Articles tagged with Manufacturing
Consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable and ethical products from apparel companies that practice transparency. However, skepticism about corporate claims of sustainability persists due to suspicion of marketing ploys. To build trust, consumers demand standardized authentication from authorities like the government.
A study reports that children living near lead battery manufacturing and recycling operations in developing countries have significantly higher blood lead levels, associated with lifelong health problems. The industry is expected to nearly double in size over the next five to 10 years, posing significant risks to workers and communities.
Manufacturers are designing products with an end-of-life perspective, incorporating biodegradable materials and easy disassembly. This approach to product stewardship fosters take-back programs and recycling, reducing environmental pollution risks.
A Pew Charitable Trusts study reveals serious gaps in US drug safety oversight, with 40% of finished drugs sourced from overseas. The report identifies links in the supply chain that need strengthening to ensure safe medicines.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed new technologies that combine a laser and electric fields to manipulate fluids and tiny particles, enabling innovative sensors and analytical devices. The method can be used for medical diagnostics, testing food and water, crime-scene forensics, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Peter Kolesar, Professor Emeritus at Columbia Business School, was awarded the 2011 MSOM Distinguished Fellow Award for his contributions to operations management. His research has modeled service systems with random cyclic customer demand patterns and optimized credit-screening procedures.
Researchers at MIT have developed a way to improve the resolution of high-speed e-beam lithography, making it more practical for mass production. By using a thinner resist layer and developing the resist with table salt, they were able to achieve resolutions down to nine nanometers.
A cost-effective method for coloring titanium using an electrochemical solution has been developed, enabling over 80 shades of basic colors and crack-free stability. The technology has potential applications in various industries, including healthcare, aviation, and the military.
Nadia Bhuiyan and Yves Gélinas, two Concordia professors, have received NSERC Discovery Accelerator Supplement awards to advance their research in lean manufacturing and coastal aquatic ecosystems. The awards will support Bhuiyan's study on product development and Gélinas' research on estuaries and microbial composition.
A recent study by the University of Edinburgh found that certain types of carbon nanotubes could cause cancer in the lining of the lung. Researchers discovered that longer nanotubes were more likely to get stuck in the lung cavity and ultimately cause mesothelioma.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) hosted three robotics competitions to prove advanced robotics and microrobotics technologies. The Virtual Manufacturing Automation Competition and Mobile Microrobotics Challenge evaluated teams' ability to assemble components and navigate microbots, respectively.
A Johns Hopkins study found that hospitals in the US publicize robotic surgery's clinical superiority despite a lack of scientific evidence, and overstate its benefits, ignoring risks. The study highlights the need for hospitals to ensure accurate information on their websites.
A study by MIT researchers found that remanufacturing products can be more energy-efficient in some cases, but new technology often cancels out savings. The team looked at life-cycle analysis and found that many remanufactured products are less energy-efficient due to newer versions being more efficient.
Researchers found that employees initially assigned to powerful supervisors had a better experience when participating in work-family programs. This
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new method for manufacturing green-colored LEDs with significantly enhanced light extraction, internal efficiency, and light output. This breakthrough brings the team closer to their goal of developing high-performance, low-cost green LEDs.
A leading nanotechnology scientist proposes a 3nm diameter threshold for mass-produced structures, citing unpredictability in bottom-up manufacturing. This challenge raises concerns about the billions invested in nanotechnology research and development.
In 'The Art of Invention', Paley explores the essential aspects of creative thinking, from identifying a problem or need to finding an inspired solution. He offers detailed guidance for aspiring inventors and experienced designers alike on conceptualizing ideas and turning them into reality.
The new centre will develop better control over crystallisation processes, enabling the production of pharmaceuticals and other products using continuous manufacturing approaches. This could lead to cost savings of up to 60% and energy reductions by up to 70%.
A new oxygen sensor invented by Michigan State University professor Ruby Ghosh can provide real-time data at a relatively low cost. This technology has potential applications in various industries such as aquaculture, beverage manufacturing, biomedical research, and petroleum manufacturing.
Researchers at Hebrew University have successfully doped semiconductor nanocrystals with impurity atoms, improving their electrical conductivity. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new electronic products, including nanolasers, solar cells, and sensors.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed a single, stationary lens to create 3D images of microscopic objects from nine different angles. The freeform lens, made from thermoplastic material, enables miniaturized products with reduced equipment needs and improved precision.
