Articles tagged with Bioengineering
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.
A biology professor at Northern Arizona University is developing ways to help rivers rebound to their natural ecosystems after dams are removed. Her team has successfully restored Fossil Creek's ecosystem, serving as a national case study in dam decommissioning.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered that Yellow Underwing moths change their ear sensitivity to bats' calls when being chased, and remain tuned for several minutes after. This phenomenon challenges current understanding of bat-moth co-evolution and has implications for other hearing systems in animals.
Three Stanford University School of Medicine researchers, Kwabena Boahen, Karla Kirkegaard, and David Relman, have won the NIH Director's Pioneer Award. They will receive $2.5 million over five years to pursue new research directions that are not already funded.
The LifeChips program aims to develop broad-based skills in students combining engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, and medicine for life science research. Graduates will be prepared to lead the next generation of LifeChips research, making scientific discoveries and transforming them into technologies.
The University of Houston is collaborating with the US Navy to develop nanomagnetic biosensors for detecting biological warfare agents and land mines. The program aims to create high-sensitivity techniques for improving land mine detection.
Vorticella's contractile fiber bundle, the spasmoneme, uses calcium as fuel and a powerful centrin-based mechanism to generate enormous forces. Researchers identified centrin as the key component, which is also found in filamentous structures of other organisms.
Scientists confirm that bacteria follow ecological laws similar to those of plants and animals, with significant implications for medicine, agriculture, and pollution control. The discovery may allow researchers to predict fundamental diversity patterns of bacterial communities and engineer them to perform useful tasks.
A team of engineers has successfully removed bioaerosols from a hospital therapy pool using a new generation of hybrid filters. The filters reduced concentrations of culturable bacteria by up to 80% and total bacteria by up to 76%, significantly improving pool safety and reducing illness risks.
Drezek has been recognized by the Beckman Foundation for her research on novel optical molecular imaging technologies for early cancer detection. Her award includes a three-year $264,000 grant to develop and refine this technology.
The new center will merge nanotubes with organic molecules to create sensors or nanomachines small enough to fit on a virus. Researchers will design and assemble building blocks to develop new devices and systems.
HHMI and NIBIB will invest up to $35 million in interdisciplinary PhD programs to support biomedical scientists with cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills. The programs aim to prepare researchers for complex biomedical challenges.
Nine UCSD students are conducting nine-week research projects in Japan, Taiwan, and Australia through the Pacific Rim Undergraduate Experiences (PRIME) program. They will work with local researchers to develop their skills in cyberinfrastructure and cultural understanding.
The 'tango array' device can sort particles ranging from bacterial cells to DNA segments in a matter of seconds, distinguishing them by size. This breakthrough technology has the potential to greatly accelerate biological research and replace some centrifuge devices.
Researchers discovered an optimal shape of nanoscale contact surface that enhances adhesion strength, which becomes insensitive to small variations at a critical size scale of around 100 nanometers. This finding suggests combining size reduction and shape optimization for robust and reliable adhesion.
A Rice bioengineer has won the 'Create the Future' design contest with a device that uses acoustic waves to measure bone structural integrity. The OsteoSonic TM system offers advantages over existing radiological diagnostics and is currently undergoing testing.
A team of experts envisions an intelligent implant that can detect debilitating bacterial infections early, identify the bacteria responsible, and provide targeted therapy. The project aims to develop a prototype within seven years, with technology advancements expected to overcome technical hurdles.
Craighead's research focuses on developing chip-based chemical and biochemical analysis systems with high-speed capabilities. He aims to create rapid medical diagnosis or environmental monitoring tools using microfluidic systems and engineered nanostructures.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a technique called photocapillarity that uses light beams to pull water up tiny tubes, overcoming challenges in building nano-scale pumps and valves. This technology may one day be used for targeted distribution of medicine in the body.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has named Dr. Etta Z. Falconer and Dr. James H.M. Henderson as recipients of the Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement. Both awardees have made significant contributions to increasing diversity among doctoral students in the sciences.
The Rice center will focus on the interaction between nanometer-sized materials and water, aiming to develop new medical therapies and solve environmental engineering problems. The center will also provide educational and industrial outreach activities, including training teachers and supporting startup ventures.
The Penn team will focus on contusions and examine individual neurons' responses to injury. They aim to identify patterns of genes and proteins that are activated or suppressed, which could lead to new medications and treatments.
