News on R&D across science and industry. Covers R&D awards, applied studies, quantum institutes, and university research initiatives.
A new, low-cost 3D-printed sensor can accurately detect and measure glyphosate levels in liquids with high sensitivity and specificity. The sensor uses nano-sized tubes and technology similar to glucose tests to detect the herbicide in orange juice and rice beverages.
Researchers developed an experimental device to improve blood sugar control in HI patients. The bihormonal bionic pancreas (BHBP) helps maintain stable glucose levels without human error in calculating doses.
Three Lehigh University faculty members received federal grants to study reading interventions, supports for students with disabilities, and teachers of students with autism. The projects aim to improve reading growth for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Researchers developed WebFRIS, a web-based platform to provide socio-economic vulnerability analysis and simplify flood risk information. The tool can help formulate targeted solutions and enhance social capacity and resilience in flood-prone regions.
Researchers have developed an AI-powered tool, Roofpedia, to track sustainable roof adoption worldwide. The tool uses satellite images to gauge cities' green and solar roof penetration, with Singapore ranked third in solar roof coverage.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed improved carbon membranes that can efficiently separate para-xylene from its siblings, reducing energy consumption by up to three times. The breakthrough could lower energy costs in producing commodity chemicals and fuels.
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) has developed a Fluid-supported Liquid Interface Polymerization (FLIP) 3D printer that can rapidly print hydrogel structures with complex geometry. This approach addresses the key nutrient supply issue in bioprinting, enabling the rapid fabrication of complex geometrical shapes.
Researchers developed a method to overlay a virtual scale on acquired endoscope images in real-time, allowing accurate estimation of colorectal polyp sizes. The approach uses triangulation principles and minimal image processing, enabling cost-effective diagnosis without adding extra instrumentation.
A UNSW psychology researcher recommends a set of neurocognitive and mental health questionnaires to harmonize the assessment of long COVID patients. These tests can be used internationally and in various cultural settings to address key questions about the problem, including brain fog and dementia risks.
A new analytics platform, RDCA-DAP, will be launched to accelerate rare disease treatment innovation by hosting and standardizing rare diseases data. The platform is expected to empower patients and families to drive innovation in the field.
Researchers created a bionic arm that combines intuitive motor control with touch and hand movement sensation, enabling wearers to think and behave like a person without an amputation. The system's bi-directional feedback and control allowed study participants to perform tasks with similar accuracy as non-disabled people.
SECORE International's coral breeding technique shows significant success in closing the gap to scale for coral restoration, using floating mesocosms to produce thousands of coral recruits. The approach promotes genetic diversity and can help corals cope with climate change.
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology is being explored for its potential to destroy cancerous tumours while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Researchers at the University of Waterloo have made significant progress in understanding how HIFU works on a cellular level, paving the way for future clinical trials.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a scalable method to harvest exosomes from unpasteurized cow's milk, enabling the production of purified exosomes for oral drug delivery. The new protocol advances pharmaceutical applications for fragile drugs and opens up a wide range of clinical applications.
Researchers at Purdue University and Houston Methodist have developed a novel TB vaccine formulation that enhances T cell responses to combat tuberculosis. The new vaccine uses autophagy-mediated antigen presentation, showing promising results in improving immune response.
Scientists at Ural Federal University and RAS developed a technology to process metallurgical slag into valuable materials such as cast iron and Portland cement clinker. The technology eliminates the problem of environmental pollution by industrial enterprises.
Researchers investigated the link between state opioid prescription duration limits and changes in opioid prescribing. The study found that limiting initial opioid prescriptions may lead to a decrease in opioid-related overdose deaths, but also increase unnecessary hospitalizations.
Hailin Li, a WVU engineer, will lead a project to develop a software platform that simulates heavy-duty diesel engines with advanced after-treatment systems. The goal is to improve engine efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions, which will help cut greenhouse gases and pollutants from the transportation sector.
Researchers developed simple, low-cost legged robots that can link and unlink to accomplish tasks like gap traversal and stair climbing on uneven terrains. The robots use easily acquired off-the-shelf technology and a magnetic connector for docking and cooperative behaviors.
A new research project aims to assess the effectiveness of comprehensive social, environmental, and health promotion services in affordable housing settings. The study will track the impact of these programs on residents, building culture, and housing conditions over time.
