Articles tagged with Chemical Engineering
Researchers discovered that when live bacteria are spun at high speeds, they aggregate and form a dense disk, but when the spinning stops, the disk collapses due to imperfections on its surface. The resulting rapid movement of bacteria away from their origin of rotation creates an explosion-like effect.
A Lehigh University professor has received a prestigious NSF CAREER Award to explore the role of human mesenchymal stem cells in remodeling hydrogel materials for wound healing. Her research aims to develop new biomaterials with optimal properties for tissue regeneration and structural integrity.
A new study suggests that cells can be engineered to overcome evolutionary pressure and stably produce high levels of valuable chemicals by rewiring production cells to slow down growth when they lose production. This allows productive cells to maintain their function even in large-scale fermentations.
Researchers at UT Austin developed a cost-effective method to produce triacetic acid lactone, a biorenewable platform chemical, by engineering yeast Y. lipolytica to increase TAL production tenfold. This breakthrough enables mass production of polyketides for various industrial applications.
Associate Professor Jeffrey Rimer received the award for his pioneering research on crystallization, including the discovery of a natural fruit extract that can dissolve calcium oxalate crystals. His work has transformative implications for drug development and has led to human clinical trials underway.
Israel E. Wachs, Lehigh University professor, has been awarded a Fulbright Senior Scholar Fellowship to research energy-related topics with Gideon Grader and Oz Gazit at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. This fellowship aims to increase mutual understanding between the U.S. and Israel through academic exchange.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have created a first-of-its-kind chemical oscillator using DNA molecules, enabling precise molecular control and complex behaviors. The discovery opens doors to creating molecular machines that can perform sophisticated tasks such as communication and signal processing.
Two Pitt ChemE Professors, James McKone and Chris Wilmer, have been honored as new Fellows at the Scialog: Advanced Energy Storage meeting. They were among 58 early-career researchers recognized for their work on novel electrochemical energy storage innovations.
The partnership aims to apply advanced chemical engineering research to industrial-scale chemical manufacturing, reducing waste generation, utility, and energy costs. The University of Pittsburgh's Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Department is developing new educational programs and internships to prepare students for the industry.
iScience is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal publishing on a continuous basis starting early 2018. It will promote rigorous research that advances a field and reporting with transparent methods, replication studies, and negative results. The editorial board harnesses experts across many different fields.
Researchers at Caltech have created bacteria that can produce chemical compounds with boron-carbon bonds, a breakthrough in synthetic biology. The findings could lead to more economical and environmentally friendly ways to manufacture pharmaceuticals and other products.
Two INRS professors, Shuhui Sun and Federico Rosei, received international recognition for their groundbreaking work on novel materials. Their research focuses on developing renewable energy technologies, with Professor Rosei's discoveries leading to improved solar panels.
Professor Sang-Young Lee's 'all-inkjet-printed flexible batteries on paper' technique fabricates batteries directly on conventional A4 paper using a commercial desktop inkjet printer. This technology enables printing portable electronic devices on any surface, regardless of shape, holding promise for IoT and wearable electronics.
Tandon researcher Jin Montclare develops phosphotriesterase (PTE) variants to neutralize toxic chemical agents, including VX and organophosphorus compounds. Her goal is to create stable, robust, and effective antidotes with improved therapeutic efficacy.
Researchers at KAIST have developed a novel fabrication technology to produce superomniphobic surfaces that can repel liquids, including water and oil. The new approach uses localized photofluidization of azobenzene molecule-containing polymers, resulting in a superior superomniphobic property.
A NJIT graduate student has developed a method to accelerate the combustion of boron, a metal with high energy potential. Adding iron to boron improves ignition and speeds up its burning in air and steam.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new computer model that accurately simulates the interactions between water and alkanes, a family of hydrocarbons. This breakthrough could have far-reaching implications in fields such as energy production, environmental systems and biology.
Researchers from MIT and global partners conducted a comprehensive survey of atmospheric chemistry in a Colorado forest, identifying previously unmeasured semi-volatile and intermediate-volatility organic compounds. The findings provide new insights into air quality, ecosystem health, and climate change.
The American Chemical Society has unveiled its annual 'Talented 12' list, showcasing young scientists working on world-changing projects. The researchers are developing alternative fuel sources, novel cancer treatments and innovative materials for everyday products.
