Lessons from US–China trade relations
Increased US-China trade created net welfare gains, but unequal distribution among winners and losers. The 2018 trade war reversed these gains and had modest positive effects on some industries and states.
Manufacturing
Articles tagged with Manufacturing
Potent greenhouse gas produced by industry could be readily abated with existing technologies
Researchers have found that industrial sources of nitrous oxide emissions can be readily abated with existing technology. The study suggests that low-cost technologies already exist to reduce nitrous oxide emissions to nearly zero, providing a double benefit for the environment and humanity by also protecting the ozone layer.
Scientists make common pain killers from pine trees instead of crude oil
Researchers have developed a method to produce pharmaceutical precursors from biorenewable β-pinene, a waste by-product from the paper industry. They successfully created paracetamol and ibuprofen using this compound, presenting a potential alternative to crude oil-based products.
AI-based technique for predicting crystal orientation improves the efficiency of manufacturing most electronic devices
Researchers at Nagoya University developed an AI-based technique to predict crystal orientation in polycrystalline materials, revolutionizing the industry. The method uses optical photographs and reduces measurement time from 14 hours to 1.5 hours, enabling large-area materials analysis.
WVU industrial engineers help businesses boost productivity, go green with free waste assessments
The WVU Pollution Prevention Program provides customized source reduction solutions, training, and digital technologies to minimize waste. The program aims to help businesses achieve carbon neutrality through data-driven modeling and AI-powered adjustments.
Will robotic assisted in situ bioprinting become the next generation of surgical modality for cartilage repair?
The technique has the potential to overcome major shortcomings associated with conventional bioprinting, allowing real-time wound treatment and immediate anastomosis with native tissue. However, challenges remain, including integration with surrounding tissues and limited access to defect sites in articular joints.
Lehigh Industrial Assessment Center to expand into regional energy audit, workforce development role
The Lehigh University Industrial Assessment Center will conduct energy audits for manufacturing plants in the mid-Atlantic region, providing real-world training for students and professionals. The center aims to reduce industrial emissions and improve manufacturing competitiveness while enhancing workforce development in disadvantaged ...
Creating artificially engineered organs could become quicker and easier
Researchers have developed a new manufacturing pipeline to simplify and advance high-value manufacturing of tissue-compatible organs, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. This breakthrough aims to address the dire need for artificially engineered organs and tissue grafts, potentially saving thousands of lives in the UK.
A novel method for squeezing molecules together could significantly reduce chemical manufacturing waste and its negative environmental impacts
Scientists have developed a novel mechanochemistry method that can manufacture chemicals without toxic solvent waste, reducing energy consumption and pollution. The technique uses organic chemistry and nanotechnology to push molecules together and create chemicals.
From functional to intelligent: laser powder bed fusion additive manufactured NiTi shape memory alloys
Researchers at Huazhong University of Science and Technology have developed a systematic review of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF)-fabricated NiTi alloys. The study highlights the effect of process parameters on printability, mechanical properties, and functional behaviors of NiTi shape memory alloys. These findings provide evidence for...
Simultaneous multi-material embedded printing for 3D heterogeneous structures
Researchers developed a novel printing method that controls the precise deposition of bioink in embedding medium, achieving accurate and homogeneous structures. The method enables the creation of complex three-dimensional structures with multiple materials, which has potential applications in manufacturing heterogeneous tissue models.
Makers of PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ covered up the dangers
A new analysis of secret industry documents reveals that the chemical industry knew about the dangers of PFAS but failed to disclose this information to the public and regulators. The study examines how the industry used tactics to delay public awareness and regulations, with devastating consequences for human health and the environment.
The secret to in-store displays: where to place discounted products relative to regularly priced products to maximize sales
A new study finds that placing discounted products next to regularly priced items can have both negative and positive effects on demand for other products. The Negative Proximity Effect decreases the sales of proximal products, while the Positive Proximity Effect increases their sales.
New ‘designer’ titanium alloys made using 3D printing
Researchers have developed strong and ductile titanium alloys by integrating alloy and 3D-printing process designs, enabling new sustainable applications in aerospace, biomedical, and energy technologies. The breakthrough utilizes circular economy thinking to produce alloys from industrial waste and low-grade materials.
High-quality 2D films could be one-drop away
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new technology to fabricate high-quality nanosheet films in about one minute. The method uses an automated film-forming process that produces neatly tiled monolayer films with no gaps between the nanosheets.
