An interdisciplinary research team at WPI will develop an integrated application to track blood sugar levels, weight, and image analysis of lesions. The app aims to provide personalized feedback to encourage patients to make good decisions and improve outcomes.
A team of scientists from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and CellThera regenerated functional muscle tissue in mice using a novel protocol that combined reprogramming human cells and biopolymer microthreads. The study showed promising results, with most new muscle fibers composed of mouse cells, suggesting that fibrin microthreads alo...
A new study by researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute shows that cranberry juice is more effective than proanthocyanidin extracts in preventing biofilm formation, a precursor to urinary tract infections. The study found that cranberry juice completely prevented biofilm formation, while extracts showed limited ability to reduce it.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed an iPhone app that measures vital signs such as heart rate and blood oxygen saturation using a built-in video camera. The technology is comparable in accuracy to traditional medical monitoring devices, allowing patients to carry an accurate physiological monitor anywhere.
A new study will examine the value of using elevators as tools for attacking fires in tall buildings, building on previous national studies conducted by WPI and its national partners. The study aims to provide guidance that could influence codes for elevator design and placement in new high-rise construction.
The award will help WPI partner with schools and organizations to double the number of students using ASSISTments, a web-based system that integrates student learning and assessment. The goal is to establish a technology and professional development plan that will enable the system to scale to over a million users by 2015.
A study of over 100 popular websites found that three-quarters directly leak private information and unique identifiers to third-party tracking sites. The leaked data can be used to create detailed profiles of individuals, including browsing histories and search terms.
A recent study published in the Journal of Educational Computing Research found that consistent use of ASSISTments improved year-end test scores significantly for Massachusetts middle school students. The study showed a pronounced improvement in test scores, especially for special education students.
A research team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute demonstrates the feasibility of delivering adult bone-marrow-derived stem cells using biopolymer microthreads, which support cell growth while maintaining differentiation potential. The technology has the potential to improve cardiac function and treat cardiac arrhythmias.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have found that cranberry juice cocktail significantly reduces the ability of certain bacteria to form biofilms on surfaces. This study has potential applications in developing new antibiotics and making medical devices more resistant to bacterial adhesion.
The Center for Inorganic Membrane Studies at Worcester Polytechnic Institute will demonstrate a palladium membrane system to separate hydrogen from coal gas, aiming to lower energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The project is part of an $8.5M program to advance clean energy technologies.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have identified the molecular forces that enable cranberry juice to fight off urinary tract infections. The study suggests that fimbriae on E. coli bacteria are essential for infection, and that cranberry juice can weaken their attachment to human cells.
Elke Rundensteiner, a WPI computer science professor, has received the HP Labs Innovation Research Award for her work on complex event stream analytics. The award provides funding for her project to develop advanced tools for extracting meaning from vast amounts of streaming data in real-time.
A research team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute found that yeast produce a plant hormone called indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) that can trigger fungal cells to become more infectious. The hormone is known to regulate plant growth, but its presence in sufficient quantity within the yeast's environment also triggers morphogenic transition...
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are studying the feasibility of placing large wind turbines on deep-ocean platforms. The project aims to assess the potential for offshore wind power generation in the United States, which could fill a significant portion of coastal states' electricity needs.
The WPI research team aims to develop powerful diagnostic tools that can predict the likelihood of plaque rupture, which is responsible for most heart attacks and strokes. The new NIH award will enable the team to extend their research on arterial plaque development and predict potential rupture.
The WPI Center for Wireless Information Network Studies is conducting a groundbreaking study to develop standards for body area networks, which support various medical applications and can be used in health care, athletics, and other fields. The research aims to spur the growth of this technology and improve healthcare.
The Center for Resource Recovery and Recycling (CR3) aims to reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions by developing new technologies for maximizing metal recovery and recycling. The center will focus on promoting a more sustainable approach to metal use in the US, with research collaborations between academia and industry.
Researchers at WPI are working on advanced prosthetic limbs that can be fully integrated with the body and nervous system, enabling more independent lives for those with amputations. The $1.6 million allocation will fund work on neural control for prosthetics, aiming to regenerate nerves and connect limbs directly to the brain.
The WPI Precision Personnel Location system will locate firefighters in three dimensions, monitor their vital signs, and provide an early warning of flashover risk. The new ESM System will deploy a temperature sensor mast to detect impending flashover.
A team of researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute has developed a new model system to study fungal infections. The system can be used to identify promising targets for anti-fungal drugs, potentially leading to effective treatments for conditions like thrush and athlete's foot.
Researchers at WPI's Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center have received funding from the NIH and NSF to study the bacterium that causes tuberculosis and develop engineered blood vessels. The work aims to create new treatments for infections and heart disease, and could lead to targets for a new class of antibiotics.
A WPI professor has received a $429,000 CAREER Award to investigate the physics underlying dust ignition and flame propagation in dust clouds. The research aims to develop more robust models for assessing and predicting the risks associated with dust accumulation.
A new study reveals that popular social networking sites make user personal information available to tracking sites, allowing for direct linking of browsing habits to specific individuals. This can lead to inaccurate profiling and serious consequences for users.
