Articles tagged with Chemical Engineering
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.
A new Northwestern University study reveals that female faculty in STEM fields face a significant productivity gap, with lower publication rates and fewer resources. The researchers found that disciplines requiring more resources have a wider gap, suggesting historical unequal investment in female faculty may be the root cause.
Scientists have developed a way to create dynamic microtubes by synchronizing the movement of tiny Janus spheres. This process allows for the formation of intricate structures with potential applications in medicine and engineering.
USDA researchers developed a formula to create eco-friendly fire logs and pellets from lawn clippings, agricultural waste, and plant-derived oils. The logs burn brighter, longer, and emit less pollution.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a technique to increase storage density in hard disk drives by using self-organizing substances known as block copolymers. The team has made significant progress, shrinking dots small enough to double storage density and achieving processing times under 30 seconds.
The new electrode is 10 times smaller than its competitors, with a conductive gel pad that cozies up to soft cell membranes, reducing inflammation and improving signal clarity. Long-term testing showed promise in stabilizing immune responses, paving the way for future brain-machine interfaces.
Researchers at NYU, Harvard, and Dow Chemical develop a method to enhance colloidal dispersions, creating particles that spontaneously assemble into structures resembling molecules. This enables the design of complex 3-dimensional structures vital for advanced optical materials.
University of Pennsylvania researchers have found a new way to prevent cracks in nanoparticle films by using a technique called spin-coating to create uniform coatings. This method could be a game-changer for industries that rely on these films, such as electronics and solar cells.
Two USC research groups awarded $2.38M and $220K to study epigenetic drivers of cancer and how NSAIDs prevent colorectal cancer. A third group aims to develop new drugs to inhibit 'undruggable' target molecules.
A multi-university team is developing techniques for creating two-dimensional materials that can fold themselves into three-dimensional structures when exposed to light. The research aims to advance understanding of photoresponsive materials with applications in electronics, manufacturing, and humanitarian relief.
A new law could lift the financial burden of higher education from middle class and working people, easing student debt and college funding cutbacks. The proposed legislation aims to reinvest in public higher education and foster innovation.
The PLoS ONE Synthetic Biology Collection assembles articles on various facets of synthetic biology, a dynamically evolving research area that interconnects multiple disciplines. The collection aims to inspire further progress in the field by providing a dedicated repository for researchers.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University reveals that biogenic particles formed from pine tree emissions are chemically transformed by free radicals, altering their properties and concentrations. This finding can help improve climate and air quality prediction models and enable regulatory agencies to make more effective decisions.
University of Toronto researchers have developed a device that can create three-dimensional, functional tissues through a precise and controlled process. The technology uses biomaterials to form a 'mosaic hydrogel' sheet, onto which cells are seeded in specific placements, mimicking natural cell placement in living tissues.
Computer simulations show that entropy can nudge particles into forming organized structures, with nearly 70% of tested shapes producing crystal-like structures. The researchers used 145 different shapes and analyzed how each behaved under different levels of crowding to predict which types of crystals would form.
The American Chemical Society's Green Chemistry Institute will host a panel discussion on advancing global green chemistry, featuring experts from government, business and academia. The event aims to enhance the profile and importance of green chemistry while linking the global community.
Researchers at Kansas State University have developed a novel process to produce graphene quantum dots and nano-ribbons with controlled shape and size, revolutionizing electronics and optoelectronics. The process uses diamond knives to cleave graphite into nanoblocks, which are then exfoliated to produce ultrasmall sheets of carbon atoms.
Miles C. Barr has developed a lightweight and bendable solar technology that can be integrated into various surfaces, including wallpaper, window shades, and clothing. The technology aims to increase adoption of solar power in the US and developing countries, providing inexpensive power generation.
A team of UT researchers has developed a novel physical form of proteins that can improve treatments for cancer and other diseases by overcoming the major challenge of drug delivery. The new approach enables safe, easy, and effective delivery of drugs to patients, revolutionizing treatment of cancer, arthritis, and infectious disease.
The USAN Council assigns simplified generic names to drugs, using 'stems' that describe characteristics such as function and shape. Examples include '-prazole' for antiulcer medications like esomeprazole.
