degrees on different surfaces.
A new study by engineering researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute demonstrates the impact of viscoelasticity on the collective behavior of swimming microorganisms, such as H. pylori. The findings suggest that human mucus and saliva may have evolved to disrupt the ability of harmful bacteria to coordinate.
Bioengineers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute receive $2 million NIH grant to study how chemicals in drugs and environment impact stem cells. The team aims to develop a new predictive safety screening tool that eliminates animal testing.
Researchers analyze ancient Mayan pottery using advanced technology to detect nicotine and its oxidation products, providing rare evidence of unsmoked tobacco leaves. The discovery represents new insights into the ancient roots of tobacco use in the Americas.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a new method for creating advanced nanomaterials that can convert electricity into different temperatures. The new thermoelectric materials exhibit superior properties and can be produced quickly, easily, and cheaply in large batches using microwave ovens.
Graphene nanowiggles exhibit highly varied band gaps and magnetic properties, enabling customization of nanostructures for different tasks. The discovery provides a roadmap for building and designing new devices using these promising nanomaterials.
Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have designed a new method to create antibodies that neutralize the harmful protein particles leading to Alzheimer's disease. The process targets specific portions of the toxic protein, allowing for better understanding and potential treatment of similar diseases like Parkinson's.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have recreated ancient minerals to reveal the earliest atmospheric conditions on Earth, challenging years of research on life's origins. The findings suggest an atmosphere dominated by water, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, rather than methane-filled wasteland.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researchers developed a graphene foam sensor that detects ammonia and nitrogen dioxide at concentrations as low as 20 parts-per-million, outperforming commercial gas sensors. The new technology is flexible, rugged, and reusable, making it suitable for various industrial applications.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have discovered that stacking graphene nanoribbons can significantly enhance its ability to transmit electricity, reducing the band gap and increasing efficiency. The study, published in ACS Nano, brings industry closer to realizing graphene nanoelectronics and potentially replacing coppe...
The conference, 'At the Interface of Natural and Artificial Photosynthesis,' brought together researchers from academia, government, and industry to discuss innovative solar technology based on nature's perfect green machines. The research focuses on replicating photosynthesis' power to create efficient and cost-effective bio-inspired ...