Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new method to compact carbon nanotubes into dense bundles, which could outperform copper as an electrical conductor. The process boosts the density of these bundles by five to 25 times and is expected to play a critical role in the development of 3-D computer chips.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are developing a physics-based virtual model to simulate real-time organ motions for radiation therapy. The 4-D VIP-Man will allow doctors and medical physicists to accurately predict and monitor anatomical changes, providing the most effective treatment possible.
Researchers found that an imbalance between two peptides, AB40 and AB42, can lead to the formation of senile plaques and dementia. Introducing more AB40 may stop or slow down Alzheimer's development by balancing with AB42.
Researchers have developed a new method to create an adhesive that can withstand extremely high temperatures, with bonds growing stronger when heated. The 'nanoglue' has potential applications in computer chip manufacturing, energy production, and other industries where traditional adhesives fail.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are working to develop new cooling techniques to manage heat aboard modern ships. The project aims to reduce device temperatures below 50 degrees Celsius using novel electronic cooling systems, including liquid cooling and nanoparticle suspensions.
Researchers have developed a simple and scalable assembly to integrate carbon nanotube structures on silicon chips, improving thermal management without increasing device weight. The cooling performance is comparable to that of copper, a significant advantage in miniaturized electronics.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found that carbon nanotubes inhibited growth in mammalian cells but sustained bacterial growth, highlighting the need for further research on nanotechnology's environmental impacts. The studies suggest different nanomaterials have varying effects on human health and the environment.
A geophysicist from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute urges officials to consider all subduction-type tectonic boundaries as lethal due to the unpredictability of massive earthquakes. The expert highlights the importance of warning systems and educational outreach to coastal communities to mitigate the impact of tsunamis.
Chan will develop new simulation theories to create fast models that predict real-time results, using mathematical programming techniques. He plans to involve graduate and undergraduate students in his research, creating hands-on experience and educational software for high school students.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have identified a bacterium that can dechlorinate polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in situ, eliminating the need for dredging. The Dehalococcoides bacteria thrive on PCBs, replacing chlorines with hydrogen to initiate degradation.
A team of geologists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute used a new technique to determine that a massive injection of hot magma likely triggered the eruption. The study sheds light on what causes large-scale volcanic eruptions and could help predict future eruptions.
Researchers have created a material with a refractive index of 1.05, making it an ideal building block for anti-reflection coatings. The new coating could lead to more efficient solar cells, brighter LEDs, and smarter lighting systems by controlling light properties.
Professor Daniel Gall will receive a $400,000 grant to develop fundamental understanding of material vapors condensing on surfaces and assembling into nanostructures. The research aims to create specialized nanostructured materials with broad applications in various industries.
Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a method to precisely control the movement of water through carbon nanotube membranes. By applying low-voltage electricity, they can switch between repelling and pumping water, paving the way for technologies like instant drinking water purification and DNA separation.
A new computer-based technique has the potential to automatically determine acceptable radiation plans in a matter of minutes, reducing the need for hours of manual tuning. The algorithm was tested on 10 prostate cancer patients and found to be effective in determining clinically acceptable treatment plans.
Scientists have made significant discoveries about the energy-generating mechanisms of bacteria, specifically Vibrio cholerae. The study reveals that this pathogen uses a unique system involving the enzyme NQR to generate a sodium gradient, which powers essential cell functions like movement and flagellar rotation.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a powerful computer model to explain the mechanism of an intein, a type of protein that cuts itself out of host proteins. The study uses quantum mechanics to reveal new insights into the reaction's behavior and potential applications in nanotechnology.
Cells use a new signaling pathway to alter their adhesive properties, which could lead to a better understanding of tissue development and immune responses. This discovery may also provide new therapeutic targets for diseases such as cancer and inflammatory conditions.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have created new hybrid structures combining the strengths of carbon nanotubes and metal nanowires. This technique allows precise attachment of carbon nanotubes to individual metal pins, offering a practical solution for using carbon nanotubes in computer chips.
The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has licensed its Adaptive Scanning Optical Microscope (ASOM) technology to Thorlabs Inc. The ASOM enables the automation of challenging laboratory tasks, such as diagnosing cancer and discovering new drugs. It provides high-resolution images of large sample areas without sacrificing image quality.
Rensselaer will receive a $2.23 million IBM Blue Gene supercomputer to support new nanotechnology and biotechnology research, helping develop simulation technologies for understanding biological systems and advancing computational science.
A team of researchers is testing portable, wireless, and solar-powered tag readers to monitor traffic flow in the Capital Region. The devices aim to provide valuable data for applications such as decreasing congestion and assisting emergency evacuations.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researchers are creating a distributed power test-bed to examine the effects of widespread adoption of clean, renewable energy sources on the utility grid. The project aims to understand how small-scale renewable energy generators will interact with the existing grid and identify potential stability iss...
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed two new techniques to attach carbon nanotubes to metal surfaces, overcoming key hurdles to using them in computer chips, displays, and sensors. The techniques use either high-temperature chemical vapor deposition or a low-temperature contact printing method, allowing for st...
A team of Rensselaer researchers has developed a computer simulation to predict how an organization's culture affects its ability to respond to an extreme event. The model takes into account the organizational characteristics of FEMA and the Coast Guard, which showed significant differences in their responses to Hurricane Katrina.
