Articles tagged with Bioengineering
A study published in Pediatric Obesity found that waiting 30 seconds between bites of food can help children realize they're no longer hungry and prevent overeating. The slow eating approach resulted in significant weight loss among participants, with some students losing up to 5.7% of their initial weight after six months.
Researchers at KAUST developed a block copolymer membrane with nanoscale holes, demonstrating molecular selectivity and increased water flux. The new method overcomes practical challenges in fabricating porous membranes, enabling efficient filtration of pollutants from liquids.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a new fabrication process that cuts the time needed to make high-tech flexible sensors in half. The new process uses a peel-and-stick medium and allows for mass-market manufacturing, making it possible to monitor vital signs and brain activity more easily.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have found that lithium chloride can increase the size of primary cilia, disrupting Hedgehog Signalling and potentially treating osteoarthritis. This discovery may lead to new treatments for arthritis and other conditions.
Researchers at Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have created a flying, swimming robotic bee that can transition between air and water. The microrobot, smaller than a paperclip, uses flapping motions inspired by puffins to propel itself through both mediums.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new tool to identify DNA and RNA sequences, which will help detect diseases and design therapies. The method allows for the simultaneous observation of multiple biomarkers by adjusting the brightness of fluorescent probes.
Research reveals that insecticide-treated bed nets function as human-baited insecticidal traps, delivering insecticide quickly to reduce mosquito activity. The study uses infrared video tracking technology to understand how mosquitoes interact with nets and inform future LLIN designs.
Researchers developed a theoretical model to explain the origins of self-replicating molecules. Their work suggests that complex polymers can form rapidly through a template-assisted ligation mechanism, which would have allowed early life on Earth to emerge.
BEACON researchers explore evolutionary dynamics of disease, antibiotic resistance, and climate change using digital organisms, aiming to develop robust solutions for industrial and societal problems. The grant renewal enables further breakthroughs in understanding and harnessing evolution in action.
Assistant Professor Ryan Hartman is awarded $501,000 to research methane's carbon-hydrogen bonds at moderate temperatures. His work could lead to more efficient synthesis of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals, as well as innovative approaches to remote K-12 student engagement.
A recent study published in the journal Science suggests that seahorse tails' square prism shape offers a functional advantage over cylindrical shapes. This unique design could inspire new forms of armor and lead to the development of search-and-rescue robots with improved control and versatility.
The seahorse tail's square shape provides better resistance to twisting and grasping control due to increased contact area. Its resilience is attributed to gliding joints, making it a valuable inspiration for designing search-and-rescue robots and other technologies.
The new membranes show comparable performance to existing commercial membranes but with greater resistance to chlorine-containing chemicals. This technology can reduce operating costs and prevent decreased water flow due to biological fouling.
Researchers developed PolySTAT, an injectable polymer that strengthens blood clots, reducing bleeding in battlefield injuries and traumatic accidents. The synthetic polymer outperforms natural clotting factors and has the potential to treat hemophilia and improve hemorrhaging treatments.
Scientists at UT Arlington discovered that optogenetically stimulating a small area of the brain, specifically the anterior cingulate cortex, can significantly reduce pain behavior in lab mice. This breakthrough could lead to new strategies for managing chronic pain and improving our understanding of pain pathways.
Researchers have developed a new technique to capture real-time 3D images of living organisms, such as zebrafish and fruit flies, allowing for the visualization of their anatomy and functions. This breakthrough uses Optical Projection Tomography, enabling the creation of three-dimensional images up to three millimeters long.
A new framework by UW-Madison engineers helps plot the future of solar fuels by accounting for general variables and big-picture milestones. The tool is designed to remain relevant as researchers experiment with new technologies and ideas, and can be adapted for other energy-related processes.
A Northwestern University study reveals an automated method of analyzing movie citations outperforms human critics and crowd wisdom in predicting a film's significance. The researchers analyzed over 15,000 movies and found that the number of references by other movies is the best predictor of inclusion in the National Film Registry.
A new vaccine technology aims to provide a nonsurgical method for spaying and neutering dogs and cats, potentially reducing the number of animals in shelters and preventing euthanizations. The vaccine targets gonadotropin-releasing hormone, crucial for reproduction in mammals.
The President awarded the nation's highest science and technology honors to 10 individuals who received NSF funding at some point in their careers. Many recipients have made lasting impacts on US competitiveness and quality of life.
