News on R&D across science and industry. Covers R&D awards, applied studies, quantum institutes, and university research initiatives.
A new INFORMS journal study reveals that strong advertising and Research and Development can help protect firms from bankruptcy during unstable market conditions. The study found that brands are more effective at protecting firms when the market is stable, while patents are more effective in turbulent markets.
Researchers at Disney Research Zurich developed a method for accurate video object segmentation using a click-and-drag interface that enables human editors to work efficiently with state-of-the-art algorithms. This approach achieves higher accuracies than fully automated systems by keeping a human in the loop.
A recent study examining 2,400 post-mortem records from VA hospitals found that nearly half of veterans who died from opioid overdoses were also receiving benzodiazepines. Veterans prescribed higher doses of benzodiazepines with opioids had a greater risk of overdose death than those on lower doses.
A study analyzing 4,200 Ph.D. candidates found that 'joiners' - employees who support startup founders - share similar risk-tolerance and autonomy desires as founders, but prioritize functional roles over management. The research highlights the importance of preparing STEM doctorates for entrepreneurial employee career paths.
A research group at Disney Research Pittsburgh developed a computer vision system that continuously improves its ability to recognize objects by picking up hints from videos. The system outperformed other methods in detecting various objects, including microwave ovens and stoves.
A team of Northeastern University researchers is studying community organization and connectivity in rocky intertidal habitats throughout the Gulf of Maine. The study aims to identify common rules governing these communities, which can be scaled up to explain broad biogeographic variation across the region.
Researchers have developed a simple score that uses self-reported information to predict an individual's risk of dying within 5 years. The score can be calculated online using a questionnaire and has been validated in a large study sample, showing high accuracy in predicting mortality risk.
Aelan Cell Technologies is a biotech startup researching and developing innovative biomedical technologies and diagnostic tools. Led by Dr. Victoria Lunyak, the company aims to advance human health and longevity with its disruptive technologies.
The US Commerce Department's NIST has published a roadmap for the next 20 years of research needed to establish seamless public safety communications networks. Location-based services are expected to improve situational awareness for first responders, enabling more efficient allocation of personnel and equipment.
The CODEX device will allow unmanned rovers to determine the age of rocks on the Moon and Mars by analyzing radioactive elements. This technology has major implications for understanding the history of the inner solar system, including the duration of bombardment and volcanism.
Global health leaders propose a global biomedical research and development fund to tackle emerging infectious diseases, anti-microbial resistance, and neglected diseases. The proposed mechanism aims to stimulate innovation and ensure access to health technologies for those who need them.
Researchers developed guidelines for managing food safety risks in school and community gardens. A pilot study shows that the guidelines lead to significant improvements in handwashing, water supply safety, and hazard assessment. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of simple yet crucial measures in reducing foodborne illness risk.
Researchers at North Carolina State University and MIT have developed a lightweight membrane that can significantly reduce low-frequency noise in aircraft cabins. The membrane covers one side of the honeycomb structure and blocks sound energy, making flying more pleasant for passengers.
A novel computational strategy identified CRMP1 as a factor that suppresses misfolding and aggregation of the huntingtin protein in Huntington's disease. CRMP1 overexpression reduces huntingtin aggregation and toxicity, while reduced levels increase toxicity.
Researchers have developed an inexpensive alternative to touchscreens, called Acoustruments, which can be added to any device. These mechanisms use pluggable plastic tubes and structures to connect the smartphone's speaker with its microphone, allowing users to control devices using acoustically altered sounds.
The study developed a method enabling dialogue replacement for automated video redubbing, utilizing facial movements associated with speech sounds. The approach produced far more plausible alternative word sequences than conventional methods.
A team from Disney Research and Carnegie Mellon University have devised a 3D printer that layers together laser-cut sheets of fabric to form soft, squeezable objects with complex geometries and integrated circuitry. The printer combines fabrics and wiring to create interactive objects such as bunnies, doll clothing, and phone cases.
A novel online tool, PolyMarker, has been developed to automate primer design for multiple genome species, significantly reducing turnaround time. This innovation enables the identification of genetic markers associated with desirable traits in crops, such as high yield or disease resistance.
A study published in Psychological Science found that people produce chemical compounds, or chemosignals, when they experience happiness that are detectable by others who smell their sweat. This implies that someone who is happy will infuse others with happiness through the scent of their sweat, similar to how smiling can be infectious.
