Soft robot, unplugged
The isoperimetric soft robot is a human-scale, pneumatic robot that can move without a tether and navigate unstructured environments. It achieves this by deforming its soft fabric tubes while maintaining its perimeter constant.
Research and Development
Articles tagged with Research and Development
Antibiotics: City dwellers and children take the most
Researchers analyzed 73 studies on antibiotic use in outpatient sectors worldwide, finding city dwellers, children, and seniors take more antibiotics. Higher education and richer countries reduce antibiotic use, while urban areas and doctor concentrations increase it.
SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalInternational Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·DateMar 11, 2020
Understanding how monomer sequence affects conductance in 'molecular wires'
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a method to precisely control the sequence in synthetic polymers, allowing them to study charge transport properties and measure conductance through single chains. This work has significant implications for designing and manipulating materials with designer properties.
SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 11, 2020
UNIST students take center stage at the 2020 Samsung Humantech Paper Awards
Twelve UNIST students have won a total of 2 Gold, 3 Silver, and 5 Bronze awards at the 2020 Samsung Humantech Paper Awards. The winners include TaeJung Lim and MinHo Seong for their innovative research in mechanical engineering and energy/environment.
Driver's-ed-inspired system could make automated parallel parking more accessible
Researchers developed a more efficient automated parking guidance control strategy that mimics the approach to parallel parking commonly used by human drivers. This new method simplifies control rules and strategies, reducing computing and storage resources required in vehicles.
SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateMar 9, 2020
Powering the future with revolutionary lithium extraction technique
A world-first study has patented a new filtration technique that can filter lithium ions in an ultra-fast and highly selective manner. The technology, developed by Monash University, has shown a lithium recovery rate of approximately 90 percent, a substantial improvement on the current solar evaporation process.
With 30,000 surveys, researchers build the go-to dataset for smallholder farms
A team of researchers developed a standardized survey tool to collect data on rural households. The Rural Household Multi-Indicator Survey (RHoMIS) includes over 30,000 interviews from 33 countries and provides insights into smallholder farming practices, climate change, and social inclusion.
SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalScientific Data·DateMar 3, 2020
New tool aims to expedite military evacuation of civilians during crisis
A new tool, designed for both planning and operation phases, aims to optimize evacuation routes and supply logistics in near-real time. Researchers focus on noncombatant evacuation operations in the Republic of Korea, but it can be applied to various scenarios.
SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalJournal of Defense Analytics and Logistics·DateMar 3, 2020
New tool aims to assist military logistics in evacuating noncombatants
Researchers developed a computational model to expedite military operations for evacuating noncombatants, disaster response, or humanitarian relief. The new model helps officials determine what needs to be where and at what time to complete an evacuation as quickly as possible.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Defense Analytics and Logistics·DateFeb 28, 2020
KIER developed separator that reduced gas crossover for water electrolyzer
Researchers at Korea Institute of Energy Research have developed a new separator membrane that significantly reduces gas crossover in water electrolyzers. The membrane exhibits high performance comparable to commercial separators while maintaining low ohmic resistance.
SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Energy Research·DateFeb 26, 2020
Hospital admission & neurological consultations associated with improved TIA care quality
Research at the Regenstrief Institute found that hospital admission and neurological consultations are associated with better quality care for people with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). Patients who received a neurological consultation had higher care quality, while speech impairment was linked to increased hospital admittance.
Scientists develop open-source software to analyze economics of biofuels, bioproducts
A new open-source simulation software package in Python allows researchers to quickly compare and prioritize strategies for converting biomass to fuels and products. BioSTEAM provides a fast, flexible tool to analyze the economic and environmental implications of biorefineries.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateFeb 19, 2020
Army researchers develop efficient distributed deep learning
Army researchers developed a new algorithm that enables collaborative and communication-efficient deep learning, reducing the need for centralized data pooling. The algorithm decreases communication overhead by up to 70% without sacrificing performance accuracy or learning rate.
Researchers show advance in next-generation lithium metal batteries
A WSU research team has developed a unique protective layer around lithium anode, protecting batteries from degradation and allowing them to work longer under typical conditions. The innovation could make high-energy batteries more viable for next-generation energy storage.
