A study by researchers at Penn State found that mulch bags labeled as 'cypress' often contain less than claimed, with some bags containing no cypress at all. The investigation used a new method to sort and estimate species mix in the mulch, revealing significant discrepancies between advertised content and actual composition.
A new gelatin-based microcarrier offers significantly higher harvest rates of cells grown with over 90% compared to traditional standards. The microcarrier facilitates expansion of mesenchymal stromal cells used to treat various ailments, including heart attacks and immune system rejection.
A new project aims to create household sprays and coatings that capture COVID-19 aerosol droplets, inactivating the virus. Researchers will use additives to provide long-lasting protection against the virus, with a focus on surface characteristics.
Continuity Pharma has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from DARPA to develop continuous manufacturing technology for reshoring generic drugs. The company aims to ensure the availability of essential medicines to patients in need by applying novel continuous manufacturing capabilities.
The RESPOND project will create a diverse network of stakeholders to support critical 'super nodes' and accelerate product development. The grant builds on the success of the Massachusetts Manufacturing Emergency Response Team (MERT), which facilitated the production of over eleven million pieces of PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A study published in IEEE Engineering Management Review found that manufacturers' crisis communication plans often lack managing infectious-disease outbreaks. The researchers identified the supporting enablers and competing barriers of manufacturing repurposing within the context of COVID-19 disruptions.
Colorado State University has received a $3.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue developing the SolaVAX coronavirus vaccine candidate. The funding will support pre-clinical research and human clinical trials to test the safety and immune response of the vaccine.
Researchers have developed a simple manufacturing technology using chitin, a ubiquitous organic polymer, to build tools and shelters on Mars. This approach enables the rapid manufacturing of objects ranging from basic tools to rigid shelters, which could support humans in a Martian environment.
A new wearable piezoelectric harvester using hot pressing and tape casting fabrication process has record high interfacial adhesion strength, enabling durable wearable devices. The study uses a surface and interfacial cutting analysis system to measure adhesion strength.
Researchers have designed a smart electronic skin and medical robotic hand that can assess vital diagnostic data using a newly invented rubbery semiconductor with high carrier mobility. The material is scalable for manufacturing and retains electrical performance even when stretched by 50%.
SMART researchers have discovered a new way to manufacture human red blood cells that cuts the culture time by half compared to existing methods. The new protocol stores cultured cells in liquid nitrogen for 11 days and produces RBCs within 11 days.
A chemist from RUDN University created a green catalyst based on plant waste that reduces palladium consumption in cross-coupling reactions by up to half. The new catalyst is also reusable without decreasing efficiency, making it economically and environmentally friendly.
The University of South Carolina's research team will use a four-year NASA grant to develop an atom-to-airframe approach, increasing the production rate of aircraft and making urban air mobility possible. The project aims to produce 100 aircraft per day, a significant increase from current rates.
A team led by Huimin Zhao at the University of Illinois has received a five-year, $20 million NSF grant to develop new AI tools for molecule synthesis. The institute aims to accelerate automated chemical synthesis and advance the discovery and manufacture of novel materials and bioactive compounds.
Researchers at Monash University developed a machine-learning algorithm that can characterise graphene properties and quality without bias in under 14 minutes. This technology will help manufacturers boost the quality and reliability of their graphene supply, saving time and money.
Researchers at ORNL designed a novel, 3D-printed device that captures carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel plants and industrial processes. The device uses additive manufacturing to integrate a heat exchanger and mass-exchanging contactor, enhancing mass transfer and increasing efficiency.
Researchers create load-bearing structure using local soil, reducing carbon footprint and waste. The new material is expected to be used in construction projects and potentially beyond Earth.
A small Italian town's transformation into a major hub for medical device production is attributed to one man's entrepreneurial spirit and vision. The study, led by Professor Simone Ferriani, highlights the 'anchor entrepreneurship' framework as a catalyst for rapid development in small communities.
Researchers at Purdue University are developing a new 3D-printed runway mat using Phase Transforming Cellular Material (PXCM) geometry. The technology aims to create a robust and self-healing mat that can withstand stresses of repeated aircraft take-offs and landings, reducing the need for frequent repairs.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed an AI software named Peregrine for powder bed 3D printers, assessing part quality in real-time. The software uses convolutional neural networks to analyze images and detect anomalies, alerting operators for adjustments.
