News on R&D across science and industry. Covers R&D awards, applied studies, quantum institutes, and university research initiatives.
The Watermark Ink device can instantly identify unknown liquids based on their surface tension, exploiting chemical and optical properties of nanostructured materials. This technology offers a cheap, fast, and portable way to perform quality control tests and detect liquid contaminants.
Researchers developed an automated technique for analyzing field hockey team patterns using player roles rather than individual identities. The method was effective in detecting tactics, strategy, and style of play, even correcting errors in video tracking data.
Researchers at NYU-Poly developed streamloading, a technique that splits videos into two layers for efficient streaming. By pre-downloading the enhancement layer, users can improve video quality while reducing data usage and delays.
Researchers developed a control concept that reduces travel time by about a minute and waiting time by up to seven seconds, increasing intersections that can be passed without stops from 60% to almost 100%. A driver information system was also created to provide speed recommendations to vehicles, resulting in improved traffic flow.
A study by University of California, San Diego researchers found that almost half of mobile apps on iOS devices access the unique identifier, location, and address book. A new app called ProtectMyPrivacy detects and controls what data other apps can access, giving users control over their privacy.
Researchers use silver-based nanoprobes that reflect distinct optical fingerprints when light is shined on infected samples, detecting specific genetic materials taken from human samples. This technique has the potential to provide fast and reliable information about patients at the point of care.
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health has released a summary report highlighting the need for improved policies to address drinking behaviours in Ontario. The report recommends 10 policy improvements to decrease alcohol-related harms and costs in the province.
A new DNA test has been developed to identify kangaroo species from their droppings, providing valuable information for population management and conservation. The test has already identified several species outside of their known range, with implications for biodiversity management and climate change impacts.
Europe's national R&D budgets have stalled, leading to a brain drain and stunted scientific growth. Portugal's former science minister calls for sustained investment to strengthen universities and research facilities, promoting collaboration across borders.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a new one-step process called 'clonetegration' that simplifies the production of designer bacteria. This faster method enables multiple rounds of genetic engineering on the same bacteria and simultaneous integration of multiple genes, accelerating therapeutic drug development.
Researchers will develop procedures to help underinsured people efficiently get care for common health problems. The study aims to identify and address barriers to accessing care, prioritizing care access strategies based on patient experiences.
Washington University in St. Louis researcher Tae Seok Moon has been awarded a Gates Fellowship to develop probiotic bacteria that target and kill parasite eggs in the human body. The goal is to create a long-term strategy to prevent disease transmission, addressing a major global health challenge.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a process called Lifelong Robotic Object Discovery (LROD) that enables a two-armed robot to discover objects using color video, Kinect depth camera, and non-visual information. The robot can refine its understanding of objects over time, focusing on those most relevant to its goal.
A new study from Carnegie Mellon University reveals that self-affirmation can protect against the negative effects of stress on problem-solving performance. Participants who underwent a brief self-affirmation exercise showed improved problem-solving abilities under time pressure, suggesting a potential strategy for boosting performance.
A new framework combining engineering criteria with ecological and social concerns could minimize the impacts of hydrocarbon development in the Amazon. Extended Reach Drilling and other best practice components may reduce project-related deforestation by over 75%, according to a recent study.
A symposium hosted by the Society for Research in Child Development aims to investigate how educational media fosters early learning in young children. The event will focus on topics such as interactive media characters, touchscreens, and popular shows like Sesame Street.
The law impacts self-esteem, risky behavior, community safety, stress, and health among Latino youth and families. The symposium explores the effects of S.B. 1070 on their well-being.
The symposium aims to explore how parents' deployment affects children's well-being, mental health, and ability to achieve developmental tasks. Researchers will examine the role of combat-related injuries and discuss effective ways to treat post-deployment family struggles.
A team led by UNC Charlotte researcher Deborah Strumsky is forecasting optimal energy investments using novel methods from network theory, performance curve analysis, and ecological systems. The project aims to provide a detailed picture of the solar technology ecosystem, influencing technological progress and informing policy decisions.
The VOI is a compact, two-wheeler electric scooter designed to transport passengers safely and comfortably through congested city streets. Its modular design allows for various configurations, including cargo boxes and mobile kitchens.
