Articles tagged with Environmental Engineering
The recipient of the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship will be announced on September 20. The winner, a talented individual in the field of laser technology, will receive a $500,000 grant with no conditions or restrictions.
Researchers have created new stain-resistant coatings that use novel short-chain fluorocarbons, reducing the environmental impact of PFOA. The compounds perform as well as conventional coatings and have been filed for patent, offering a potential solution to reduce PFOA in environments.
PNNL's ecological dock design reduces harm to nearshore marine life, while a new system tracks juvenile salmon behavior, aiding restoration of critical habitats. The lab also developed a cost-effective nanomaterial to remove mercury from industrial wastes, significantly reducing production costs.
Researchers gather stories from two communities in Essex to understand people's assumptions and values on environmental risks. The study aims to give more insight into the social, cultural and local factors that influence attitudes towards technological risks.
The NIST/EPA study found frequent instances of underventilation and overventilation in US buildings, leading to poor air quality and occupant discomfort. Regular maintenance checks are urged to address these issues.
A new study by NIST/EPA finds high concentrations of PBDEs in household dust, suggesting a primary source of exposure for humans. Small children are at highest risk due to their tendency to put hands and toys in their mouths.
The INEEL-designed Munitions Assessment System processes drums containing multiple chemical munitions, using digital radiography and computed tomography to identify chemical fill. The system also includes portable isotopic neutron spectroscopy for accurate chemical analysis.
The Global Technology Confidence Index post-election survey found that US tech firms are optimistic about the re-election of President Bush, with over half believing it will benefit their industry. The report also revealed mixed views on business and technology confidence, with some regions experiencing a sharp decline in optimism.
Dr. Boswell is recognized for his achievements in civil and environmental engineering projects, including the Secaucus Interchange and Southern New Jersey Light Rail Transit System. He has also received numerous awards for his community service and entrepreneurial endeavors.
The Global Technology Confidence Index fell back to its lowest level for a year, with Japan and Europe experiencing significant downturns. In contrast, China's business confidence index showed an upward trend, indicating a surge in sales growth.
Researchers have successfully grown ultralong carbon nanotubes that exhibit superior electrical properties to copper, a world record for nano-materials of this length. The discovery paves the way for innovative applications in supercomputers and healthcare.
A US team of biomedical engineering students from Johns Hopkins University has won a British biotech business plan competition. The team presented their idea for an automated retina imaging device to a panel of judges in Edinburgh, Scotland, and was selected as one of the top four teams representing North America.
The Geologic and Environmental Probe System (GEOPS) is an innovative technology that allows scientists to directly measure hazardous chemicals in the soil. By inserting the probe into the ground without disturbing the surrounding soil, researchers can gather accurate data quickly and efficiently, saving time and money.
Researchers from UMaine and China collaborate on a joint expedition to study atmospheric circulation and global warming. They successfully melted an 87-meter ice core using a device built at UMaine, shedding light on changes in the region's climate.
Loewen, an INEEL scientist, has been selected for a congressional fellowship to share his knowledge of nuclear science and technology with a member of Congress. The fellowship aims to bring a knowledgeable view of nuclear matters to Congress and provide a resource for Congress in science and engineering.
Researchers found that UV light combined with certain coatings can lower cell adhesion by 15-50% on glass and metal-oxide coated surfaces, reducing bacterial contamination. Higher intensity light is more effective than lower intensity UV light in preventing biofouling.
Researchers find that pocket gophers' underground activities increase plant diversity and productivity by loosening soil and aerating it. This discovery has implications for restoring native habitats in California.
A recent MIT study explores the effects of terrorism on global supply chains, highlighting the importance of vulnerability maps and flexible supply chains in minimizing disruption. The research also emphasizes the need for corporate cultures to prioritize communication and security.
The new center aims to develop scientific principles for nanoscale materials and integrate them into larger systems. It will provide researchers with state-of-the-art capabilities to explore, fabricate, and study nanoscale materials.
Penn State's new thermoacoustic chiller uses helium gas to keep ice cream in delicious condition without damaging the atmosphere. The technology has potential for widespread use in applications where chemical refrigeration is difficult or banned due to global warming.
A study by Andrea Ferro found that common household activities like dusting, vacuuming, and even walking around can resuspend house dust, increasing exposure to particulate pollution. This can aggravate health problems like asthma and decrease lung functioning.