Using data from a citizen science project, researchers created a statistical model that analyzes fungal taxa in dust samples to predict their geographic origin. The model achieved an accuracy rate of about 95%, allowing law enforcement and archaeologists to trace dust samples back to specific locations within the continental US.
Syngenta's use of advanced analytics and operations research led to improved crop production, reducing the time and cost required to develop crops with high productivity. The company's innovative tools have resulted in over $287 million in cost savings and a high probability of delivering a portfolio value exceeding $1.5 billion.
A six-decade study found that external CEOs spend more on research and development, indicating a commitment to innovation. Internal CEOs, on the other hand, tend to make larger and more frequent mergers using stock rather than cash.
Current residential development research is limited by single-discipline perspectives, missing holistic insights into environmental, economic, and social impacts. Key findings include the underrepresentation of ecosystem processes and nutrient cycling in studies.
The International Human Frontier Science Program Organization has awarded eight young researchers with a total of $300,000 over three years to establish their independent laboratories. The awardees will support training in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research focused on the life sciences.
Research from VA's Women's Health Research Network highlights key barriers and unmet needs for women veterans in accessing care, with a focus on primary care, reproductive health, mental health, and military service-related issues. The studies inform policy recommendations to guide quality improvement efforts.
A new study by Battelle Technology Partnership Practice found that R&D programs at NIH, NSF, DOE, and NIST generated significant patents and drove downstream R&D activity. The NIH produced the most patents per dollar spent, with its NIBIB institute being a top producer.
Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have identified changes in the structure and bonding of graphitic carbon electrodes that may improve the capacity and efficiency of electrical energy storage systems. The new X-ray adsorption spectroscopy capability provided key information on how the structure and bonding evolve du...
Researchers have developed a new high-throughput system to rapidly screen yeasts for producing sustainable biofuels. The technique, in collaboration with the National Collection of Yeast Cultures, aims to find naturally better-performing yeast strains that can boost efficiency and reduce costs.
Disney Research develops a new platform to automate aspects of authoring interactive narratives, allowing users more control over storylines and resolving narrative inconsistencies. The IBTs enable authors to create free-form experiences with multiple story arcs.
Juliana Freire is developing scalable techniques for traditional search engines, enabling focused crawling for tracking criminal activities and integrating crawling with search and data analysis. Her research also aims to address human trafficking, a key Defense Department mission with a significant web presence.
Researchers at Umeå University's UMIT Research Lab have developed a new virtual testing technology for future vehicles, reducing development time and costs. This innovation is expected to improve fuel efficiency, manoeuvrability, and safety in vehicles by simulating real-world scenarios before the first prototype is built.
A new grant will fund research to develop a rapid diagnosis for mucormycosis, a rare fungal infection that kills more than half of its victims. The project aims to create a quick and accurate test to help physicians treat the infection promptly.
Scientists at Arizona State University have created a mathematical framework to detect emerging innovation in research networks, identifying key individuals and patterns. The filter, developed by Nadya Bliss and Manfred Laubichler, has promising applications for funding agencies and interdisciplinary research.
Research from King's College London found that spontaneous release of neurotransmitter glutamate causes neurons to branch and connect with each other, enabling the formation of synapses. This process plays a crucial role in regulating electrical signals through the brain.
A University of Texas at Arlington computer scientist is designing a reservation/reminder software system to help veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The system will be accessible through an android cell phone app or kiosk and can send text reminders about upcoming appointments.
A new study found that Dutch babies laugh, smile, and cuddle more than their US counterparts. US infants were typically more active and vocal, while Dutch babies demonstrated greater expressions of happiness during routine activities and were easier to calm when upset.
Researchers developed a miniaturized instrument for dating rocks and measuring geochemistry, revealing the age of a Mars meteorite. The technique provides high-sensitivity detection of organics and requires minimal sample preparation.
A new automated method developed by Disney Research uses AI to select and order photos in a way that makes narrative sense, telling a compelling story. The system learns principles of selecting and ordering photos from large collections and can customize the process for individual preferences.
A new study by University of Bristol researchers found that percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) therapy reduces signs of headshaking in horses. The treatment, also used to manage neuropathic pain in people, showed promising medium-term remission results for five out of seven affected horses.
