News on R&D across science and industry. Covers R&D awards, applied studies, quantum institutes, and university research initiatives.
Researchers have developed an algorithm to identify features of male zebra finch songs underpinning the distinction between courtship and non-courtship contexts. The study suggests a potential for 'bottom-up' approaches to drive discovery in vocal communication, uncovering previously unidentified features.
Researchers at the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) presented their latest findings on various child development topics. Key presentations include discussions on how COVID-19 has altered screen use among children and strategies to promote social justice in developmental science.
Researchers create ab initio NAMD method to investigate spin-valley exciton dynamics in MoS2, revealing e-h exchange interaction plays a crucial role. The new method provides a powerful tool for studying exciton relaxation, lifetime, dissociation, and defect interactions in solid materials.
Scientists at CABI have confirmed the presence of the highly invasive apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) in Kenya, posing a significant threat to the country's rice production. The discovery was made through DNA barcoding analyses and confirms the species' potential to spread further, highlighting the need for strict quarantine measures.
A new statistical model identifies potential superspreader cities by incorporating both connectivity between cities and their varying suitability for infection. The risk of a city becoming a superspreader increases with infection suitability only up to a certain extent, but risk increases indefinitely with increased connectivity.
The Masonic Medical Research Institute has developed a novel technique for isolating brown fat cells, which can help study the relationship between brown fat cells and other cell types. This breakthrough could lead to better understanding of diseases and generate innovative cures and treatments.
A new hyperpolarized proton MRI method has been developed by researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and the Helmholtz Institute Mainz. This technique uses parahydrogen to track biochemical processes in real-time, enabling the observation of metabolic processes without the drawbacks of existing hydrogen-based imaging methods.
Researchers found migratory birds from Europe introduced the HPAIV H5N8 virus to Japan. The team also investigated two human anti-influenza drugs, baloxavir marboxil and peramivir, which improved survival rates in infected chickens and reduced viral amounts.
A research team has developed a novel nano-micelle packaging method for delivering CRISPR/Cas9 components, allowing for efficient genome editing in the mouse brain. The optimized nano-micelles enable targeted and precise editing of genomic sequences with minimal off-target effects.
Researchers developed a new quantum theory that resolves the Gibbs paradox, a 150-year-old thermodynamic thought experiment. The study shows that even an 'ignorant' experimenter can extract work from a mixing process in a quantum system.
A recent study found that many Alexa skills have misleading privacy policies, allowing third-party developers to access users' personal information. The researchers also demonstrated that developers can change the code on the back end of skills after approval, posing a significant risk to user privacy.
Researchers developed a first wearable sensor to continuously measure bilirubin, pulse rate, and blood oxygen saturation in real-time. The device aims to improve quality of phototherapy and patient outcomes in neonatal care.
Researchers developed PopDel, a program that reliably identifies large deletions in thousands of genomes simultaneously. The software outperformed existing methods, detecting rare gene variants associated with healthy lipid metabolism.
The study used thin films of PETN, grown on different surfaces, to determine how surface cleanliness affects film properties. The research team also developed a specialized setup to visualize shock waves using schlieren imaging, which revealed that gaps around the size of a human hair could stop detonations from continuing.
Brian Zhou, Assistant Professor of Physics at Boston College, has received a $567,000 NSF CAREER Award to study the imaging of photocurrents in quantum materials. He will use this funding to develop nanoscale quantum sensors for spatially imaging flow and characterize ultrathin magnetic materials.
Researchers at KIMM developed an all-round gripper technology that can handle objects of various shapes and sizes. The gripper's soft structure allows it to perfectly match the target object contour, providing a firm grip and preventing damage.
A non-invasive electroceutical developed to detect early preterm labor and suppress uterine contractions. The device uses a donut-shaped electrode inserted into the cervix to sense signals of uterine contractions, providing a potential breakthrough in preventing premature birth.
The DOD has awarded NPS a $2.4 million grant to develop new theory and tools for understanding and preparing for future climate events that pose challenges to military operations. The project aims to advance resilience research and build tools for assessing and improving resilience across military installations.
A comprehensive genetic study in Qatar identifies genetic associations with 45 clinically relevant traits, shedding new light on the genetic architecture of clinical laboratory tests. The study highlights the importance of further research to define the genetic architecture of diseases in the Middle East region.
