News on R&D across science and industry. Covers R&D awards, applied studies, quantum institutes, and university research initiatives.
A research team from UNC Charlotte and Y-12 National Security Complex developed a method to eliminate long, dangerous strips of metal (chips) in machining ductile materials. The 'Modulated Tool-Path (MTP) Chip Breaking System' produces user-selectable chip lengths and workpiece finishes, preventing injuries and reducing costs.
Researchers developed a new mathematical model to predict ventricular function during the cardiac cycle, offering a simpler alternative to existing models. The model, comprising five parameters, may improve treatment options for patients with heart disease and integrate into multi-scale models of working hearts.
A recent study analyzing the JUPITER trial found that HDL cholesterol levels are not predictive of residual vascular risk among patients treated with potent statin therapy. This suggests that caution should be displayed when interpreting the results and more data is needed to determine whether raising HDL levels is beneficial.
Researchers have developed a method to produce sterile fish with three sets of chromosomes, enhancing growth and reducing reproduction in aquaculture. This breakthrough allows for more efficient production of faster-growing farm-raised salmon and trout.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a stormwater model that accurately predicts pollution impacts from proposed developments. The model uses regional data and can be easily modified for use elsewhere, allowing regulators to make informed decisions about project approvals.
Singapore's A*STAR and Cytos Biotechnology collaborate on a virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine targeting influenza hemagglutinin protein. The partnership aims to develop an independent supply of vaccines for Singapore and ASEAN countries, extending Cytos' R&D pipeline.
The maglev haptic interface, developed at Carnegie Mellon since 1997, provides highly realistic feedback for users to perceive textures and feel hard contacts. It has applications in controlling remote robots and simulation technologies for dental training and biopsy needle insertion.
In a letter to The Lancet, 35 public health students from Birzeit University in the oPt urge an end to the conflict and call for advancements in research capacity. They highlight the need for a comprehensive development system suitable for the population, with control over local resources and a coherent health system.
The African Network for Drugs and Diagnostics Innovation aims to stimulate health product research and development in Africa. Successful implementation requires sustainable capacity, infrastructure, funding, leadership, and understanding of health R&D in the African continent.
A laboratory milling device called the 'insect-o-graph' can detect internal insects in wheat that are not visible to the eye or detectable by usual grading methods. The system estimates the number of live insects hidden in a one-kilogram grain sample in about one minute.
The University of Delaware Institute of Energy Conversion is part of a $3.8 million DARPA-funded project to develop flexible high-performance solar cells that can withstand battle conditions and environmental extremes. The goal is to demonstrate low-cost, lightweight photovoltaics with a power conversion efficiency of 20% or greater.
Four unmanned autonomous vehicles designed by Virginia Tech engineering students using TORC Robotic Building Blocks product line will be used by the Marine Corps in Hawaii during the RIMPAC war games. The vehicles are equipped with advanced sensors, perception, planning, and control algorithms to navigate complex environments.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a novel gene transfer system that can restore SMN protein levels and alleviate symptoms in SMA model mice. The new technique has the potential to develop a simple injection therapy without surgical interventions, offering significant implications for future SMA treatment.
Researchers at the United States Department of Agriculture have developed new cultivars of common beans with multiple genes for resistance to fungal diseases, including common bean rust. These resistant varieties are essential for protecting legume crops in the face of evolving strains of the pathogen.
Researchers have developed joint source-channel encoding/decoding (JSCC/JSCD) techniques to overcome the limitations of Shannon's separation theory in practical applications. The new schemes utilize variable-length coding and symbol-level trellis decoding to achieve better performance than existing methods.
The Wearable Absence project uses wearable devices to record the wearer's physical and emotional state, triggering the transfer of personalized memory back to the wearer. The system combines textile arts, emotional mapping, and responsive technologies to provide comfort and enhance human experience.
The EnComPas2 project developed an integrated platform to manage multiple gadgets, enabling technicians to detect appliances and configure services remotely. The platform achieved high user satisfaction rates, but pricing remains a challenge.
Agricultural Research Service scientists have developed a new model to manipulate vitamin D levels in young calves, which could help establish the optimal amount needed for growth and health. The model uses vitamin D injections to control levels in the bloodstream of neonatal dairy calves.
Researchers identified GRP78 as a key protein facilitating fungal invasion of blood vessels in diabetes-related infections. Mice treated with GRP78-specific immune serum showed protection from mucormycosis.
