Articles tagged with Industrial Production
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a way to reverse copper nanoparticle oxidation using light, potentially leading to an eco-friendly production process for propylene oxide. The discovery has significant implications for the chemical industry, which currently produces large quantities of unwanted chemicals.
Researchers directly verified a state of transition where molecules hover above the catalyst before flying away, opening up possibilities for improving catalysts. This study uses the world's strongest X-ray laser to observe ultrafast chemical reactions in real-time.
Scientists used ultrafast X-ray pulses to study a chemical reaction in real-time, revealing surprising details of a short-lived early state at the catalyst's surface. The study offers important clues about how catalysts work, which is essential for producing new energy sources and reducing pollution.
Researchers have developed a high-efficiency process that converts various biomass types into crude bio-oil, yielding an energy efficiency of 85-90%. The process is environmentally friendly and accepts all kinds of biomasses, with potential to replace fossil fuels in transportation.
A special issue of Industrial Biotechnology explores innovative uses of nanotechnology in food and agriculture, including nanoparticle bioactivity, soil denitrification, and nutrient microencapsulation. Researchers discuss promising applications and methods for industrial biotech innovation.
A Korean research team successfully produced 5-aminovaleric acid and glutaric acid using metabolically engineered Escherichia coli. The study demonstrates the first microbial process for producing these C5 platform chemicals, showcasing the potential for sustainable production of chemicals and plastics.
The international consortium has published the watermelon genome sequence, revealing a loss of natural disease defenses during domestication. Breeders can now use this information to recover some of these natural defenses, potentially leading to more nutritious and resistant watermelons.
Researchers at Brown University have been awarded a $1.75 million grant to develop new catalysts for producing chemicals from carbon dioxide instead of fossil fuels. The goal is to reduce the chemical industry's carbon footprint and stabilize production costs.
Scientists have discovered an enzyme in a bacterium that can catalyse an aromatic nitration reaction, potentially reducing the use of corrosive chemicals like nitric acid. The enzyme, TxtE, could be used to create environmentally-benign biocatalysts for industrial production.
A GW University researcher is using a green electrochemical process to form cement without CO2 gases, aiming to replace traditional cement production methods. The project could potentially decrease the cost of solar cement and contribute to training the next generation of renewable energy scientists.
Researchers have successfully identified natural elemental fluorine in a special fluorite called 'fetid fluorite' or 'antozonite', which emits an intense odor when crushed. The discovery resolves a long-standing debate and provides insight into the properties of fluorine, a highly reactive element.
Concordia University has been awarded $1.6 million by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada to support research and training in sustainable development. The funding will be used to train approximately 20 students per year in renewable energy production and water optimization.
Lean finely textured beef, also known as pink slime, has fallen out of favor due to concerns over its production process. The industry's lack of transparency about the process, which involves heating and treating leftover meat with ammonia, contributed to public backlash.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new method to prevent undersea ice clogs by using passive coatings on pipe insides that inhibit methane hydrate adhesion. The coatings reduce hydrate adhesion to one-quarter of the amount on untreated surfaces, providing a simple and inexpensive solution.
University of British Columbia researchers identified a gene in balsam fir trees that can facilitate the production of plant-based fixatives and scents, potentially replacing whale barf-derived ambergris. This discovery could lead to more sustainable and cost-effective production methods for high-end perfumes.
SMU's David Blackwell presented on nationwide geothermal energy opportunities, highlighting unconventional techniques as a game changer for US energy policy. The presentation revealed vast geothermal resources across the US, accessible via current technology, and demonstrated synergy with the oil and gas industry.
Log and lumber exports from Washington, Oregon, northern California, and Alaska increased by 42 percent in 2011, totaling 1,992 million board feet. The total value of exported logs increased by 54 percent to $1,297 million, while the total value of exported lumber increased by 35 percent to $687 million.
Researchers found nanomaterial dust ignites with less than 1/30th the energy needed for sugar or wheat flour dust, posing significant industrial accident threat.
Invasive crane fly species threaten northeast US sod industry quality and shipment safety. Recommended IPM strategies include monitoring, cultural management, and chemical control to prevent infestations.
A new catalytic process at Cardiff University converts hydrocarbons from diesel production into oxygenated aromatics, including phthalic anhydride and coumarin. This breakthrough could lead to less waste and the creation of more useful chemicals for various industries.