Researchers have developed a catalytic process that can effectively reduce nitrogen oxides emissions from diesel-powered vehicles, particularly during transient and cold-start conditions. The breakthrough could pave the way for more efficient NOx removal technologies, enabling diesel engines to meet stringent emissions regulations.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a new reaction mechanism for zeolite catalysts that can convert nitrogen oxides more efficiently, reducing emissions of smog-causing pollutants. This breakthrough could lead to the development of better catalyst designs for pollution control systems in diesel engines.
A team at MIT has carried out detailed tests that resolve the questions surrounding a compound called lithium iodide, a possible solution to some of the lithium-air battery's problems. The study finds that LiI can enhance water's reactivity and interfere with charging, but suggests ways to suppress these reactions to make it work better.
A new study identifies chemically termolecular reactions, where three molecules participate in breaking and forming bonds, impacting flame propagation speeds and gas phase chemistry. This discovery opens up new possibilities in engine design and understanding planetary atmospheres.
University of Delaware researchers have developed a novel method for creating interpenetrating polymeric networks using blue light, offering a more efficient and sustainable approach. This one-step process enables the formation of complex shapes without solvents or additives, resulting in enhanced toughness and reduced brittleness.
University of Leeds scientists have discovered a way to measure the strength of modern concrete forms using light-refracting coatings. The birefringent coating displays stress positions, allowing researchers to assess concrete toughness against fractures with high precision.
Researchers have developed lightweight, flexible, and simple TENGs from recycled plastics that can generate electricity in self-powered smart toys. The technology has shown promise in creating interactive games without the need for batteries, benefiting children's entertainment and education.
Researchers at RIT are working on developing more efficient, durable and cost-effective carbon nanotube technology for electronic components. The project aims to create affordable carbon wiring with electrical properties competitive with metal wiring.
Chris Wilmer, assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh, has received the AIChE Young Investigator Award for his outstanding research in computational molecular science and engineering. His work focuses on large-scale molecular simulations to find promising materials for energy and environmental applications.
Researchers have developed biodegradable cellulose microbeads that can replace harmful plastic ones contributing to ocean pollution. The beads are made from cellulose, a renewable source, and break down into harmless sugars, reducing the risk of harming marine life.
Researchers have developed a more energy-efficient catalytic process to produce olefins, which are crucial building blocks for polymer production. By analyzing carboranes' role in dehydration reactions, the team created linear relationships between energy input and alcohol characteristics.
The University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering has received a $425,000 NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) grant to support a 10-week summer research program for undergraduates in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering. The program will provide students with hands-on research experience, stipend, and financial as...
The March for Science drew hundreds of thousands of participants worldwide to show support for scientific research and demand continued government funding. The event highlighted the importance of collaborative initiatives in advancing scientific progress.
Researchers analyzed 270 studies and found a mixed picture of nanoparticles' behavior, with their reactions depending on acidity, mineral concentration, and organic substances. The data is inconsistent, insufficiently diverse, and poorly structured, hindering universal predictions.
A prototype device has been developed to remove asphaltenes from crude oil, addressing costly pipeline blockages. The device uses electrokinetics to attract and remove the solidified molecules, improving flow rates and reducing pressure requirements.
A mathematical model shows that injections of peptide CK2.3 can increase bone formation and decrease bone degradation, potentially treating osteoporosis. The researchers used a combination of biological and mathematical models to calculate ideal dosages for humans and mice, aiming to develop a promising remedy for the condition.
Scientists at Northwestern University and University of Michigan report creating the most complex nanoparticle crystal ever made, with potential applications in controlling light, capturing pollutants, and delivering therapeutics. The crystal structure was achieved through a combination of DNA technology and controlled nanoparticle shape.
Researchers from NYU Tandon School of Engineering successfully assembled colloidal spheres into diamond and pyrochlore crystal structures, a breakthrough in creating efficient photonic crystals. The discovery has the potential to increase the efficiency of lasers and miniaturize optical components.
Protein misfolding may have kickstarted chemical evolution, enabling the creation of complex systems and potentially leading to the emergence of life. The study designed multi-phase dynamic chemical networks and self-propagating peptide assemblies with remarkable functions.
The number of new therapeutic drugs approved by the FDA was significantly lower in 2016 compared to previous years, with only four cancer drugs receiving approval. Delays in pharmaceutical manufacturing plants and a reduction in cancer drug approvals contributed to this trend.
