WPI researchers Fatemeh Ganji and Fanglin Che have been awarded NSF CAREER Awards to develop privacy-preserving neural networks and an AI-enabled simulation framework for electrochemical technologies. Their research will lead to breakthroughs in cybersecurity and electrochemical technologies guided by AI.
WPI researchers develop new models to study uterine fibroids with NIH funding, building on student projects. The models will help researchers better understand and develop treatments for fibroids, which affect millions of women.
Researchers are investigating whether beneficial bacteria can prevent the body from absorbing lead. The study aims to determine if probiotic supplements containing harmless bacteria can produce aptamers that trap lead for excretion, providing a potential solution for people in high-risk environments, especially children.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are launching a three-year project to train high school teachers in quantum information science and cybersecurity. The program aims to inspire young people to pursue education and careers in emerging science and technology fields.
A modular system designed by Worcester Polytechnic Institute Assistant Professor Jiawei Yang enables the creation of customized hydrogel implants with tailored stiffness and functionality. The system addresses critical challenges in implant design, including adhesion and immune rejection, to improve long-term performance.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute develop a one-step molten salt upcycling process to transform spent nickel cathodes into high-performance materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. This approach reduces recycling costs and energy demands while increasing the value of recovered materials.
The incubator will accelerate the commercialization of emerging clean energy, materials, and sustainable technologies, supporting startups and workforce development initiatives. Seven innovation suites and access to expertise and testing capabilities will enable rapid prototyping and refinement of new climate tech innovations.
Researchers aim to determine the connection between circulating lipoprotein (a) and calcific aortic valve disease, with a focus on biomechanics and early detection. They will also explore how mechanical forces influence disease progression and treatment.
A study by Worcester Polytechnic Institute researcher Angela Incollingo Rodriguez found that weighing patients can elevate stress and blood pressure levels. The research suggests that the timing of weight measurement may impact the accuracy of subsequent blood pressure readings. This could lead to more accurate physiological measuremen...
Researchers developed a flexible optical fiber that can be steered into the larynx to destroy hard-to-reach tumors, expanding outpatient laser treatment options. The device successfully reached 81% of targets in tests with a 3D-printed replica of a human larynx.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute developed a palm-sized aerial robot that uses ultrasound sensors and AI to navigate through fog, smoke, and other difficult conditions. The drone achieved a success rate of 72% to 100% in navigating challenging courses during 180 tests.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute developed an AI tool that analyzes brain scans to predict Alzheimer's disease. The method is accurate in detecting the disease among normal brains and those with mild cognitive impairment, highlighting key anatomical changes such as volume loss in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a new technology for plastic recycling that uses aqueous chemi-mechanical recycling to blend, decolorize, and purify mixed polyolefins. This approach reduces energy consumption and eliminates toxic chemicals compared to existing methods.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute created a carbon-negative building material called enzymatic structural material (ESM) that offers a new alternative to traditional concrete. ESM sequesters more than 6 kilograms of CO2 per cubic meter, reducing emissions by nearly 80% compared to conventional concrete.
The program aims to train 40 people over three years with a focus on experiential learning, offering hands-on training and internships in hydrogen safety, production, use, and infrastructure manufacturing. Students will gain theoretical knowledge about hydrogen while also getting industry experience.
The BioHub aims to complete over 24 pilot projects, train over 500 individuals, and create 3,000 new jobs within three years. Powered by breakthroughs in genetics, genomics, process engineering, and artificial intelligence, Central Massachusetts is poised to lead a new era of biology-based manufacturing.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Professor Nitin Sanket has been awarded a $704,908 NSF grant to develop sound-based navigation systems for small aerial robots. The project aims to enable drones to navigate in environments where cameras and light-based sensors fail.
Two WPI projects harness AI to transform waste into energy and improve recycling. A digital twin simulates a complex chemical process, while an AI-powered robotic system identifies materials for recycling. These innovations aim to reduce municipal solid waste and support the circular economy.
A team of researchers from Worcester Polytechnic Institute has developed a new approach to producing hydrogen using plasma technology and metal alloys. The method reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions compared to traditional methods, making it more environmentally friendly and potentially affordable.
Catherine Whittington, a WPI researcher, has received a CAREER Award to develop laboratory models for the study of fibrosis in pancreas, skin, and uterine fibroids. The models will help researchers better understand factors at the cellular level that lead to fibrosis and how interventions can interrupt or reverse it.
The $2.5 million DRIFT program aims to close critical talent gaps and safeguard connected vehicles by providing specialized online and in-person training. Worcester Polytechnic Institute will lead the university’s DRIFT program, offering tuition-free modules and real-world training to upskill engineers and professionals.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute has received a National Science Foundation grant to study an electrochemical system for removing insoluble mineral deposits in water treatment. The goal is to develop a lower-cost, environmentally friendly system that can selectively remove scale-forming cations and prevent the buildup of harmful minerals.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a new method to recycle lithium-ion batteries in an efficient and environmentally friendly way. The process recovers over 92% of critical metals and produces high-performance cathode powders, performing on par with virgin materials.
The 'Rubble to Rockets' initiative enables rapid production of high-quality components from scrap metal, addressing material performance and equipment size challenges. This technology has broad applications across industries, including defense, energy, and transportation.
Jiawei Yang creates bioadhesives with two layers, a transparent solid hydrogel layer and a clear liquid adhesive layer, to provide fast, strong, stable, and deep adhesion in the body. The new bioadhesives have potential applications in treating Parkinson's disease, heart failure, and healing damaged cartilage.