Demonstration of world record transmission capacity over a 38-core 3-mode optical fiber
Researchers have successfully demonstrated a world record transmission capacity of 10.66 peta-bit per second over a 38-core 3-mode optical fiber, achieving a spectral efficiency of 1158.7 bits per second per Hz. This breakthrough enables a drastic increase in data-rate per fiber for intra- and inter data-center communication.
Five women scientists in developing countries win 2020 OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Awards
The five winning researchers are recognized for their diverse accomplishments in engineering, innovation & technology. They will receive a prize of USD $5,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to attend the AAAS Meeting.
VCU researchers to develop next-generation, long-lasting batteries
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University will develop next-generation rechargeable batteries with a potential 300-500 cycle lifespan. The project aims to reduce costs and safety risks while increasing battery life.
New sensor provides better leak protection in buildings
A new, battery-free sensor can detect water leaks in buildings, enabling greater protection and reducing costs. The sensor, powered by nanotechnology, sends alerts to smartphones when exposed to moisture, making it more accessible for building owners.
Model shows how to make on-farm sustainable energy projects profitable
Researchers developed a computational model that maximizes economic return on anaerobic digestion systems, accounting for uncertainty and key factors such as farm size and species. The model identifies optimal locations, capacities, and service areas to generate profit from farm-based sustainable energy projects.
Resources and gender competence are needed for science equality measures to be effective
A European research project highlights the need for more resources and greater gender competence to make science equality measures effective. The study analyzed 19 interventions in six countries, including Spain, and found that Spanish institutions have one of the most advanced legislative frameworks but lack sufficient resources.
Popularity distance between a restaurant's location and a person's hometown biases ratings
A study of over 760,000 restaurant reviews found that location bias affects 98% of restaurants, altering customer consideration by up to 16%. Improved ranking systems can lead to higher reviewer satisfaction (up to 12%) and more diversified top-restaurant recommendations (up to 24%).
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateFeb 6, 2020
Army scientists look inside batteries with a molecular eye
Researchers use liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry to monitor chemical reactions in battery interface, revealing key findings on SEI formation and its impact on battery performance. Understanding the chemistry of the solid-electrolyte-interphase (SEI) holds the key to unlocking future better batteries.
Discovery takes pressure off blood measurements
Researchers at Monash University developed a wearable device using continuous wave radar and photoplethysmogram sensors to calculate continuous blood pressure measurements. The device achieved high accuracy rates, with 93% success during sedentary tasks and 83% during exercises.
Likelihood of e-book purchases increase 31% by combining previews and reviews
Research reveals that consumers leverage a combination of e-book previews and reviews when making purchasing decisions, resulting in a 31% increase in purchase likelihood. The study found that exposure to both previews and reviews significantly influenced consumer behavior, whereas individual components had limited impact.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateJan 30, 2020
Synthesis considers how being smart helps you at school and school helps you become smarter
Research by Peng and Kievit found a bidirectional relationship between academic achievement and cognitive abilities, with sustained education fostering children's growth. Short-term training may be insufficient to improve academic performance due to modest effects that take time to develop.
SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development Perspectives·DateJan 28, 2020
A new stretchable battery can power wearable electronics
A new soft and stretchable battery developed by Stanford researchers can store power more safely than conventional batteries, promising to enable the design of comfortable wearable electronics. The device maintains a constant power output even when stretched or squeezed.
InDepth Pharmaceuticals moves ahead with diagnostic to predict kidney transplant success
InDepth Pharmaceuticals has executed an option agreement to evaluate a novel diagnostic technique that can predict kidney transplant success in patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The company aims to serve all 1 million FSGS patients worldwide and develop new therapeutics for other forms of kidney disease.
Customer reviews and health inspections drive consistent good hygiene at restaurants
A new study finds that online reviews can effectively gauge restaurant hygiene during periods between inspections. Roughly 30% of New York City restaurants decline hygiene standards within 90 days of certification. Continuous monitoring is crucial to maintain cleanliness at eateries.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateJan 13, 2020
Surrey lithium monitor could improve lives of people suffering from bipolar
A new wearable lithium monitor developed by the University of Surrey has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of bipolar disorder. The device can detect lithium levels and potentially provide warning signals for high levels, reducing the risk of toxicity.
Scientists develop 'Twitter' for cells
Researchers developed NicheNet, a method to analyze intercellular communication, using machine learning and statistical techniques. The tool helps gain insight into how gene expression is regulated by interacting cells, with potential applications in immunology and tumor biology.
