Chain Reaction Innovations (CRI) is a new innovation accelerator program that supports cutting-edge innovators in developing transformative energy technologies. CRI provides a fellowship, seed funding, access to Argonne's R&D tools and expertise, and connections to business mentors and investors.
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has committed £15 million to support seven research projects across the UK. These projects aim to improve the complex formulation processes used in various industries, including toothpaste, inhalers, pharmaceuticals, and 3D printing. By developing new libraries of materials...
Researchers discovered a way to remove acetylene from ethylene using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), reducing the need for costly catalytic conversion. The SIFSIX MOF family can filter out contaminants with high selectivity and adsorption capacity, producing pure ethylene.
The new research centre will focus on the construction, maritime and aerospace sectors, with goals of creating more efficient production processes and stronger walls. The centre is led by NTU Professor Chua Chee Kai and has attracted significant funding from industry partners.
A recent MIT course has successfully challenged students to redesign the fundamentals of 3-D printing, leading to innovative projects such as printing custom jewelry, cable organizers, and even molten glass. The course's outcomes have also led to patents and entrepreneurial efforts, accelerating innovation in design and manufacturing.
Scientists at Lehigh University have developed a biological method to produce quantum dots using a single enzyme, reducing production time, environmental burden, and cost. This breakthrough could lead to widespread use of QDs in various applications, including sustainable fuel production and water purification.
Researchers developed a method to replicate complex, colored 3D models quickly and cheaply using an industrial production technique and accessible software. The technique has been tested with various objects, including a Chinese mask and car body shells, producing high-quality replicas.
European companies missed market opportunities by prioritizing own data services over open internet, a study suggests. The industry's decline is attributed to risk aversion, lack of investment in new technologies, and monopolistic traditions.
Hot melt extrusion (HME) and injection moulding (IM) are becoming increasingly prevalent in the pharmaceutical industry due to their ability to increase solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs. HME-IM can manufacture a range of dosage forms, from oral tablets to implantable devices.
Researchers at UW-Madison have pioneered a unique method to fabricate high-performance transistors on flexible plastic, enabling wireless capabilities and ultra-fast processor speeds. The transistor operates at 38 gigahertz, with simulations suggesting it could reach 110 gigahertz.
Aerosol jet printing uses a carrier gas and printer heads to deposit metal particles, promising to slash manufacturing time for circuit boards from a month to a day. The technique can print around bends, on spheres or flat surfaces, making it ideal for detector assemblies with many tiny components.
Researchers developed a low-cost micromilling technique to fabricate microfluidic devices capable of performing partial separation of red blood cells from plasma. The device successfully visualized and measured blood flow, showcasing its potential for cellular-scale flow studies.
Ohio State University researchers develop functional textiles that can transmit digital information, enabling applications such as smart clothing, health monitoring, and brain implants. The technology reduces material cost by 24 times, making it more accessible for widespread adoption.
Researchers found specific red blood cell manufacturing methods cause less damage than others, potentially improving transfusion outcomes. The study debunks the long-held belief that storage duration affects DAMPs, instead linking levels to manufacturing processes.
Experts warn of disappearing artisanal Mexican cheese varieties due to lack of documentation and standardized production processes. Standardization and preservation efforts aim to protect these unique cheeses and secure protected designation of origin (PDO) status.
Scientists at ETH Zurich and IBM Research have developed a new method to manufacture micro-objects with precisely defined magnetic, non-magnetic and differently charged areas. The technique enables the creation of small rods, tiny triangles and basic three-dimensional objects.
Researchers develop RolyPOLY, a 20-pound flexible shelter made from robotic winding of carbon fibers. The structure features a modular steel frame assembly and disassembly process for installation and removal.
A compact, portable pharmaceutical manufacturing system can be reconfigured to produce a variety of drugs on demand. The system is designed to provide an alternative for special situations, such as emergency outbreaks or manufacturing plant shutdowns.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a new method for making thin films using atomic layer deposition (ALD), reducing waste and potentially cutting precursor costs. The technique involves pulsing gas into the chamber to free up blocked receptors, increasing efficiency in manufacturing processes.