To avoid a battery crisis, more of us should share small, lightweight EVs
Researchers suggest sharing smaller, lightweight EVs to manage resource use in EV batteries. They found that reducing material supply risks requires systemic approaches and investments in new battery technologies.
Communities of color disproportionately exposed to PFAS pollution in drinking water
A new study links disproportionate siting of PFAS sources near watersheds serving communities with higher proportions of Black and Hispanic/Latino residents. The research suggests that regulating PFAS releases and ensuring safe drinking water is crucial in protecting public health, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Manufacturing and metrology considerations are key when designing with freeform optics
Freeform optical components can offer optical design flexibility not possible with traditional optics, but presenting unique challenges for designers and manufacturers. Understanding manufacturing limitations early in the design process is crucial to ensure well-behaved surfaces.
Rooftop solar panels could power one third of US manufacturing sector
A new study reveals that rooftop solar arrays can meet the entire electricity demand of up to 35% of US manufacturers, currently accounting for only 2.2% of the grid mix. The research investigates the feasibility of on-site solar panel installations across different regions and manufacturing sectors in the US.
Using plants as factories for green drug production
Scientists have engineered plants to produce peptides with antibiotic activity against drug-resistant pathogens, which also enhances stability and prolongs activity. The resulting plants yield potent drugs at significantly lower costs than traditional methods, making them an environmentally friendly option for pharmaceutical production.
Drug industry’s carbon impact could be cut by half
A new study from Cornell University found that the pharmaceutical industry can significantly reduce its environmental impact. The study analyzed the full life cycle of the HIV antiretroviral drug Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) and found that energy usage is the biggest contributor to carbon emissions, accounting for up to 45% of t...
World's first mass production of metalenses for visible wavelengths
A POSTECH research team has successfully mass-produced metalenses for visible light, overcoming previous limitations in fabrication and efficiency. By combining photolithography and nanoimprint lithography, the team achieved high-speed production of high-performance lenses with improved efficiency up to 90%.
Tiny microbes could brew big benefits for green biomanufacturing
Researchers have engineered bacteria to combine natural enzymatic reactions with the carbene transfer reaction, producing new-to-nature carbon products that can be used in biochemicals and advanced biofuels. This breakthrough could reduce industrial emissions by providing sustainable alternatives to chemical manufacturing processes.
Driving towards a greener future: Atomic layer deposition creates advanced eco-friendly vehicle materials
Researchers used ALD to create eco-friendly exhaust gas catalysts, lithium-ion battery coatings, and hydrogen fuel cells. The technology improves catalytic and energy material performance through precise control of film thickness and composition.
Electric car batteries are difficult to recycle – at least for now
Researchers are working to develop battery cells that can be easily recycled, reducing the environmental impact of electric cars. The goal is to unlock the full potential of electric vehicles by reusing valuable materials in batteries.
Texas A&M researcher receives $3M National Science Foundation manufacturing grant
A Texas A¼M researcher has received a $3M NSF grant to test 3D printing living matter for substituting petroleum-based plastics in packaging, furniture and construction industries. The project aims to create locally available materials that can generate domestic jobs.
Thinking on different wavelengths to improve photopolymer-based 3D printing
Xiayun Zhao receives $657,610 NSF CAREER Award for her research in photopolymer additive manufacturing. She aims to develop a smart digital light processing method that uses two wavelengths to control curing and curb exposure, improving the accuracy and strength of printed parts.
Computational ‘short cuts’ offer fast answers to complex supply chain problems
Computational heuristics like Grey Wolf Optimizer and Whale Optimization Algorithm offer fast solutions to complex supply chain problems, providing accurate results within a shorter time frame. The research suggests these tools can be a valuable addition to supply chain management, especially in responding to unexpected disruptions.
Fabrication and applications of van der Waals heterostructures
The article discusses the fabrication and applications of van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs), which have unique properties and potential for exploring condensed matter physics. Various strategies for fabricating vdWHs were developed in the past decade, leading to promising functionalities in diverse fields.
CityU: world’s first university to manufacture next-generation, self-designed compact electron microscopes
The City University of Hong Kong has developed a novel electron microscope that combines scanning and transmission electron microscope modes in a compact format. The device can produce high-resolution images in five minutes, enabling the study of atom dynamics and beam-sensitive materials.