A University of Missouri chemist has discovered a method for manufacturing certain pharmaceutical drugs using pressurized carbon dioxide at room temperature. This new approach could streamline production processes and reduce the need for expensive and time-consuming methods currently used in the industry.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new manufacturing method that employs an ultrafast pulsing laser to create high-quality microchannels in thin-film solar cells. This technique could significantly increase the efficiency and reduce the cost of solar cells, enabling widespread adoption.
The Ohio Supercomputer Center is receiving $2 million from a federal grant to support small- and medium-sized manufacturers in adopting advanced manufacturing technologies. The initiative aims to promote job retention, supply-chain growth, and new exports by providing access to modeling, simulation, and analysis tools.
A new cell-culture-derived flu vaccine has shown to be at least as immunogenic and efficacious as traditional egg-derived vaccines. The vaccine was well-tolerated with no treatment-related serious adverse events, and its production allows for more reliable and flexible supply.
A team of scientists created a programable molecular transport system, observed in real time using atomic force microscopy. The system consists of a DNA origami track with a motor and fuel, allowing for adjustable speed and potential applications in drug delivery and synthetic ribosome creation.
New phosphate-free automatic dishwashing detergents are being developed to combat water pollution, but they may not be as effective as previously thought. Researchers are working on alternative formulas that can clean dishes without contributing to environmental harm.
The University of Manchester is leading a €3.7m European Union-funded project to train the next generation of scientists in green manufacturing methods for the chemical industry. The 'BIOTRAINS' programme brings together experts from academia and industry to develop safer and less-environmentally damaging industrial processes.
Dr. Paul Anastas, known as the 'Father of Green Chemistry,' will discuss the importance of sustainability principles in business operations. The conference focuses on sustainable technologies and practices, including water reuse, natural resource management, and product life cycle assessment.
A new analysis by ACS suggests that banning toxic substances in toys and children's products is crucial. The authors recommend government action, including restrictions on well-documented toxins, and industry-wide efforts to establish safe production practices.
Rensselaer students Casey Hoffman and Jaron Kuppers won the top prize with their SET process, which offers a new method for curing advanced composites using less energy and cost. The process has the potential to trim manufacturing costs and widen the playing field of businesses that can afford to research and manufacture these materials.
A new analysis by ACS Environmental Science & Technology warns of a toxic toys crisis due to hazardous substances in children's products, including lead and cadmium. The report recommends banning or restricting the use of toxic substances and industry-wide measures to ensure product safety.
Research reveals that budgetary constraints have led to a less rigorous FDA inspection process, failing to provide necessary oversight and guidance to the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. This can result in manufacturers taking advantage of the system and prioritizing complaints over addressing actual safety issues.
Scientists at North Carolina State University pioneered a method to examine silicon bonds with other materials at the atomic level. This new understanding of bond formation could lead to improved control over materials properties and new device creation.
Scientists at Kyoto University have developed a new method to study polymers in confined spaces, revealing unexpected thermal transitions and potential breakthroughs in nanoscale manufacturing. The technique uses porous coordination polymers to trap polymers, allowing researchers to observe their behavior under controlled conditions.
A MU study found that 67% of textile and apparel firms misrepresent themselves, with nearly 80% of wholesalers not defining themselves correctly. Companies with congruent identities tend to be financially successful, hiring more employees and having higher sales.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University have developed improved microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices that can measure acceleration and impact with increased sensitivity. These advancements have the potential to transform industries such as sports, transportation, and defense.
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has launched a Center for Advanced Materials Manufacturing with a $1.2 million federal grant to scale up the production of nanostructured metallic materials, which could revitalize foundries and metal-casting businesses.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a method to create macroscale molds or dies that retain nanoscale features, mimicking biological tissues. The team used blowfly eyes as a template to produce high-quality polymer replicas with precise dimensions.
The CSIRO has granted a global license to Monomer-Polymer for its patented RAFT technology, a powerful polymerization process that enables the creation of complex molecules. This agreement will allow Monomer-Polymer to market the technology worldwide and strengthen their position in material development.