The large-scale production of COVID-19 vaccines will necessitate the sharing of manufacturing knowledge to ensure rapid and effective scale-up. This includes disclosure of necessary information from patents, which can facilitate international collaboration and standardization.
Researchers at the University of Illinois compared two composite manufacturing methods, frontal polymerization and bulk polymerization. Frontal polymerization, a new out-of-autoclave method, offers several advantages, including reduced capital investment, faster curing times, and lower environmental impact.
Researchers from the University of Surrey have developed a pioneering circuit design using source-gated transistors to create compact circuit blocks. This innovative design improves performance, reduces waste and makes manufacturing more cost-effective.
CMU's College of Engineering and ARL to lead additive manufacturing research guided by machine learning, addressing scaling up methods and improving equipment ease of use. The program aims to increase mission readiness and resiliency across military platforms and equipment.
Researchers invent new laser inversion technique to overcome SLS limitations, enabling simultaneous printing of multiple materials. The process allows for stronger, denser materials and complex multi-material parts without assembly, expanding industries such as aerospace, automotive, and robotics.
The University of Texas at Arlington's (UTA) TMAC has received $3.3 million in federal funding to support small and medium-sized businesses in Texas during the pandemic. The funding will help manufacturers reshore supply chains and restore operations, including those producing health-related products.
The QUT Centre for Robotics will train researchers, engineers, and manufacturers with expertise to boost safety, quality, and productivity. The five-year centre will develop collaborative robotics applications to help Australian manufacturers compete globally.
European manufacturers are emerging as sustainable successors to combustion engines, with the European Commission investing heavily in initiatives to establish new factories and mining operations across the region. The goal is to create hundreds of thousands of jobs while reducing the carbon footprint of production.
Swansea University researchers have reported a record efficiency of 12.2% for four layers of roll-to-roll printed perovskite solar cells (PSCs), marking a significant step towards commercialization. This achievement utilizes the advantages of slot-die coating, which provides controlled wet film thickness and efficient material usage.
Biobased chemicals are being developed to replace petroleum-based products in various industries, including diapers, electronics, and automotive coatings. These new materials offer improved performance and sustainability, with potential applications in areas such as electronic touchscreen displays and emission-reducing coatings.
Engineers from the University of Delaware develop procedure to purify monoclonal antibodies with 43% higher productivity, thanks to understanding of adsorption affinity and its role in protein transport into ion-exchange beads. This breakthrough could lead to reduced waste during expensive drug manufacturing process.
A team of researchers from NYU Tandon School of Engineering used machine learning to reverse-engineer 3D-printed composite parts, demonstrating a method to capture fiber orientation with high accuracy. The study highlights the potential risks of intellectual property theft in 3D printing and emphasizes the need for secure toolpaths.
A breakthrough water treatment method using a solvent-free approach has been developed by Swansea University. The MACS machine manufactures catalysts for ozone, destroying pollutant chemicals such as nitrophenol in water. This technology holds potential to enable radical advances in advanced technology across various disciplines.
Lehigh University has received a state grant to develop a novel polymer coating that can kill coronavirus on surfaces, reducing transmission. The project aims to create a long-lasting, effective coating that can be used in healthcare settings and public spaces.
A novel method for 3D printing components used in neutron instruments has been licensed to ExOne Company. The collaboration will help develop patent-pending techniques to create lightweight, metal-infused composites ideal for neutron scattering applications.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are using a new scalable manufacturing method to create customizable types of nanocarbons directly on flexible materials. This process enables patterning functional nanocarbons needed for emerging flexible-device applications in healthcare, energy, and consumer electronics.
Four Lehigh University researchers have been awarded grants from the Manufacturing PA Innovation Program to support projects in biomedicine, energy, and consumer goods. The recipients will collaborate with industry partners to develop new technologies and processes that foster innovation and develop a 21st-century workforce.
A new study by Cranfield University reveals that zinc alloys outperform aluminum and magnesium alloys in terms of sustainability and part lifespan. The research highlights the need for manufacturers to consider the environmental impact of their materials, even if cost is a consideration.
Companies like Apple and pharmaceutical firms are struggling with disrupted supply chains due to pandemics. Researchers propose a strategy called branching to build multiple branches into value chains, increasing resilience.