A new study by Pranav Jindal reveals that selling extended warranties through independent firms may lower prices, but ultimately harms consumers. Consumers view paying for repairs as a loss, driving them to buy extended warranties, and loss aversion plays a key role in this behavior.
The La Caixa Foundation is funding 46 PhD students at 18 research centres across Spain, including the Center for Genomic Regulation. The programme aims to train internationally competitive scientists.
Researchers explore applying additive manufacturing techniques to aero engine market, reducing environmental costs and fuel consumption. The project aims to demonstrate the potential of metal components laser-based additive manufacturing to contribute to the reduction of air transport environmental impact.
A new technique developed by researchers from the University of Granada has shown that the antioxidant capacity of orange juice is multiplied tenfold compared to traditional analysis methods. This finding suggests that tables on the antioxidant capacities of food products used by dieticians and health authorities must be revised.
The EU Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard shows that EU companies invested €162.4 billion in R&D in 2013, while US and Japanese companies invested more. The European Commission is calling for a boost in R&D investment to keep up with global competitors.
A new image processing technique developed by Disney Research Zurich enables video effects like detailed actor faces despite lighting changes. The local tone mapping method preserves rich visual detail while eliminating ghosting and camera noise.
Research finds that physically active children outperform their inactive peers in the classroom and on tests of achievement. Physical activity is associated with larger brain volumes, increased concentration, and enhanced attention spans.
A team of scientists from Arizona State University and IBM have developed a prototype DNA reader that can distinguish individual chemical bases of DNA. The device is thousands of times smaller than the width of a human hair and could make whole genome profiling an everyday practice in medicine.
The Bureau of Reclamation has awarded $9.2 million for 131 research projects focused on increasing water supplies, optimizing water availability under a changing climate, and improving water infrastructure reliability and safety.
The pharmaceutical industry has stepped up its efforts to improve access to medicine in developing countries, with many companies introducing innovative access-oriented business models and expanding generic version production. Despite progress, some companies lag behind, including Sanofi and Pfizer, which fell down the rankings signifi...
The Disney Research library contains over 50 'feel effects,' including rain, a walking cat, and a beating heart. Novice users can create and share their own haptic effects using the FeelCraft software.
Most organizations prioritize analytics maturity, but few have a plan to assess their analytics best practices. INFORMS' survey reveals that only 18% of respondents have an analytics maturity model in place, with many citing lack of resources or affordability as barriers.
Researchers developed technology allowing biobots to pick up sounds with small microphones and pinpoint their source, helping emergency personnel find survivors. The system also includes an invisible fence technology to keep biobots within a defined area.
VTT's innovative magnetometer is significantly cheaper than traditional technology and less sensitive to external magnetic fields. This makes it suitable for applications such as magnetoencephalography in neuroimaging, mining industry, industrial quality control and security.
A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh found that individuals who generate creative solutions tend to build on existing ideas rather than using unrelated concepts. The study, published in Design Studies, collected data from over 350 participants and showed that ideas closely related to a problem were more likely to be ...
Temple University School of Medicine has received a $100,000 Grand Challenges Explorations grant to develop a non-invasive maternal blood test that predicts abnormal fetal neurodevelopment. The project aims to identify biomarkers in maternal blood that can predict healthy fetal brain development and guide interventions.
The new transmission enables robot arms to be light and strong while maintaining precise control. It also allows for 'give' in the limbs, facilitating soft interactions between people and robots.
George Dickson receives 'Scientist of the Year' award from the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign for his pioneering work on novel therapies for rare diseases like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The award recognizes his dedication to researching potential treatments and cures for people with DMD and related neuromuscular conditions.
A new EU-funded consortium aims to develop new economic models for antibiotic R&D and define responsible use of dwindling antibiotics. The DRIVE-AB project involves 11 European countries and partners across industries to address the global threat of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have discovered two compounds, OD36 and OD38, that specifically target and block RIPK2, an enzyme that activates inflammation. These compounds show promise in decreasing inflammation and may pave the way for more effective drugs.
A study by Shiang-Kwei Wang found that middle school science teachers and their students use technology in different ways inside and outside the classroom. While students have rich outside-of-school tech experience, they lack tech savvy in class, relying on teachers to solve daily problems.