David Meaney, a 35-year-old associate professor of bioengineering, has won the prestigious Y.C. Fung Award for his groundbreaking research on injury biomechanics and axon growth. His work focuses on how brain cells respond to mechanical forces, with potential applications in bridging damaged areas of the nervous system.
Weixiong Zhang developed an algorithm to tackle the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP), a classic planning and scheduling problem, and found it to be the best solution for half of the tested problems. The algorithm has real-world applications in logistics, business, and even biological data analysis.
Renowned botanist Peter H. Raven is among the 12 scientists to receive the prestigious National Medal of Science. He has made significant contributions to plant systematics and evolution, introducing the concept of coevolution and preserving biodiversity worldwide.
Researchers have found that large aggregates of bacteria and plankton collide with particles millions of times faster than predicted, leading to enhanced coagulation in wastewater treatment and industrial manufacturing. This discovery has significant implications for the ocean's carbon dioxide balance and global atmospheric conditions.
A UC Berkeley study reveals that geckos' tiny foot hairs can create an adhesive force 10 times stronger than needed to pull a gecko off the wall. The unique spatulae on each hair allow for rapid attachment and detachment.
The National Research Council will assemble a committee of experts to consider how undergraduates can gain knowledge and skills needed for research careers in the rapidly changing biomedical sciences. The committee will produce a report with recommendations, along with case studies and a review of best practices.
Aging hamsters who received a new biological clock had their lifespan increased by 20%, proving the importance of circadian rhythms to health and longevity. Behavioural modifications, such as structured light-dark cycles, may achieve similar benefits in humans.
The USGS conducts a continent-wide bird survey using over 2,500 skilled amateur birders and professional biologists. The organization also monitors water quality at abandoned mines, assesses woodcock survival, and launches the Frogwatch USA program to engage scientists and the public in amphibian conservation.
Professor Robert Bower, a pioneer in semiconductor technology, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering for his groundbreaking work on the self-aligned gate MOSFET and ion implantation. His invention revolutionized integrated circuit design, enabling faster and more efficient electronic devices.
The Johns Hopkins Program in Computational Biology aims to bridge the gap between physical and biological sciences by providing interdisciplinary training to graduate students. The program will focus on cutting-edge genomics research, enabling students from diverse scientific backgrounds to tackle complex biological problems.
A four-year study by Cornell University and the University of California, Davis, found that monitoring early carbon monoxide emissions can help increase efficiency and prevent odors in municipal composting. The study identifies carbon monoxide as a reliable predictor of pending objectionable odors.
A nationwide study by the University of Florida suggests that women scientists and engineers struggle to balance their careers with family responsibilities. The survey found that 62% considered work-life balance their biggest challenge, while conflicts between tenure and biological clocks were a major concern for many.
The USGS has released a new seismic hazard map for the Western Hemisphere, providing a comprehensive tool for assessing potential earthquake damage. The map is the result of nearly a decade of cooperative work by scientists from around the world and will be available online and in various publications late this year.
Cornell University researchers have developed simple but effective means to detect harmful bacteria using nanofabrication and biology. The new biosensors can be read using a laser beam and provide an instant reading of bacterial contamination, making them ideal for use in food production lines or other sensitive areas.
Penn State researchers develop a finite difference method to simulate sonic boom noise for both simple and complex ocean surfaces. The new technique allows for accurate predictions of underwater noise, paving the way for the development of supersonic passenger aircraft with minimal impact on marine life.
The USGS report provides a detailed overview of the nation's wetland resources, including their types, distribution, and conservation efforts. The 103 million acres of remaining wetlands in the United States support critical habitat for waterfowl and reduce flood severity while improving water quality.
Federal contributions to US university R&D facilities decreased from $541 million to $207 million between 1990-91 and 1994-95. The decline led to a shortage of research space, with over half of institutions reporting inadequate amounts in various fields.
Researchers estimate Tyrannosaurus Rex could exert a biting force of up to 3,011 pounds on its prey, with 58 definite T-rex bite marks found on a Triceratops pelvis. The powerful dinosaur's teeth were as strong as those of an alligator, suggesting it could have struggled with its prey.
New Cornell University research reveals the physics behind microwave cooking, explaining why microwaved food can be soggy and how internal pressure affects moisture loss. Understanding this physics enables food companies to design foods that cook better in microwaves.