News on R&D across science and industry. Covers R&D awards, applied studies, quantum institutes, and university research initiatives.
Researchers at DGIST have developed a technology to coat metals with several nanometers of semiconducting materials, enabling various color changes through thin-film interference. This breakthrough allows for the production of colors such as yellow, orange, blue, and purple on demand.
A company's failed attempt to bring jamming-based robotic gripper technology to market provides valuable insights into the challenges of product development and commercialization. The authors share their research and product design efforts, highlighting key factors that influenced customer purchasing decisions.
Chemists at UTA are developing new methods to synthesize organosilanes, a class of compounds in high demand for pharmaceutical and medical applications. The goal is to provide fast, cost-effective routes to these compounds using single-pot synthesis with transition metal catalysts.
A new special section of Child Development explores the developmental course of violent offending, including factors such as emotion regulation skills and judgment. The research aims to inform novel practices and policies to prevent severe youth violence.
Scientists at InSilico Medicine developed a proof-of-concept AI model using Generative Adversarial Autoencoders (AAEs) to generate molecular fingerprints of cancer-killing molecules. The study demonstrates the potential for AI to accelerate pharmaceutical R&D and improve clinical trial success rates.
A team of scientists has created a device that screens breath samples to classify and diagnose several types of diseases, including kidney cancer and Parkinson's disease. The breathalyzer uses an array of nanoscale sensors to detect unique volatile chemical components in exhaled breath.
The USDA has awarded $3.4 million to seven research projects aimed at developing new wheat varieties with improved yield and adaptability to different regions. These grants will support international collaboration on wheat research and help meet growing demand for wheat worldwide.
A new study reveals that experiencing cultural distinctiveness can broaden an individual's definition of 'home' to include related cultural groups. This expansion allows consumers to fulfill the need to connect with their home culture by favoring brands associated with a related group.
A Disney Research team has developed a model-based method to realistically reconstruct teeth for digital actors and medical applications, even with obscured teeth in photos or videos. The new method uses statistical modeling to create natural variations in tooth shape and spacing.
The PolyU-Huawei Joint Laboratory focuses on high-capacity optical communication systems, computer networks, and big data computing to pioneer research in optical communication systems. This collaboration aims to develop system infrastructure and algorithmic solutions for computing-driven innovation.
A new portable use-of-force simulator, CBTsim, is being rolled out by Washington State University to launch a science-driven era in police training. The device projects realistic video scenarios where officers must make rapid decisions in tense situations, tracking every movement and action.
The use of frailty screening initiatives before surgery has been shown to reduce the risk of death among elderly patients. The study found that mortality rates decreased by 70% and 19% at 30 and 180 days, respectively, after implementation of the initiative.
A study published in Developmental Psychology found that students who experienced occasional negative moods had the highest GPAs at graduation, while those with high levels of negative moods and low positive moods tended to have lower GPAs. This suggests that managing negative emotions and stress is crucial for academic success.
Researchers at Waseda University have created a polymer that can store hydrogen in a light and compact sheet, while maintaining safety. The material has shown promise in releasing hydrogen under mild conditions, making it suitable for widespread commercialization.
Researchers developed bio-signal measuring electrodes that can be mounted on IoT devices, allowing for easy health diagnosis without additional equipment. The electrodes can measure brain waves, electrocardiograms, and other biological signals, and are expected to be applicable to medical fields.
A University of Missouri research team has developed enhanced piezoelectric sensors that can amplify signals, cut costs, and improve reading accuracy. The new technology has wide applications in aviation, detecting structural damage in buildings and bridges, and boosting the capabilities of health monitors.
A new special section investigates how human motivations drive children's prosocial behavior, including empathy, sharing, and helping. The study reveals that children's cardiac patterns can predict their empathetic responses to others.
An international team of researchers visualized the process by which plants split water to produce oxygen using X-ray free-electron laser technology. This breakthrough enables the study of oxygen molecule formation and paves the way for the development of efficient clean hydrogen fuel devices.
Disney Research's CANVAS and Story World Builder tools help authors synchronize characters, fill plot holes, and create virtual worlds. These graphical platforms simplify the creation of story worlds, making it possible for anyone to tell an animated story.