A new tool called P3 removes small amounts of data from photos and encrypts them, allowing cloud file-sharing services to use the unencrypted portion while keeping the owner's sensitive information secure. With P3, photo owners can choose how their photos are shared, retaining rights to the complete photo and ensuring privacy.
Clint Frye, a Kansas State University doctoral student in chemical engineering, has been named the university's first Lawrence scholar. As a scholar, he will spend four years conducting collaborative research at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and performing related research on semiconductors at K-State.
Rice University researchers are developing a comprehensive model that predicts how brine, oil, and gas react to extreme temperatures and pressures. The model aims to provide companies with strategies to maintain flow and reduce risk in deepwater production.
A recent study published in the Journal of Political Economy suggests that intellectual property rights on existing technologies can discourage subsequent scientific research. Researchers found a persistent 20-30% reduction in subsequent scientific research and product development for genes held by Celera's intellectual property.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg are leading an EU-funded project to identify individuals with obesity at greatest risk of developing metabolic complications. The project aims to develop methods for early intervention and improved treatment, with potential to reduce healthcare costs and premature deaths.
Researchers at INRS Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications have developed a non-reciprocal electromagnetic isolator critical to THz source applications. The device enables the development of terahertz lasers and amplifiers, crucial for imaging, communications, and spectroscopy technologies.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute have developed a new method to compare proteins of An. albimanus and An. gambiae midguts, shedding light on the complex molecular workings of An. albimanus, a significant but understudied spreader of human malaria.
The VHA is exploring various HIT projects to improve patient care, decrease medical mistakes, and enhance health outcomes. The special issue highlights new research into innovative approaches using electronic health records, databases, and information systems.
A new open-source tool, Pipeline, helps leaders manage complex collaborative projects by redistributing leadership responsibilities and tasks. It enables leaders to trust certain individuals with more authority while maintaining accountability.
A recent study by NYU's Michele Shedlin documents food and housing insecurity, lack of adequate healthcare, and the impact of prior violence and current stigma & discrimination on mental and physical health. The research highlights the urgent need for identifying specific health risks experienced by mobile and displaced populations.
A new study found that teaching teenagers that people can change reduces aggressive reactions to peer conflicts. The research suggests that believing people's traits are fixed leads teens to respond aggressively, but an intervention that teaches the potential for change can reduce this behavior.
Researchers developed an integrated model to capture both product innovation and customer evaluation processes. The conceptual model illustrates the interaction between innovation and customer response, aiming to help companies adapt their innovation processes more efficiently.
Scientists from Harvard Medical School and business innovators used a crowdsourcing platform to analyze vast amounts of genetic data, achieving unprecedented accuracy and speed. The study demonstrates the potential for combining basic science research with commercial sector expertise to solve complex problems.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new modeling approach, MBIR, which reduces radiation exposure in medical CT scanners by 78% while improving image clarity. This technology also enables the focus of images after capture in consumer electronics.
Researchers propose novel protocol structure model to analyze and verify service-oriented systems, incorporating dependencies for synchronous, asynchronous, and broadcast communications. The model combines features of partial orders and Petri nets to tackle complex software development challenges.
New research from Concordia University found that caring relationships in friendships can foster a desire to make a positive impact on one's community and world. Adolescents who exhibit empathic care towards their friends are more likely to develop concern for others beyond their immediate circle.
A University of Pittsburgh study demonstrates that content-focused literacy coaching significantly improves student reading comprehension, particularly for low-income English-language learners. The coaching model encourages teachers to facilitate interactive text discussions, leading to better comprehension and retention.
The Arizona State University Biodesign Institute is partnering with Life Technologies to develop a gene-expression based system for rapidly assessing radiation exposure in individuals. This system aims to provide an accurate indication of the level of absorbed radiation, with potential applications in nuclear incidents.
Researchers at the University of Southampton's Optoelectronics Research Centre have created the strongest, lightest weight silica nanofibres, 15 times stronger than steel. These nanofibres can be manufactured in lengths of potentially thousands of kilometres and are expected to transform industries such as aviation and marine safety.
A team of Penn State researchers has developed a method to improve regular battery management practices for lead-acid batteries used in electric locomotives. The new approach increases the cell capacity by 41 percent and overall battery capacity by 30 percent, rejuvenating dead cells and reducing sulfation.
Researchers at Aldrich Materials Science have discovered a liquid-free process to design Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs), enabling the production of high-purity MOF products suitable for sensors, detectors, and electronic/magnetic materials. The discovery extends to new classes of 3D-structured materials with unique properties.
