Articles tagged with Bioengineering
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.
Research team discovers unique gut sliding movement in caterpillars, which inspires design of soft material robots. These 'softbots' can move without visible leg translations and are suitable for search-and-rescue operations and space applications.
Researchers designed a floating barrier with two rows of pilings to protect levees from wave action, dissipating 75% of wave energy. The design was more effective and cost-efficient than previous methods.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed programmable matter by folding, allowing a single sheet to transform into a boat- or plane-shape. The technology uses origami techniques and features smart cups that can adjust to liquid levels and other tools with multiple functions.
Tessier is investigating fundamental aspects of misfolding and clumping of three classes of proteins, which can lead to disorders like Alzheimer's disease and glaucoma. His long-term objective is to develop new therapies to treat diseases related to toxic protein aggregation.
Researchers developed a method to quantify player performance in team activities, ranking soccer players based on their contributions. This approach uses network analysis and statistical methods to evaluate player performance, producing results that closely match expert opinions.
The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has selected six papers for the 2009 Cozzarelli Prize, acknowledging originality and scientific excellence across physical and mathematical sciences, biological sciences, engineering, biomedical sciences, behavioral and social sciences, and applied biological sciences. The award recog...
Researchers at UC San Diego are developing new regenerative therapies for heart disease using adult stem cells and supportive materials. The study found that cells placed in these materials differentiate into cardiac muscle more effectively, offering a promising solution to treat cardiovascular diseases.
A new cancer vaccine has successfully eliminated tumors in mice by reprogramming the mammalian immune system. The implant-based vaccine targets tumor-specific antigens and directs T cells to hunt down and kill cancerous cells, providing durable protection against relapse.
Researchers at Harvard University used an analog model and mathematical simulations to understand how a long leaf is formed. They found that elastic strain resulting from differential growth leads to the elegant arc and serrated surface of leaves like the plantain lily.
The Rice University-M.D. Anderson Cancer Center program provides incoming graduate students with early exposure to translational research and clinical practice. The HHMI funding renewal will allow the program to expand to include students from M.D. Anderson's Department of Imaging Physics.
A new synthetic method creates longer polymer chains, increasing current density in plastic solar cells. The reduced reaction time cuts production time by nearly 50%, making it easier to optimize chemical structure and reduce manufacturing costs.
A Northwestern University study reveals that Albert Einstein and other famous writers followed a similar pattern of correspondence, writing in cycles and adhering to a circadian cycle. The research, published in Science, demonstrates the universality of human behavior patterns across different activities.
The Case Center for Synchrotron Biosciences will provide three Technology Cores to support the study of proteins and nucleic acids. The center's facilities will enable researchers to understand the structure and function of proteins, including in vivo studies, as well as investigate the role of metal atoms in proteins.
The Harvard research team aims to advance micro-manufacturing, ultra-low-power computing and multi-agent coordination using nature as inspiration. They will create artificial sensors and coordination algorithms to mimic the collective behavior of a bee colony.
Higher frequency vibrations cause immediate changes in peripheral vascular systems, while lower frequency vibrations can lead to long-term vascular problems. Researchers found increased oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory factors in rats exposed to higher frequencies.
Researchers developed a technique to restore P2P privacy by hiding user-intended downloading behavior in a cloud of random downloads. This approach disrupts classification and provides users with 'plausible deniability,' making it difficult for eavesdroppers to accurately identify groups of users with similar download behavior.
The University of Chicago's Biophysical Sciences program has received a $2 million training grant to provide intensive interdisciplinary training for graduate students. The program, led by Adam Hammond, aims to produce scientists conversant across disciplines and able to combine multiple methods in new ways.
Biologist Professor H. Allen Orr has been awarded the Darwin-Wallace Medal for his groundbreaking research on speciation and reproductive isolation between species. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of evolution, particularly in the context of gene function and dominance theory.
Dr. Dennis Hall's research reveals new ways to activate organic molecules, leading to significant uses for compounds like amides in pharmaceutical drugs. His work contributes to making chemistry more environmentally friendly by increasing efficiency and reducing waste.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that electrostatic interactions alone can give rise to helical shapes in molecules, shedding light on how nature generates chirality. Their work shows that this phenomenon is a result of simple interactions and has implications for understanding complex phenomena.
Researchers studied e-mails sent from over 3,000 accounts and found that people don't respond to e-mails randomly, but rather in cycles influenced by their daily routines. The model reveals non-random intervals between e-mails, including times when people are sleeping.
Researchers analyzed dense colonies of Escherichia coli bacteria to understand biomechanical ordering. They found a dynamic change from disorder to alignment and developed a model of collective cell dynamics.
Naren Vyavahare aims to extend the durability of bioprosthetic heart valves beyond 20 years through chemical linking of neomycin to tissue. Improved durability will enable surgeons to implant valves in younger patient populations with reduced risk of failure.
Researchers created molecular tubes composed of wound-up DNA strands with controlled circumferences, enabling diverse nanotechnology applications. The breakthrough utilizes single-stranded DNA tiles to form tubes with varying diameters, promising to design complex self-assembling molecular systems.
The Citipix Collection, valued at over $14.3 million, is a historic snapshot of urban history in the US at the turn of the century. The collection consists of 500,000 color-stereo images taken between 1999-2002, providing clear detail up to six inches off the ground.
Researchers found that administering a simple polymer, Polyethylene glycol, within four hours of a head injury can limit damage and improve behavioral tests in rats. The treatment is potentially feasible for victims of traumatic brain injury, especially when delivered at the scene of an accident.
A large 3D model of the Blue Tongue virus has been created by WMG engineers, helping biologists devise new ways to combat the virus and potentially develop anti-viral drugs. The model is 5,200,000 times larger than the real thing and will be on display at the Royal Society's Summer Science Exhibition.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a low-temperature, catalyst-free method for growing copper nanowires, suitable for integration into electronic devices. The copper nanowires can serve as interconnects and electron emitters in field-emission displays, which could lead to longer-lasting displays.
Scientists discover squid beak is both extremely hard and stiff at the tip and soft at the base, allowing it to capture prey without harming itself. This unique property inspires new possibilities for joining materials together.
Engineers at Harvard University have developed a novel optical tweezer that can perform calibrated force measurements with high precision. The device, consisting of a Fresnel Zone Plate fabricated on a glass slide, has the potential to revolutionize biological and microfluidic applications.
Scientists at UC Berkeley have discovered a technique that enables the detection of biomolecules' dynamic reactions in a single living cell, providing unprecedented resolution. By using gold nanoparticles, researchers can determine enzyme activation and gene expression in real-time without killing the cells.
Ten Yale researchers have been named AAAS Fellows in recognition of their distinguished efforts to advance science, including Paul Anastas and Sankar Ghosh. The new fellows will be inducted at the 2008 AAAS Annual Meeting.
Researchers at IBN, IMCB, and GIS successfully developed a miniaturized device to detect the H5N1 virus in less than half an hour, showing promise for pre-emptive surveillance of avian flu epidemics. The device integrates multiple workflows into a single droplet-based system, offering potential advantages over existing tests.
Researchers at Louisiana State University studied the effects of gold-based nanoparticles on cell freezing, which could impact cancer treatment. Despite initial expectations, the study found significant damaging interaction between nanoparticles and cancer cells.