Undergraduate students from Rensselaer and Howard universities will participate in a research program combining mathematics, computational science, and real-world applications. The program aims to attract students with mathematical skills to fields like the biological sciences.
Researchers have discovered a key molecular mechanism allowing tiny flies to whirl their wings at high speeds, revealing new insights into heart disease and the evolution of flight. The findings provide a better understanding of how chemical energy is converted into muscle movements, including human heart muscle pumping blood.
A team of researchers is developing nanoscale surfaces that actively reassemble in the presence of DNA, which could lead to more efficient separation tools for genomics and proteomics. The new approach mimics nature's lipid bilayers and can be dynamically modified using temperature, light, or electric fields.
Researchers print carbon nanotubes on paper and plastic surfaces, creating conductive patterns that could be used in flexible electronics, sensors, and other applications. The approach is simple, versatile, and inexpensive, making it a potential alternative to current methods.
Researchers developed an inhibitor that blocks anthrax toxin receptors, increasing potency by 50,000-fold. The new approach could combat antibiotic-resistant strains and improve survival rates for inhalational anthrax victims.
A team of Rensselaer researchers is working to improve the energy efficiency of green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) by doubling or tripling their power output. By leveraging the piezoelectric effect, they hope to develop a process to make higher-intensity green LEDs that convert electricity into light more efficiently.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute develop a virtual simulator that allows surgeons to practice minimally invasive surgery with actual tool handles, improving depth perception and dexterity. The system uses haptic technology to provide an immersive experience, reducing the need for cadavers and animals in training.
A team of computer scientists calls for an interdisciplinary approach to tap the Web's full richness, exploring its social and policy implications while ensuring trustworthiness and respect for boundaries. The 'science of the Web' aims to bring informative resources to the Web through enhanced searchability and usability.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have identified a crucial signaling pathway involved in tissue growth and wound healing. The discovery provides new insights into how cells interact during tissue remodeling and may lead to novel therapeutics for diseases such as cancer and arthritis.
New nanomaterials created using naturally occurring enzymes can be broken down into biologically compatible building blocks, enabling applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery. The materials have potential uses in delivering pharmaceuticals and preserving food and cosmetics.
The 'culturally situated design tools' (CSDTs) program uses computer software to educate students about the mathematics principles behind various cultural designs. Preliminary research shows a statistically significant increase in math achievement and positive attitudes toward IT careers for students exposed to CSDTs.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are testing a new damping system to reduce damage in woodframe structures during earthquakes. The NEESWood project uses fluid-filled shock absorbers to absorb energy and reduce strain on the structure, mimicking the effect of shock absorbers in cars.
Researchers have developed a new material that uses light to control the attachment of proteins to membranes, allowing for easier cleaning and potential applications in water treatment, drug release, and biosensors. The patented process involves attaching spiropyran molecules to poly(ether sulfone) and exposing them to UV light.
Researchers have discovered RNA in the cellular centrosome of surf clams, which may be related to structure, protein encoding, and organism development. This finding has significant implications for understanding cancer development and progression.
Carbon nanotubes have withstood pressures up to 40 gigapascals, making them ideal for nanoscale hydraulics and cylinders. The researchers discovered that nanotubes can perform similar functions at the scale of atoms and molecules, including extrusion processes.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a process to overcome difficulties in combining nanotubes with other materials, leading to improved composites. The new material demonstrates remarkable improvements in strength, toughness, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed blood-compatible nanoscale materials using heparin composites or coatings. The composite heparin membrane with nanopores can filter blood and maintain its flow, potentially eliminating the need for systemic administration of heparin during kidney dialysis.
A polyvalent inhibitor has been developed that recognizes multiple sites on the anthrax toxin molecular structure, making it four orders of magnitude more potent. The inhibitor was tested in rats and protected them from anthrax toxin, showing promise as a potential therapeutic for anthrax exposure.
A team of researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has developed a new process to create flexible, conducting 'nano skins' that can be used in various applications, including electronic paper and sensors. The materials combine the strength and conductivity of carbon nanotubes with the flexibility of traditional polymers.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researchers create tabletop accelerator that produces nuclear fusion at room temperature, doubling the acceleration potential of a previous design. The device has commercial applications in non-destructive testing, explosives detection, and medical imaging.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed new nanocomposites that provide excellent damping capabilities, even at high temperatures. These materials show great potential for applications in aircraft, spacecraft, and sensors, particularly in reducing vibration and improving sound quality.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have successfully synthesized hundreds of milligrams of heparin using engineered enzymes and co-factor recycling. This breakthrough could enable the widespread use of synthetic heparin in human medical treatments, reducing reliance on animal-derived products.
Researchers successfully produced fusion neutrons using sonofusion without an external neutron source, verifying the presence of nuclear emissions. The new setup used natural uranium to produce bubbles through radioactive decay, obviating the need for an external neutron source.
A new biochip tool called MetaChip can analyze drug candidates for toxicity and eliminate harmful ones before they advance to pre-clinical stages. The technology mimics the effects of metabolism in the human liver, enabling early detection of toxic compounds that could be difficult to predict or find with current testing methods.
A Rensselaer researcher has received a $300,000 NSF grant to study miniaturized solar-powered heating and cooling systems that can be applied to existing buildings. The goal is to create a thin-film system for efficient thermal control, potentially rendering traditional air conditioning and heating equipment obsolete.