The artificial leaf technology uses sunlight and renewable ingredients to produce electricity, with the potential to power homes in developing countries. The technology has the potential to provide a low-cost solution for generating electricity, making it an attractive option for households and communities.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have discovered that ionized plasmas can kill bacteria in water for up to a week, making it a potential cheap and effective sterilizer for developing countries. The plasma-generated molecules create a cocktail of highly reactive chemicals that attack and destroy microbes.
University of Toronto researchers identify a new class of compounds with phthalimido molecular fragments, exhibiting unique electro-chemical properties. These compounds have the potential to execute all three tasks needed for a functional organic solar cell, including absorbing light, moving electrons and transporting holes.
The new sensor uses a transparent film of single-walled carbon nanotubes that can stretch up to twice its original length in any direction without permanent deformation. It can detect pressure ranging from a firm pinch to elephant-like pressure, making it suitable for medical applications and prosthetic limbs.
Acrylic paints, famous for their fast-drying properties, pose significant challenges in cleaning due to their additive-rich composition. Researchers are exploring ways to rejuvenate these artworks without compromising their integrity.
Students at the University of Washington have developed a low-technology solution to turn slash piles into biochar, a crumbly charcoal-like product that helps farmers' soil hold water and nutrients. The new method is estimated to be cost-effective and could transform what was once a big problem into a money-making engine for landowners.
The new institute will advance revolutionary materials research and education, focusing on nanomaterials and energy-efficient technology. UCSB will educate future scientists and engineers through corporate internships and a $2 million endowment.
Tobin Marks received the Dreyfus Prize in Chemical Sciences for his work on catalysts enabling recyclable plastics and sustainably produced materials. His research has led to multi-billion dollar industrial processes and enormous energy savings.
Scientists have developed new, eco-friendly plastics that outperform traditional polycarbonate materials in terms of heat resistance and biodegradability. These innovative plastics are set to replace BPA-containing plastics in baby bottles, shopping bags, and other products.
Research finds that benzene and BTEX emissions remained dissolved in the Gulf of Mexico, posing a potential health risk to cleanup workers. However, other substances released by crude oil could become airborne, threatening worker health if inhaled.
Manufacturers are designing products with an end-of-life perspective, incorporating biodegradable materials and easy disassembly. This approach to product stewardship fosters take-back programs and recycling, reducing environmental pollution risks.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered that particles in liquids don't always settle at the bottom based on size or speed. Instead, they arrange themselves in a way that achieves the lowest energy state, often resulting in a layered structure with larger particles at the bottom and smaller ones above.
A monitoring and testing program has consistently shown amounts of toxic substances in Gulf seafood 100-1,000 times smaller than health concerns. Safety monitoring continues despite lingering concerns among scientists and consumers.
The US phase-out of 100-watt bulbs is driving growth for light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which have become ubiquitous in everyday life. LEDs now replace fluorescent lights as backlights in cell phones and laptops, and are poised to become an alternative to incandescents and fluorescents in home lighting.
Professor Ali Khademhosseini, a leading expert in biomedical microdevices and biomaterials, will join the University of Texas at Austin's Department of Biomedical Engineering as a Donald D. Harrington Fellow. He aims to develop tissue-engineered organs and control cell behavior using novel, modular approaches.
Nano-sized particles of titanium dioxide create self-cleaning surfaces on buildings, while carbon nanotubes boost reinforced concrete strength. Nanotechnology also helps make concrete more sustainable by recycling fly ash, reducing environmental impact.
Despite scientific evidence linking BPA to human health problems, regulators question the accuracy of study methods. BPA is widely used in consumer goods and food packaging, raising concerns about exposure levels.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara developed a new method of nanoscopic imaging that could lead to early detection and diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. The study focused on the myelin sheath, a membrane surrounding nerves compromised in MS patients.
Tobin Marks has developed major new industrial catalysts and a deeper understanding of their chemical structures and mechanisms. His research has led to multi-billion dollar industrial processes and enormous savings in energy and resources.
The US is expanding its 20-year-old program to secure and destroy Cold War-era nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction in East Africa. The Cooperative Threat Reduction Program aims to counter the threat of bioterrorism in volatile regions where deadly diseases like Ebola and Marburg viruses occur naturally.
