Articles tagged with Manufacturing
Researchers create new technique for mass-producing nanoscale structures using atomic force microscope and macroscale milling machines. The method enables consistent production of features on the order of single molecules, paving the way for industrial-scale nanotechnology applications.
The FDA's Nanotechnology Task Force report highlights the challenges of regulating nanotechnology across various product categories. With over 500 manufacturer-identified nanotechnology consumer products being sold annually, the agency must ensure the safety of novel products before they enter the market.
The US Environmental Protection Agency has rejected the need for improved nanotechnology oversight, prompting concerns over public and market safety. The agency's current approach is inadequate to deal with nanotechnology's novel biological and ecological characteristics, according to former officials.
A study of long-term Enbrel use found a consistent safety profile in patients with moderate-to-severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Sixty-one percent of patients completed four years of therapy, and 38% reached eight years without significant adverse effects.
The University of Manchester is establishing a £3 million research centre to develop fundamental knowledge and techniques for complex systems with discrete and continuous interactions. Researchers aim to create new prediction methods that can be applied in areas like aircraft control and car safety systems.
Veeco will receive funding to further develop its Ion Beam Deposition Tool, critical for EUV photomask production. This project is part of SEMATECH's $320M economic impact and 1,650 high-tech jobs generated in New York.
A new book by Dan Coffey challenges the notion that Japanese car manufacturers pioneered flexible assembly, instead revealing a flawed 'just-in-time' supply system that undermined Rover Group's success. The research also casts doubt on the environmental benefits of lean production methods.
The need for accurate measurement of airborne nanomaterials exposure is critical for protecting workers' health in nanotechnology-related jobs. Current approaches are insufficient, and further research is required to identify effective monitoring methods.
The Indian biotech sector is poised to revolutionize the industry with its innovative products, strategies, and manufacturing capabilities. The sector has already made significant impacts on drug prices, reducing costs by up to 90% for some generic biopharmaceuticals.
A former EPA official urges policymakers to address oversight system gaps, emphasizing risk criteria, information reporting requirements, and risk management tools. The report highlights the need for 'novel solutions' and openness in decision-making processes.
A national study by Boston College found that over a quarter of US businesses are unprepared for the effects of an aging workforce. Many companies lack strategies to encourage late-career workers to stay past retirement age and face significant HR challenges, including recruiting competent job applicants and management skill shortages.
Researchers at NIST found that multiple robots' radio transmissions can interfere with each other, degrading search and rescue performance. The study identified ways to improve urban search and rescue wireless communications, including changes in frequency coordination and transmission protocols.
A recent study by University of Washington researchers reveals that one negative employee can have a profound impact on the entire team. The researchers found that toxic team members can lead to downward spirals in organizations and create conflict among colleagues.
A Princeton-led team has developed a method to eliminate tiny air bubbles that form during the mass production of smaller, cheaper microchips. This breakthrough in nanoimprint lithography will enable the creation of more efficient and cost-effective computer chips, with features as small as a billionth of a meter.
The nanotechnology sector is expected to employ over 2 million workers by 2015, but risk research funding is limited, leading to a need for targeted studies on worker exposures. A 'control banding' approach could provide a middle ground between inaction and banning all nanomaterials as hazardous.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a method to manufacture large arrays of single-crystal organic transistors, enabling the creation of flexible electronic devices with high performance. The breakthrough allows for the production of low-cost sensors on product packaging and thin, flexible displays.
Nanotechnology has become a significant part of consumer goods, with products like Nano-Tex treated fleece jackets and carbon nanotube-infused tennis rackets. The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies has identified over 350 manufacturer-identified nanotechnology consumer products currently being sold.
A recent analysis of tobacco industry defense strategies reveals a shift in arguments as companies publicly admitted to smoking causing cancer. The study found that the industry initially claimed a lack of scientific proof and shifted its focus to mitigating factors and plaintiff free will as public admissions increased.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is developing advanced sensor processing algorithms to help robot forklifts verify the location and orientation of pallets laden with goods. The experimental system utilizes two onboard LADAR devices to negotiate obstacles and hone in on warehouse pallets.