Cheaper method for making woven displays and smart fabrics – of any size or shape
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new method for making smart fabrics that is cheaper and more sustainable. They achieved this by weaving electronic components into conventional textiles using industrial looms, breaking away from traditional specialized microelectronic fabrication facilities.
One-step solution-coating method to advance perovskite solar cell manufacturing and commercialization
Researchers from City University of Hong Kong and NREL developed a one-step solution-coating approach to simplify PSC manufacturing, resulting in high efficiency and stability. The new method reduces process complexity and cost, bringing PSCs closer to commercialization.
Synthetic biology meets fashion in engineered silk
Scientists have created a method to produce synthetic spider silk with eightfold higher yields than previous methods, making it a promising material for sustainable clothing production. The new silk fibers retain the desirable properties of enhanced strength and toughness while being lightweight.
Recycled aluminum offers energy, emissions and electric vehicle battery range savings
The new manufacturing process produces lightweight aluminum vehicle parts that lower costs and are more environmentally friendly. Researchers have shown that the Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE) process can break up metal impurities in scrap without requiring an energy-intensive heat treatment step.
Renewable route to rubber material
Researchers at KAUST have developed a sustainable method for producing butadiene, a key component of synthetic rubber, using the Lebedev process and modernized catalysts. The new approach eliminates the need for fossil reserves and reduces environmental impact.
Multi-compartment membranes for multicellular robots: Everybody needs some body
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a method for creating molecular robots using artificial multicellular-like bodies made of phospholipids and synthetic surfactants. The technique allows for the assembly of micron-sized compartments that can combine to form heterogeneous structures with multiple functionalities.
Manchester graphene spin-out signs $1billion game-changing deal to help tackle global sustainability challenges
A UK-based graphene company has formed a $1 billion deal with Quazar Investment Company in the UAE to commercialize graphene-based technologies, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions. The partnership will develop and produce premium, environmentally-friendly products using advanced materials.
Femtosecond lasers with GHz bursts in MHz burst (BiBurst) enhances ablation speed of silicon by a factor of 23
Scientists have developed BiBurst mode, which groups femtosecond laser pulses in MHz envelopes to increase ablation speed and improve throughput. The technique achieves 23 times faster ablation of silicon without compromising quality.
Solar cells charging forward
Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully created silicon-based photovoltaics at room temperature using a hybrid PEDOT:PSS/silicon heterojunction. This breakthrough technology offers improved production speed and cost, with power generation efficiency above 10%. The new process has the potential to facilitate large-scale diffus...
Fully recyclable printed electronics ditch toxic chemicals for water
Researchers at Duke University have produced the world's first fully recyclable printed electronics that replace hazardous chemicals with water in the fabrication process. The demonstration points to a path towards reducing environmental footprint and human health risks in the electronics industry.
Origami-inspired robots can sense, analyze and act in challenging environments
A UCLA-led team developed foldable robots using conductive materials, overcoming chip weight and rigidity issues. The OrigaMechs can sense, analyze and act with precision in extreme environments, making them suitable for disaster response and space exploration.
Across the divide: Manufacturing better batteries
The article explores knowledge gaps between laboratory and industrial manufacturing of batteries, highlighting the need for a shift in research priorities. Researchers propose new ways to design experiments that account for industry challenges, such as cost efficiency and impurity tolerance. The study aims to bridge the gap between fun...
Scientists integrate two-dimensional materials into silicon microchips for advanced data storage and computation
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) successfully integrated two-dimensional materials on silicon microchips, achieving high integration density, electronic performance, and yield. The resulting hybrid devices exhibit special electronic properties that enable low-power consumption artificial neural ne...
Finding the sweet spot in sugar reductions
Researchers found that marketing diet or sugar-free versions does not increase overall turnover, but reducing package size leads to an increase in sales figures. Smaller packages also work better when marketed as a fun alternative.
The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health issues sweeping new report
The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health issues a sweeping new report highlighting the far-reaching health hazards of plastics across their life cycle. The report examines the economic, health, environmental, and social costs associated with plastics from extraction to end states.
Carnegie Mellon to lead NASA Space Technology Research Institute
The institute aims to shorten the cycle required to design, manufacture, and test parts that can withstand space travel conditions. It will develop detailed computer models of additively manufactured parts using digital twins.