The need for innovation is driving a surge in global research funding, with governments investing heavily to secure economic growth and sustainability. Nations are racing to keep up, with Asia experiencing significant growth in research spending.
The Carl R. Woese Institute has received a $100,000 Grand Challenges Explorations Grant to study antimicrobial resistance in mobile microbiomes. The research aims to better understand how AMR genes spread in different environments and develop targeted measures to slow its transmission.
Researchers have developed a portable, battery-operated device that can quickly and accurately detect malaria in the bloodstream using magnets and lasers. The Magneto-Optical Detector (MOD) has the potential to save $1.2 billion annually on anti-malaria efforts by reducing false positives and negatives.
Research and patents in biotechnology are increasing steadily across the developing world, with international collaborations playing a key role. The report highlights the growth of biotech papers from sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in infectious diseases research.
Kathryn Colborn's project aims to develop an automated early warning system for malaria transmission in Mozambique. The system will use novel statistical models and online tools to predict future monthly case rates, helping the Ministry of Health with prevention planning.
Researchers developed a new electroactive polymer material that can change shape and size with low electric fields, overcoming two major challenges in using dielectric elastomers. This breakthrough opens up applications in microrobotics, haptic technologies, and wearable devices.
New research reveals that toxic proteins in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's spread through the brain via synapses, with genetic risk factors playing a critical role. Understanding this mechanism opens new perspectives for treatment and potential therapeutic avenues to block protein transmission.
The US Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory has received three 2016 R&D 100 Awards for its innovative technologies in microscopy, catalysis, and nanomaterials. The lab's custom-built x-ray microscope has advanced imaging capabilities, while the MoSoy Catalyst produces hydrogen in an environmentally friendly way.
Disney Research has developed a VR360 player with enhanced haptic feedback, allowing users to customize and personalize sensations. The application enables full-body sensations and a wide range of 'feel effects' that can be triggered by user movements or biofeedback.
A University of Montreal professor studied reactions to virtual reality and an immersive projection system, finding that viewers preferred the shared experience without headsets.
The USDA has granted $20.2 million to 34 small businesses for innovative research and development projects in food production, food safety, and forest management. The funding will support feasibility studies and project implementation through the Small Business Innovation Research program.
Researchers developed a smart wheelchair navigation system that incorporates enhanced safety features and warning systems to assist users more effectively. The system can detect emotional distress or drowsiness in the user, provide warnings, and monitor vital signs for diagnostic purposes.
Experiencing prejudice in childhood can have long-term consequences, including depression and poor academic performance. New research highlights the origins and development of equity and justice in developmental science.
Researchers developed an artificial basilar membrane that mimics human cochlear function using frictional electricity, addressing major issues with existing implants. The technology proves effective in restoring impaired animals' listening capabilities.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have successfully developed a brain-computer interface that allows a paralyzed man to feel sensations in his arms and fingers. The technology, which uses microstimulation of sensory cortex, enables the individual to distinguish pressure intensity and even identify objects through touch.
Researchers aim to create smart cities where buildings can monitor and adjust their energy usage in real-time, minimizing waste and stabilizing the grid. This technology has the potential to reduce blackouts and spikes in energy prices, making energy more efficient and sustainable.
Research on Asian American children and youth highlights key aspects of diversity within the group, including culture, language, socioeconomic status, and immigration experiences. Studies reveal variations in poverty rates, bullying rates, and academic outcomes among subgroups, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive measurement.
Researchers developed a hybrid nanosensor that can detect pathogenic strains of E. coli, including O157:H7, in less than an hour. The sensor combines magnetic resonance and fluorescence techniques to rapidly identify contaminated food products.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Marie Kmita discovered that the transition from fin to limb was not accomplished overnight and identified a key difference in gene regulation between fish and mice. By reproducing the fish-type regulation, mice developed up to seven digits per paw, revealing the significance of this difference.
A new service called StoArranger has been developed to optimize cloud storage requests on mobile devices, reducing battery drain and synchronization times. By intercepting and coordinating app requests, StoArranger improves performance without changing how apps run, making it a promising solution for millions of users.
Researchers successfully created conditions for a fusion yield five times higher than current record using the OMEGA laser. The direct-drive approach, used by LLE scientists, is promising for achieving fusion as an energy source.