Researchers developed a novel evidence-based material recommender system that predicts high entropy alloy formation without data descriptors, overcomes data bias and poor availability. The method recommends an FeMnCoNi alloy as the most probable HEA and successfully synthesizes it, confirming its validity.
Researchers created a polymer coating that releases Lasioglossin-III, an AMP with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, targeting specific infectious bacteria and preventing airway complications. The coating demonstrated significant antibacterial activity and prevented bacterial adherence to the tube.
Researchers found changes in erythrocyte morphology and nanoparticles on cell surfaces during radiation therapy, which may indicate treatment effectiveness or prognosis. The study suggests that analyzing these changes could lead to the development of a diagnostic method for assessing RT efficacy.
Researchers from NUST MISIS and international partners create a radar-absorbing polymer composite with excellent magnetic and microwave properties. The composite can absorb 99.9% of incoming electromagnetic radiation, making it suitable for EMI shielding applications in industries such as 5G networks and radar absorbing coatings.
Researchers at UIC have received a $725,000 grant to develop an AI system that can help protect US Navy divers from waterborne bacteria, parasites, and other harmful pathogens. The system aims to provide real-time information on water conditions, allowing divers to make informed decisions about their mission.
Researchers found that targeted behavioral science messages significantly increased COVID-19 vaccination registration among healthcare workers. The study showed a substantial increase in vaccine uptake after receiving personalized email nudges.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have developed a system that can fine-tune protein expression from gene therapy vectors, addressing the need for controlled dosing. The 'dimmer switch' uses alternative RNA splicing and an orally available small molecule to adjust levels of expression up or down as needed.
A new study reveals that increased lobbying spending leads to decreased customer satisfaction, which in turn reduces the effect of lobbying on firm value. Firms can mitigate this loss by adopting marketing-focused efforts, such as having a marketing CEO or spending more on R&D and advertising.
A new algorithm has been developed that can guide a quadrotor drone through a series of waypoints on a circuit, beating the fastest lap of two world-class human pilots. The algorithm generates time-optimal trajectories that fully consider the drones' limitations, resulting in faster and more consistent flight times.
USC researchers develop AI that can simulate human imagination by recombining learned knowledge of attributes. This technique enables controllable novel image synthesis, a key step towards overcoming the generalization problem in AI. The approach has potential applications in medicine, autonomous vehicles, and fairness in AI.
The new Quantum C100 detector enables radical simplification of microscope design, making cryoEM widely available and accessible. This will benefit society by increasing the democratization of cryoEM technology.
The article emphasizes the importance of integrating different disciplines and stakeholders in conservation efforts. Key findings include the need for increased funding and expert guidance for transdisciplinary research, as well as the benefits of such approaches, including improved data quality and innovation.
Researchers developed a computational cognitive model to explain how children integrate information during word learning. The model simulates what should happen when different information sources are combined in a rational way, and its predictions align well with real-world data.
A study developed a genetic risk score to predict adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) onset and severity. The score may help identify children at risk who could benefit from preventive treatments.
A team of Ben-Gurion University researchers has developed an artificial nose capable of detecting bacteria through volatile metabolites. The technology uses carbon nanoparticles to sense gas molecules and has the potential to identify 'good' vs. pathogenic bacteria in the microbiome, detect food spoilage, and identify poisonous gases.
A Washington State University study of over 700 young adults aged 18-25 found that those casually dating drank more than those in serious relationships or not interested in dating. This contrasts with previous research showing young adults in relationships tend to drink less.
Daejong Kim is developing foil bearings for small engines used in aerospace applications, reducing maintenance costs and increasing efficiency. Hybrid foil bearings increase load capacity dramatically compared to traditional foil bearings.
A joint research team from POSTECH and KIMS developed a deep learning-based refocusing method to detect and improve SEM images without human oversight. The technology demonstrated improved image quality on blind settings, moving closer to commercializing AI-based material analysis equipment.
A study by Van Andel Institute and Roche suggests that chronic gut inflammation may propel processes in the body leading to Parkinson's disease. The researchers found that gut inflammation triggers protein clumping in the colon and brain, which can clog molecular machinery and lead to Parkinson's symptoms.