The Heart Rhythm Society has published final recommendations for pacemaker and ICD performance, emphasizing greater transparency and patient safety. The guidelines include specific guidance for physicians, manufacturers, FDA officials, and Congress to prevent adverse events due to device malfunctions.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a new technique for creating vertical alignment among liquid crystal molecules, eliminating the need for manual rubbing and potentially increasing device yield. The technique uses in-situ photopolymerization to create a cellular matrix of liquid crystalline droplets with con...
Researchers at Cardiff University developed an innovative algorithm inspired by honey bees' waggle dance to maximize results in manufacturing processes. The Bees Algorithm enables companies to efficiently adjust basic elements of their operations, resulting in significant cost savings.
A new study from the University of Chicago Press Journals reveals that consumers perceive price hikes differently for material goods and services. Consumers consider fair price increases when costs associated with production or provision increase, but not when service costs and vendor profits are linked.
The Australia-US Free Trade Agreement could lead to a decline in Australia's blood safety standards if plasma fractionation is opened up to overseas tender. The move could also affect products in other countries, including New Zealand, which may be forced into 'piggy-backing' with new arrangements.
A Georgia Tech and IBM research team achieved speeds of half a trillion cycles per second in commercial silicon-based technology using large wafers and low-cost manufacturing techniques. The devices operated at frequencies above 500 GHz at extremely low temperatures.
The Center for Responsible Nanotechnology has published a collection of essays from leading thinkers on the societal implications of molecular manufacturing, a form of advanced nanotechnology. The essays examine both the benefits and risks of this technology, which could revolutionize industries and impact nearly all aspects of society.
A National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) workshop has led to the creation of a shared framework for artificial intelligence in machines. This agreement enables machines to interpret commands with near human common sense, potentially transforming manufacturing processes.
A new method by University at Buffalo engineers calculates the expected cost of managerial neglect in processes with variability, such as supply chains. The model can help managers justify investments for improvement and save up to 50% in costs over three years.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued new quality standards for testing herbal products, focusing on the analysis of ephedra and potentially toxic heavy metals. These standards will aid in ensuring the accuracy of laboratory analyses and maintaining product safety.
The Center for Responsible Nanotechnology has brought together world-class experts to discuss the societal implications of nanotechnology. The group, known as the Global Task Force, aims to develop comprehensive recommendations for the safe and responsible use of molecular manufacturing, a form of advanced nanotechnology.
The university has created a five-stage ring oscillator, marking a significant milestone in the development of transparent electronics. The technology has been supported by major organizations and holds promise for applications in displays, cell phones, televisions, and more.
The Pennsylvania Nanofabrication Manufacturing Technology Partnership provides a flexible nanotechnology education program for students across the state, offering a capstone semester at Penn State's University Park campus. The program focuses on broadening the scope of nanotechnology applications and social, health, and environmental i...
A University of Florida engineer has designed a tiny, easy-to-manufacture motion sensor with potential applications in personal electronics, medical devices, and athletic monitoring. The sensor measures 3 square millimeters and is extremely sensitive, drawing minimal power.
The new standard offers greater uniformity in design, operation and arrangement of fire panels, as well as equipment specifications concerning wireless and remote applications. The standardization effort aims to make real-time information clearly and quickly available for processing, planning and response.
NIST develops a simulation program to analyze and optimize supply chain performance for small firms. The model identifies potential bottlenecks and enables data-driven decision-making to mitigate risks and reduce costs.
Researchers at Duke University used DNA self-assembly to mass-produce grids with infinitesimal patterns, down to nanometers. By specifying the sequence of bases for each DNA strand, they could create trillions of identical grids with specific letter patterns.
A new study by NCAR researchers finds that US-China trade imbalances significantly boost global carbon emissions, increasing US indirect responsibility. The study estimates an additional 720 million metric tons of CO2 emissions from 1997 to 2003 due to this imbalance.
The Institute for OneWorld Health has received a multimillion-dollar grant from the Gates Foundation to combat VL, a fatal disease transmitted by sand flies. The grant will support a long-term control program, including Phase 4 demonstration studies and clinical trials in children.
Innovative manufacturers in Georgia report higher returns on sales, pay better wages, and are less likely to lose work to outsourcing. Nearly half of companies have introduced new or improved products between 2002 and 2004, with those doing so accounting for nearly 20% of sales.
Pall Corporation's total process management approach can improve vaccine production economics by reducing time, safety risks, and expenses. The use of scalable and disposable technologies enables efficient processing of larger volumes, addressing the need for increased manufacturing capacity in response to pandemic threats.