Researchers have developed a chemical-biological strategy for microRNA target identification using photo-clickable miRNAs. This approach enables the identification of target genes associated with miRNAs without disrupting their function, revealing new insights into miRNA-involved cellular regulation pathways.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University successfully created DNA nanotube bridges that connected two molecular landmarks on the surface of a lab dish. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new medical devices and technologies that can communicate directly with cells, potentially revolutionizing the field of nanotechnology.
Researchers at MIT have developed a fast and precise printing process that can fabricate electronic surfaces for a wide range of applications. The team has created stamps made from carbon nanotubes that can print electronic inks onto rigid and flexible surfaces, enabling the creation of high-performance, fully printed electronics.
Controlling polymer chain conformations may enable fast and flexible electrical circuits, revolutionizing the field of flexible electronics. Researchers developed new polymers that increase mobility in organic thin film transistors by over 10 times.
A Northwestern University study found that female faculty in STEM disciplines, particularly genomics, face challenges in collaboration patterns and career advancement. Despite having similar collaborator numbers, females tend to return to the same collaborators less often than males.
A Northwestern University study found that female faculty are underrepresented in genomics, with unequal collaboration patterns and negative cultural milieus detected. The researchers found that women have as many collaborators as men but tend to return to the same collaborators less often.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University discovered that semi-volatile organic compounds can easily diffuse between atmospheric particles, altering their behavior. The findings provide greater understanding of how these particles change in the atmosphere, crucial for understanding their impact on environment and human health.
Researchers from University of Granada utilize alperujo and used cooking oil to produce surface active agents. They use biotechnological methods to ferment alperujo and convert used cooking oil into monoglycerides and diglycerides, reducing environmental impact and increasing the value of waste streams.
A team of University of Toronto scientists has discovered a way to convert gaseous carbon dioxide into energy-rich fuel in a carbon-neutral cycle. Silicon nanocrystals meet the criteria for a highly active and selective catalyst, making them an efficient material for harvesting sunlight and converting CO2 into fuel.
Scientists have discovered a way to control the interactions among microscopic spheres, causing them to self-propel into swarms, chains, and clusters. This breakthrough enables various applications in medicine, chemistry, and engineering, as well as advancing our understanding of collective dynamic behavior.
A new mathematical formula developed by Professor Grant Campbell could lead to increased yields of nutritious flour. By understanding the breakage characteristics of hard and soft wheats, plant breeders may be able to cross-breed new wheat strains with improved flour quality.
Ricardo Sosa, a University of Houston student, has been awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship to continue his research on kidney stones. He will study how organic modifiers affect kidney stone growth, potentially leading to new treatments or prevention methods.
A researcher at Lehigh University is pioneering a unique approach to treat bacterial infections by targeting outer membrane vesicles, which can deliver toxins to healthy cells. Her work has the potential to develop broad-range antibacterial molecules and improve antibiotic stewardship.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new method for trapping multiple particles in solution, which relies on fluid flow to manipulate and assemble particles. The Stokes Trap technique can trap a range of submicron- to micron-sized particles, including single DNA molecules, vesicles, drops or cells.
Biomedical engineers at the University of Toronto have identified an up-and-coming technique called affinity-controlled release, which allows proteins to stay at treatment sites for longer periods. This technology has potential applications in treating a range of medical conditions, including diabetes and stroke.
Scientists have successfully formed nanowires using a combination of atomic layer arrangements and real-time monitoring. The breakthrough discovery aims to control the properties of materials, enabling more efficient electronic devices and future generations of transistors.
Scientists struggle to study Zika due to low symptom visibility and lack of approved tests. Pharmaceutical companies are racing to develop vaccines, but a broader approach targeting multiple viruses could provide future protection
Researchers at Caltech have developed a visual readout method using analytical chemistries and image processing to quantify single nucleic-acid molecules, enabling the use of any cell-phone camera. This technology has potential applications in limited-resource settings for disease diagnosis.
Dr. Christine Grant, NC State University, received the 2015 AAAS Mentor Award for supporting diverse students in chemical engineering. She has mentored hundreds of students, including underrepresented minorities and women, resulting in an increase in their pursuit of Ph.D.'s.
A RIKEN group led by Kosuke Morita has discovered element 113, the first superheavy element found in Asia. The discovery was confirmed through a series of experiments that demonstrated the decay chain of the new element.
The WHO classified glyphosate as a probable carcinogen, but a German review found it unlikely to pose a carcinogenic risk. Roundup's diminishing effectiveness has led to the development of resistance by weeds, prompting farmers to seek alternative methods and products.