The FOREMOST project developed advanced process modules and chip architectures for 45nm node CMOS logic, enabling key European players to mass produce semiconductors worldwide. The project also paved the way for future 32/28nm nodes and facilitated rapid transfer to industrial production.
A MSU-led study examines the relationship between microfinance institutions and the larger economy, finding that economic growth boosts microbank profits. The research suggests that countries with less manufacturing activity tend to support more successful microfinance operations.
The Virtual Manufacturing Automation Competition and Mobile Microrobotics Challenge demonstrated robotic capabilities for complex tasks like mixed palletizing and microassembly. The competitions aimed to advance robotic skills for future robots in various industries.
A recent study by Queen's University found that governments can earn substantial returns on investments in solar power manufacturing, with potential revenues exceeding $500 million per year. The research suggests that governments should aggressively support the industry to take advantage of the financial opportunity.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new method to manufacture thin films of gallium arsenide, a highly efficient semiconductor material, that could expand its applications in solar devices. The technique allows for the production of bulk quantities of material more rapidly and cost effectively.
The American Chemical Society's Green Chemistry Institute is developing a universal standard to evaluate chemical products and processes based on their environmental performance. This standard will provide comparative data, making it easier for consumers to choose greener products.
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute use selective laser melting to create serial parts out of metal powder, producing high-quality components with improved safety standards. The process reduces manufacturing cycle times by up to 40% and has the potential to decrease material costs by 50%.
A new standardized testing method for cranberry products reveals the effectiveness of urinary tract infection (UTI) treatments. The BL-DMAC method accurately quantifies PAC levels in products, ensuring accurate labeling and consumer selection.
Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft are developing wheel hub motors for electric vehicles, offering improved efficiency, reduced mechanical wear, and enhanced drive dynamics. The technology, already tested on the Frecc0 concept car, aims to support the German automotive industry's transition to electromobility.
Researchers at NC State have developed a new way to shape ceramics using an electric field, reducing energy consumption and increasing efficiency. The process could lead to significant cost savings and reduced pollution in ceramics manufacturing.
A multidisciplinary research team at NIST has found a viable candidate for creating large-area electronics by spraying organic semiconductor material onto a surface. The material overcomes a major cost hurdle in the manufacture of organic thin-film transistors, which could lead to disposable devices.
Isoprene-degrading bacteria discovered near coastal zones, improving models of climate change and environmental factors. These microbes also break down alkanes, potentially aiding oil-degrading survival between spills.
Kansas State University researcher Weiqiao Yuan has received a five-year, $400,000 grant from the National Science Foundation's CAREER program to develop economically viable methods for producing energy from algae. His project aims to identify optimal solid carriers and surface textures for algae growth in ocean biofuels manufacturing.
A Texas-based consortium has launched a biotherapeutic manufacturing initiative, Project GreenVax, to produce vaccines for infectious diseases like influenza at a fraction of current time. The project utilizes tobacco plants and could provide vaccine protection to citizens worldwide that cannot currently afford them.
The James Webb Space Telescope's five-layer sunshield has passed its critical design review, certifying its design meets mission requirements. The sunshield will absorb and deflect solar light to keep the telescope operating at cryogenic temperatures.
Researchers developed SCGPSim, a simulation infrastructure that uses parallel processing and CUDA programming model to speed up SystemC-based hardware models. This could significantly reduce the time it takes to bring products to market, improving the efficiency of semiconductor electronics industry.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has been recognized for its partnerships with outside companies to develop new technologies. The lab's partnership with Pressure BioSciences led to the development of a pressurized process that quickly digests proteins, speeding up protein analysis by minutes. Additionally, PNNL partnere...
Mears will research real-time modeling and information exchange to maximize efficiency in machining systems. The project aims to improve manufacturing quality and productivity nationwide.
A new study found that toy recalls in 2007 had a ripple effect on the industry, with even non-recalled companies experiencing a 25% decline in Christmas season sales. Sales of toys from manufacturers named in the recalls dropped by 30%, while those from unaffected companies remained unaffected.
Scientists at the University of Utah demonstrated a conclusive link between the size of catalyst particles on a solid surface and their ability to speed chemical reactions. The study focused on metal nanoparticles, finding that smaller sizes lead to increased electronic properties and catalytic activity.