Articles tagged with Research and Development
The Miami Youth Development Project is a community-supported program that targets risky behaviors while promoting positive self-development. The research draws on Developmental Intervention Science, which aims to promote both short-term and long-term life course changes.
Researchers at Purdue University found that discrete skills like typing are controlled differently than continuous skills like scribbling. This discovery could have implications for physical therapy and humanoid robotics.
The University of Washington is leading a $6.25M project to develop an electronic Sherlock Holmes system for complex data analysis in the military. The system will integrate various types of sensor data to predict behavior and make decisions, addressing the challenge of handling high degrees of complexity and uncertainty.
Tanzania has made significant progress in reducing child mortality, with a 24% decline between 2000 and 2004. Key interventions such as increased funding for healthcare, decentralization of financing, and coverage of essential child-survival services have contributed to this success.
A clinical trial using IVUS technology found that Actos reduced the atherosclerotic burden in coronary arteries compared to glimepiride, and prevented progression. The study adds to the body of cardiovascular data for Actos, showing no evidence of increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
Researchers at Iowa State University are developing an integrated system of thermochemical and catalytic technologies to efficiently produce ethanol from plant biomass. The new nanotechnology-based catalyst addresses selectivity and control issues in the old chemistry, enabling efficient production.
The George Institute is tracking global funding for R&D of neglected diseases in developing countries through a 5-year survey. The study aims to provide donors with an updated overview of investment gaps and prevent duplication of efforts.
A new technique called Scan and Solve uses 3-D data analysis to predict stress points in objects like Michelangelo's David and human bones. The approach could aid engineers in developing protections for heavily used components, such as ancient artifacts and implants.
A study published in Contraception reports that the Standard Days Method brings new women to family planning, with over half having never used a method before. The method's effectiveness and ease of use led to increased contraceptive use among participants.
A recent survey reveals that 22% of new R&D centres will be located in China and 19% in India, as multinational firms tap into emerging economies' resources and markets. This trend raises significant challenges, including managing research and development in foreign countries.
Erin Lavik, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Yale University, was recognized as one of the Connecticut Technology Council's 2008 Women of Innovation. Her research focuses on developing new therapeutic approaches for spinal cord injury and retinal degeneration.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new anode coating strategy that significantly enhances the efficiency of solar energy power conversion. The breakthrough could lead to cheaper, more manufacturable, and easily implemented solar cells, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and carbon dioxide emissions.
A new study reveals that zigzagging provides the most efficient way for humans to ascend steep slopes, with a mathematical model supporting its advantages. The research suggests that this pattern of movement emerged as a compromise between energy efficiency and the physical limitations of human physiology.
Dr. Caroline Wagner discusses how self-organizing networks have transformed scientific research, enabling global collaboration among researchers with complementary skills and expertise. Her work emphasizes the importance of adaptability and flexibility in institutions and knowledge systems.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new type of sensor that uses T-rays to detect explosives and poisons. The technology guides the radiation along a specially designed surface, increasing detection sensitivity and potentially revolutionizing security screening.
The MIT Energy Initiative has partnered with ABB to develop green technologies and improve energy efficiency. The five-year, $5-million partnership will support research in areas like nanofluids, power electronics, and intelligent robotics.
The AAAS analysis reveals that Congress inserted nearly $4.5 billion in federal research and development earmarks in spending bills for fiscal year 2008. The earmarks totaled 2,526 projects, with $939 million allocated to non-defense projects and $3.5 billion to Defense Department projects.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative has released a new strategic plan aimed at achieving growing economic benefits and improved quality of life for US citizens. The plan reflects the consensus of participating agencies and provides guidance for investments and activities in nanotechnology R&D.
Researchers from IIBB-CSIC-IDIBAPS have discovered a method to stop and revert idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in animal models using pneumocytes transplantation. A clinical study will soon be conducted in humans to test the treatment.
Researchers found that prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to a preference for alcohol's taste and smell, making young people more likely to abuse it. Prenatal exposure also affects the development of the olfactory system, which enhances the sensory impact of alcohol.
The new NIST program will ensure that accredited laboratories perform tests on personal body armor in a reliable manner, reducing the risk of inaccurate or ineffective protection. Laboratories must submit applications and complete an assay process to demonstrate proficiency before receiving accreditation.