A Yale-led research team created a new method to track how Aedes aegypti mosquitoes move through the environment, combining genetic and environmental data. The results suggest that these mosquitoes travel through a mix of natural and human-aided dispersal, making eco-friendly control methods more crucial than ever.
The University of Central Florida is helping NASA develop thin-ply composites that are as thin as measuring tape but strong enough to support satellite payloads. These materials offer significant gains in performance over traditional metallic materials and can be rolled up, compacted and stored for long periods.
The new online tool provides a nuanced understanding of the pandemic's impact across sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for regional risk factors and varying healthcare access. The study reveals that different drivers of viral spread, such as connectivity and chronic diseases, significantly affect local outbreak trajectories.
Researchers will investigate climate-resistant oats and develop innovative products with industrial partners. The project aims to promote the health, economic, and environmental benefits of growing oats in Wales and Ireland.
A large-scale study found that innovative companies experienced 1.95% higher yearly growth in profitability compared to non-innovative firms. The study highlights the significant financial benefits of innovation for companies, supporting job creation and economic growth.
Heliponix, a Purdue University-affiliated startup, has won a National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research grant to develop and improve its in-home greenhouses. The grant will support research on multispectral photomorphogenesis in rotary aeroponic cultivation chambers.
A new data tool called SafeNET can rapidly predict mortality for patients facing transfer between hospitals, helping physicians, patients, and families make informed decisions. The tool analyzes patient demographics, vital signs, lab tests, and other factors to provide a predicted mortality risk in under five minutes.
Researchers at UTA have developed a technique to program 2D materials into 3D shapes, enabling new technologies for soft robotics and biomimetic manufacturing. The approach allows for the creation of complex 3D structures with doubly curved morphologies and motions, previously difficult to replicate with man-made materials.
A Wayne State University research team is developing an artificial intelligence (AI) model to help identify severe SARS-CoV-2 illness in children. The project aims to predict disease severity and risk stratify patients, enabling early detection and timely intervention.
Researchers have developed a prototype backpack that reduces load weights by 20% while harvesting energy from human movements to power small electronics. The backpack incorporates elastomers for shock absorption and a triboelectric nanogenerators to convert mechanical energy into electricity, achieving 14% efficiency.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has uncovered the biomedical basis of the Barker hypothesis, which suggests that infants with low birth weight are at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and kidney disorders. The research team discovered that fetuin-A, a serum protein, plays a crucial role in fetal protective mec...
UMass Amherst researchers create materials that harness environmental energy to propel themselves, offering a sustainable solution for industries like robotics and toys. The discovery builds on natural phenomena like plant springs and animal movements.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed a multi-functional separator to trap moisture and impurities in lithium-ion batteries. This breakthrough allows for battery assembly in ambient air, reducing costs and improving performance, with excellent heat resistance and electrochemical stability demonstrated.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that patients with COVID-19 are twice as likely to die when ICU capacity is strained during peak caseloads. The research team analyzed data from 8,516 COVID-19 patients and found a significant association between ICU patient load and demand and increased mortality rates.
Assistant Professor Chenyun Pan is exploring alternative materials and geometric structures to enhance efficiency in intermediate-length interconnects. His research aims to alleviate the limitations of traditional copper-based interconnects and deliver improved chip performance.
Researchers at ETRI developed a software that can accurately predict the level of VR sickness based on artificial intelligence technology. The technology analyzes the correlation between VR elements and sickness using machine learning and biomarker pattern detection.
The SUTD research team has developed a novel shape memory polymer resist for 4D printing, enabling submicron dimensions comparable to visible light wavelengths. This breakthrough allows for the exploration of new applications in nanophotonics and enables the creation of tunable photonic devices.
A new study from Cornell University and UC San Diego finds that international STEM doctoral students graduating from US universities face a complex and inefficient path to permanent residency, with most following a guest worker visa before obtaining a green card. The researchers argue that this process should be treated differently due...
The research team developed a fast and affordable quantum random number generator, beating all previous records with a speed of 8.05 gigabits per second. This device has promising potential for commercial applications in cryptography and complex systems modeling.
Researchers developed an in vitro and computational model-based approach to identify chemicals affecting male reproductive health without animal tests. The method predicts exposure of fetuses to harmful substances, showing promising results compared to traditional animal tests.
