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Scientists find way to supercharge protein production

Researchers at WashU Medicine have developed a method to supercharge protein production up to a thousandfold, which could significantly increase the production of protein-based drugs, vaccines, and biomaterials. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce costs and improve efficiency in various industries.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2019

How planets may form after dust sticks together

Researchers found that particles in microgravity develop strong electrical charges and stick together, forming large aggregates. This process helps explain how asteroids and planets form in outer space. The study also identifies new approaches for controlling fine particle aggregation in industrial processing.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Physics·DateDec 9, 2019

An amazingly simple recipe for nanometer-sized corundum

Scientists developed a simple method for producing nanometer-sized corundum with high porosity at room temperature. The process involves milling a powder in a ball mill for a few hours, resulting in thermodynamically stable nanoparticles. This breakthrough reduces energy and costs associated with traditional production methods.

Renewable cement production

A new electrochemical process can decarbonate calcium carbonate to form alite and release hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide streams. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce or eliminate cement industry greenhouse gas emissions by capturing CO2 for sequestration or power generation.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

Predicting earthquake hazards from wastewater injection

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to predict seismic activity from wastewater disposal, which can help the energy industry manage injection-caused earthquakes and reduce risks. The team's physics-based framework successfully reproduces the distribution of actual earthquakes by frequency, magnitude, and time.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2019

Giving a chip about masa

Researchers reviewed knowledge on making corn into food products, highlighting the importance of corn quality and masa quality. They found that better quality corn could lead to higher yields, lower costs, and improved product consistency.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateJul 17, 2019

Study shows potential for reduced methane from cows

A study by the University of Adelaide and international researchers has shown that it is possible to breed cattle with reduced methane emissions. The genetics of an individual cow strongly influence the make-up of microorganisms in its rumen, allowing for selection of cows with lower levels of methane-producing bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 8, 2019

Radical desalination approach may disrupt the water industry

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a novel desalination approach called temperature swing solvent extraction (TSSE) for treating high-salinity brines. TSSE can efficiently remove salt and recover water, with the potential to transform the water industry by reducing energy consumption and costs.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateMay 6, 2019

Defying the laws of physics? Columbia engineers demonstrate bubbles of sand

Researchers at Columbia University have discovered a new family of gravitational instabilities in granular particles, where lighter grains rise through heavier grains like 'fingers' and 'bubbles'. This phenomenon sheds light on geological processes and has potential applications in pharmaceutical production and carbon capture.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2019

Shocking economics

Researchers propose a novel method from physics that makes economic effects of major events computable for the first time. The new method calculates resilience and outputs, testable predictions can be made and visualizations help understand economies.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 15, 2019

Making xylitol and cellulose nanofibers from paper paste

Researchers at Kobe University have successfully produced xylitol and cellulose nanofibers from Kraft pulp using a modified yeast strain that displays enzymes on its cell surface. This breakthrough reduces the need for costly commercial enzymes, making the process more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly.

SourceKobe University·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateMar 19, 2019

Machine learning unlocks plants' secrets

Researchers at Michigan State University used machine learning to sort through tens of thousands of plant genes and identify those responsible for producing specialized metabolites. This breakthrough could lead to improved plants, plant-based pharmaceuticals, and environmentally safe pesticides.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2019

Small family-run livestock farms stand out in Cordoba's dehesa

Small farms in Cordoba's dehesas are showing more intense production and increasing livestock density, with beef cattle and Iberian swine being the most common combination. These family-owned farms are intensifying production despite traditional ideas of low productivity, and their study reveals key characteristics of these farms.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalRevista Mexicana de Ciencias Pecuarias·DateDec 20, 2018

Climate change predicted to end truffle production

A new study predicts that climate change will lead to a decline of 78-100% in European truffle production between 2071 and 2100, with significant economic and social impacts. The study highlights the need for conservational initiatives and management strategies to mitigate soil temperature fluctuations and conserve soil moisture.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateNov 21, 2018

Metabolic engineering of E. coli for the secretory production of free haem

Engineered E. coli strains have successfully produced extracellular free haem using a novel strategy, overcoming previous limitations in production efficiency and yield. The optimized metabolic pathway enables high titer production of haem, paving the way for its use as a bioavailable iron-supplying agent in medical applications.