News on R&D across science and industry. Covers R&D awards, applied studies, quantum institutes, and university research initiatives.
Researchers developed a new tool called FLARE to label neurons during specific tasks, providing greater temporal precision than current cell-labeling techniques. This approach could offer significant insights into neuron function and be used to study learning and memory, emotions, and diseases like Alzheimer's.
Insilico Medicine will showcase its latest AI advancements in aging research and personal health data management. The company aims to apply deep learning to improve biomarker development, predict chronological age, and provide geroprotectors for various diseases.
A new study reveals that US scientific teams still publish more biomedical research discoveries than any other country, but China's rising investment is slowly closing the gap. Chinese teams now rank fourth globally for new discoveries published in top-tier journals.
Dr Jason Camp is investigating a non-toxic and environmentally sustainable solvent produced from waste cellulose to produce a range of medicines. His research has shown promising results using Cyrene as a solvent in the synthesis of ureas, chemical compounds important in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.
Researchers at University of Washington develop SeaGlass to detect anomalies in cellular landscape indicating IMSI-catchers usage. The system identified dozens of anomalies consistent with patterns from cell-site simulators during a two-month deployment in Seattle and Milwaukee.
A team of researchers at Wayne State University has received a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to develop an open-source Monte Carlo simulation engine that can efficiently simulate complex systems. This project aims to improve computational efficiency and accelerate the development of new materials.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a handheld device for cervical cancer screening that can capture images of the cervix without a speculum or trained professional. The 'pocket colposcope' is designed to be low-cost, accessible, and potentially self-screening.
This review article showcases the potential of biomass and its derived wastes in producing sustainable bioproducts and fuels. The authors highlight various conversion processes, including bioethanol, biodiesel, and biomethane production, as well as activated carbon manufacturing from bioresources.
The University of Strathclyde researchers have developed a highly efficient laser amplifier using plasma, achieving an amplification gain of over eight orders of magnitude. This breakthrough could lead to the development of ultra-intense and ultra-short laser pulses at a lower cost.
A study by a multi-national research team, including scientists from the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, explains how Zika virus entered the US and how it might re-enter the country. They used near real-time genomic sequencing to create a family tree showing the virus's spread through space and time.
A research team has identified the HAND2 gene as a key regulator that triggers the formation of cardiac valves in mouse embryos. This discovery advances our molecular knowledge of cardiac valve development and may also help provide genetic diagnosis for patients with congenital heart malformations.
A Penn State researcher has been awarded nearly $8 million by DARPA, the US Navy, and Lockheed Martin to continue his work on engineered metamaterials. The project aims to develop new algorithms and simulation tools for designing optical materials, with potential applications in electromagnetic cloaking technology.
The Elsevier Foundation Green and Sustainable Chemistry Challenge has awarded two prizes to innovative projects that use bioresources to address environmental issues in Brazil and Nigeria. Dr. Dênis Pires de Lima won the first prize for his project using cashew nuts to produce environmentally friendly insecticides, while Dr. Chioma Bla...
Researchers in a new study are using football club loyalty to engage men aged 30-65 years to be more active. The EuroFIT program tests the effectiveness of culturally-sensitive lifestyle programs with over 1,200 middle-aged men across 15 European football clubs.
Researchers tracked orangutan nursing patterns and found some infants suckling until age 8, exceeding known non-human primate weaning ages. Barium testing in teeth revealed cyclical periods of high and low milk consumption.
The research enables immersive viewing of pre-rendered video in six degrees of freedom using a head-mounted display, making it easier to repurpose animated film assets. The novel video format can be rendered in real-time from an arbitrary point of view, allowing for motion parallax and interactive experiences.
Researchers at Stanford University created a new approach to crowdsourcing complex tasks called flash organizations. Flash organizations combine virtual hierarchies with traditional crowdsourcing, enabling experts to assemble and adjust rapidly.
The study develops a process to grow very small nanorods with precise separation, allowing for specific patterns in devices like gas sensors. This method reduces fabrication costs and enables more precise gas detection.
A new paper suggests investing in utility-scale electricity storage, carbon capture, and solar power can reduce energy costs while reducing emissions. These technologies provide flexibility in the energy system and can help economies by creating new industries.