Engineers at the University of Missouri have developed a method to transfer energy sources to virtually any shape using an efficient laser-writing technique. This technique enables the fabrication of microbatteries and micro fuel cells that are more environmentally friendly, highly designable, and thin.
The report analyzes county-level data on wages and employment for workers with STEM training in the oil and gas industry and advanced manufacturing. Key findings include higher median wages in utilities and engineering occupations.
Researchers found that participants who assembled their own robots experienced a higher sense of accomplishment and ownership. However, those who faced difficulties during assembly lowered their ratings. The study suggests that manufacturers should balance positive and negative aspects of self-assembly when designing robots.
A Kansas State University engineer has received a $300,000 NSF Manufacturing Machines and Equipment grant to improve the manufacturing of ultra-thin precision parts for high-performance products. The new process will enable efficient machining of brittle materials without compromising part quality.
New advances in plastic and reconstructive surgery are being made possible by the integration of 3D analysis and CAD/CAM techniques. These technologies enable surgeons to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and creativity in aesthetic and craniomaxillofacial plastic surgery.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a 3D laser scanning technology that can accurately measure spaces and preserve details. This technology is being used in various fields, including archaeology, real estate, and manufacturing, to enhance space preservation and renovation.
The electrospray technique allows for precise control over the structure of individual layers in 3D printing, enabling the production of parts with specific mechanical, electrical, thermal and optical properties. This could lead to advancements in devices for energy production, healthcare and security.
Siddharth Garg will use the grant to develop algorithms securing microchip design and manufacturing, addressing piracy, counterfeiting, and malicious Trojans. The NYU Tandon School of Engineering faculty member's research aims to enhance chip security, preventing intellectual property theft and national security risks.
Researchers at University of Nottingham have developed a novel snow cleaning method for CMM styli, effective in removing tiny debris particles and organic residue, minimizing measurement errors.
ICESat-2 will employ a novel technique to determine ice sheet topography and sea ice thickness, leveraging a 3D-printed PEKK bracket that offers electrostatic dissipation and minimal outgassing. The satellite's Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS) will utilize photon counting for precise surface elevation measurements.
A study found that using overtime and increasing factory-installed options are positively associated with manufacturing-related recalls. The economic cost of extremely high factory utilization translates into a recall cost of $167 million over seven years.
MIT researchers have developed a technique for stacking layers of block-copolymer wires, creating mesh structures with potential applications in memory and optical chips. The ability to easily produce these self-assembled structures could revolutionize the manufacturing process.
Researchers use a new technique to electro-deposit dissolved metals, creating complex structures like watch components and microtools. The process uses a force-controlled nanopipette to print pixels layer by layer, with high spatial resolution.
BioMARC, a high-containment biopharmaceutical unit at CSU, has been awarded $4.6 million to develop and manufacture vaccines for three additional viruses causing severe long-term disease. The facility will produce vaccines using VRP technology, which works to better immunize individuals.
The Can Manufacturers Institute supports the inclusion of all forms of fruits and vegetables in new dietary guidelines, citing nutritional benefits and convenience. A recent survey found that limiting language can negatively impact consumer perceptions of packaged fruits and vegetables.
Researchers developed new vaccine strains that are effective, stable, and non-infectious, addressing concerns about live virus escape and disease transmission. The new strains are suitable for mass production in the post-eradication world, reducing risk to humans and environment.
Researchers at MIT's Microsystems Technologies Laboratories show promise in building microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) using affordable and high-quality desktop fabrication devices. This allows for production of useful MEMS at significantly lower costs without compromising quality, enabling new markets and applications.
A rising trend in narcissism may require firms to rethink their marketing strategies by offering customizable products. Studies show that narcissistic consumers desire uniquely designed items and are willing to pay more for them.
A new project, WasteTaste, uses energy-efficient vacuum-drying technique to convert food waste into valuable ingredients and new products. The process preserves flavor, color, and nutritional value of the original produce.
Researchers use high-energy synchrotron X-rays to analyze cast iron structure, revealing insights into its mechanical and thermal properties. This technology enables the development of high-performance materials for fuel-efficient engines and engine parts.