Only a small fraction of new medicines developed between 2000 and 2011 were for the treatment of neglected diseases, highlighting significant gaps in innovation. Despite this, some progress has been made through drug reformulations and repurposing of existing drugs.
The US Navy is accelerating its research efforts in the Arctic due to rapid changes in sea ice coverage. The recent summit brought together top officials from various government agencies to share scientific ideas and form new partnerships. Experts warn that these changes could have global environmental and socio-economic consequences.
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust is providing a $6.2 million grant to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev to establish an ABC Robotics Center, focusing on medical, service, industrial, and agricultural robotics. The center aims to develop fully autonomous robots with human-like cognitive capabilities.
Agricultural research and development investments have seen a surge in private sector spending, driving innovations in crop seed, biotechnology, and farm machinery. The USDA study shows how public-private partnerships are crucial for advancing agricultural productivity.
Grand Challenges Canada awards $100,000 grants to innovators worldwide for bold ideas to tackle health problems in resource-poor countries. Researchers are developing new technologies, such as a high-tech wristband to monitor pregnant women's vital signs and a trading system that rewards vaccination with farm inputs.
Infants exhibit remarkable rapid growth in new skills every day, with research showing that early abilities can predict later developments. For example, studies found that processing speed in infancy significantly predicted working memory and shifting ability at age 11, while memory in infancy predicted shifting ability.
A recent study found that digital tablets can significantly improve reading speed and comfort for people with moderate vision loss. Using a tablet with a back-lit screen resulted in the fastest reading speeds, with participants increasing their reading speed by 15 words-per-minute on average.
A study found that patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes often receive little information on diet and physical activity, leading to feelings of isolation. The research highlights the need for easily accessible resources and support to help patients manage their condition.
Researchers developed a new natural language processing tool to extract access control policies from customer requirements. The tool translates ACPs into machine-readable language, verifying and testing their adequacy in meeting security needs.
Autism Speaks' new affiliate, DELSIA, will develop medicines, treatments, and products from scientific research, focusing on improving quality of life for those affected by autism. DELSIA's venture philanthropy model aims to translate lab breakthroughs into real-world solutions.
A Concordia University study found that lonely older adults who use positive thinking can reverse negative health issues, reducing cortisol secretion and improving CRP levels. This suggests a positive approach to health can contribute to successful aging.
The Navy plans to reduce its fleet size and workforce due to sequestration, but will focus on investing in cutting-edge technologies like the Electromagnetic Railgun. This commitment to innovation is seen as crucial for maintaining the service's technological advantage.
The university will use the grant to build solar-powered charging stations for electric and hybrid vehicles, exploring technical, social, environmental and economic issues surrounding plug-in vehicles. The project aims to reduce air emissions and improve air quality by promoting the adoption of solar-powered charging stations.
Researchers have developed a mathematical tool to assess the thermodynamic behavior of Mediterranean courtyards, finding that they can be up to 9°C cooler than outside in summer. This allows for energy-efficient designs without sacrificing sustainability.
Researchers are developing a set of solutions using high performance computing to address the challenges of big data in genome research. The BIGDATA toolbox will provide core techniques, parallel algorithms and software libraries to enable researchers to adapt parallel computing techniques to high-throughput DNA sequencing.
The Autonomous Aerial Cargo Utility System (AACUS) aims to deliver supplies quickly and safely in hostile conditions using autonomous robotic helicopters. With a smartphone-like device, warfighters can control the aircraft's takeoff, flight, and landing.
A Kansas State University doctoral student is developing a high-performance nanostructure of silicon coated onto carbon nanofibers to improve lithium-ion batteries. The material stores roughly 10 times the energy of current electrodes, resulting in a 10-15 percent improvement in battery technology.
Three USP Global Fellowship awards have been presented to Darash Desai, Jose Napolitano, and Ting Wang to develop cutting-edge solutions for counterfeit drug detection, pharmacopeial reference standards analysis, and excipient identification. The fellowship program aims to support innovative thinking and approaches to global challenges.
Sourav Saha's research in the Journal of the American Chemical Society has led to the development of a compound that can strip electrons from toxic fluoride, producing tangible benefits for toxin detection and removal. This innovation has far-reaching potential applications in various fields, including the creation of new plastics and ...