Researchers from KIT and universities in Göttingen and Toronto develop machine learning methods to simulate material behavior, achieving high accuracy and speed. Hybrid methods combining machine learning and molecular mechanics are also suggested to accelerate simulations of large biomolecules.
Researchers from CRAG and IRTA identify the MYB10 genes responsible for anthocyanin production in Japanese plums, leading to a highly efficient tool for early selection of colored fruits. This breakthrough has significant implications for breeding programs, reducing time and resources needed to develop new varieties with desirable traits.
Researchers have developed a method for breaking camouflage that allows civilians and military personnel to identify hidden targets with high accuracy, even in complex scenes. The technique has been shown to be effective even when participants are given only a short viewing time.
Researchers analyzed thermal discomfort index levels across Saudi Arabia and neighboring regions to combat heat stress and discomfort. Most cities showed improvement, but Yanbu and Makkah regions had significant exceptions with increased heat-related deaths during the Hajj pilgrimage.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have created a self-sustaining intelligent microsystem using protein nanowires that can process ultralow electronic signals. The system harnesses electricity from the ambient environment, making it a promising development in green electronics.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a molecular switch that can be activated by green light from a smartwatch, producing insulin or other substances. The system uses HEK 293 cells and is linked to a gene network, which can be configured to produce specific substances.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a model that enables drones to capture videos evoking specific emotions, such as excitement or calmness, through camera angles and flight paths.
A study published in the Strategic Management Journal finds that firms in response to increased import penetration tend to rely more on familiar knowledge in developing innovations, rather than exploring new sources of knowledge. This shift is temporarily reversed over time, positively associated with an increased likelihood of survival.
Researchers developed an analytical model to predict contaminant spreading in fractured porous media, considering geological and physical parameters. The model can help assess the risks associated with waste disposal facilities and chemical spills, enabling informed decision-making for public health and resource allocation.
A new algorithm will be developed to predict hospital readmissions for patients with COPD, using a combination of social information and clinical data. The goal is to provide personalized care management interventions and reduce early hospital readmissions.
Scientists have developed a new process to integrate special dyes into electric motor insulation, allowing for early detection of degradation. This could lead to reduced motor replacements and improved efficiency in electric vehicles.
A recent study published in The BMJ analyzed global data from over 303,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, highlighting significant heterogeneity in drug therapy choice. Adjunctive therapies, such as corticosteroids and anti-cytokines, emerged as popular forms of management for supportive care.
The RIO Journal has published over 300 research outcomes since its launch in 2016, including early ideas, grant proposals, data management plans, and project reports. These non-traditional publications have shown significant engagement and societal impact, with authors mapping their articles to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University developed Segcache, a system that improves cache efficiency by up to 60% by grouping similar items and removing expired ones. The system was tested on Twitter's production system and has been incorporated into its infrastructure.
Marshall University prof Brandon J. Henderson receives $1.8 million NIH grant to study vaping nicotine addiction in adolescents. The research aims to understand how e-cigarettes alter neurobiology and trigger nicotine addiction.
A research team at Washington State University has developed an improved computational method to detect improper gerrymandering using the open source tool GerryChain. The tool creates a pool of alternate maps that meet legal voting criteria, allowing observers to detect extreme outliers and identify potential partisan goals.
Research at NTNU found that gender differences in jealousy start as early as the early 20s, but this study revealed they appear even earlier, around age 16. The results showed men reacting more negatively to sex, while women react to love and feelings.
Researchers stabilized electrochemical interfaces using boron Lewis acids, resulting in ultralow leak current and improved cyclic stability. The study demonstrates potential for designing high-performance boron-doped carbon materials towards energy storage applications.
Researchers at Osaka University and JOANNEUM RESEARCH developed ultrathin self-powered e-health patches that can monitor a user's pulse and blood pressure. The patches use embedded piezoelectric nanogenerators to harness biomechanical energy, enabling wireless health monitoring without the need for wires or batteries.
A new study from the VA, Regenstrief Institute, and IUPUI analyzed healthcare utilization among TBI patients and found that a quarter were super-utilizers. The research also identified disparities in care based on health insurance and residency status.
Researchers at POSTECH developed an ultra-compact wearable gas sensor that detects toxic gases and displays a holographic alarm. The sensor uses metasurface technology to provide immediate visual notification without relying on external mechanical or electronic devices.