News on R&D across science and industry. Covers R&D awards, applied studies, quantum institutes, and university research initiatives.
The Chinese power grid is facing significant challenges in modernization, including improving asset utilization rates and integrating distributed generation. According to a recent study, the annual average utilization rates of major 10kV equipment were below 40% in 40 Chinese cities, far below comparable levels in developed countries.
A new supplement published in Health Policy and Planning presents the latest research on people-centred health systems, emphasizing the importance of patient and community involvement. The studies reveal four key themes: ensuring people have a voice, putting people first in healthcare design, recognizing social relationships within hea...
Researchers found a 37% reduction in energy consumption when using the Persuasive Technology and Energy Delegate (IPTED) method, which combined real-time feedback with peer social influence. The study showed that this approach can significantly reduce energy use among students if implemented in residential halls.
Research identifies two genes, FOXC1 and PITX2, that cause cerebral small vessel disease, a condition increasing stroke risk up to tenfold. Mutations lead to impaired vascular stability, ultimately resulting in long-term stroke risk.
Researchers from the University of Southampton's Optoelectronics Research Centre have grown a new material, molybdenum di-sulphide (MoS2), with properties similar to graphene. This development expands the potential applications of MoS2 for nanoelectronic and optoelectronic devices.
University of Minnesota researchers have created a nanoscale device capable of capturing and transporting fundamental particles of light called photons. The discovery could lead to the development of faster and more energy-efficient optical devices.
The WEGA fusion device is being transferred to the University of Illinois for further research and development. The device will be re-assembled as HIDRA and used for plasma physics and fusion research.
Washington State University researchers have developed a unique method to use microbes in pond sediment to power waste cleanup in rural areas. The microbe-powered system reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing biological reactions from microbes to generate electricity.
Researchers at the University of Warwick found that a protein called Nrf2 continually moves in and out of human cells' nuclei to sense cell health. The team successfully increased Nrf2's movement by introducing health-beneficial substances, such as broccoli-derived sulforaphane and quercetin from onions, into food supplements.
The SUNY Research Foundation has been awarded a five-year, $8.2 million grant to support the Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center (DEARC) at Binghamton University. The center will focus on understanding the effects of prenatal and adolescent alcohol exposure on brain development.
A NYU study found that young adult non-medical prescription opioid users are at high risk for overdose due to their lack of knowledge about overdose awareness, avoidance, and response strategies. The study highlights the need for education about naloxone and overdose prevention services for this population.
Despite significant increases in R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP, China has seen a decline in funding for applied research, with basic research funding plummeting from 5.2% to 4.7%. The authors argue that further reforms are needed to bring transparency and coordination to the country's R&D spending.
Yaniv Konchitchki, a Berkeley-Haas professor, has received the prestigious 2014 Best Paper Award from the American Accounting Association for his research on earnings transparency and cost of capital. His study found that more transparent corporate accounting leads to lower cost of capital and higher firm value.
A new study by Baylor University researchers identifies the challenges facing women in the IT profession as being rooted in occupational culture and informal interoffice social networks. The findings suggest that mentoring, social interaction, and career-stage awareness are key areas for improvement to increase diversity.
North Carolina State University researchers have developed a technique to attach electrodes to moths during pupation, allowing for the monitoring of electromyographic signals. This enables better understanding of moth flight coordination and the development of remotely-controlled 'biobots' for search and rescue operations.
Researchers found that information elaboration discussions are crucial for cross-functional teams to succeed, particularly in dynamic environments. Teams with members who can exchange relevant information and ideas, seek clarification, and integrate feedback tend to perform better.
Researchers developed a modification to the core Android operating system that allows developers and users to plug in new security enhancements. The ASM framework enables custom security control modules to protect phones and enhance consumer privacy.
Researchers at GW University developed a new model to study the impact of faculty development programs on institutional behaviors. The study found that graduates exhibited enhanced confidence and new behaviors, influencing their colleagues' practices and work units.
A new INFORMS study suggests that US consumers are better off choosing electric vehicles with a range below 100 miles due to the high cost of batteries. The study found that the majority of consumers will benefit from short-range BEVs once battery costs drop below $100 per kilowatt hour.
Researchers at TUM developed TCP Stealth, a free software that inhibits identification of systems through Hacienda and similar cyberattack software. The software uses secret tokens to protect against remote control of servers worldwide.