New research shows live chats can increase sales by nearly 16%
New research found live chats can boost sales and profits by increasing purchase probability by 15.9%. Sellers with limited feedback benefit most from live chat conversations, while products with high past sales volume sell better after interaction.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateJan 8, 2020
Closer to identifying leukemic stem cells
Scientists at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute developed an innovative diagnostic assay to identify leukemic stem cells, a key cause of relapse and resistance to treatment. The assay uses advanced cytomics methods to analyze multiple functional characteristics of myeloblasts, revealing differential responses to chemotherapy
Researchers to develop a theory of transients in graphene
Researchers at Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University develop a theory of transients in graphene, exploring its unique properties that deviate from expected behavior. The study's findings have significant implications for investigation of heat transport and other nonequilibrium thermodynamic processes in graphene.
SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London·DateDec 23, 2019
A fast and inexpensive device to capture and identify viruses
A fast and inexpensive device to capture and identify various strains of virus has been developed by researchers at Penn State and New York University. The VIRRION device uses arrays of nanotubes engineered to be comparable in size to a wide range of viruses, enabling rapid detection through Raman spectroscopy.
On-skin, passive-cooling electronics
Researchers created on-skin electronic devices with passive-cooling capabilities using a multiscale porous elastomer substrate. The devices demonstrated comparable performance to conventional electronics while being breathable, waterproof, and recyclable.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 23, 2019
Electron pulser for ultrafast electron microscopy wins 2019 R&D 100 award
The Affordable Laser-Free Retrofittable Stroboscopic Solution for Ultrafast Electron Microscopy has been recognized as one of the top innovations of 2019 by R&D World magazine. This device can be retrofit into conventional transmission electron microscopes to image dynamic behaviors of materials over very short timescales.
New liquid metal wearable pressure sensor created for health monitoring applications
A KAIST research team created a highly sensitive wearable pressure sensor for continuous health monitoring. The sensor overcomes issues of limited stretchability and signal drifting with its integration of liquid metal, achieving an extremely low detection limit and enhanced pressure sensitivity.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateDec 19, 2019
'I will do my very best!' Children who engage in positive self-talk about effort can boost their math achievement
A Dutch study found that children who engage in positive self-talk about effort improve their math performance, particularly those with negative beliefs about ability. This strategy can be a simple and effective way for children to boost their academic achievement.
Super-resolution photoacoustic microscopy finds clogged blood vessels
A new photoacoustic microscopy system developed by researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) can image blood vessels with high resolution and speed. This system enables real-time monitoring of blood flow, which is significant for diagnosing and treating stroke and cardiovascular diseases.
Get ready for a new periodic table
Researchers at Hebrew University developed a method to combine quantum dots into new molecular structures with unique properties and characteristics. This breakthrough lays the foundation for various opto-electronic, sensing, and quantum technologies applications.
Crucial collaboration: Expanding naval capability through ties with industry, academia
The Department of Navy's Technology Transfer Program Office fosters collaboration between the Navy, government agencies, industry, and academia to advance cutting-edge technology and capabilities. The program enables partnership agreements that strengthen naval capabilities and accelerate technology research and development.
(Noise-) less is more
Researchers at Osaka University developed a high precision 3D circuit simulator to quantify electromagnetic (EM) noise and its origin. The simulator allows for the visualization of EM noise generation and propagation, enabling intuitive understanding of why and where noise occurs, leading to noiseless circuit design.
Data Science Institute researcher designs headphones that warn pedestrians of dangers
Researchers at the Data Science Institute, Columbia, are designing intelligent headphones that detect sounds of approaching vehicles and send audio alerts to pedestrians. The system aims to counter growing public safety concerns caused by twalking, which has tripled in US injuries and deaths over seven years.
Capital costs: Yale research offers truer calculation of 'footprint' of purchases
A new Yale research model provides a more comprehensive understanding of environmental impacts by incorporating capital assets into production supply chains. The analysis shows that capital assets account for 13% of economy-wide carbon, energy, and material footprints in 2012.
New index maps relationships between poverty and accessibility in Brazil
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin developed a new spatial index to measure the connections between poverty and poor accessibility in Brazil. The mapping tool identifies areas where people face extreme difficulties in accessing healthcare, with 1 in 5 people traveling over 10km by non-motorized transport to reach a facility.
