News on R&D across science and industry. Covers R&D awards, applied studies, quantum institutes, and university research initiatives.
The Brazilian Ministry of Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), and Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) Latin America have partnered to develop new therapies and diagnostics for neglected diseases. This partnership aims to boost innovation in the field and provide new health tools to Brazil's public health programs.
Researchers at NEIKER and INRA found that BDA symptoms are a sign of esca disease, a complex disease affecting grapevine and woody plants. The study suggests that alternative treatments to sodium arsenite may be effective in controlling the disease.
Researchers have developed a rapid method to measure carbon footprints using new software that can calculate thousands of product footprints in minutes. The methodology helps companies accurately label products and design ways to reduce environmental impacts.
The Saving Brains initiative aims to improve conditions for children's development, with funding focused on malnutrition, maternal depression, premature birth, and malaria. Innovations include Kangaroo Mother Care, Vitamin A supplementation, and early treatment of malaria to prevent brain injury.
A new study published in Neurology finds that people who drink heavily (3+ drinks/day) are at higher risk for stroke almost a decade and a half earlier than those who don't. Heavy drinking is linked to a more severe form of stroke, leading to poorer long-term outcomes.
A study by Concordia researcher Holly Recchia found that children's experiences of exclusion are more diverse than previously thought, with some trying to numb negative feelings and others searching for alternatives. The study suggests age-specific interventions to help kids take responsibility for their actions and weigh different goals.
A new feasibility study suggests a generic framework for researcher professional development across Europe, overcoming deficiencies and promoting mobility. The framework aims to support researchers in their career aspirations and provide a common language for describing skills.
The software can locate and track targets of known size, such as enemy positions in combat, and those of unknown size, like rare animals without disturbance. It also tracks moving targets with speed and direction calculations.
The Office of Naval Research has recognized five engineers for their work on the electromagnetic railgun, a long-range weapons system that fires projectiles using electricity. The team's achievements include two world record launches and significant advancements to the launcher technology.
A KAIST research team has developed a high performance flexible all-solid-state battery, overcoming limitations of existing lithium-ion batteries. The breakthrough allows for the creation of fully flexible electronic systems, such as rollable displays, with improved power density and thermal stability.
Researchers created a bilinear spatiotemporal basis model that simplifies animation editing by accounting for both space and time. The model enables compact, powerful, and easy-to-manage animations with millimeter precision.
Researchers at Disney Research have created a technology called Botanicus Interactus, which enables plants to control digital devices with touch detection. This technology uses Swept Frequency Capacitive Sensing and machine-learning algorithms to recognize frequency changes associated with touches on the plant.
A new study examining the health-care expenditures after bariatric surgery found no significant association between the procedure and reduced healthcare costs. The research suggests that trends in adjusted total expenditures mirrored those of outpatient and inpatient expenditures.
The Navy's Universal Gateway collapses 30 network connections into a single portal, automating data integration and enhancing information assurance. This improves the accuracy of real-time information for warfighters, reducing errors and increasing efficiency.
Research found that women who spent long periods standing during pregnancy had slower fetal growth rates, with an average head circumference reduction of 1 cm. Long working hours were not consistently associated with restrictions on fetal development or premature birth, but excessive work may impact birth weight.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a powerful new technique for manipulating building-block molecules, enabling the creation of new drugs and organic chemicals. The method allows for controlled selectivity and reaction efficiency, overcoming technical obstacles that previously limited its use.
A study by researchers at the University of Washington found that higher neighborhood density improves single-family home values. The study also discovered a positive association between proximity to retail and multifamily rental property values, highlighting the economic value of walkable neighborhoods.
CYGNSS will study tropical cyclones' formation and intensification by analyzing ocean surface properties, atmospheric thermodynamics, and radiation. The mission aims to advance hurricane forecasting and tracking methods.
Four Argonne National Laboratory-developed technologies have been awarded R dashD 100 honors, including Globus Online for big data research and three battery materials for plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles.
Berkeley Lab's Laser Ablation Molecular Isotopic Spectrometry (LAMIS) technology enables remote chemical analysis on other planets, while the Compact Variable Collimator (CVC) improves X-ray beam shaping for protein crystallography. The Multinozzle Emitter Array (MEA) accelerates biomedical research by analyzing biomolecules in microfl...