Wei Chen, a UTA physics professor, has received the Best Paper Award from American Scientific Publishers for his pioneering work on using nanoparticles to treat cancer. His research involves activating toxins to kill cancer cells and has led to over 20 further journal articles and international recognition.
Researchers developed a polarimetric radar time-series simulator to study tornadic debris, improving tornado warning accuracy and damage estimation. The simulator explains the relationship between debris characteristics and tornado dynamics.
The American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) honors Norman J. Beauchamp Jr. and Robert A. Novelline for their contributions to medical imaging research and clinical practice. These gold medalists are recognized for their work in developing advanced MRI imaging techniques and advancing trauma diagnosis.
The article discusses how alterations in excitation-inhibition (E/I) balance can lead to various psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and major depressive disorder. Restoring E/I balance is proposed as a potential therapeutic approach to alleviate dysfunctional neural activity and clinical symptoms.
Insilico Medicine will showcase its pioneering work in applying deep learning techniques to drug discovery, biomarker development, and aging research. The company's presentation highlights the applications of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) in oncology and infectious diseases.
The Estée Lauder Companies Research & Development presents new findings in anti-aging skin and hair research, including the effects of pollen exposure and photo-aging. The studies aim to understand environmental and biological processes driving skin and hair aging.
A new innovative method developed by Disney Research makes it possible to realistically simulate hair by observing real hair in motion. The framework considers the dynamics of hair and can be used with a wide variety of simulation methods.
A promising artificial blood substitute has been developed using modified hemoglobin, effectively carrying oxygen and scavenging free radicals. The novel approach packaging hemoglobin in a benign envelope overcomes toxicity issues with traditional chemically modified hemoglobin.
The Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) has developed the world's first full-size IBC bifacial solar module, capable of producing up to 400 Watts of electric power. The module features a double-glass structure, low-temperature interconnections, and high-efficiency ZEBRA solar cells.
A new study reveals that veterans with a history of physical or sexual abuse before 18 have reduced ability to concentrate compared to those without abuse. The study found abnormal brain connectivity, particularly between the amygdala and frontal areas, associated with concentration issues.
Researchers explore graphene's ability to enhance cyclic stability, flexibility, and power in energy storage applications. Graphene-based hybrids with conductive polymers and metal oxides demonstrate promising results for wearable and flexible devices.
A study of 365,380 NIH grants found that nearly 10% directly generate patents and over 30% cited by patents, emphasizing the critical role of publicly funded R&D in technological benefits.
Researchers have developed an adsorbent material from orange and grapefruit peels that can effectively remove heavy metals and organic compounds from wastewater. The new material has great potential as a sustainable alternative for industrial water treatment processes.
Tom Hobman's lab has been awarded $500,000 to investigate how the Zika virus changes host cells during infection and develop antiviral therapies. The team aims to understand the virus's persistence in the body and potentially block it to prevent transmission.
Researchers from IUPUI have developed a machine-learning model to predict the probability of home sales, utilizing data from real estate websites. The model accounts for various features such as price, location, age, and size, enabling informed decisions for both sellers and buyers.
Researchers at IU Center for Aging Research have developed a novel easy-to-administer tool to score and track delirium severity in the ICU, enabling clinicians to make better decisions about the brain health of ICU patients. The Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit 7 (CAM-ICU-7) scores delirium on a scale of 0 to 7 a...
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that B vitamins can increase plasma concentrations of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, reducing the impact of air pollution on the epigenome. The results have significant public health implications for regions with frequent PM2.5 peaks.
The iMOVE CRC will focus on reducing congestion, fuel use and emissions, improving freight coordination, productivity and international competitiveness. QUT researchers will contribute to the development of smart solutions, including connected autonomous vehicles and traffic management.
A new biomechanical eye model mimics mechanical stress on peri-orbital skin, showing how aged cells don't respond well to blinking movement. The study highlights the impact of cyclic mechanical stress on collagen production, energy, and cellular proliferation.
Bruno Moonen advocates for a global commitment to support regional elimination efforts and sustained investments in research, while Clive Shiff suggests prioritizing the management of health services rather than massive eradication efforts due to funding constraints and resource limitations.
