Yushan Yan, a University of Delaware engineering professor, has been recognized by the National Academy of Engineering for his contributions to sustainable chemical engineering and electrochemical systems. He is also an inventor on over 20 patents and founder of Versogen, a Wilmington-based startup.
A team led by Marianthi Ierapetritou aims to create a blueprint for a more renewable manufacturing future. They will examine existing literature and develop a framework for evaluating alternative products and processes, including their economic, environmental, and market impacts.
Melinda Duncan has been appointed associate vice president for research and director of the Delaware IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence. She aims to expand the state's biomedical workforce and infrastructure to improve healthcare in Delaware.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a novel electrochemical system that can capture 99% of carbon dioxide from air, effectively turning it into an environmentally friendly fuel cell technology. The technology uses hydrogen as power and has potential applications in various industries, including automotive, aerospac...
University of Delaware professors Wei-Jun Cai and David Kirchman have been named AAAS Fellows for their important contributions to STEM fields. Cai was recognized for his work on the global carbon cycle and ocean acidification, while Kirchman was honored for his research on marine biosciences and microbial ecology.
Researchers at the University of Delaware created a web-based educational model, Clerytown, to illustrate virus spread and inform policy changes. The model uses artificial intelligence algorithms to simulate community spread based on behaviors such as mask-wearing and social distancing.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a low-pressure method to convert industrially processed biomass into high-performance plastics and valuable chemicals. The process uses glycerin as a solvent instead of methanol, reducing costs and environmental impact.
The University of Delaware is leading a research team to create new, environmentally friendly plastics using biomass. The goal is to minimize fossil fuel use and enhance recycling efficiency. The project aims to develop polymers with properties comparable to PET, a common plastic used in consumer products.
The collaboration seeks to co-develop an efficient CO2 electrolyzer that can produce ethylene, a widely used chemical building block. Yushan Yan at UD will focus on making polymer membrane materials chemical resistant and strong for long-term durability.
Swati Singh, a UD assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, has received a $400,000 NSF CAREER award to explore new methods for studying the dark sector. She aims to develop precision measurement systems to detect astrophysical signals using mechanical devices operating in classical and quantum realms.
Prof. Tingyi Gu from the University of Delaware has received a $500,000 DARPA Young Faculty Award to improve the power efficiency of digital communications. Her research focuses on manipulating light direction to create more energy-efficient photonic systems.
Research suggests that adolescents who struggled with difficult peer interactions before the pandemic did not experience increased depression and anxiety during isolation. In contrast, teens in general reported increased symptoms. The findings imply that COVID isolation may have had a different impact on teenagers with problematic peer...
Researchers found that Arctic krill respond to visual changes during the Arctic polar night by swimming up or down in search of food and avoiding predators. The study revealed that even small changes in light intensity can entrain the biological rhythms of krill, helping them navigate their environment.
MRNA eraser enzymes play a crucial role in regulating gene expression and cell fate decisions. Research on these enzymes may lead to the development of therapeutics that target misbehaving erasers in disease. The team aims to understand how these enzymes recognize and choose specific methyl groups to remove from RNA.
A study has created a massive database of academic papers documenting global adaptation actions to climate change. The research found that people are taking action, but these efforts tend to be fragmented and may not be enough to deal with the expected effects of climate change.
A new study led by University of Delaware Associate Professor Kathryn Coyne found that warming temperatures contribute to an increasing number of harmful algal blooms. The study showed that changes in light conditions significantly influence the growth and impact of these algae, particularly for species like Karlodinium veneficum.
A new study reveals the devastating impact of COVID-19 on public health, with the workforce experiencing extreme exhaustion and burnout. The pandemic response has swamped healthcare workers, leaving critical services such as chronic disease prevention, maternal-child health, and environmental health on hold.
The University of Idaho's Deep Soil Ecotron facility will be a game-changer for understanding soil ecosystems, allowing researchers to conduct experiments at unprecedented depths. By studying deep soils, scientists can better understand how organisms respond to global environmental change and improve carbon sequestration.
University of Delaware chemical engineer Catherine Fromen aims to improve the delivery of therapeutic medicines to the body by studying how they interact with mucosal interfaces. Her research focuses on designing medicines that can overcome natural defenses in the lungs and gut, with potential applications for diseases such as lung can...
Researchers found that vitamin B12 supplementation improved movement in worms with Alzheimer's-like symptoms, suggesting a potential link between diet and disease progression. The team also discovered that vitamin B12 relies on an enzyme called methionine synthase to work, and its effects are limited to those with dietary deficiencies.
Researchers will explore ways to regenerate damaged salivary glands and understand vocal fold scarring, aiming to develop new treatment options for head and neck cancer patients. The project includes creating a vocal-fold-on-a-chip model with embedded sensor technology to monitor tissue development in real-time.
Researchers have successfully produced iron-based Metal Organic Framework (MOF) materials directly using renewable electricity at room temperature, overcoming challenges in scalability and environmental friendliness. The new method is 96% efficient and enables the creation of advanced MOF sensors.
Anjana Bhat is studying the prevalence and relationship of motor problems in children with ASD. Her research aims to alter the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders definition of ASD by including motor impairments.
A University of Delaware study of ocean rocks has informed earthquake science by understanding the properties of underwater faults and their impact on seismic activity. Researchers have found that seawater infiltration in these faults weakens the rock, allowing it to flow faster and potentially reducing the risk of large earthquakes.
A University of Delaware study found that diversifying nutritional strategies is key to improving diets for India's smallholder farmers. The researchers suggest individual-level and community-level approaches, such as growing diverse crops or sharing produce at local markets.