New software helps NASA's Spirit rover find a safe winter haven on Mars, called Von Braun. However, the path to get there is too treacherous, with no suitable bail out spots along the route. The software uses satellite images and rover images to map features on the surface.
Researchers at MIT have developed a system that uses beams of light to sort cells, allowing for precise separation based on specific cell characteristics. This technology could enable genetic screening, clinical testing, and cloning research with increased efficiency and reduced costs.
Carnegie Mellon's National Robotics Engineering Center has won a $14.4 million contract to develop an advanced, autonomous unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) for the US Army. The UGV will utilize lessons learned from the successful 'Crusher' platform and incorporate latest suspension, vehicle frame, and hybrid-electric drive technologies.
Researchers found significant developmental variation in vulva development across nearly 50 species of roundworms. The results show that evolutionary changes are unidirectional and orderly, contradicting the idea of random evolution.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that a pedometer program that counts every step, regardless of duration, is more satisfying for people with diabetes. This approach led to increased walking and better adherence compared to structured goals.
A study of over 7,500 websites found that webmasters intentionally favor Google over other search engines in robots.txt files, resulting in a strong correlation between the favored robots and market share. This bias may disadvantage consumers who prefer other search engines, as Google can index some information not available to them.
A four-year study will investigate restoration practices in Hawaii's most degraded ecosystems, providing concrete information to restore remaining dry forests and break invasive species/wildland fire cycles. The project aims to improve Department of Defense land management in the Pacific region.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch developed an innovative artificial immune system that mimics the human body's response to disease. This technology will enable rapid screening of vaccine and therapeutic compounds, potentially saving millions in R&D costs.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded $138.7 million in funding to 56 innovative technology projects, including medical diagnostic techniques and alternative energy sources. The projects were selected through a competitive, peer-reviewed process and represent a total potential investment of up to $342.7 ...
Dr. Rajarathnam Chandramouli is leading a three-year project grant to research and develop software defined radio-based cognitive radio technologies for public safety radios to optimize spectral efficiency. The proposed protocols aim to create broadband connections for quality of service in public safety bands.
A pioneering study identified 13 key issues, including community engagement, cultural acceptability, gender inequality, affordability, corruption and poor governance. The research aimed to prevent these challenges from hindering global health research in developing countries.
Argonne scientists have won three R&D 100 awards for groundbreaking innovations in teleconferencing software, chemical gas detection, and medical imaging. The Access Grid platform enables global collaboration, while Passive Millmeter-Wave Spectroscopy provides a new tool for fighting terrorism. The Ultra-High Resolution Mammography Sys...
According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Congress is expected to increase research budgets across major non-defense agencies, with significant funding increases proposed for environmental, energy and biomedical initiatives. The proposed new spending would add billions to the FY 2008 budget.
The NanoSensor StageGate Accelerator will accelerate the development of innovative nanoscale-enabled products supporting the US Army's transition and applications in aerospace, energy, and transportation. Funding will enable commercialization opportunities and create high-tech jobs in New York State.
Researchers have successfully tested an experimental gas turbine simulator equipped with ultralow-emissions combustion technology called LSI using pure hydrogen as a fuel. This technology has the potential to eliminate millions of tons of carbon dioxide and thousands of tons of NOx from power plants each year.
A Virginia Tech mathematician is working on reducing the computational challenges associated with simulating large-scale dynamical systems by employing rational Krylov methods. This approach enables the creation of reduced-order models, which significantly shorten computation times while maintaining accuracy.
A paper by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health highlights the need for enhanced global infectious disease surveillance due to resource constraints. The authors recommend increasing resources for compatible reporting systems, providing additional support, and educating policymakers on disease surveillance as a priority.
A study found that certain clinician demographics, such as age and specialty, are associated with higher rates of inappropriate PSA screening. Patient education and system-level changes can help reduce this misuse.
Alogliptin, a highly selective DPP-4 inhibitor, demonstrated significant reductions in mean 4-hour plasma glucose levels across multiple doses. The study also showed sustained inhibition of plasma DPP-4 activity and improved glucose control without increased risk of hypoglycemia.