The American Society for Microbiology will honor Scripps Institution of Oceanography pioneer Claude ZoBell's contributions to marine microbiology. The event, held on May 22, recognizes ZoBell's pioneering research career and his work laying the foundation for the field.
Studies should involve more cross-cultural collaboration to avoid cultural blind spots, say MU researchers. Collaboration with participants from the culture being studied can help address possible misunderstandings and improve study validity.
A new research study is exploring the effects of dark chocolate on cardiovascular health in people with high blood pressure. Participants will be given 50g of dark chocolate daily for eight weeks to examine its impact on blood vessel health and the risk of developing heart disease.
The HEALTHGRAIN Forum aims to promote science-based concepts for healthy cereal production, aiming to reduce healthcare costs and provide added value for companies. The new platform will facilitate knowledge sharing between academia, industry, and public bodies.
Researchers have developed a computer-based system called Valkyrie that can automatically track patient-specific radiation dose exposure from CT scans. The system uses patient size and weight to provide accurate radiation dose information.
A multidisciplinary team at LSU has developed maps showing demographics affected by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. The maps highlight impoverished areas, minority populations and workers in the oil industry, helping to pinpoint areas where support infrastructure is needed.
Alan McGaughey, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, has received a three-year grant to develop theoretical and computational tools for monitoring heat generation in devices. His work aims to help the Air Force reduce heat generation in operating electronics and control mechanical system tempe...
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed advanced algorithms to enhance camera systems in cars, enabling faster detection of pedestrians and other moving objects. The system can recognize people from other vehicles and create a model that reacts almost instantly, potentially doubling down as a tool for autonomous vehicles.
Researchers have developed a method to analyze corporate firewall logs to identify errors and omissions. This approach, called traffic mining, can determine the actual rules applied by firewalls to incoming and outgoing network traffic.
Researchers at NIST have designed an instrument that can quickly and precisely detect trace amounts of chemical compounds indicating poultry spoilage. The technique relies on identifying low-volatility compounds present early in the decay process.
Researchers from Virginia Tech and GE Global Research Center are developing novel cardiac computed tomography (CT) architectures and methods to improve image quality with low radiation. Their patented approach, interior tomography, can produce accurate images of a region of interest, reducing radiation exposure and accommodating larger...
Researchers have developed self-pollinating almond trees that can produce high-quality nuts without insect pollination. This breakthrough is crucial for almond growers facing rising costs due to honeybee shortages.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a concept for a full-page, refreshable Braille display that translates images into tactile displays. The innovative design uses an electroactive polymer material and a hydraulic mechanism to raise dots to the correct height, allowing blind users to read with ease.
The US Department of Agriculture has developed a new lentil variety called Essex, which boasts high seed yields and nitrogen-fixing properties. This development is expected to enhance the nutritional value of lentils for consumers while also improving soil fertility for subsequent wheat crops.
Research suggests that trauma from war increases asthma risk, with twice the likelihood of development in those most traumatised. A study of 2000 Kuwaiti civilians aged 50-69 found a direct correlation between trauma and asthma risk.
A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that gastric bypass surgery can increase the risk of developing kidney stones in patients. The researchers discovered significant changes in urine composition, including elevated oxalate levels and low citrate levels, which can lead to stone formation.
Researchers have developed a methodology to measure nanoparticles in chicken embryos, shedding light on their potential effects on human health. The study's findings will inform regulatory approaches and help make nanotechnology more sustainable.
A report from the Association of University Research Parks recommends 10-point plan to streamline federal policies for tech commercialization, aiming to create jobs and businesses. The plan includes targeted investments, flexible grant policies, and connections with private sector.
Researchers have developed a new formula to analyze changes in complex systems, enabling detailed maps of their evolution. This tool can be applied to various fields, including neuroscience, air traffic control, and public health.
A $1.4 million research collaboration aims to develop RFID technology to notify subway vehicles of track inspectors' exact location, enhancing worker safety. The project, involving McMaster University and industry partners, is expected to create up to 100 jobs upon successful completion.
Two teams of Iowa State researchers will study biodiesel production from algae and thermochemical conversion of biomass to fuels. The grants aim to accelerate the development of clean energy sources and reduce dependence on foreign oil.