The device captures aerosol particles with an electrical field, charging and trapping them to destroy bioagents. Smart nanoparticles catalyze oxidation to completely deactivate organisms.
Stanford University researchers use video cameras to capture daily activities of healthy children in various environments. By analyzing these recordings, they create detailed models of how children ingest or become exposed to substances like lead and pesticides. This approach allows for the collection of tens of thousands of data point...
The Georgia Institute of Technology's NSF ADVANCE program is addressing subtle inequities that affect women's advancement in academia. The research-driven approach focuses on how environments shape positive or negative outcomes, with a emphasis on improving collaboration, equitable evaluations, and access to tacit knowledge.
A recent study by the American Chemical Society found that MTBE alternatives pose a similar environmental threat to their predecessor, with TBA contamination occurring at a scale similar to MTBE. The researchers suggest that better storage tank design and leak detection techniques can prevent such threats.
The inaugural report highlights key findings on technology alignment, IT security, and business prospects, providing a dynamic tool for organizations to sharpen their technology strategies. The GTCI report covers five major categories, including General Economic and Globalization, Human Capital, Technology Alignment, Technology Innovat...
Materials scientist George Harman suggests using corrosion-resistant metals like gold and newer polymers to create microelectronic interconnections that can withstand extreme temperatures. He also proposes the use of flip chips with gold contacts to produce heat-resistant spacecraft electronics.
The new yellow bus features alternative fuel, a low floor, and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), providing easy accessibility for passengers. The bus is designed to reduce dependence on foreign energy sources and protect national parks' pristine environment.
Researchers are investigating how ethanol content affects exhaust emissions from vehicles meeting current and upcoming emission standards. The study aims to better understand the impact of fuel properties on toxic emissions entering the atmosphere.
New technique uses electron beams and ultraviolet light to remove chlorine ions from polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), reducing toxicity and enhancing biodegradation prospects. The method shows promise for decontaminating sediments contaminated with PCBs, a potential risk factor for cancer.
The Change Detection System (CDS) technology developed by INEEL researchers uses computer analysis and human reflex to highlight subtle differences between digital images. This breakthrough technology has potential applications in various fields, including medicine, security, forensics, and field research.
A new microdialysis probe can detect cytokine markers indicating early infection or rejection responses to implants. This detection method aims to bioengineer the site for optimal device performance, ultimately benefiting public health and economic development.
Researchers at UC Riverside have made a breakthrough in single neuron positioning on microelectrodes, enabling the study of brain functions and diseases like dementia. This technology has the potential to benefit public health directly by providing a better understanding of how the brain functions.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed polymeric brushes with gradient compositional densities, allowing materials to alter their response to environmental changes. These structures can be used in applications such as artificial skin, wound healing, and coatings that provide a barrier against corrosive substances.
Researchers from Delft University of Technology found that reinforced high-strength concrete cracks less quickly than previously believed. By omitting extra steps during the hardening process, costs can be saved and environmental impact reduced.
STERIS's Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) technology has been demonstrated to be effective in decontaminating large areas contaminated with anthrax spores. The process breaks down into water vapor and oxygen, producing no hazardous by-products or reactivity with other materials.
Birks, a renowned Boulder chemist, has won the ACS Award for Creative Advances in Environmental Science and Technology. He is developing smaller instruments to measure atmospheric gases using balloons, which may have medical benefits, such as tracking nitric oxide levels for asthma treatment.
The 'What's That Stuff?' column in Chemical & Engineering News is one of five top sites recognized by Scientific American for informative and engaging chemistry content. The column has been widely shared among scientists, students, educators, and industry professionals, who appreciate its ability to make everyday materials fascinating.
Researchers successfully recovered a mooring from the seafloor near the North Pole, retrieving 3,500 pounds of instruments and equipment. The mooring was in place for a full year, eight times longer than the previous record, providing valuable data on the Arctic Ocean's climate and water conditions.
Researchers at Stanford University studied the Caribbean spiny lobster's ability to track odors using its antennules, finding that rapid downstroke allows high-resolution information capture while slow upstroke provides time for analysis. The findings could help develop robots for plume tracing underwater.
Researchers successfully tested a corn-based activated carbon for removing mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants, achieving results comparable to commercial products. The technology demonstration marked the first time this approach was applied to high-sulfur Illinois coal flue gas.