A recent study found that automated journalism lacks the context and complexity of traditional reporting, citing issues with programming news angles in advance. However, journalists believe robo-journalism can reduce costs and increase specificity in some reporting areas.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology found that uninitialized variables in Linux kernel can be used to launch privilege escalation attacks, giving attackers increased access to network resources. A novel attack method, targeted stack spraying, was developed to exploit these vulnerabilities.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture has announced funding for fundamental and applied research on canola to increase productivity and profitability in various growing environments. This $766,000 grant program aims to develop new commercial products from canola and improve production systems.
A study found that genetic variation impacts child development, with specific genes affecting attachment to mothers. Children with the short form of the SLC6A4 gene showed a strong response to maternal mentoring, while those with the long form were less affected.
Researchers have developed a transparent heating pad with embedded conductive silver nanowires that allows users to see through it and monitor their skin's color. The device is flexible, biocompatible, and can heat quickly when applied with a coin-cell battery, making it a potential solution to prevent burns from thermotherapy.
A team at the University of Tsukuba has created a novel approach to measure fluid drag on the body during front-crawl swimming, which overcomes previous limitations. The new method, utilizing load cells and underwater motion analysis, allows for accurate determination of active drag and comparison to passive drag states.
A new special section in Child Development outlines evidence-based interventions to support at-risk families and promote resilience among children. The focus is on nurturing primary caregivers, promoting positive parenting behaviors, and fostering self-regulation skills among parents and children.
The Augsburg Master Builders' Ledgers provide a unique window into the economic, financial, social, and cultural history of the early modern period. The digital edition, made possible by three years of work, offers a comprehensive inventory of information on the city's income and expenditure from 1320 to 1800.
A University of Queensland-led study found that cars and chlamydia were the top causes of a 80% decline in south-east Queensland koalas over two decades. At least a quarter of healthy, breeding koalas died from car accidents, while half the population was affected by multiple diseases or health problems.
Researchers have developed a new method to characterise internal structures of natural materials and replicate their interaction with light using 3D printing of ceramics. This technique enables the design of new materials with different functionalities dependent on need.
Gene drives have the potential to address persistent problems like eradicating mosquito-borne diseases and conserving endangered species. However, they also pose risks to entire ecosystems, highlighting the need for careful public engagement and regulatory policies.
Researchers developed a method called quasistatic cavity resonance (QSCR) that enables wireless power transmission throughout a room. This technology can charge multiple devices simultaneously, including smartphones, fans, and lights, using near-field standing magnetic waves.
A $2 million Gates Foundation grant will support the development of novel test protocols to accelerate the creation and deployment of next-generation vector control products. The project aims to improve the understanding of vector control approaches and produce better-informed products to combat malaria in Africa.
Researchers developed a diagnostic test to identify patients with cardiac amyloidosis, a condition caused by abnormal protein deposits in the heart. The new test uses retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) to estimate the likelihood of ATTR amyloidosis in patients with congestive heart failure.
Researchers have developed TumbleBit, a computer protocol that enhances Bitcoin's anonymity by involving multiple parties in transactions. The system's three phases ensure a higher level of security and privacy for users.
A new substance, SC83288, has been successfully used to treat severe malaria in humanised mice, killing the parasites in a short period of time. The substance was chemically modified from benzamidine derivatives to increase its effectiveness and tolerability without forfeiting its action against parasites.
Researchers at Durham University create a one-step method to produce flucytosine from naturally occurring cytosine, reducing production costs and improving availability in African countries. The new process has been successfully scaled up for manufacturing and could help lower the drug's cost.
A new project aims to develop a device that can accumulate and deliver unprecedentedly intense positron pulses. The goal is to investigate exotic states of matter and mixes of matter and antimatter, potentially opening up new areas of experimental research.
The researchers have developed an ultra-lightweight, highly powerful artificial muscle using rubber tubes and high-tensile fibers. It has a strength-to-weight ratio 5-10 times greater than conventional electric motors and hydraulic cylinders, making it suitable for tough robots that can handle strong external shocks and vibrations.
A collaborative effort to improve CFD methodologies for evaluating medical devices has developed two benchmark models with robust experimental data. The study shows that 57% of simulation predictions were within one standard deviation of measured values, but more work is needed to develop widely-acceptable hemolysis solvers.
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture is investing $1.85 million in regional potato breeding research to create new, high-value varieties. The project aims to develop potatoes with improved yield, storability, consumer quality, and water efficiency, as well as high-throughput methods for rapid trait selection.