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NSF grant to Wayne State supports new concept for manufacturing nanoscale devices

A Wayne State University professor has received a $330,000 NSF grant to explore a novel method for manufacturing nanoscale devices using solution-based processes and inexpensive raw materials. The research aims to overcome the current bottleneck in scaling up nanotechnology by connecting different functional materials into one device.

Discovery is key to metal wear in sliding parts

A team of researchers has discovered a previously unknown mechanism for wear in metals, which could lead to improved durability of metal parts. The findings show that tiny bumps and surface defects can form through a swirling, fluid-like behavior in solid metals, leading to cracks and wear particles.

Silver lining found for making new drugs

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered a new chemical to aid drug manufacturing processes, making it more environmentally-friendly and easier to scale up for industry. The team found that a positively charged molecule known as TMA can replace silver in the manufacturing process, reducing costs and waste.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalChemical Science·DateJun 26, 2014

LLNL researchers develop high-quality 3-D metal parts using additive manufacturing

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a new and efficient approach to 3D metal parts using selective laser melting. They used simple simulations and experiments to identify optimal parameters for high-density metal parts, which can be used to certify properties of metal parts built using SLM.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalThe International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology·DateJun 16, 2014

Interactive simulator for vehicle drivers

Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM developed an interactive driving simulator to analyze realistic human-vehicle interaction. The facility features a real vehicle interior, robotic system, and motion cueing algorithms to match visual input with driver behavior.

Wakefield Court Rolls series

Volume 16 of the Wakefield Court Rolls series edited by Dr John A. Hargreaves details proceedings from 1812 to 1813, showing how the textile industry continued to thrive despite Luddite attacks and economic hardship. The volume includes transcripts of wills, revealing new information on women's rights and property deals.

A step closer to a photonic future

Researchers demonstrate low-power photonic devices fabricated using standard chip-making processes, achieving energy efficiencies competitive with electronics. The advancements enable the commercialization of photonic technology, accelerating its adoption in computing and communication applications.

SourceOptica·DateFeb 19, 2014

Quality of acupuncture needles is less than perfect and must improve

Research published in Acupuncture in Medicine found that widely used acupuncture needles have significant surface irregularities and inconsistencies, which could lead to painful reactions, bleeding, or bruising. The study calls for manufacturers to review and improve their quality control procedures for needle fabrication.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAcupuncture in Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2014