Swansea University academics develop world’s first completely roll-to-roll printable perovskite solar cell
Researchers at Swansea University have created a low-cost and scalable method to manufacture fully printable perovskite photovoltaics using carbon ink. The devices achieved similar performance to conventional gold electrodes, with power conversion efficiencies of up to 14%.
Embedding aligned nanofibrous architectures within 3D-printed polycaprolactone scaffolds for directed cellular infiltration and tissue regeneration
Scientists create hybrid composite scaffolds with aligned nanofibrous architectures to improve cell seeding efficiency, proliferation rates, and morphogenesis. The findings have potential applications in tissue repairing and regenerative medicine.
Some stirring required: fluid mixing enables scalable manufacturing of soft polymer structures
The new technique allows for the production of a dozen different soft polymer material morphologies, including ribbons, nanoscale sheets, rods, and branched particles. By precisely controlling three sets of parameters during manufacturing, researchers can fine-tune the morphology of polymeric materials at the micro- and nano-scale.
Chung-Ang University researchers develop smart portable sensing system for monitoring precast structures during delivery
The novel portable wireless sensing system measures strain and acceleration in real-time, generating a safety assessment report to prevent damage and ensure safe delivery. While effective, the system lacks real-time data management capabilities, requiring future development of a cloud-based monitoring system.
National Science Foundation awards $90.8M to Arizona State University to advance x-ray science
The National Science Foundation has awarded Arizona State University $90.8 million to advance x-ray science, including the construction of the world's first Compact X-ray Free Electron Laser. This technology will enable researchers to explore complex matter at atomic length and ultrafast time, paving the way for breakthroughs in human ...
A wholly sustainable plastics economy is feasible
A new study suggests that a sustainable plastics economy is possible by increasing recycling rates to 74% and using innovative production methods, such as carbon capture and utilization. This would require a fundamental shift in the way plastics are produced, consumed, and disposed of.
TUS researchers propose a simple, inexpensive approach to fabricating carbon nanotube wiring on plastic films
TUS researchers develop novel method to create multi-walled CNT wiring on plastic films under ambient conditions, enabling flexible devices and energy conversion devices. The proposed method produces high-quality wires with varying resistance values.
How digital twins could protect manufacturers from cyberattacks
A new cybersecurity framework uses digital twin technology, machine learning, and human expertise to detect cyberattacks in manufacturing processes. The framework analyzes continuous data streams from physical machines and their digital twins to identify irregularities and flag potential threats.
Review and outlook of atomic layer deposition for nanoscale oxide semiconductor thin film transistor
The article reviews the outlook of atomic layer deposition (ALD) based oxide semiconductor thin film transistors (TFTs), highlighting four benefits: in-situ composition control, vertical structure engineering, chemical reaction and film properties, and insulator and interface engineering. Despite these advantages, challenging issues re...
‘Lego-like’ universal connector developed by NTU Singapore scientists makes assembling stretchable devices a snap
Researchers create 'Lego-like' BIND interface to assemble stretchable devices with excellent mechanical and electrical performance. The interface allows for easy connection of modules, enabling the development of highly functional wearable devices or soft robots.
The surprising similarities of packed particles
Scientists develop a statistical model to describe how particles of different sizes jam together, revealing a common structure that can improve spatial efficiency in various industries. The study's findings have significant implications for applications involving particulate matter, such as construction, medicine, and food manufacturing.
Fiber sensing scientists invent 3D printed fiber microprobe for measuring in vivo biomechanical properties of tissue and even single cell
Researchers at Shenzhen University have developed a compact fiber optical nanomechanical probe (FONP) to measure in vivo biomechanical properties of tissue and even single cells. The high-precision mechanical sensing system enables accurate measurements with spring constants as low as 2.1 nanonewtons.
Two/quasi-two-dimensional perovskite-based heterostructures: Construction, properties and applications
Researchers discuss the construction, properties, and applications of 2D/quasi-2D perovskite-based heterostructures. These heterostructures offer novel functionalities for photovoltaic solar cells, LEDs, and photodetectors.
Communities that suffered rapid manufacturing job losses fare worse on sustainability
A study found that communities experiencing sudden and significant job losses in manufacturing are less likely to engage in sustainability planning and meet sustainability-related goals. This is attributed to deep-rooted connections between industry and community identity, making it difficult for these communities to transition.