Researchers at INEEL have developed a revolutionary Super Hard Steel coating with unparalleled hardness properties, surpassing existing commercial coatings in wear and corrosion resistance. The coating can withstand extreme conditions, including high velocity blasting, and is nearly impossible to remove.
A $2.75 million endowment will enhance Cranfield's research in nanotechnology, enabling the creation of new professorial posts and research fellowships. The donation is seen as a timely boost to support Britain's wealth creation through this key technology.
Research by Wayne Ahr and his team seeks to improve recovery methods for mature oil fields, aiming to extract between one-third and one-half of the remaining oil. The team uses computer modeling, geological analysis, and detergents to force out residual oil from porous rocks.
The Idaho National Laboratory's Rapid Solidification Process (RSP) Tooling has been recognized by the Department of Energy for its innovative approach to fabricating precision tooling. This process enables mass-produced items to be created more quickly and cheaply, reducing production costs and turn-around time.
Professor Shuji Nakamura of University of California, Santa Barbara, has been awarded the 2000 Honda Prize for his inventions of blue, green, and white light emitting diodes (LEDs). The energy-efficient white LED will replace incandescent lights, reducing energy consumption by up to 50%.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a tele-immersion technique that uses digital cameras, tracking gear, and polarized glasses to create a three-dimensional 'telepresence' experience. This allows participants from different locations to feel as if they're in the same room, enabling new possibilities for remote ...
High-tech entrepreneur Michael J. Fitzpatrick and his wife, Patty, are donating $25 million each to establish new centers for advanced photonics at Stanford and Duke universities. The centers will attract top students and faculty, and facilitate industry partnerships to develop cutting-edge photonics technologies.
The US-funded Mag-train propulsion prototype, Seraphim, uses magnetic repulsion to push a vehicle forward and provide braking. It is expected to decrease environmental degradations and enable high-speed connections between cities in the western suburbs.
Researchers at University of Warwick develop Cybersphere, a VR system that allows users to move freely in virtual environments. The technology combines high power projectors and rotation sensors to provide a fully immersive visual experience.
A new complex launched at the University of Warwick features a 3D cinema that enables large groups of senior managers and engineers to visualize and collaborate on product design projects in 3D. This technology will facilitate geographically dispersed teams across large enterprises to work together more efficiently.
A new study by Georgia Tech finds that industrializing countries in Asia are catching up with the US in technology exports, thanks to an information-based economy. The US remains the leader but faces tougher competition, particularly from China and India.
The new Marshall Institute is a concept for delivering training to employees, based on a commitment to lifelong learning. It will feature a catalog of courses, an advisory council, and partnerships with industry and academia to keep employees abreast of the latest learning processes and technologies.
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has launched a 25-year research effort to improve understanding of the vadose zone, where contaminants can migrate into groundwater. The initiative aims to advance characterization, monitoring and modeling science and technology to support cleanup and long-term stewardship decisions.
The Magic Book project enables readers to move from a real-world reading experience to an immersive virtual environment, interacting with characters and objects. This technology has applications in storybooks, technical manuals, and textbooks, offering a seamless transition between physical and virtual environments.
Researchers at Purdue University have created microspheres that protect medicines from stomach acid and allow controlled release in the intestines. The microspheres use polyacrylic acid, a superabsorbent material, to absorb liquids and release medicine in the small intestine.
LSU will create a new engineering discipline to address design concepts behind buildings and infrastructure in hurricane-prone regions. The program will offer courses in civil engineering and disaster engineering for upper-level undergraduates and graduate students.
Representatives from over 20 organizations, including universities and government labs, will share their latest technology innovations at the fair. The event aims to facilitate collaboration between innovators and potential investors or producers.
The stern flap design has reduced the power required to propel Spruance and Ticonderoga-class destroyers, resulting in annual fuel savings of 3,600-4,700 barrels. The Navy plans to retrofit these ships with stern flaps, as well as Arleigh Burke and Oliver Hazard Perry classes, leading to an estimated $380 million in life cycle savings.
The lab has developed a Knife Failure Detector to reduce food production losses and ensure product quality, as well as a radiation dose measurement system for safe food irradiation. Additionally, ultra barrier coatings have been created to enable the use of plastic in electronic display panels.