The grant aims to develop an electrochemical system capable of recovering uranium from wastewater, improving ecosystem health and addressing uranium security. The project will focus on designing electrode materials for efficient uranium extraction and minimizing toxic waste.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are developing a lightweight, flexible robotic arm that enables wheelchair users to safely grasp and carry objects out of reach. The project builds on origami-inspired designs and novel fabrication methods for modules made of lightweight plastics, 3D printed components, and sensors.
Wang, an accomplished materials scientist, holds seven U.S. patents and has made significant contributions to magnetic recording media and perpendicular magnetic recording technology. She is recognized as one of 170 individuals named to this year's Class of NAI Fellows, a distinction awarded exclusively to academic inventors.
The Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need program will fund eight doctoral students at WPI, increasing the department's diversity and footprint. The fellowships will help create new career paths in life sciences.
Yihao Zheng and his team are developing a fiber-optic probe that analyzes artery blockages in the brain and guides procedures for blockage removal. The technology uses light and advanced calculations to determine the properties of blood clots, enabling doctors to make informed decisions about how to remove them.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have discovered a new method to create high-performance alkaline batteries using iron and silicate. The process suppresses hydrogen gas generation, improving the energy efficiency of battery systems.
The two-year study aims to explore biases in AI systems and develop a 'human-in-the-loop' framework for quality data discovery. It will investigate how humans can be involved as labelers, prompters, and validators to improve data sets and user interfaces.
The WPI team will develop an inexpensive test kit that can quickly identify vulnerable species and track illegal wildlife trade on social networks. The project aims to disrupt the multi-billion-dollar industry by providing law enforcement with real-time results and long-term trends.
A WPI researcher has received a CAREER Award to develop new technologies to monitor and protect computer chips from malicious attacks. The project aims to create better metrics to verify the integrity of components and advance understanding of side-channel attacks.
Farny will investigate the impact of methylation on gene expression of Pseudomonas putida in soil and laboratory conditions, building gene circuits to test engineered bacteria. The project aims to advance the use of bacteria for environmental cleanups and create educational resources for undergraduate students.
A new AI math tutor, CAIT, will be integrated into the free digital learning platform ASSISTments to help middle-school students learn math while doing homework. The project aims to address the needs of students who have fallen behind in class but cannot afford private tutoring services.
A new study led by Worcester Polytechnic Institute aims to determine whether AI can help doctors predict which patients will benefit from mindfulness-based stress reduction in managing chronic lower back pain. The research uses machine learning and physiological data from fitness sensors to detect patterns that may not be apparent to d...
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a material to selectively oxidize urea in water, producing hydrogen gas. The material, made of nickel and cobalt atoms with tailored electronic structures, enables the efficient conversion of urea into hydrogen through an electrochemical reaction.
A team led by WPI researcher Ulkuhan Guler has received NIH funding to develop a wearable sensor for premature infants that can mitigate skin-color bias in oxygen level measurements. The four-year project aims to create a convenient and affordable sensor that will enable infants at risk of lung disease to leave hospitals sooner.
The National Science Foundation has added Worcester Polytechnic Institute to its Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center, a collaboration between universities and industry. WPI will leverage its expertise in fire protection to study new fire detection methods, robotics solutions for first responder safety, and fire suppression systems.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute discovered a new redox chemistry empowered by chloride ions for the development of seawater green batteries. This technology leverages abundant elements such as iron oxides and hydroxides, potentially repurposing iron rust waste materials for modern energy storage.
Loris Fichera's $599,663 NSF CAREER Award project aims to develop new surgical robots that can accurately deliver focused energy without cutting or touching human tissues. The project will enhance a surgical robot's perception using virtual palpation and create research opportunities for WPI undergraduates.
Researchers have developed a solvent-free process to manufacture lithium-ion battery electrodes that are greener and cheaper than traditional methods. The new process produces electrodes that can charge faster, with a capacity of 78% in just 20 minutes.
A WPI researcher is leading a three-year project to investigate the effects of stretching and blood flow on cardiovascular cells in tissue-engineered heart valves. The project aims to expand understanding of mechanical forces that propel cells in the body, with potential applications in other fields like cancer and wound healing.
A WPI-led team used computational modeling to create a detailed picture of the SARS-COV-2 virus envelope, revealing its elliptical shape and changing structure. This discovery could lead to more effective therapies and vaccines, as well as a better understanding of the virus's properties.
A team of WPI researchers has developed a potential breakthrough in green aviation: a recipe for a net-zero fuel for planes that pulls carbon dioxide out of the air. The fuel, made from magnesium hydride and hydrocarbon, could provide up to 8% more range than traditional jet fuel.
Researchers aim to improve and expand Enzymatic Construction Material (ECM), a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete that can repair cracks and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The grant will also support programs to inspire girls' interests in engineering and construction, addressing the industry's gender gap.
Researchers at WPI and Virginia Tech are developing a smartphone app with technology to protect user personal information and identity. The app will use GPS, Wifi, and Bluetooth to track users' locations and close encounters.
Researchers at WPI will develop computational models to understand cellular forces and geometry during cell division. The study aims to identify factors that lead to defective spindle structure in cells, which can be targeted to promote cancer cell death.
A WPI mathematician has confirmed a 224-year-old conjecture on the formation of solar systems using mathematical equations, revealing that ring emergence is crucial for creation. This research also has implications for climate change and humanity's place in the universe.