Screening for suicidal thoughts and behaviors decreases with patient age, especially in those over 85. Younger and middle-aged adults have higher rates of identified suicidal thoughts.
A $15.4 million initiative co-led by Johns Hopkins and Salk aims to improve the quality of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology for studying mental health disorders. The project will use iPSCs from over 50 patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder to develop new diagnostic and drug discovery tools.
Researchers at UTA are developing novel catalysts using metal ions to activate simple hydrocarbons and produce more complex molecules. A new portable sensor is also being developed to detect specific gaseous molecules in plant product storage facilities.
Researchers have developed a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly white LED using graphene and a strontium-based metal-organic framework material. The new technology could save nearly 348 terawatt-hours of energy by 2027, equivalent to the annual output of 44 power plants.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has received an $11.3 million grant from the NIH to establish a research center on biomolecular communication. The center aims to investigate cellular-level miscommunications that contribute to complex diseases.
The five finalist projects at Brookhaven National Laboratory are the MoSoy Catalyst for producing hydrogen, Nanostructured Anti-reflecting and Water-repellent Surface Coatings for self-cleaning materials, Hard X-ray Scanning Microscope with Multilayer Laue Lens Nanofocusing Optics for high-resolution imaging, Flex Plate for protein cry...
The University of Oklahoma and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University have been selected to lead the FAA's new Air Transportation Center of Excellence. The center will focus on researching innovative training methods, including part-task training, modeling, and adaptive learning technologies.
Researchers at the University of Missouri found that exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals from hydraulic fracturing may harm fertility in animals and potentially people. Mice exposed to drilling chemicals had lower levels of key hormones related to reproductive health, leading to reduced fertility.
Researchers combined satellite data with machine learning to estimate poverty levels, outperforming nightlight models by 81% and 99%. The new method uses publicly available daytime satellite data, is repeatable, and inexpensive, offering a more accurate means to identify impoverished areas.
A team of researchers created a highly stretchable touchpad made of hydrogel, enabling users to write words and play electronic games. The device was tested with users placing it on their arms, demonstrating its potential applications in wearable technology.
The Reaxys PhD Prize has shortlisted 10 candidates from 45 nominations, who will present their research in London and compete for the top three prizes. The jury's review criteria include originality, innovation, applicability, importance, and rigor of the reported research.
Researchers at Charité are developing a personalized virtual brain model using big data and advanced simulations. They aim to improve our understanding of cognitive performance by analyzing the interaction between individual brain components.
The Alaska Native and American Indian Peoples Health Disparities Research Center will address significant health gaps in these communities. It provides training, research opportunities and project funds to scientists working with indigenous people.
Zeriscope enables comprehensive assessment of SNF patients by off-site physicians, reducing unnecessary hospital readmissions. The platform allows for high-definition real-time streaming video and physiologic sensor data, improving patient care and outcomes.
Researchers developed a micro-scale twisted optics technique to store more information in light, enabling faster data transmission. The method uses angled light and strategically placed germanium layers to guide waves unidirectionally through a micro-ring.
An online behavioural counselling tool has been shown to be effective in helping people lose weight and sustain weight loss. Participants who used the Positive Online Weight Reduction (POWeR+) programme with brief support from a practice nurse lost more weight than those without, with an average weight loss of over 1kg over 12 months.
A single camera can capture high-quality facial performance using a new method developed by Disney Research, which takes into account the underlying facial anatomy and skin thickness. This approach allows for robust and accurate tracking of facial expressions without requiring multiple cameras or extensive pre-computed facial motions.
A new technique developed by Disney Research can capture the crucial details of the eyes with just a single facial scan, producing highly realistic eye reconstructions. The parametric model enables flexible manipulation of the captured data to simulate emotions and fatigue.
Disney Research's new adaptive polynomial rendering method improves Monte Carlo ray tracing by varying polynomial functions based on image complexity, reducing noise and preserving fine detail.
The new compiler system allows users to program industrial knitting machines with simple shapes and translate them into needle-level instructions. This enables the creation of a variety of 3D knitted shapes, previously difficult to produce due to complex machine control.