A team at WPI and CellThera has discovered a novel method to turn on stem cell genes in human fibroblasts by manipulating culture conditions. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for human diseases and traumatic injuries by coaxing patient cells to repair and regenerate damaged tissues.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have received NIH grants to advance their work on regenerating damaged hearts using stem cells and preventing urinary tract infections by analyzing cranberry juice's molecular mechanisms. The studies aim to develop new therapies for heart damage and UTIs, potentially replacing antibiotics.
Kristen Billiar, a WPI biomedical engineering professor, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to work on nanoscale scaffolds for tissue engineering at the National University of Ireland Galway. He aims to develop novel techniques to probe relationships between scaffold structure and mechanical functioning.
The CellThera/WPI team will continue their joint efforts in regenerating mammalian muscle tissue under a one-year $570,000 DARPA contract. They aim to reprogram and engineer cells to replace damaged skeletal muscle and restore normal function.
A team of experts at WPI has launched a three-year study to examine the impact of implementing electronic medical records (EMRs) on primary care providers, patients, and healthcare operations. The study focuses on four diverse sites in the US, Canada, and Israel, analyzing how organizations adapt to new systems and tools.
A team of researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute has identified a new component of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway, which is essential for proper wing development in fruit flies. The discovery of Kekkon5 reveals its role as an extracellular regulator of BMP signaling.
Thomas Robertson is researching the consequences of American rural development in Nepal, while Seth Tuler focuses on improving environmental health communications in Thailand. Their work aims to better understand the impacts of science and technology on humanity.
At WPI, a new initiative 'The Connected Lab' enables biology students to share lab results in real-time, enhancing teaching and student achievement. Students can analyze each other's data and produce multimedia content to prepare for class or as a resource.
David S. Adams, WPI professor of biology and biotechnology, has been named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his work on Alzheimer's disease in a mouse model. He has also investigated neuroprotective peptides with therapeutic applications for stroke and heart attacks.
WPI will support teaching and research programs in fire protection engineering with the new facility. The university is home to the world's leading graduate program in fire protection engineering.
The project makes available the original serial parts of Dickens' 15 novels, including Oliver Twist and A Tale of Two Cities, through the Web. The digitized works are expected to increase awareness for Dickens' mastery of the serial form and his impact on mass-market publication.
A novel mist bioreactor system enables the efficient production of murine interleukin-12 in genetically modified tobacco plants. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of new therapies for diseases such as Crohn's, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has been awarded $430,000 by the Department of Homeland Security to develop its precision indoor location system. The funding will enable WPI to further explore enhancements for its existing radio-frequency and radar-based tracking technology.
Researchers at WPI aim to develop a novel method for transforming adult skin cells into stem-like cells using an extract from the African clawed frog. If successful, this could lead to treatments for degenerative diseases like diabetes and Parkinson's.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have created a solar collector system that can harness heat from asphalt roads and parking lots to generate electricity and hot water. The technology has the potential to reduce urban 'heat island' effects and provide a cost-effective source of renewable energy.
A new study reveals that cranberry juice alters the thermodynamic properties of bacteria in the urinary tract, creating an energy barrier that prevents attachment. This effect occurs at concentrations comparable to those found in the urinary tract, suggesting regular consumption may prevent UTIs.
A new study published in Health Physics found that exposure to low levels of radon gas may reduce the risk of developing lung cancer, with a 60% reduction observed at certain levels. The study involved nearly 600 Massachusetts homes and adjusted for factors such as smoking and education.
Dr. Wenjing Lou's comprehensive study will explore the efficiency, throughput, and reliability of multihop wireless networks, enabling the development of more effective wireless technology. The award also supports her efforts to strengthen WPI's academic program in wireless networking.
A new computerized tutoring system aims to help middle school students develop a deep understanding of scientific concepts by teaching them to 'think like scientists.' The system will guide students' learning, assess their progress, and provide feedback automatically to teachers.
The National Professional Science Master's Association will promote and support professional master's degree programs across the nation, encouraging their expansion and excellence. The organization aims to improve workforce preparation and employment opportunities for graduates of these programs.
Yi Hua Ma, a Worcester Polytechnic Institute professor, is honored for his research on hydrogen separation using ultra-thin palladium membranes. His work has reduced the cost of generating hydrogen pure enough to power fuel cells.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute has received funding to develop a precision location system for emergency responders. The system will track the movement and physiological status of workers, addressing two leading causes of firefighter deaths: stress-related heart attacks and getting lost indoors.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have received a four-year, $2 million award to continue development of the ASSISTment intelligent tutoring system. The system will provide teachers and parents with immediate feedback on student performance, helping them offer individualized instruction and track student progress over time.
A new research project at WPI aims to create a reconfigurable computing device that combines speed and power efficiency with low cost and flexibility. The smart cell will use parallel computing to perform hundreds of calculations simultaneously, making it up to 300 times faster than microprocessors.
The American Institute of Chemical Engineers will dedicate two sessions at its annual meeting on November 13, 2006, to honor WPI professor Yi Hua Ma's pioneering work on inorganic membranes and membrane reactors. Ma's research has led to over 100 scholarly publications and four patents.
A group of tannins found in cranberries can transform E. coli bacteria into spheres, alter cell membranes and make it difficult for them to bind to cells. The results suggest whole cranberry products may have the greatest health effects against certain infections.