Researchers at Saarland University have developed a non-contact method to transform 3D-printed metal parts into precision-finished components with complex geometries and tight tolerances. The technique combines metal 3D printing and electrochemical machining to produce high-precision functional surfaces.
Purdue University innovators have developed a predictive cost-modeling tool to help manufacturers better understand overall production costs. The software allows users to vary manufacturing processes and study the effects on total costs.
Researchers at Aalto University have developed a method to create materials from particles using nanocellulose as a universal binder. The study reveals the ability of nanocelluloses to induce high cohesion in particulate materials, overcoming particle dependency and enabling the creation of materials with predictable properties.
A study by University of Michigan researchers maps China's export-driven CO2 emissions to specific coastal manufacturing hubs, revealing that 1% of the country's land area generates 75% of these emissions. The findings highlight key sectors and cities driving climate change.
Researchers developed a liquid metal lattice material that can regain its shape after heating, with potential applications in NASA space missions and private space-faring companies. The material absorbs energy when crushed and can be reused, making it a promising solution for satellite design and future lunar or Martian settlements.
The MIT-led consortium analyzed 18 incidents of viral contamination in biopharmaceutical drugs and found that most were caused by Chinese hamster ovary cells. The study recommends companies use rapid virus detection systems and new technologies to inactivate or remove viruses from cell culture media.
A new wearable smart patch is being developed to help people personalize their diets and reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The device will measure key dietary biomarkers and send the information to an app, enabling users to precisely track how their bodies respond to different foods.
The US Army has developed a new type of multi-polymer filament for 3D printing, allowing for the production of high-strength parts at an affordable cost. This breakthrough enables the use of simple printers to create parts with mechanical properties competitive with injection-molded plastics.
Researchers at UC San Diego are developing a COVID-19 vaccine using a plant virus, which can be easily manufactured and distributed globally. The team plans to create slow-release microneedle patches that patients can self-administer, reducing barriers to vaccination in resource-poor areas.
A critical 'Starbleed' vulnerability in FPGA chips has been discovered, allowing attackers to gain complete control over the chips and their functionalities. The bug is integrated into the hardware and can only be removed by replacing the chips.
Multispecific drugs have the potential to target 85% of currently thought-of-as-undruggable proteins. By inducing proximity between targets and natural enzymes or cells, they can harness biology's power to go beyond conventional drugs.
Researchers at UMass Amherst developed a design for protective plastic face shields with clinical feedback from nurses, which can be mass-produced quickly by existing manufacturers. The shields are made from flexible plastic film and have been distributed to medical facilities in the region.
Researchers successfully produced high-purity Eucommia elastomer with a molecular weight distribution controllable through a threshing technology, achieving cost reduction by up to 87.5% compared to petroleum-based TPI production.
A study by Lehigh University researchers found that firms with female directors announced high-severity product recalls 28 days sooner than all-male boards. This reduction in time translates to a 35% decrease in the overall recall period.
A study warns that AI technology on product labels can be used for both producer benefit and consumer advantage. Researchers propose reformed regulations to prevent producers from manipulating consumers' expectations.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered a method to convert triphenylphosphine oxide into triphenylphosphine by sending an electrical charge through an aluminum container, reducing waste and toxic chemicals. This process has implications for the manufacturing of medications, fertilizers, and other substances.
Scientists developed a hybrid approach combining machine learning with nano-indentation techniques to improve the accuracy of material testing. The new method predicts samples' yield strength up to 20 times more accurately than existing methods.
The researchers focus on inorganic solid electrolytes to create stable chemical interfaces, diagnose and characterize batteries in real-time, and design scalable and cost-effective manufacturing processes. Their work aims to address the challenges of all-solid-state batteries and make them safer, longer-lasting, and more energy-dense.
Researchers at SUTD develop bioplastic production process using urban waste and bio-inspired engineering, enabling global adoption of sustainable manufacturing. The process reduces energy requirements and transportation costs, using abundant biological polymers like chitin and cellulose.
A new study by MIT economists reveals that the decline in labor's share of GDP is primarily driven by market concentration among large companies. The study found that top firms in various sectors have gained market share, while smaller firms with higher labor shares have lost out.
Researchers at Drexel University have developed a lab-scale reactor system that can produce large quantities of MXene in bulk, preserving its unique properties. The system uses a computerized process to refine the material and ensures consistency, a critical step towards achieving manufacturing standards.