The US forest products market share has declined from 28% in 1999 to 17% in 2013, mainly due to decreases in construction and paper manufacturing. However, a return to long-term housing market averages could bring the demand for wood as a construction material back up.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a fundamental flaw in the physics of photonic sintering, leading to improved product quality and process efficiency. The new understanding allows for high-quality products to be created at much lower temperatures, twice as fast and with 10 times more energy efficiency.
Hiroshima University researchers develop a new technique to prevent 'springback' in press-forming high-strength steel, a common problem that causes defects and environmental concerns. By eliminating this issue, they enable the mass production of lightweight cars with reduced emissions.
The UK has announced a £20 million investment for two manufacturing research Hubs, addressing key challenges and seizing opportunities in the sector. The Hubs will focus on commercializing early-stage research in engineering and physical sciences, with potential impacts on industries such as automotive and healthcare.
Researchers at San Diego State University have discovered a new phenomenon in materials science using puffed rice cereal. They found that highly porous, brittle materials can deform differently depending on compaction velocity, with three distinct deformation patterns emerging at low, medium, and high velocities.
NASA engineers have developed a new mirror technology that can take almost any shape, reducing package size and improving image quality. This 'freeform optics' technology is ideal for compact telescopes on small satellites and CubeSats.
A former FDA principal deputy commissioner proposes a solution to the dietary supplement regulation gridlock by focusing on improving safety rather than efficacy. The proposed framework includes pre-market registration, clearer disclaimers, and better standards for identifying substances to protect consumers from unsafe products.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a new fabrication process that cuts the time needed to make high-tech flexible sensors in half. The new process uses a peel-and-stick medium and allows for mass-market manufacturing, making it possible to monitor vital signs and brain activity more easily.
The Rutgers-led research team will develop systems and regulations for continuous manufacturing, increasing quality, safety, efficiency, cost and speed to market. Biocompatible polymer films are seen as a promising alternative to traditional tablets.
Oregon State University researchers developed a new methodology to consider economic, environmental and social impacts of manufacturing processes. The approach uses unit process modeling and life-cycle inventory to analyze factors such as energy consumption, water use, and occupational health and safety.
A new technique can help record better images of ultrafast phenomena by compressing narrow electron pulses to a billionth of a billionth of a second. This allows scientists to observe real-time molecular interactions and material structure changes in chemical reactions.
Researchers explore ways to expand and ease access to manufacturing services through web-based operating systems and apps. They aim to create interoperable, reliable, and secure cybermanufacturing systems that enable easy access and simplify design and manufacturing processes.
A team of researchers at the University of Texas at Austin has invented a method for producing inexpensive and high-performing wearable patches that can continuously monitor vital signs. The breakthrough reduces manufacturing time from days to just 20 minutes, enabling mass production of epidermal electronics.
The University of Texas at El Paso has received a $2.1 million grant to develop an all-in-one 3D printer capable of printing industry-quality parts and assembling metals and electronics. The new printer will resolve current limitations by printing multiple materials simultaneously, reducing assembly time and costs.
Researchers link Chinese-made goods to higher CO2 emissions due to antiquated manufacturing processes and coal reliance. Developed countries can alleviate carbon pollution by improving manufacturing in China's most polluting regions.
Research emphasizes that lean efforts must consider health and safety regulations to maintain quality and productivity without compromising employee well-being. The lean philosophy aims to minimize waste, including non-value adding activities that result in accidents and employee compensation.
RIT is part of a consortium awarded a federal grant to create a research center for employing flexible electronics in manufacturing. The institute will be managed by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and focus on high-performance print systems, engineering processes, and materials development.
A new study proposes open source tools can reduce research costs by redirecting funding to upgradeable equipment, improving performance and grant competition outcomes. The technology has already shown promise with customizable syringe pumps that match high-end performance, potentially yielding significant returns on investment.
Cohen and Small's groundbreaking research on hypsographic demography has led to significant benefits in society. Their global model of human population distribution by altitude has informed disaster preparedness, packaging design for food companies, and biomedical studies.
The university will conduct critical defense research, including designing and developing next-generation armor and high-velocity sprayed materials for military equipment. The $20.4 million agreement will support 30 research projects over three years.
Engineers at the University of Sheffield are working with the ITF to create a handheld device that measures friction on tennis courts. This will enable professional players to understand and adjust their sliding movements, giving them an edge over their opponents.