Researchers established a credible scientific method for testing and measuring xanthones in whole mangosteen fruit, which shows high xanthone absorption when using the entire fruit as a delivery vehicle. This study ensures consistent and reliable marketing of mangosteen products to consumers relative to claims of xanthone content.
The UK's position in aging research is strengthened with a £5.9 million Strategic Award, aiming to understand biological mechanisms causing aging. Researchers will explore cellular and biochemical processes using animal models, including fruit flies, nematode worms, and mice.
The June 2007 issue of the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine (JUM) highlights the growing significance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the US. CEUS is used effectively globally but has limited approval for clinical use, hindering optimal imaging and patient care.
A Queensland University of Technology research project has received a funding boost for developing technology to purify unclean water supplies. The project aims to revolutionize water purification using novel nanomaterials, demonstrating enhanced efficacy against toxic materials.
Columbia University is expanding its immersion lithography research program with $700,000 in funding from International SEMATECH North. The project aims to develop novel chemistries for double-exposure materials, a critical step towards advancing nanoelectronics manufacturing.
Researchers at J&JPRD have discovered the biological basis of cold temperature sensation in mice, suggesting TRPM8 modulation could play an important role in certain types of cold-induced pain. This finding may lead to innovative treatments for patients with chronic sensitivity and pain caused by cold.
William B. Bonvillian and David J. Goldston, two former Congressional staff members, will share the 2006 IEEE-USA Distinguished Public Service Award for their outstanding support of science and technology-related legislation and policy in the U.S. Congress. They are recognized for their work on various initiatives, including federal R&...
Veeco will receive funding to further develop its Ion Beam Deposition Tool, critical for EUV photomask production. This project is part of SEMATECH's $320M economic impact and 1,650 high-tech jobs generated in New York.
ConocoPhillips has established a $22.5 million eight-year research program at Iowa State University focused on developing biorenewable fuels technologies, including ethanol and biodiesel from organic materials. The program aims to promote energy diversification and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Evo-devo researchers are urging scientists to select new model organisms based on their ability to shed light on specific evolutionary themes, rather than just phylogenetic position. The current choice of model organisms has been criticized for being too narrow and not representative of the diversity of life on Earth.
Purdue University engineers have developed a structural health monitoring system to detect flaws in new composite military missiles. The system uses triaxial accelerometers to pinpoint impact locations and severity, improving durability and performance.
The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering has successfully produced the world's first exposed images using the ASML EUV research and development tool. This achievement supports the R&D programs of the $600M International Venture for Nanolithography consortium, which includes global industry-university collaborations.
The two-year project aims to create cost-effective, bio-based materials to replace petroleum-derived plastics, benefiting American farmers. Rutgers researchers will develop 'hybrid' materials combining naturally occurring plant substances with synthetic degradable polymer biomaterials.
Nanotechnology has the potential to provide less-industrialized countries with powerful new tools for diagnosing and treating disease. The technology could revolutionize health care in developing countries by making treatments more readily available for diseases that claim millions of lives annually.
The winners of the 2006 AAAS Science Journalism Awards were recognized for their exceptional reporting on Alzheimer's disease, climate change, and innovative research. Stacey Burling won for her compelling story on the life and death of an Alzheimer's patient, while Michelle Nijhuis was honored for her series on climate change in the A...
The International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control is a new, quarterly journal focusing on technological developments for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It will include carbon capture and storage, transmission, and alternative mitigation options.
The Marine Aquaculture Task Force suggests strong environmental standards and funding for research and technology development. The industry's growth is expected to increase seafood demand, but it must be done in an environmentally responsible way.
Researchers at the University of New South Wales have developed a cost-effective process for manufacturing GGC, a precursor to antioxidant glutathione. The new additive is set to be used in various products, including skincare creams and supplements, with significant market potential.
A new single fund for health research in the UK aims to improve outcomes, but cooperation between institutions is crucial. The MRC and NHS Research and Development programme need to work together effectively to translate basic science into health gains.
The partnership aims to reduce fossil fuel power plant water withdrawal and consumption, leading to more efficient use of water and energy. Advanced technologies will be developed to minimize environmental impacts and lower treatment costs.