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.
A WPI-led research team has identified drugs that target triple-negative breast cancer tumors in mice without inducing toxic side effects. The targeted therapies use molecular recognition units to specifically target the tumors, reducing their sizes and eliminating them.
Researchers will study how COVID-19 affects college students' stress levels and ability to learn remotely, using computer vision algorithms and physiological signals. The project aims to shed light on the short- and long-term effects of the pandemic on students' academic outcomes and emotional well-being.
A WPI researcher's paper on the novel coronavirus has been published in a leading virology journal, revealing key findings on its structure and potential targets for treatment. The study found similarities between the COVID-19 virus and SARS, suggesting new antiviral strategies.
A WPI researcher has received a $154,000 grant to investigate the relationship between programmed cell death and calcium deposits in heart tissue that cause aortic valve failure. The study aims to discover ways to interrupt the process leading to calcification and potentially develop treatments to stop it.
Professor Bruce Bursten, a WPI chemistry and biochemistry professor, has received the ACS Award for Distinguished Service in the Advancement of Inorganic Chemistry. The award recognizes his significant contributions to inorganic electronic structure and bonding, as well as his inspirational teaching and leadership.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a new tool to identify molecular receptors in Caenorhabditis elegans worms involved in sensing pheromones. This breakthrough could speed up neuroscience research into pheromones by streamlining the process and identifying specific receptors in just a month.
Researchers found that probiotic yeasts derived from food can reduce the virulence of non-albicans Candida species by up to 53% and prevent biofilm formation. The study suggests that these food-derived yeasts could be a safe and cost-effective alternative to current antifungal medications.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have created a wearable baby oxygen monitor that measures blood oxygen levels wirelessly and accurately. The device has the potential to improve healthcare outcomes for sick infants and adults with respiratory conditions.
Researchers found serious security vulnerabilities in Intel and STMicroelectronics CPUs, which could be used to steal or alter data on billions of devices. The flaws affect laptop, server, tablet, and desktop users worldwide.
A research team led by WPI professors will use data analytics and optimization to identify resources for homeless youths in NYC, aiming to disrupt human trafficking networks. The project aims to reduce vulnerability and costs while maximizing benefits for rehabilitated lives.
A team of WPI researchers has received a $3 million NSF grant to investigate human-robot interaction in the workplace. The project will train 120 graduate students from various STEM fields to develop skills for navigating robot-assisted work environments.
A biomedical engineer at Worcester Polytechnic Institute is creating a new medical robot that uses photoacoustic imaging to detect and analyze three different indicators of prostate cancer. The system aims to be more accurate than current tests like ultrasounds and biopsies, while eliminating the need for radioactive contrast dye.
The US Department of Education has awarded WPI an $8 million grant to scale and expand the ASSISTments online learning tool, proven effective in improving middle school math scores, to all 50 states. The five-year project will focus on high-needs middle school math students and their teachers in predominantly rural areas.
Researchers are developing a bulletproof vest that can sense the speed and angle of impact, then change its properties to absorb the force. The technology could also protect buildings, satellites and spacecraft from space junk and meteorites.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has received a $25 million award from the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory to advance 3D printing technology. The new technique, called cold spray, can repair metal parts or make new ones by layering metal powders in a process known as additive manufacturing.
A WPI mathematician is working on a project to develop methods to detect flaws in carbon nanotube materials used in composite rocket fuel tanks. He has developed an algorithm that increases the resolution of density scanning systems nine times, enabling more accurate images of the material's uniformity.
A WPI biologist has discovered that a key component in a worm's communication system can be repurposed to take on a different function, providing insights into the workings of evolution. This finding could have significant implications for drug interaction research, agricultural bio-engineering, and our understanding of genetic inherit...
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute developed a chip made of carbon nanotubes that captures circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with far greater sensitivity than existing technologies. The device can detect early-stage tumors, predict the course of a cancer, and monitor the effects of therapy.
Researchers are working on developing wireless sensors to communicate with prosthetic devices, aiming to improve the performance of prosthetics for individuals with upper limb amputations. The new technology has exciting implications for those facing limb loss, and will be tested on amputees next year.
A multi-institution research team, led by Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Eric Young, is developing a biosecurity tool to identify genetically engineered organisms in the environment. The tool uses unique DNA signatures to distinguish between engineered and naturally occurring microorganisms.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are developing a system that uses brain imaging and computer science to understand student emotions, thinking patterns, and learning behaviors. This project aims to create adaptive interventions in online learning platforms for better personalized education.
Developed with NSF funding, SETA (Scalable Event Trend Analytics) is an open-source software that analyzes high-volume data streams in real time to provide actionable insights. It helps organizations make data-driven decisions quickly, enabling applications like autonomous vehicle networks and healthcare.