Researchers developed a peptide-based photosensitizer that activates in cancer tissues only and destroys cancer cells without affecting surrounding normal cells. The new technology allows for repeated treatment with long-term release of the agent, reducing side effects associated with traditional phototherapy methods.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a solution to stabilize drones when one motor fails, using onboard camera information. The team equipped quadcopters with standard and event cameras, which enable the drone to estimate its position in space despite high-speed rotation. This innovation improves flight safety in area...
Researchers at Aarhus University are working on a new project, AquaCleaner, to develop a sustainable method for breaking down per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The proposed cascade treatment strategy uses enzymatic defluorination and a novel nanomaterial-based catalyst to eliminate PFAS.
The University of Texas at San Antonio's MATRIX AI Consortium has received over $1 million in research funding to develop novel brain-inspired lifelong learning algorithms. Inspired by the honeybee brain, these algorithms aim to close the performance gap between modern AI systems and biological systems.
A novel approach to COVID-19 screening was developed by using a drive-through intraocular pressure (IOP) clinic, allowing for safe measurement of eye pressure in a public health setting. This innovative method minimizes the risk of COVID-19 transmission between patients and clinicians.
New research by the U.S. Army reduces unpredictability of current training reinforcement learning policies, enabling robots to reason and adapt to changing battlefield conditions. The breakthrough enhances the Army's future operating concept by incorporating risk sensitivity, safety constraints, exploration, and divergence to a prior.
Researchers developed an AI-based technology to predict phenomena by preserving physical laws, including energy conservation. This approach uses digital calculus and geometric approaches to accurately estimate energy reduction in various phenomena.
A research team in South Korea developed a self-healing colorless polyimide material that can repair cracks and damaged functions without high-temperature heat. The material, created by mixing linseed oil-loaded microcapsules with silicone, offers advantages such as accelerated healing process and local damage repair at room temperature.
A new longitudinal study published in Child Development found that African American youth who receive positive messages about their racial group in school achieve better grades one to two years later. The study suggests that a positive sense of community and interdependence is key to success for these students.
WSU researchers have developed an origami-inspired fuel bladder that can be squeezed at least 100 times without breaking or leaking under cold conditions. This breakthrough solves a key challenge in space travel, enabling larger and longer-duration missions.
Researchers have developed a new type of ultra-high frequency Si-based nanoelectromechanical resonator that can be used for quantum computing and sensing applications. The device demonstrates excellent mechanical properties, including single-hole tunneling behavior and a record high resonance frequency of 3 GHz.
The COVID-19 pandemic is diverting funding and expertise away from other dangerous diseases, putting clinical trials on indefinite hold. Global health experts warn of a long-term harm to the field due to budget constraints and talent redirection.
Researchers developed a disposable kit for immediate detection of specific airborne viruses in the field. The platform can sample and monitor airborne viruses simultaneously and detects them within 50 minutes on-site.
Artificial Chemist 2.0 enables rapid quantum dot synthesis and analysis using AI-driven robotic systems, identifying optimal materials and formulations in under an hour. The technology accelerates R&D and manufacturing, making it suitable for industrial applications.
Researchers developed a membrane material that self-cleans biological contaminants through sunlight irradiation, reducing the need for harsh chemicals and extending membrane lifespan.
A RIT professor is leading a research project to develop low-cost, high-efficiency solar cells using a reusable substrate process. The goal is to reduce the cost of these efficient solar cells, which can power devices like smartphones, drones, and cars.
A novel harmonization method was used to develop a generalizable brain network marker for major depressive disorder (MDD), based on resting-state fMRI data. The marker achieved approximately 70% generalization accuracy for an independent validation dataset, demonstrating its potential for clinical applications.
The Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion has opened a new website for Project COINS, which aims to establish an in-body hospital network by 2045. The initiative is part of the Center of Innovation Program (COI) and will focus on creating innovative healthcare and medical technologies.
The UC2 system allows users to produce a high-quality microscope at low cost, making it suitable for areas where conventional microscopes are not feasible. The open-source tool also enables researchers to share their knowledge and incorporate it into their work, promoting open science.
Researchers at POSTECH developed organic spacer molecular additive to improve perovskite solar cells' photoelectric efficiency and stability. The new material reduces internal defects and increases moisture resistance, achieving 21.3% efficiency and maintaining over 80% of initial performance under humid conditions.
The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis assessed the climate change scenario framework, which combines alternative futures of climate and society. The study found that the framework has been widely applied in over 1,400 studies, enabling research on combined impacts of socioeconomic and climate changes.