A University of Georgia research team is studying the effects of manufactured nanoparticles on microorganisms and small worms in soil. The study aims to understand the bioavailability and toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles, which may establish potential ecological and human health risks if released into the environment.
Rutgers University engineers are monitoring the buildup of empty containers in New Jersey and proposing strategies to improve their management. Rising steel costs have made it more economical for shipping companies to take back empties, but a study aims to optimize container movement within the region.
The NMSU Physical Science Laboratory designed and fielded a countermeasure device in under three months to combat IEDs, providing increased survivability for warfighters. The signal-jamming equipment is being used by the US Army, Marines, and Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit.
Researchers from NIST and UC Berkeley use NEXAFS spectroscopy to track chemical reactions, molecular reordering, and defect formation in organic electronic devices. The study reveals the importance of film structure and composition on charge carrier movement, offering a new tool for improving device performance.
Researchers have created new stain-resistant coatings that use novel short-chain fluorocarbons, reducing the environmental impact of PFOA. The compounds perform as well as conventional coatings and have been filed for patent, offering a potential solution to reduce PFOA in environments.
A recent study by the University of Cardiff's Economic & Social Research Council found that fast turnaround times on car carriers lead to a decline in seafarers' lives, causing fatigue, social isolation, and limited free time. The research highlights the need for better working conditions and labor protections for crew members.
Researchers have developed a new technique that allows for the creation of complex patterns in nano-electronics using self-assembling materials. This breakthrough enables the production of complex nano-electronic devices with non-regular geometries, which is crucial for advancing computer architecture by Moore's Law.
The team successfully fabricated four niobium single cell cavities from large-grain and single crystal ingots, achieving an accelerating gradient of 45 MV/m, exceeding the ILC specification. This new fabrication process simplifies manufacturing, reduces cost, and improves cavity performance.
The study found that classification of research and development in the services sector has become increasingly difficult due to blurring lines between manufacturing and services. The researchers make recommendations for improved definitions and revised wording of questions to improve accuracy.
GM's innovative use of operations research has saved the company over $2 billion by improving productivity at 30 assembly plants worldwide. The award recognizes outstanding implemented operations research that has had a significant positive impact on GM's performance.
A new study reveals that tattoo inks contain diverse chemical compositions, including heavy metals, which may pose health risks. The research aims to encourage closer regulation of the tattoo industry and improve safety standards for patients undergoing tattoo removal surgery.
The new test structures provide a wider range of reference feature sizes and are measured more precisely than previously available materials. Industry can use these reference materials to calibrate tools to reliably measure microprocessor-device gates.
USC researchers have found that flawed hardware can be tolerable in various applications, such as graphics and accounting. They've developed simple test structures to determine attributes of erroneous performance, enabling cost-efficient testing and prediction.
The Center for Advanced Microelectronics Manufacturing (CAMM) will combine resources from academia, government, and industry to speed up microelectronics manufacturing research and development in a roll-to-roll format. CAMM's R2R research capabilities include flexible displays, 'foldable' radars, and protective clothing.
Virginia Tech researchers have developed a chemical process to extract ethanol and xylitol from cotton gin residue. This technology has the potential to create a new industry in the state's cotton-growing region, providing a solution to the problem of residue disposal.
The microchip industry is struggling to achieve precise timing as device dimensions and tolerances continue to shrink. To address this issue, NIST is supporting the development of time synchronization standards in collaboration with International SEMATECH's e-Manufacturing initiatives.
Price promotions benefit consumers overall, but not manufacturers or retailers in the long run. Introducing store brands is beneficial to premium brand manufacturers and offers increased profit margins for retailers.
Researchers tested recordable optical disks' durability in various conditions, finding that some can store data for decades. The Government Information Preservation Working Group is setting requirements for archival quality media, allowing organizations to identify suitable high-quality media for long-term data storage.
Researchers are exploring spider silk's potential as an ecological material, with applications in wound-closure systems and durable surgical implants. By engineering artificial proteins, they hope to create intelligent materials that can assemble into new types of mesh with biochemically active groups.
A new report provides guidance for monitoring adverse events from dietary supplements, recommending a user-friendly approach and standardized questionnaire to detect and prioritize signals. The report aims to enhance the likelihood of identifying true adverse effects and improve the effectiveness of postmarket surveillance systems.