Researchers found that the Big Three automakers built excess vehicles without properly accounting for costs, resulting in a culture of short-term gain over brand stability. The study suggests that this practice can lead to harm in other industries with similar characteristics.
Chemical engineers at UMass Amherst develop a new catalyst that boosts the yield of five key petrochemicals from biomass by 40%, creating a sustainable and competitive production process. This breakthrough could reduce industry's reliance on fossil fuels, worth an estimated $400 billion annually.
A study in Pakistan reveals trends and potential for export-quality rose products, with more than half of growers entering the business in the last five years. However, the industry faces challenges such as outdated production systems, limited greenhouses, and lack of professional education.
A major national initiative aims to create scientific guidelines for safe farming, packing, and storing of fresh produce. The UMD-led project will analyze data from over 200,000 tests to measure pathogen presence in produce, irrigation waters, fertilizers, and transport facilities.
In the first three quarters of 2011, west coast log and lumber exports exceeded 2010 levels, primarily due to increased demand from China. The total log shipment value reached $1,036 million, while lumber export value surpassed $528 million, both surpassing previous years.
UCSB researchers develop scalable synthesis technique for high-quality and uniform graphene, controlled number of layers, and improved carrier mobility. The discovery paves the way for next-generation electronics applications in green electronics, super-strong materials, and medical technology.
The Pecan Pest Information Platform for Extension and education (PIPE) provides real-time access to information on pecan integrated pest management. Stakeholders have increased adoption and usage of the resource, with over 41,000 annual visits recorded.
A University of Illinois study found that cleanliness of seeds is crucial in preventing foodborne pathogens in radish, broccoli, and alfalfa sprouts. The study suggests that industry attention to seed cleanliness can help eliminate E. coli and other microorganisms during germination and sprouting.
Researchers at the University of Leeds and Durham University have developed a high-tech 'recipe book' to create new plastics with specific properties. The breakthrough will increase recycling abilities and save industries time, energy, and money.
Agricultural Research Service scientists found that using strip tillage and placing fertilizers directly below the seed increased corn grain yields on eroded slopes by 12-26% over two years. This innovative technique supports Idaho's growing dairy industry and promotes international food security.
Researchers have discovered modified rhodium that changes color in response to different gases, including nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon monoxide. This finding could lead to the development of more sensitive air quality sensors.
Researchers at Virginia Tech discovered a way to speed up the flow and filtering of water or ions in fuel cells, improving their efficiency and power. By stretching the Nafion polymer electrolyte membrane, they increased its ability to selectively filter substances.
Researchers at Carnegie Institution claim that carbon emissions are more closely tied to consumption patterns than territorial boundaries. The study found that the average person in developed countries emits more CO2 per capita than their counterparts in developing countries, highlighting the need to consider all drivers of emissions.
A new 'Swiss cheese' design for thin film silicon solar cells offers improved stability and efficiency, potentially boosting industrial production. The nanostructured substrate enables strong absorption and tight spacing between electrodes.
Ronald Inglehart and Pippa Norris awarded for their systematic investigation into human values and value change impacting political behavior, with a focus on religion, gender equality, and global media influence. The prize recognizes their groundbreaking work in highlighting the importance of citizens' values in shaping societal life.
The US nursery and greenhouse industry has launched an online knowledge center to promote sustainable practices, providing resources and tools for growers and students. The Green Industry Knowledge Center offers in-depth learning modules on water and nutrient management, irrigation, and substrate handling.
A survey found that most respondents supported using multimedia resources, such as instructional DVDs and web-based videos, to supplement instruction in nursery management and production courses. The study also revealed a willingness among faculty to incorporate these resources into classroom instruction.
Researchers found that low to intermediate rates of chicken litter-based fertilizers produced the highest plant growth index and flower yield. High rates can lead to symptoms like reduced growth, decreased root quality, and fewer flowers.
A new extraction method using green chemistry has been developed to recover pigmented carotenoids from dried Capsicum fruit, with a recovery rate of 85% or greater. This process reduces the use of hazardous solvents and minimizes environmental risks, enabling a wider range of red-fruited cultivars to be used for pigment production.