Researchers create a new model of how self-repairing materials function, revealing that an ideal amount of weak bonds can make a material stronger and more resilient. The findings are corroborated by nature's example of the abalone shell, which absorbs stress through stretching and sliding.
Vikas Berry, a Kansas State University assistant professor of chemical engineering, has received a $400,000 CAREER award to study the production of graphene quantum dots. This research could lead to improved electronics and optoelectronics by controlling the properties of graphene.
Richard C. Willson, a professor at the University of Houston, has been recognized as a 2010 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his work in biomolecular recognition sciences and technology development. The honor is a testament to Willson's research contributions.
A new smart grid system aims to optimize energy use, allowing consumers to control their appliances and use electricity during off-peak hours. The proposed 'time of use' pricing strategy could lead to significant cost savings for US households.
University of Washington engineering students have developed a device that uses the sun's rays to detect bacterial and viral contaminants in drinking water. The device, called Solar Disinfection of Water (SODIS), was designed to monitor water disinfection using the sun's rays and has won $40,000 prize from Rockefeller Foundation.
Researchers at UMass Amherst develop a method to produce high-volume chemical feedstocks from pyrolytic bio-oils, a cheap liquid fuel derived from biomass. This process could reduce industry's reliance on fossil fuels worth $400 billion annually.
Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully developed a method using terahertz pulses to manipulate molecular networks in crystalline form. This technique softens crystals without raising temperatures, allowing for potential advances in chemical synthesis and pharmaceutical refinement.
The use of graphics processing units (GPUs) is accelerating the simulation of molecule movement, reducing processing times from years to months for the development of new drugs. Chemists are embracing this technology to streamline computations and accelerate discovery.
Researchers Jacinta Conrad and Jeff Rimer have papers featured in consecutive issues of Science, exploring new method for bacteria to move and developing potential drug targets for L-cystine-based kidney stones. Their work has implications for industries such as food production and military transport.
Carnegie Mellon University has received a five-year, $3.15 million grant to launch an interdisciplinary program exploring the environmental affects and policy implications of nanotechnology. Graduate students from multiple disciplines will participate in a two-year training program to learn about environmental issues pertaining to nano...
A team of researchers has developed a product that makes corn-derived plastics more heat-tolerant, allowing them to be used in hot-filling applications. The heat-deflection temperature modifier is fully biodegradable and up to 90% corn-based.
The US is facing a potential supply crisis due to China's monopoly on 17 key elements essential for various industries, including computer hard drives and military weapons. To address this issue, plans are being developed to resume production at the Mountain Pass mine in southern California.
A new DNA delivery method has been discovered by Virginia Tech chemical engineers, which enhances the delivery of genetic material into cells. The method uses hydrodynamic effects to uniformly deliver DNA over the entire cell surface, resulting in a greatly enhanced transfer of genetic material.
Underhill will investigate how interactions between bacteria lead to collective responses, developing a theoretical framework and computer simulation methods. The award includes educational tools for exploring the role of fluid mechanics in bacterial systems.
Scientists are investigating new clean-up methods to limit environmental damage, including applying dispersants underwater and boosting naturally-occurring bacteria that can break down oil. The effectiveness of these approaches remains to be seen as massive amounts of oil remain in the ocean.
The American Chemical Society's Green Chemistry Institute is developing a universal standard to evaluate chemical products and processes based on their environmental performance. This standard will provide comparative data, making it easier for consumers to choose greener products.
The gypsy moth continues to spread across the US, resistant to effective pesticides. Despite decades of pesticide use, the insect remains a threat to forests and urban landscapes.
A study by American Chemical Society found that kosher products dominate supermarket shelves due to strict standards, appealing to non-Jewish consumers. Rabbis must analyze chemical composition of food ingredients to certify kosher products, highlighting the complexity of kosher certification.
Researchers at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service have formulated low-fat cake mixes and frostings using Fantesk, a microdroplet of trans-fat-free cooking oil encapsulated in cornstarch or wheat flour. These innovations produce cakes with better texture and volume while containing up to 50% less fat.
University of Michigan engineers have found that light can cause rigid nanoparticles to twist into complex shapes. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in superchiral materials, invisibility cloaks, and novel applications in drug delivery, microfluidics, and lithography.