The CURF Technology Maturation Fund supports the development of Clemson technologies, increasing the likelihood of commercialization. Five Clemson researchers received funding ranging from $20,000 to $36,000 each.
Engineers at Harvard University have created an untethered soft robot, measuring over half a meter in length, which can carry up to 7.5 pounds on its back. The robot, designed using composite silicone rubber and Kevlar fabric, has withstood extreme conditions such as snow, water, flames, and being run over by a car.
Four doctoral students at Washington University in St. Louis will train in mechanobiology, integrating biology with engineering and other disciplines. They will conduct research on various length scales and develop teaching skills through outreach activities.
Researchers at Northeastern University developed a device that cultivates a single bacterial species, allowing scientists to study and identify the millions of microorganisms that populate the world. The device solves the problem of natural competition between species, enabling the isolation of pure, single-species samples.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania uncover existence of threshold for fluid flow-induced angiogenesis, enabling rapid tumor growth; study paves the way for cancer-fighting drugs and treatments for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have developed conducting polymer films decorated with biomolecules to facilitate cell growth, adhesion, and manipulation. The films are created through hydrogel stamps and can be tailored to various shapes, sizes, and surface properties.
Researchers at MIT analyzed the shells of a sea creature to determine why they are exceptionally tough and optically clear. The shells' unique properties emerge from a specialized nanostructure that allows optical clarity, as well as efficient energy dissipation and localized deformation.
The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) has selected six papers for the 2013 Cozzarelli Prize, honoring originality and excellence in scientific disciplines. The award recipients include studies on planetary formation, task-related 'cortical' bursting, and honey bee pathogen replication.
Researchers created tiny oscillators in oil droplets and found that smaller droplets behaved differently due to partitioning effects, not just stochastic reaction dynamics. This discovery highlights the need for engineers to understand and deal with 'partitioning noise' when designing artificial cells
A new study by Matthew Ravosa and colleagues at the University of Notre Dame reveals that dietary influences play a crucial role in shaping the human skull. Contrary to long-held assumptions about hard object feeding, the research suggests that early human ancestors, such as Australopithecus, relied on tough foods year-round.
The CompGen initiative brings together top faculty in genomic and computational sciences to analyze trillions of nucleotides and better understand the human genome. The facility will enable more accurate and efficient analysis of DNA, incorporating visualization components to visualize genetic data in real time.
Researchers at UEA are developing a virtual birthing simulator that takes into account individual factors such as mother's body shape and baby positioning. The system will enable healthcare professionals to predict potential complications and advise on necessary interventions, aiming to reduce complicated births.
A new strategy for emergency anticoagulant treatment has been developed, using bivalirudin, which reduces the risk of death or serious bleeding by 8.5%, compared to traditional heparin treatment. The EUROMAX clinical trial found that this approach improves patient outcomes without increasing the risk of stent thrombosis.
Researchers have discovered that animals deposit marks to show their presence and retreat from similar marks, revealing the importance of spatial overlap in understanding epidemic disease spread. This finding has significant implications for bio-inspired technologies and animal sociality.
Researchers at Caltech have identified a previously unknown bacterium in the termite gut that may be responsible for most acetogenesis. The bacterium, part of the deltaproteobacteria group, attaches to the surface of a hydrogen-producing protozoan, providing a new understanding of the complex food web in the termite gut.
The Princeton University Art of Science 2013 exhibit features top three awards in a juried competition and People's Choice images. The gallery includes structural diagrams resembling flowers, close-up photographs, and worm images, sparking debate among artists about the nature of art.
The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has selected six papers published in 2012 to receive the Cozzarelli Prize. The prize acknowledges papers that reflect scientific excellence and originality, particularly in physical and mathematical sciences.
Researchers at UC San Diego identify three characteristics of biological materials that can be emulated in man-made materials: light weight, toughness and strength. Bio-inspired designs from nature could lead to better body armor, lighter aircraft and stronger materials.
A UT Arlington bioengineer has created a hybrid imaging system that uses light and sound to produce accurate images of deep tissue, overcoming the challenge of invasive biopsies. The technology could revolutionize the way doctors examine patients, allowing for non-invasive evaluation of intact tissue with improved depth portrayal.
Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a method to recreate unique shell geometries in lab-made microcompartments by altering the acidity of their surroundings. This breakthrough could lead to designed microreactors that mimic cellular functions or deliver therapeutic materials to cells.
The university will provide fellowships to six graduate students in chemistry, three in bioengineering, and three in electrical engineering. The programs aim to increase diversity among Ph.D. students and promote underrepresented populations.
The new textbook on thermodynamics provides a clear structure and mathematical foundations, making it easier for students to understand the subject. It combines mathematical exactness with intuitive approaches, useful for chemists, biologists, and engineers.
Researchers found that cell death leads to wrinkles in biofilms, while stiffness affects wrinkling patterns. They created artificial wrinkle patterns in bacteria to verify their findings, shedding light on the mechanics of cell, tissue and organ formation.
Scientists characterized a unique spring mechanism in cucumber plant tendrils, where they coil further upon pulling the ends, unlike traditional coils. The discovery led to the creation of a new type of twistless spring with high bending stiffness and twisting stiffness.
A new biologically accurate model of background noise in the nervous system has been developed to explain how noise induces delays in neuron responses. The researchers found that modulating two factors can help neurons encode information more accurately.
Researchers at USC's iLab discovered that men focus on a person's mouth when listening to an interview, while women shift their gaze between the speaker's eyes and body. Women are also more easily distracted by people entering the video frame than men.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a lab-on-chip platform that can sort microscopic particles and bits of biological matter using gravity or simple forces. The device, similar to speed bumps on a road, separates particles based on weight, size or other factors, holding promise for early cancer detection.
Researchers at Brown University found that bats use a unique wing motion to reduce energy expenditure, drawing their wings inward on the upstroke. By flexing their heavy, muscular wings, bats conserve up to 65% of inertial energy, a significant advantage in flight.
A symposium on TMJ stem cell biology and engineering presents novel clinical therapy approaches for TMJ disorders. Researchers discuss the origin, homeostasis, differentiation, hormonal regulation, and bioengineering of temporomandibular joint tissues.
In a study of hundreds of online auctions, Northwestern University researchers found that all participants use the optimal strategy, making the auction a game of pure chance. The 'bursty' strategy, which combines exploitation and exploration, is used by participants but ultimately leads to no advantage.
Robert J. Wood, an Associate Professor at Harvard University, has won the prestigious Alan T. Waterman Award for his innovative research in biologically inspired robotics and microfabrication. The award recognizes his work on developing robotic flying insects and a new fabrication technique inspired by children's pop-up books.
Scientists found that a lizard's tail is crucial in preventing forward pitch during leaping. By adding a tail to a robotic car called Tailbot, researchers discovered that it can stabilize its body and remain upright even after stumbling.
New research reveals that columbines achieved a rapid radiation of 70 species through a simple change in cell shape, not cell proliferation. The extent of cell elongation drives diverse spur lengths across species.
University of Louisville bioengineering researchers will use a $3.33 million award from the Wallace H. Coulter Foundation to help commercialize promising academic innovations into medical solutions. The five-year program aims to save, extend and improve patients' lives with a focus on translational research.
Researchers develop method to extract ammonium from liquid animal manure using gas-permeable membrane technology, removing 50% of dissolved ammonium in 20 days. The captured ammonia can be converted into ammonium sulfate fertilizer, potentially offsetting the cost of removal and mitigating environmental pollution.
A mathematical analysis of Pollock's work highlights his deliberate and calculated approach to natural phenomena. The study reveals that Pollock exploited fluid dynamics to create unique aesthetic effects, blurring the line between art and science.
Researchers developed SIMBAS, a self-powered chip that can analyze whole blood samples without external components. The device captures blood cells and separates plasma using gravity-driven flow, enabling disease diagnosis within minutes.
A Northwestern University researcher developed a novel ranking system that evaluates male tennis players through network analysis. According to the study, Jimmy Connors ranks on top due to his long career and matches against other strong opponents. The rankings will be reassessed in 10 years to reflect changes in competition.
Physicist Franz Pfeiffer's research on X-ray phase-contrast imaging has immense potential for applications in medicine and industry. His approach enables improved image contrast with lower doses of radiation, leading to better diagnostic success in tumor detection.
Researchers at Harvard University have designed nanostructured materials that prevent ice formation by repelling water droplets. The breakthrough could lead to efficient and sustainable solutions for keeping surfaces ice-free during harsh winter weather.