The Sea Node system successfully completed the Trident Warrior 2009 exercise, showcasing its ability to improve situational awareness and reduce operator workload. The system provides collaborative applications for geo-locating coastal radars and enhances existing AN/SSX-1 Electronic Support systems.
A research program developed by ASU aims to create a system that can rapidly measure an individual's level of radiation exposure. The system will enable faster medical triage and analysis of 2,000 blood samples per day. It is designed for field deployment and collaboration with government entities.
Kelvin Gregory, a civil engineering professor at Carnegie Mellon University, is leading a research team to develop a new water treatment system for hydraulic fracturing in the Marcellus Shale. The system aims to remove toxic metals and chemicals from flowback water, reducing environmental risks and minimizing disposal costs.
The Khat Research Program will investigate the biobehavioral consequences of long-term khat and tobacco use, with a focus on concurrent nicotine and khat use. The program aims to develop collaborative research relationships and provide capacity-building resources for researchers in Africa, Europe, and North America.
Researchers at NIST and Naval Research Laboratory create a technique to selectively implant atoms in crystals, enabling study of electrical and magnetic properties on an atomic scale. This development is crucial for spintronics, electronic devices that utilize electron spin instead of charge for storing information.
Researchers aim to establish a standard for 'sufficiency' of information in friction ridge patterns, addressing the lack of quantifiable standards in the field. The goal is to improve accuracy and contribute to advancing science in forensic pattern recognition and comparison.
Galaxy Zoo Mergers allows citizen scientists to compare real images of colliding galaxies with millions of simulated images. This project aims to understand why the universe contains its mix of galaxies, including spiral arms and compact star balls.
The QPACE supercomputer is the world's most energy-efficient supercomputer, developed by a German academic consortium and IBM. It uses a novel concept of connecting processors by a network of programmable units to achieve high performance and scalability.
The Ohio Research Association for Public Health Improvement (RAPHI) aims to investigate how public health does what it does, with an initial focus on improving services using information technology. The RAPHI project will advance RWJF's efforts to enhance the evidence base for public health policy and practice.
A researcher at the University of Granada has developed a new system for mobility planning in battlefields based on ant colonies' movements. The system, using the ant colony optimization algorithm (ACO), helps army troops find the best path to minimize casualties and speed.
The University of Delaware has received a $4.4 million grant from ARPA-E to develop stronger, more efficient permanent magnets for various industries. The project aims to identify new materials that can result in magnets twice as strong as current ones.
Dr. Óscar Custance has been awarded the 2009 Feynman Prize for Experimental Work in Nanotechnology for his pioneering research in atomic-scale precision. His work could lead to more effective catalysts for hydrogen fuel production. The prize recognizes advancements toward molecular manufacturing.
Uloric (febuxostat) has been shown to effectively manage hyperuricemia in patients with gout, achieving normal serum urate levels in 45-67% of patients. The treatment also reduced the risk of future gout flares and was superior to allopurinol in lowering serum urate levels.
Concordia University will construct an Environmental Chamber with a solar simulator to test innovative building-integrated solar systems and materials. The facility aims to develop solar buildings with net-zero energy, generating as much electricity as they use.
ResearchToolkit.org provides a comprehensive platform for health researchers to create and sustain successful multisite collaborations. The site offers tools and resources for developing research networks, launching projects, and sharing study results, aiming to ease logistical difficulties and enhance efficiency.
Researchers at the University of Santiago de Compostela have developed a new technique to accurately measure vitamin C in fruit juices and soft drinks. The study found that only two out of 17 samples matched their labels, revealing higher levels of natural vitamin C in other drinks.
A survey of nearly 4,500 general surgery residents found that most are satisfied with their training and relationships with faculty and peers. However, they also reported concerns about their clinical skills, family life strain due to work stress, and need for additional specialty training to be competitive in the job market.
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter's LAMP instrument uses Lyman-alpha emissions to study permanently shadowed regions of the moon's surface. Researchers are searching for water frost and other resources in these areas, which could support future lunar missions.
Researchers developed a model to diagnose postnatal depression with an 80% predictive power, identifying risk factors such as social support and family history. The study also uncovered two protection factors: age and work during pregnancy, which reduce the risk of depression.
Researchers have developed a new analytical method to quantify environmental contaminant reactions in real-time, enabling predictions of risks and transport. This breakthrough advances understanding of geochemical processes and has significant applications in environmental science, particularly for contaminants like arsenic.