A recent study from the University of Bergen found that 8.3 percent of the Norwegian workforce is addicted to work, with no differences between men and women. The study used a nationally representative sample of 2,160 participants and identified seven criteria to measure work addiction.
A major international study found that only half of women eligible for antenatal corticosteroids received them, highlighting gaps in treatment practices. The use of these life-saving medications is highly variable across countries, with some nations receiving up to 91% of eligible women.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has received a $18.8 million award from the National Institutes of Health to fund statewide biomedical research and student training in Alaska. The five-year award will support research networks across three university campuses, focusing on health, disease, and environmental factors.
Researchers have developed a new tool to synchronize multiple video clips based on the visual content of the videos. This makes it easier to align clips without relying on timecodes or external markers. The method can be used for various applications, including movie production and visual effects.
Researchers developed tools for designing mechanisms that achieve desired cyclical motion in planar mechanical characters and linkage-based sculptures. The systems enable casual users to create animated characters using 3D printing techniques, making it possible to bring creations to life.
The new interactive tool allows designers to create intricate shapes by sketching the structure's shape and seam placement, generating patterns for flat panels that assume the desired shape when inflated. The system is validated with seven varied shapes, including an elephant and a flower, and demonstrates efficient design capabilities.
NREL's breakthroughs in silicon solar cells and ultra-efficient supercomputers have been recognized by the R&D Magazine with two prestigious awards. The innovative growth system produces thin solar cells at half the cost and 100 times the speed of conventional epitaxial reactors.
Maria Martinez-Cosio and Mirle Bussell's book explores private foundations' challenges in community revitalization, finding that building trusting relationships with residents is key to success. The team's research argues that foundations must invest time and effort to build partnerships with underserved populations.
A research team has developed a cost-effective technology to synthesize heteroatom (S or N)-doped graphenes, which can be applied as high performance electrodes for secondary batteries and fuel cells. These materials enhance battery performance and drive down the cost of producing fuel cells.
Researchers developed a technique for estimating visibility using motion as a cue, enabling large-scale 3D motion reconstruction without markers. The Panoptic Studio used 480 video cameras to create detailed reconstructions of volleyball games and confetti cascades.
The Melbourne Shuffle algorithm hides data access patterns on cloud servers to provide higher privacy guarantees than encryption alone. By shuffling the location of data, users can prevent eavesdroppers from deducing sensitive information about their computations or programs.
A new technology called OptoTrk successfully induces cell differentiation in neurons using blue light, upregulating downstream cell signalling. This breakthrough allows for remote control of specific receptors without the need for other substances or time periods, enabling more precise investigations of neural networks.
Cancer Research UK's Programme Foundation Award will provide up to £1.5 million over six years to support mid-career scientists. The award aims to bridge the gap for researchers who need investment to compete with senior scientists.
The partnership aims to advance fuel cell materials and manufacturing technologies, reducing costs while improving performance and durability. The collaboration will focus on critical next-generation challenges, including platinum loading reduction and hydrogen system development.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a new stereoscopic measurement system using computer vision to accurately measure infant length. The technique allows infants to be measured while lying naturally on their backs, eliminating the need for physical restriction and reducing discomfort.
SwRI-led CuSPP mission aims to measure Solar Particles and shock waves causing severe electromagnetic storms. The mission will provide critical measurements on hazardous charged particle populations accelerated at the Sun and interplanetary space.
According to a study by the Conference of Social Councils, only 16% of Ph.D.s in Spain work in the private sector, significantly lower than the OECD average of 32%. The report highlights the need for greater cooperation between public and private institutions to increase research investment and competitiveness.
Researchers have developed a system to track footballs in three-dimensional space using low-frequency magnetic fields. This technology can improve accuracy for referees and viewers, especially in situations where the ball is blocked from view or visibility is low.
Two Regenstrief Institute investigators, Michael LaMantia and Noll L. Campbell, have received NIH career development awards to study delirium recognition in emergency departments and the adverse cognitive effects of medications in older adults. Their projects aim to improve care and management of older adults with delirium.
Researchers propose benchmarks to substantiate successful in vitro development of germline cells in mouse models. They emphasize the need for rigorous scientific standards due to the critical role of germ cells in reproduction.