WPI computer scientist Craig Shue is developing a new technology using containerization to protect companies and users from malware attacks. The system isolates each user's interaction with the server in a temporary copy, or instance, that disappears when the session ends.
The new robotic system uses a thin probe inserted into the brain through a small hole drilled in the skull to deliver high-intensity ultrasound energy lethal to tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding brain tissue. Real-time MRI-based thermal imaging provides feedback on dose delivery, ensuring precise control and safety.
The US Advanced Battery Consortium has funded an extension of the patented lithium-ion battery recycling process developed at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The process can recycle spent Li-ion batteries and produce new cathode materials, including nickel-rich cathodes for commercial-grade automotive batteries.
Olsen's research aims to understand the role of lipid production in longevity and long-term health, with implications for age-related diseases like Alzheimer's. She hopes to develop new medications or lipid replacement treatments to alleviate disease and promote healthy aging.
A computational tool using machine learning and optimization algorithms matches refugees to host communities with the best resources for success. Annie MOORE predicts refugee employment likelihood and guides resettlement workers in finding suitable placements, improving integration outcomes.
Researchers found that queens and males are greatly affected by low-dose neonicotinoid pesticide exposure, threatening the stability and survival of wild bee populations. The study also reveals that exposure alters genes regulating biological functions such as locomotion, reproduction, immunity, and learning and memory.
A Worcester Polytechnic Institute researcher seeks to reinvent residential network security by developing cloud-based security providers. The system will direct traffic over a secure pathway to a controller and virtual computers, verifying site profiles and catching nefarious sites attempting to access homes.
WPI researchers Raghvendra Cowlagi and Alexander Wyglinski combine their expertise in autonomy and wireless communications to create a network that enables self-driving cars to share information about traffic flow, road conditions, and accidents. This allows for safer operation on highways and congested city streets.
Manning's research focuses on the role of retinoblastoma protein in regulating chromosome segregation. Her work aims to understand how defects in this process contribute to genetic variability and chemotherapy resistance in tumors. The study may lead to new targets for anti-cancer medications.
A new device, SPARTAN, uses an obstacle course to select the fastest and healthiest sperm cells for use in IVF treatment. The device can reduce IVF treatment cycles and potentially increase pregnancy rates by selecting sperm with excellent motility, normal morphology, and better DNA integrity.
A smartphone app, SlipBuddy, uses machine learning to uncover patterns and predict eating trouble spots, providing interventions and helping change behavior. The app showed positive results in a pilot study, with nine participants losing an average of five pounds.
Anita Mattson's research focuses on naturally occurring molecules known as dimeric chromanones, which have high biological activity and may become powerful dual-action treatments for drug-resistant cancers. Her goal is to develop a new class of catalysts using silanediols to control the synthesis of these compounds.
A Worcester Polytechnic Institute researcher has developed algorithms to identify fake likes, followers, and posts on various platforms with high accuracy. The goal is to prevent crowdturfing, which can spread misinformation and undermine online credibility.
WPI scientists creating autonomous snake-like robots to navigate rubble and confined spaces, sending images and information to search-and-rescue teams. The robots will use integrated deformation sensors to control motion and make decisions autonomously.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are developing new materials for solar cells and photocatalysts to boost efficiency and reduce costs. They aim to create practical ways to store solar energy, addressing intermittency and waste issues in the current system.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Professor Songbai Ji is developing highly specific computer models of the head and brain to better diagnose concussions in real time. The models use neuroimaging data to assess injury risk and simulate real-time impact, providing athletic trainers with valuable tools to assess athlete safety.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed liquid-metal membranes that appear to be lower in cost, more durable, and better at separating hydrogen than conventional membranes. This breakthrough could help reduce the cost of producing pure hydrogen for fuel-cell vehicles.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are developing a patch using biopolymer microthreads seeded with genetically engineered cardiac cells to improve heart function after a heart attack. The goal is to create a composite patch that can restore contractile function and provide additional strength and contractile force.
Researchers at WPI will explore neural activity in Caenorhabditis elegans using the small worm's unique biology. The goal is to identify molecular mechanisms that contribute to gender-specific neuronal bias in neurological disorders.
A new and inexpensive treatment option for drug-resistant malaria has been developed using plant therapy made from dried leaves of the Artemisia annua plant. The treatment, known as DLA, was tested on 18 critically ill patients in a Congo clinic and showed a 100% recovery rate, including a five-year-old child who had lapsed into a coma.
Flowers that attract hummingbirds have specific characteristics that also deter bumblebees, with certain combinations of traits discouraging wasteful visits. Bees have difficulty learning to combine red with other sensory traits, making it economic sense for them to avoid bird flowers.
The Flame Refluxer technology, developed at Worcester Polytechnic Institute with funding from BSEE, demonstrates potential for efficient oil burning while reducing emissions. The tests showed hotter fires consuming more oil, cleaner emissions, and less burn residue.