Six international research projects worth $16.5 million aim to develop practical solutions to combat hunger and food insecurity in developing countries. These projects, funded by IDRC and CIDA, team up Canadian and developing-country scientists to create lasting impact.
The GTRI's automated pavement crack detection and sealing system can detect cracks as small as one-eighth-inch wide and efficiently fill them, increasing road structural integrity and extending repaving project time. The system requires fewer personnel and increases roadway coverage per day, saving transportation departments money.
A team of Japanese researchers developed a new method to 'heal' defects in gallium nitride (GaN) using hydrogen radicals. The process restored photoluminescence to nearly normal levels after chlorine plasma etching, improving optical and electrical performance.
Researchers at the University of Arizona are developing a visualization system to detect suspicious network activity in real-time, using a geographic map metaphor to facilitate human analysis. The system aims to provide quick high-level information to non-experts and comprehensive data to experts, while also offering customization opti...
A study by researchers from TU Delft and the University of Groningen found that contemporary body-powered prosthetic hands perform equally or less well than those from 1987, with insufficient grip strength required to operate them. The study suggests that user overload problems may be a result of excessive operating force, highlighting...
Researchers found that rotavirus incidence is higher during the coldest, driest months of the year in South Asia. They also discovered an association between rotavirus and vegetation density, suggesting a potential tool for disease surveillance and prevention.
A Category Tree system would categorize products based on tested human studies and health benefits, forcing companies to conduct research or change product labels. This system aims to improve transparency and facilitate further research in North America and Europe.
Researchers at Brown University have made significant advances in brain-computer interfaces, allowing people with paralysis to control robotic arms in three-dimensional space. Participants were able to perform tasks such as reaching for foam targets, picking up objects, and even serving themselves coffee using only their brain signals.
Researchers at the US Army Research Laboratory developed a novel processing technology that enabled commercial production of advanced Soldier head protection. The new helmets offer improved weight reduction and increased durability, with some models already fielded to Special Operations Forces.
The John Innes Centre receives Grand Challenges Explorations grant for a groundbreaking research project aimed at developing new ways of protecting crops from insects and associated diseases. The project, led by Dr Saskia Hogenhout, involves generating whitefly-resistant plants using RNAi molecules.
An international treaty is proposed to address global health research and development issues, ensuring coherence, fairness, efficiency, and sustainability. The treaty aims to provide fair contributions and benefit sharing from all countries, generating a globally sustainable system.
An international convention on global health R&D is recommended by the WHO expert group to secure a systemic solution. The proposed convention aims to create a formalized platform for R&D coordination, pooling financial investments and holding countries accountable for their actions.
A team of researchers, led by Professor Todd Coleman, has been awarded a Grand Challenges Explorations grant to develop flexible tattoo-like devices for continuous pregnancy monitoring. The devices, which use skin-mounted electronics systems, aim to detect signs and symptoms of pre-term labor in a reliable and non-invasive manner.
Researchers at OHSU and ONPRC have created a new animal model for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which displays human-like symptoms in mice. The model uses a mutated form of the SynCAM1 gene, found in glial cells, to mimic the condition.
The University of California, Riverside has received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a low-cost method for detecting biotic stresses in maize crops. This project aims to use a simple, home pregnancy test-like technology to visually alarm farmers to take action against devastating losses.
The Office of Naval Research is developing a solid-state laser weapon prototype with multi-mission capabilities. The program aims to provide Sailors with a non-lethal defense against small boat threats and aerial targets.
A new happiness model developed by a MU researcher identifies two key components: the need for new positive experiences and appreciation for what already exists. The model suggests ways to reduce the 'let down' from material purchases and helps individuals train themselves to stay at their highest possible range of happiness.
Three new rootstocks, Zentmyer, Steddom, and Uzi, have demonstrated superior tolerance to Phytophthora root rot (PRR), a devastating disease affecting avocado production globally. The rootstocks offer improved yields and salt tolerance, enabling growers to manage PRR effectively.
The UK Space Agency has granted nearly £6 million to support four major research and development consortium projects led by Astrium Ltd, Avanti Communications Ltd, DMC International Imaging Ltd, and Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. The projects focus on developing commercial products and services using space technology and data.
Researchers developed a new pulsed photoacoustic technique to detect a small number of cancer cells in vitro. The technique combines high optical contrast with high resolution, allowing for the detection of single cancer cells.