The Rosetta-Alice spectrograph is starting its science mission to study the origin, composition, and workings of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. It will analyze the comet's atmosphere, map its surface, and study fine dust particles.
A recent study published in Nature Biotechnology reveals that NIH patents generate high-quality intellectual property and drive additional R&D activity. The report highlights the importance of publicly-funded research in fueling America's innovation economy.
The ASU Biodesign Institute has developed a high-quality biomarker discovery core competency to identify and select biomarkers for radiation biodosimetry. The team is now optimizing the assay panel and platform workflow to prepare for regulatory clearance from the FDA.
New research from the Monell Chemical Senses Center reveals that pleasant odors enhance women's facial attractiveness, while odor pleasantness has a mixed effect on age perception. The study found that visual age cues influence judgments of facial age, and unpleasant odors weaken this effect.
The University of Pittsburgh has received a five-year, $1.5 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) to develop new lab-based biology courses aimed at retaining science students. The effort will build upon existing initiatives and aim to engage more students in research experiences from their freshman year.
Researchers developed a new optical see-through head-mounted display that superimposes 3D images onto the real world, reducing eye strain and discomfort. The device uses microscopic integral imaging technology to create a seamless blend of virtual and physical environments.
University of California - Santa Cruz chemist Rebecca Braslau has developed a new approach to create safe and affordable alternatives to widely used phthalates. Her research aims to replace phthalates in consumer products, which have been linked to reproductive and developmental abnormalities.
Researchers created a prototype automated system to check millions of lines of code for consistency with privacy promises. They employed a new language, Legalease, and used Grok to annotate existing programs, allowing for high accuracy in compliance checks.
Researchers found that clinicians playing an online game lowered their patients' blood pressure to target levels in 142 days, compared to 148 days for those who received traditional online posting information. The game used spaced education, a technique that engages learners and translates evidence-based guidelines into practice.
The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists recognizes outstanding researchers in biotechnology with various awards, including the AAPS Excellence in Ligand Binding Assays Award and the Innovation in Biotechnology Awards. These honors celebrate groundbreaking contributions to pharmaceutical biotechnology.
Researchers have developed a new concept for simplifying ultrafast lasers, enabling control over multiple parameters and excellent performance potential. The 'frequency domain optical parametric amplification' (FOPA) approach supersedes traditional time domain amplification schemes.
Dr. Peter F. Buckley, a psychiatrist and Dean of the Medical College of Georgia, has been awarded the Kempf Fund Award for Research Development in Psychobiological Psychiatry from the American Psychiatric Association. The award recognizes his contributions to understanding schizophrenia and improving treatments.
By 9 months, babies can recognize a picture of an object and act on it when presented with the actual object, suggesting they form mental images of objects through pictures. This ability strengthens their ideas of an object even after it disappears from view.
Coca-Cola has partnered with A*STAR to leverage the agency's research capabilities and tap into its expertise in advanced technologies. This partnership aims to optimize production processes, gain insights into consumer needs, and boost A*STAR's food and nutrition research activities.
A Michigan State University researcher found that software-generated partners can be effective motivators during exercise, outperforming 'no buddy' conditions. The study, published in the Games for Health Journal, suggests potential applications for fitness game developers and may improve exercise outcomes.
The European Commission Joint Research Centre has identified Europe's top ICT hubs, which excel in access to top universities, research centers, and funding opportunities. These regions have a high concentration of businesses, innovative output, and strong networks, making them ideal for digital success.
A majority of Europeans view biomedical research as a source of hope and trust the public to challenge opinion. However, most lack scientific literacy and rely on experts for understanding, highlighting the need for education and communication about research findings.
Researchers from the University of Otago used mapping methods to track smoking visibility in public areas of downtown Wellington. They found that up to 116 smokers could be seen outside bars and cafés, highlighting the need for smokefree policies to reduce the normalisation of smoking.
The DECCMA project examines how people are adapting to climate change in delta regions, focusing on four deltas with over 200 million inhabitants. The five-year project aims to develop methods for predicting future changes and providing governments with tools to maximize planning services.
Scientists at the University of Bonn identified Creld1 as a crucial gene for heart valve development in mice, which also functions similarly in humans. This discovery may lead to improved diagnosis of unidentified heart valve diseases and better understanding of cardiac development.