News on R&D across science and industry. Covers R&D awards, applied studies, quantum institutes, and university research initiatives.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found that people can store more faces in their visual short-term memory than other objects, thanks to the efficient way faces are encoded. This advantage was only observed when participants studied upright faces, which are more familiar to us.
A recent study by Marie Thursby and Jerry Thursby found that 49.6% of R&D effort in developed nations is for new science, while in emerging countries it's only 22%, suggesting universities play a crucial role in driving innovation.
ResearchChannel awarded matching funds to five institutions, including Montana State University and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, to produce documentaries on vital research topics.
Many developing country universities are at risk if they don't strengthen their research capabilities and address regional development problems. The pressures are greatest, the need most acute, and it's a matter of life and death. Strong research capabilities are essential for relevance and survival.
Research by Jacqueline D. Woolley and colleagues reveals that young children (ages 3-6) use context to determine the truth of new information, not blindly accepting it as true. By age 4, children develop this skill significantly, distinguishing between factual and fantastical claims.
The 2006 AAAS Science Journalism Awards honored exceptional science reporting on Alzheimer's disease, climate change in the American West, and crop research. Winners included Stacey Burling for her story on Alzheimer's and Michelle Nijhuis for her series on climate change.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is developing advanced sensor processing algorithms to help robot forklifts verify the location and orientation of pallets laden with goods. The experimental system utilizes two onboard LADAR devices to negotiate obstacles and hone in on warehouse pallets.
The DTI's 2006 R&D Scoreboard reveals a £2 billion increase in UK companies' R&D investment, driven by the disclosure of R&D for banks, insurance, media, and retail companies. The top UK companies are maintaining their pace with US counterparts, while smaller firms are also increasing their R&D expenditure.
Researchers will examine the scientific, social, cultural and organizational contexts that have shaped embryology as a science. The project aims to provide a rich description of embryo research over key periods of its history and analyze agents of change.
Researchers developed a DNA-based computer that can diagnose West Nile Virus and bird flu faster and more accurately. The technology has the potential to be used in instruments to diagnose and treat cancer, diabetes, and other diseases.
The Medtronic Straightshot M4 Microdebrider and Hospira's Symbiq Infusion System have won the 2006 User-Centered Product Design Award for their focus on functional obviousness, ease of operation, and creativity. The winning designs demonstrate user-centered approaches to human factors and industrial design.
Researchers at Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development have discovered a new molecular mechanism underlying neuropathic pain, which may lead to the development of new treatments. The research focuses on specific types of ion channels called 'pacemaker channels' that initiate constant pain signals to the brain.
Researchers have developed a laser-based technology that can rapidly detect and identify many types of bacteria, making it three times faster and one-tenth as expensive as current methods. A second innovation uses chlorine dioxide gas to kill pathogens on produce, offering a highly effective and efficient solution.
The CANADA-HOPE Scholarship Program aims to improve the health of people in developing countries through research. The three recipients will study healthy aging, organ damage and stroke research in Canada before returning to their home institutions to establish productive research programs.
A recent study found that adults infected with the common cold virus easily transferred the virus to 35% of surfaces touched, and even to an uninfected person by fingertips 18 hours after initial contamination. The virus was also found on a third of objects and surfaces in hotel rooms.
Scientists have created a family of novel molecules called suitanes, which consist of two or more interlocked units. The researchers successfully synthesized the simplest representative of this class of compounds, a suit[2]ane, using computer simulations and self-organization processes.
A Kansas State University research team has received a four-year, $1 million grant to conduct curiosity-driven nanoscience and technology research. The team, led by distinguished professor Chris Sorensen, aims to develop new particles with unique properties that can be used to create novel materials.
A study finds that children of immigrants are more likely to pursue math and science careers due to higher economic aspirations and parental expectations. The research suggests a positive impact on the US economy as these individuals contribute to the nation's changing workforce needs.
Researchers at Cardiff University have been awarded £800,000 to commercially develop a protein-based therapeutic for treating infectious diseases. The 'Resolution Therapeutics' approach aims to enhance the body's natural defence mechanisms to promote infection clearance and reduce inflammation.
Researchers at Northwestern University have successfully integrated quantum key distribution and quantum data encryption to create a complete quantum cryptographic data network. This new system offers extraordinary resilience to eavesdropping and is compatible with standard fiber optical networks.
The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative proposes new scientific and policy initiatives to accelerate AIDS vaccine development, fostering capacity building in developing countries. The Blueprint highlights the need for a dynamic global research and development program with clear spending targets and equitable financial burden-sharing.
Researchers developed an electronic artwork system that recognizes eight key facial features to determine the emotional state of a viewer. The system adapts the artwork's colors and brush strokes in real-time, creating a unique interactive artistic experience.
The US Department of Energy is launching two new Bioenergy Research Centers to accelerate basic research on the development of cellulosic ethanol and other biofuels. The centers will focus on systems biology research on microbes and plants, with the goal of harnessing nature's own mechanisms for producing energy from sunlight.
The Sagittal Focusing Laue Monochromator device can focus high-energy x-rays with a large divergence, solving a technical challenge in light source scientists. It consists of two thin crystals that diffract the beam horizontally, resulting in higher beam intensity and reduced costs.
A software tool developed by Iowa State University and Ames Laboratory researchers has won the R&D 100 Award for its ability to quickly convert large 3D data sets into intuitive pictures. The tool enables engineers to analyze and work with data more efficiently, leading to improved design and operational efficiency.
Researchers from NDRI found that offering innovative vocational programs with active outreach and support resulted in higher participation among unemployed methadone patients. Most 'needy' patients became more engaged when offered vocational counseling, leading to reduced relapse rates.