Articles tagged with Research and Development
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Researchers at HortResearch have fine-tuned gene discovery to accurately determine fruit flavors and fragrances, enabling the creation of 'Nature Identical' compounds. Biofermentation techniques can produce desired compounds at low cost and environmental impact.
The US Department of Energy has released a research roadmap for developing cellulosic ethanol, a renewable and carbon-neutral fuel source. The plan aims to overcome challenges in producing low-cost, high-efficiency cellulosic ethanol from biomass.
The Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has won four prestigious R&D 100 Awards for its innovative technology advances, including a carbon-measuring instrument, high-efficiency solar cells, and neutron generators. These awards recognize the lab's efforts to enhance energy, economic, and national security.
The Mount Sinai Global Health Center has received a $1 million grant to develop faculty and finance curriculum, conduct international research, and build partnerships with NGOs. The grant will help train medical students in global health and provide humanitarian aid support.
The research aims to harness the body's natural regenerative abilities to heal limb wounds, using salamanders as a model. The goal is to develop techniques for restoring damaged or lost digits and limbs.
A new algorithm has been developed to improve mobile data retrieval efficiency, allowing users to access data more quickly without increasing power consumption. The technique uses parallel air channels to reduce channel switching and minimize battery drain.
Researchers will develop structural materials with chemical resistance, thermal stability, and fracture resistance, as well as transparent materials that are self-healing and anti-abrasive. The goal is to create lightweight, high-performance materials for ballistic resistant armor and vehicles.
A study of 97,000 Latin American deliveries found hospitals with high caesarean rates had higher rates of severe maternal illness, death, and antibiotic treatment. Rates of preterm delivery and newborn deaths also rose with increasing caesarean delivery rates.
A national survey of junior tennis coaches found that over half of parents have a positive influence on their children's development, but more than a third are harmful. Coaches identified excessive focus on winning, unrealistic expectations, and criticising as common problems, scoring them highly in terms of seriousness.
Researchers at Ohio University have successfully created the world's first synthetic nanoscale fractal molecule, which has potential applications in novel energy storage systems, photoelectric cells, and molecular batteries. The molecules are made of iron and ruthenium ions and form a hexagonal gasket.
A study comparing therapeutic communities in the US, China, and Thailand will examine client and program characteristics to understand treatment effectiveness. The research aims to advance substance abuse treatment services globally by developing a standardized model.
NDRI researchers studied non-injecting heroin users transitioning to injection, finding it's not universal and influenced by individual characteristics and social networks. The study highlights the importance of understanding these factors to prevent infectious diseases like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
The PACT software provides a framework that protects metadata while enabling semantic interoperation and sharing of information. It automatically regulates access to data, preserving security while allowing permitted access.
Researchers explored novel oil traits through genetic engineering to enhance biofuel performance. They identified a 'soybean event' with high oleic acid levels, which reduced saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Meanwhile, hydrogenated biodiesel fuels showed promise in reducing NOx emissions in light-duty diesel engines
Researchers have developed a method to rapidly diagnose bioterrorism-related diseases by analyzing gene patterns in white blood cells. This technology, which uses mathematical modeling tools, can identify specific changes in gene expression within 2 hours of exposure, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.
The team's collaborative efforts led to near real-time determination of upper atmospheric density, improving geostationary satellite orbits. The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration praised this as the 'greatest improvement in atmospheric drag modeling over the last 30 years'.
Research reveals that reading and behavior problems are intertwined in boys, primarily due to shared environmental factors, not genetics. The study found that targeting either reading or behavior issues during early childhood can lead to changes in both behaviors.
Dr. Culbertson is developing universally applicable methods for detecting and identifying proteins and peptides in very small sample volumes without tagging molecules. His goal is to miniaturize chemical analysis instrumentation for point-of-care diagnostics, improving disease detection and treatment.
Minister Gehrer addresses key challenges in European R&D, including the timing of the new Framework Programme and the need for a strategy to stimulate innovation. She also emphasizes the importance of reducing red tape and promoting entrepreneurship and risk-taking through life-long learning.
A University of Kentucky researcher has identified bioactive fragments of complement C3 and C5 as causal markers of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) progression. These components stimulate the development of wet AMD, and their presence in drusen may indicate high risk for progression.
The collaboration aims to develop and field-test individual lessons/modules that can be incorporated within courses or used to support entire courses. The project's deliverables will benefit digital library users with improved understanding of those who build the next generation of digital library systems.
The US Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate has established five Regional Visualization and Analytics Centers to improve homeland security. Four universities will focus on developing techniques, tools, and collaboration to analyze large multimedia databases and extract relevant information.
Researchers will develop methods to derive and exploit information from diverse data forms, link this information with stored knowledge and analytical reasoning practices, and provide cognitive readiness support. The Penn State team will also apply a cognitive science approach to understanding visual tool usage, enhancing the role of t...
The Office of Naval Research has developed a technology that allows binoculars to transmit digital voice over long distances, up to five nautical miles. LightSpeed can also be used for communication between ships at sea and platforms in the air and on the ground.
A new study emphasizes the importance of standardized training for physicians during patient handoffs, highlighting the need for face-to-face interactions and effective communication to prevent medical errors. The researchers suggest that investing in additional physician training could be a cost-effective way to improve patient safety.
A European study found pramipexole significantly reduces RLS severity and improves quality of life, with notable improvements in Vitality and Bodily Pain scores. The treatment showed efficacy using two measurement criteria: IRLS and CGI-I scale.
Bar-Ness received the IEEE Communications Society Publications Exemplary Service Award for establishing and serving as editor of IEEE Communications Letters. The journal allows researchers to publish brief papers in a short turnaround time, enabling rapid knowledge sharing.
A new UCLA study suggests that colonoscopy results do not reassure Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) patients, contradicting previous beliefs. The study found limited diagnostic value of colonoscopy in diagnosing IBS for patients under age 50.
Brandeis University physicists Meyer and Redfield have been honored by the American Physical Society for their pioneering contributions to liquid crystals and biological physics. Their research has led to significant advancements in technologies such as LCD displays, with over 50,000 new liquid crystal materials developed.
Brandeis will develop a program in quantitative biology to understand biological functions. The university will hire a new faculty member and provide funding for courses, seminars, and instrumentation.
The Florida State University magnet lab has collaborated with Keithley Instruments to develop a more accurate system for measuring extremely small currents and voltages. The new AC and DC Precision Current Source with Nanovoltmeter will help engineers create breakthrough consumer products and medical devices.
The CD4 Initiative aims to create easy-to-use devices for measuring CD4+ T-lymphocytes in HIV+ patients, addressing the high cost and complexity of current technologies. The project will bring together industry know-how and scientific creativity to develop simple, rapid, and affordable tests.
A team of experts, including those from the NIH and the US Department of Justice, identified 850 of the 2,749 reported missing after the 9/11 attacks using DNA analysis. The panel's recommendations include improving forensic DNA typing systems and designing processes to test novel identification procedures.
Dr. Cavanagh's donation honors the contributions of Paul M. Bass and W. Plack Carr Jr., who made his past achievements possible. Dr. Cavanagh's research involves developing new contact lenses with improved oxygen flow, impacting millions worldwide.