Charles C. Church will receive the prestigious award for his 30-year commitment to AIUM and extensive research on high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy, among other notable achievements.
A University of California, Riverside professor and researchers developed a model that uses Twitter data to predict traded volume and value of a stock the following day. The model outperformed other investment strategies by between 1.4 percent and nearly 11 percent.
The number of ophthalmologists worldwide is insufficient to meet the growing demands of ageing populations and developing countries. The global shortfall of trained eye doctors is a pressing concern, particularly in low-income countries where capacity is increasing faster than the population.
ColdQuanta has finalized an agreement with the University of Colorado to commercialize cutting-edge physics research on Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC), a new form of matter created just above absolute zero. The technology has potential applications in devices such as gyroscopes, accelerometers, and navigation systems.
Visual HABIT software helps predict crystal properties in different chemical environments, reducing early-stage laboratory research and development costs. The technology enables companies to adopt a 'bottom-up' approach to product design in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and fuel sectors.
A new study by Margaret Taylor of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory finds that successful cap and trade programs often reduce incentives for innovation, as low-cost emissions reductions lead to lower allowance prices. This has significant implications for developing more effective pollution control targets.
Women farmers produce a lower yield on their crops than male farmers by an average of 25 percent. A recent report shows differences in yield in the same household, with female farmers facing restrictions on access to labor and basic farm inputs.
A recent study of 56 children with autism spectrum disorders found no statistically significant correlation between urinary mercury levels and autism. The researchers suggest that mercury excretion rates are unlikely to have a clear causal link to autism spectrum disorders.
The Texas Obesity Research Center (TORC) has developed a research group to examine three childhood obesity programs, including MEND and CATCH. TORC is also partnering with the community to improve health and end obesity through community-based participatory research methods.
The US Department of Energy is launching a new energy innovation hub focused on advanced battery research. The hub aims to accelerate the development of electrochemical energy storage technologies for transportation and the electric grid, with the goal of reducing the nation's dependence on foreign oil.
Researchers at City College of New York develop an eco-friendly filter to remove hydrogen sulfide gas from the air, using carbonized coffee grounds. The activated carbon boosts its smell-fighting power with nitrogen from caffeine, capturing pollutants like H2S and potentially separating other toxic substances.
A new circular polarization filter developed by a collaborative team of scientists has the potential to enhance vision through dust and clouds, improve early cancer detection, and even enhance 3D movie experiences. The filter allows users to measure the polarization state of light quickly and efficiently.
The winning team, Real-time Care Experience Feedback Using QR Codes, developed an application to track patients' care experiences in real time. The project aims to provide access to evidence-based information and support meaningful engagement and decision-making for patients and clinicians.
Key findings: DNDi highlights the need for enhanced research and development for new treatment and diagnostic tools for NTDs. The organization stresses that filling R&D gaps is crucial to achieving disease control or elimination by 2020.
Researchers developed topographic models using LiDAR data to predict habitat suitability for endangered plants in dry environments. The team plans to use satellite observations to create digital elevation models, guiding effective restoration efforts and identifying suitable areas for plant growth.
The Lyman Alpha Mapping Project detects water frost and high surface porosities in lunar permanently shadowed regions, challenging previous assumptions about its loss and accumulation. This finding adds to the understanding of the Moon's water resources and supports future exploration and potential permanent base considerations.
Conservation researchers at San Diego Zoo Global's Institute of Conservation Research have developed a low-cost, molecular tool for identifying two-toed sloth species. The technique uses a mitochondrial marker and restriction enzyme assay to distinguish between closely related species.
The University of Copenhagen has launched a new research platform aiming to develop hybrid technologies for more efficient production of biofuels. The platform will test dual-purpose crops that can provide both food and biomass for fuel and chemicals, aiming to reduce the industry's reliance on oil.
Researchers develop affordable, easy-to-use devices for rapid disease diagnosis in rural communities. Innovative projects include a handheld analyser capable of identifying malaria from DNA fingerprint and a piece of woven fabric that tests blood or urine for disease.
Researchers from Concordia University discovered that oxytocin increases a person's perception of themselves as more extroverted and open to new experiences. The study involved administering nasal sprays containing oxytocin to 100 young adults, who reported higher ratings of extraversion and openness.