Scientists have developed a novel indicator to monitor danger to the world's rainforests, which are losing their capacity to cycle carbon and water. The unique tropical rainforest index (TFVI) provides a snapshot of long-term observations, revealing that rainforests are more vulnerable than previously predicted.
Scientists at the University of Delaware have made progress on a biological containment strategy using synthetic auxotrophy, keeping a strain of E. coli stable for 100 days. The research also shows promise for treating diseases and cleaning up the environment safely.
UD scientists and collaborators issue an urgent call to action on plastics pollution, highlighting the need for a circular lifecycle for plastics. The team proposes new approaches to chemistry, engineering, industrial processes, policy, and global collaboration to address the crisis.
University of Delaware researchers are developing a system to produce bioenergy from microbes that convert carbon dioxide into useful chemicals. The team aims to refine the technology to produce desirable metabolites and consume less useful ones, paving the way for sustainable production of chemicals and fuels.
A new paper proposes reconceptualizing the future using managed retreat, which involves moving people, buildings, and assets from areas vulnerable to hazards. This approach can create a wider range of futures by combining options in different ways.
Double-cropping in Brazil's Centre-West region contributed significantly to the country's grain boom, increasing from 19% to 33% between 2003 and 2016. The practice allowed for increased corn production without expanding cropland, offsetting around 76.7 million hectares of arable land.
Roberta Golinkoff, a renowned University of Delaware professor, has been elected to the National Academy of Education for her groundbreaking contributions to language development and playful learning. Her research focuses on how children learn and grow, with a particular emphasis on the importance of play in early childhood education.
Associate Professor Iva Obrusnikova at the University of Delaware has been selected as an IFAPA Fellow for her outstanding work in adapted physical activity. She is a leading researcher on technology-based behavioral strategies and their impact on functional performance and health outcomes in adults with developmental disabilities.
Scientists are certain that dark matter exists, but have no direct evidence. Researchers at the University of Delaware propose using tabletop sensors to detect ultralight dark matter particles. They plan to use optomechanical accelerometers to measure changes in acceleration between materials.
African waters contribute to global fish supply, generating $15 billion for Africa's GDP in 2011. However, climate change and pollution threaten fish stocks, raising concerns about sustainability. A new study uses AIS satellite data to describe spatial characteristics of African and foreign industrial fishing activities.
University of Delaware researchers report a breakthrough process that can convert hard-to-recycle plastics into usable molecules. The hydrocracking process requires less energy than other technologies and can treat various plastics, even when mixed together.
A new study found an aggregation site of great white sharks in the Gulf of California, with estimated mortality rates potentially three times higher than previously thought. This discovery raises concerns about conservation efforts and highlights opportunities for sustainable eco-tourism.
Versogen, a UD spinoff company, has developed patented membrane technology to produce low-cost green hydrogen at scale using a new class of low-cost electrolyzer technology. This technology aims to decarbonize heavy industries and reduce industrial carbon emissions in an environmentally responsible way.
David C. Martin, a University of Delaware professor, is advancing novel polymeric materials to integrate electronics with human brain tissue. He has been named a Materials Research Society Fellow for his work on conjugated polymers for interfacing electronic biomedical devices with living tissue.
The University of Delaware lab will investigate the role of Elav11 and its partners in eye development under a four-year NIH grant. Researchers aim to understand mechanisms behind cataracts and lens abnormalities.
Researchers will explore decision-making processes for adopting solar energy systems and electric vehicles, as well as improve the efficiency and manufacturing process for solar panels. The studies aim to identify non-technological barriers to clean-energy adoption and evaluate the effectiveness of low-cost interventions and incentives.
A new center at the University of Delaware will focus on musculoskeletal research, including tendonitis and osteoarthritis. The center aims to accelerate fundamental research and establish a comprehensive basic-to-clinical research pipeline.
Donald Sparks has won the 2021 Philippe Duchaufour Medal for his pioneering work on soil chemistry and carbon dynamics. He is recognized as a global leader in environmental soil chemistry, having carried out visionary science throughout his career.
A University of Delaware professor is developing new, resilient adhesives for concrete structures by mimicking mussel adhesion. The goal is to improve the durability of concrete in harsh environments and support sustainable growth, enabling prefabricated construction and additive manufacturing.
Stephanie Law, associate professor of materials science and engineering, received the Young Investigator Award for advances in growing novel optical materials, including heavily doped semiconductors and topological insulators. The award recognizes her work on improving material quality for infrared and terahertz optics and plasmonics.
Prof. Thomas H. Epps, III has been elected to the AIMBE College of Fellows for outstanding contributions to self-assembly of polymeric materials for drug delivery and gene therapy applications. He will join a group of top medical and biological engineers in the US.
A recent study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine suggests that inconsistent sleep schedules in toddlers are associated with higher body mass index (BMI) percentiles. Researchers found that children from households living at or below poverty levels had more inconsistent sleep onset times, leading to higher BMI percentages.
Longfin damselfish aggressively defend algal farms, providing a protective refuge for planktonic mysid shrimps. In return, the shrimps excrete nutrients that enrich the algae, benefiting the damselfish's body condition and diet.
Frank G. Schroeder, a University of Delaware assistant professor, has received the prestigious Sloan Research Fellowship to study cosmic rays. His research aims to uncover the origins of nature's highest-energy particles, which have sparked upgrades at major cosmic ray observatories.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought additional challenges for pregnant people, new mothers, and their families. A new study found that those who gave birth during the pandemic experienced higher levels of psychological trauma, stress, and isolation due to confusion about hospital protocols and visitor restrictions. The lack of social sup...