Leftover grain from breweries could be converted into fuel for homes
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed a low-cost technique to convert brewery waste into carbon, which can be used as a renewable fuel or in water filters. The method creates activated carbon and carbon nanotubes from barley waste, reducing emissions linked with the agriculture sector and creating a high-value product.
SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·DateNov 26, 2019
Improved ethanol-to-hydrocarbon conversion
Researchers have developed a one-step conversion process that reduces ethanol-to-hydrocarbon conversion costs by 12-fold. This innovation enables the production of biofuels suitable for various applications, including blending with gasoline or jet fuel.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2019
Scientists help soldiers figure out what robots know
A US Army Research Laboratory team developed new algorithms to integrate context into artificial intelligence, advancing robotics and AI processes in areas like natural language communication and world model development. The research supports the Next Generation Combat Vehicle by integrating context-driven AI within human-autonomy teams.
In the war on emerging crop diseases, scientists develop new 'War Room' simulations
Scientists developed a new simulation tool to analyze the spread of disease in seed systems, identifying key villages for surveillance and management. This approach can be applied to other plant diseases, such as cassava mosaic disease in Southeast Asia.
Toward new types of bioinspired dynamic materials
Researchers will develop multiscale molecular models to design new classes of artificial materials with bioinspired dynamic properties. The project aims to explore new ways to build bioinspired materials with unprecedented dynamical properties, active materials able to perform complex functions.
SwRI-developed direction-finding antenna wins 2019 R&D 100 Award
The AF-369 VHF/UHF terrestrial antenna increases useable bandwidth by 80%, providing accurate direction finding across a wide frequency range. This innovation reduces the overall cost and complexity of monitoring systems, enabling critical spatial awareness for intelligence analysts.
Researchers capture moving object with ghost imaging
Ghost imaging allows forming images with lower light levels but has been limited to stationary objects due to blurring from movement. Researchers developed a new method combining blurry image information with object location data to capture high-quality images of moving objects using ghost imaging.
AI to determine when to intervene with your driving
Researchers at KAIST developed AI technology that automatically detects safe moments for AI agents to provide conversation services to drivers. The technology was tested on a real-world driving dataset and demonstrated an accuracy of 87% in determining opportune moments for driver interruption.
Researchers develop a new home-based app to better monitor Parkinson's disease
Researchers developed SleepFit, a new app to monitor Parkinson's disease, which showed good agreement between prospectively and retrospectively collected data. The study found that patients with higher disagreement tended to have more advanced disease or worse sleep quality.
SMAD2 and SMAD3, two almost identical transcription factors but with distinct roles
Researchers have identified a key difference between SMAD2 and SMAD3, revealing that SMAD2 binds to DNA and activates gene expression. This finding refutes the theory that SMAD2 does not bind to DNA.
SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 12, 2019
Resilience of primary care networks
Researchers used a dataset to model primary care networks and found that removing critical fractions of PCPs can lead to significant weakening of the network. This can result in inadequate coverage for patients, even when critical thresholds are not reached.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2019
Texas Heart Institute wins prestigious grant to develop wireless and leadless pacemakers
The Texas Heart Institute is developing a novel pacemaker system that is both leadless and wirelessly powered. The new pacemakers allow simultaneous pacing and sensing from multiple sites in the heart to help reduce complications associated with traditional pacemakers.
The fetal brain possesses adult-like networks
Research published in JNeurosci found that fetal brains possess adult-like networks by 20-40 weeks gestation. The study discovered a 61% overlap in motor, visual, auditory, and cognitive functions between fetal and adult connectomes.
Dartmouth engineers develop new way to know liars' intent
Researchers at Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth have developed an approach for detecting a speaker's intent to mislead, which could be used to extract opinion from 'fake news.' The framework uses universal features of deceptive reasoning and has been shown to outperform models based on verbal changes and personal differences.
SourceThayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth·JournalJournal of Experimental & Theoretical Artificial Intelligence·DateNov 1, 2019
Human reflexes keep two-legged robot upright
A two-legged robot named Little Hermes has been developed to walk, run, jump and interact with the environment synchronously with a human operator. The robot is guided by a person from a remote location who feels the same physical forces as the robot.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Robotics·DateOct 30, 2019