A study published in Applied Economics Letters found that subsidies have no effect on Spanish cinema productivity. In contrast, awards increase the number of films produced and improve productivity. The researchers also suggested that subsidies should be competitive like awards to create a yardstick for film industry workers.
Scientists have engineered plants to accumulate high levels of desired compounds that could be used to make plastics. The research uses a new metabolic pathway in plants to produce a type of fatty acid that could serve as a source for chemical building blocks.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have created fluorographene, a one-molecule-thick material similar to Teflon with chemical inertness and thermal stability. The team hopes to use it in electronics, such as LED devices and ultra-thin tunnel barriers, while retaining mechanical strength.
The USDA has awarded $3.8 million to Virginia Tech to improve grape and wine quality in the eastern US through research-based practices. The project aims to create a robust and sustainable industry by integrating research with market drivers, focusing on challenges such as unpredictable weather and high production costs.
Researchers in Bangladesh have developed a biofilter that can extract toxic ammonia from vented gases using microbes and wood charcoal. The biofilter achieved approximately 93% removal of ammonia gas within seven days.
Researchers from the University of Missouri have introduced a new variety named 'Wyldewood', which consistently produces heavy yields, is efficient to harvest, and produces fruit well-suited for processing. The cultivar outperforms standard 'Adams II' in yield potential and berry size.
CSIRO scientists have developed an improved Black Tiger prawn breed using DNA technology, resulting in record yields of up to 24.2 tonnes per hectare. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the Australian prawn farming industry and increase production from 5,000 tonnes to 12,500 tonnes by 2020.
Researchers develop a new procedure for mass-producing graphene, a material that could revolutionize electronics devices. The process uses commercially available silicon carbide wafers to produce high-quality graphene with excellent electronic properties.
The National Geothermal Institute will provide training and education in geothermal energy production through a series of short courses and curriculum developed by top geothermal schools. The institute is expected to augment the University of Nevada's Great Basin Center for Geothermal Energy with research and trained graduates.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers examines the potential influence that business connections between broiler chicken growers may have on the transmission of avian influenza, H5N1. The study found company affiliation to be the greatest driver of farm-to-farm disease transmission risk.
A major report by an international team of scientists and policy experts explores the social, economic, health and environmental impacts of the livestock industry. Key findings include the high greenhouse gas emissions from animal feed production and transport, which account for 18% of global emissions.
Scientists have developed a simple method to produce high-quality graphene on commercially available silicon carbide wafers. This breakthrough enables mass production of graphene, a material with unique electronic properties that could replace silicon in electronics devices.
The PRIME consortium is developing business models and techniques for cinema, television, and gaming. Experts are exploring ways to reduce costs and improve tools for post-production.
A 2-year field study found that peppermint yields and oil content are higher in Mississippi compared to other regions. Delaying the first harvest until late July promotes accumulation of menthol, a key oil ingredient.
A team of researchers from the University of Copenhagen has successfully produced an artificial enzyme that is tailor-made for any application. The new enzyme speeds up oxidizing processes using Hydrogen Peroxide and operates under humane conditions, making it a promising alternative to traditional oxidizers.
Nitrous oxide emissions from human activities have surpassed those of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), threatening the ozone layer. The NOAA study found that nitrous oxide will continue to erode the ozone layer for many decades.
A team of South Korean scientists has successfully engineered the bacterium E. coli to produce putrescine, an industrial chemical traditionally created using fossil fuels. The production process relies on renewable materials and reduces environmental harm associated with chemical synthesis.
The University of California, Riverside has released a new mandarin citrus variety called DaisySL, which is sweet to eat and bears very few seeds. Developed by Mikeal Roose and Timothy Williams, the fruit is finely textured and juicy with a rich flavor, making it a promising addition to commercial production.
The study aims to reduce bone damage and fractures in laying hens by providing omega-3 supplemented diets. Researchers will house 16 flocks of 1,500 hens each in identical free-range systems to compare the effects of high and standard omega-3 diets.
A study by Yanbin Tu and Min Lu found that high-quality digital music samples are more effective in increasing consumer evaluation and willingness to pay. In contrast, low-quality samples with short durations discourage consumers from buying the full product.
A recent study by Washington State University professor Liv Haselbach found that concrete can absorb more CO2 than previously estimated, particularly when reabsorbed into the material over time. This could lead to a lower overall carbon footprint for the concrete industry.