News on R&D across science and industry. Covers R&D awards, applied studies, quantum institutes, and university research initiatives.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed the first molecular therapeutic for Angelman syndrome, a devastating neurogenetic disorder. The therapy targets an evolutionarily conserved region in the UBE3A-AS transcript and has shown promising results in clinical trials.
A team of MIT researchers has created an 'unclonable' label system to combat counterfeit seeds in Africa, where fake seeds can cost farmers up to two-thirds of expected crop yields. The system uses biodegradable silk-based tags with unique codes that cannot be replicated.
The CONVINCE project, funded by €4 million, focuses on developing cognitive deliberation capabilities in autonomous robots to enhance safe and robust operation in unstructured environments. The goal is to enable robots to adapt to their surroundings and tasks autonomously without human intervention.
Researchers from POSTECH and University of Ulsan developed an omnidirectionally stretchable pressure sensor mimicking the structure and function of a crocodile's sensory organ. The sensor maintains sensitivity to pressure even when subjected to significant deformation, enabling its use in various wearable devices.
Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel solvent-resistant hole injection layer material, enabling the creation of efficient solution-processed OLED devices. The material exhibits high mobility and excellent film-forming properties, leading to improved efficiency and lifetime compared to existing materials.
Researchers developed a self-driven lab, AlphaFlow, that uses AI to optimize complex chemical reactions and discover new materials. The system significantly reduces the time needed to develop new chemistries from months to hours.
A recent WHO review reveals a significant shortage of new antibiotics in the pipeline, with only 12 approved drugs introduced between 2017 and 2021. The majority of these drugs target non-critical pathogens, leaving critical ones like Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa underrepresented.
A team of researchers, led by UMass Lowell's Neil Shortland, is developing AI systems to help doctors triage patients in emergency situations. The project aims to identify the best human attributes that AI can mirror when making difficult decisions.
A new 'best practice' protocol has been developed by researchers at University of Bath to standardize data collection and reporting in piezoelectric materials. This is crucial to ensure reproducibility in energy harvesting research, which is hampered by inconsistent experimental reports.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati developed an innovative breathing device called PEP Buddy, which improves symptoms of breathlessness, quality of life, and oxygen levels in people with COPD. The study found significant reductions in shortness of breath and improvements in quality of life among participants.
Researchers suggest a four-part framework to identify animal viruses that may infect humans, focusing on viruses from repeat offender families and those with known human compatibility. By studying these viruses early, scientists can develop diagnostic tools and treatments, and be better prepared to combat future pandemics.
The new technique allows for the production of a dozen different soft polymer material morphologies, including ribbons, nanoscale sheets, rods, and branched particles. By precisely controlling three sets of parameters during manufacturing, researchers can fine-tune the morphology of polymeric materials at the micro- and nano-scale.
Dr. Natasha Kekre, a University of Ottawa associate professor and hematologist, has secured millions in funding and published numerous peer-reviewed papers on CAR-T cellular therapies for cancer treatment. Her work has advanced the immunotherapy field in Canada and made her an expert in cancer immunotherapies.
Researchers developed AI models based on UNet and MobileNet architectures to analyze standardized abnormalities in CT images, accurately identifying object presence and confidence. These models achieved an absolute percentage error of less than 5 percent, comparable to human professionals.
A new approach by the Medical University of South Carolina aims to increase clinical trial participation, especially from diverse populations. By making patients eligible for research opportunities by default, while allowing opt-out, the team saw a significant increase in potential participants.
The UTSA ScooterLab will collect data on riders' mobility, context and environment to improve sustainable transportation solutions. The project aims to transform the way we think about micro-mobility.
Researchers developed a technique to predict how quantum systems behave when connected to their environment, turning a problem into a solution. The approach combines techniques from quantum many-body physics and non-Hermitian quantum physics, providing a crucial tool for real-world applications of quantum technology.
Alveolus Bio, a UAB startup, has received a $2.5 million FastTrack grant from the NIH to support the development of first-of-its-kind inhaled biotherapeutics for chronic lung disease COPD. The company aims to create FDA-approved treatments for 15.7 million people affected by COPD worldwide.
Researchers developed a hydrogel-based sensor to monitor overactive bladder activity in real-time. The sensor measures both mechanical and bioelectrical activities, allowing for simultaneous monitoring and neural stimulation. This breakthrough has the potential to improve treatment outcomes and minimize side effects.
Research suggests that participants in psychology studies are more likely to exhibit symptoms of personality disorders, which could impact the validity of study results. The prevalence of these disorders may be due to self-selection biases in participant recruitment.
Scientists have developed a conductive polymer coating called HOS-PFM that can significantly enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. The coating ensures battery stability and high charge/discharge rates while extending battery life by up to 15 years.
Researchers develop a novel combination therapy using mitoxantrone and vancomycin to treat vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE) infections. The therapy stimulates the host immune system, accelerating wound healing and killing bacteria more effectively.
A global team of researchers created an algorithmic tool to identify existing drugs that could be effective against the next pandemic. The PHENotype SIMulator (PHENSIM) uses computer experiments to analyze biomolecules and predict antiviral effects, identifying potential candidates for repurposing.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that participating in home-based cardiac rehabilitation was associated with a 36% lower likelihood of death from heart-related complications among US military veterans within four years. The study analyzed data from 1,120 veterans who enrolled in a 12-week hom...
Children with autism may not process visual illusions in the same way as their peers, indicating a potential issue with predicting and filling in missing visual information. This finding has implications for understanding and supporting individuals on the autism spectrum.
A recent study found that public investment in critical research contributed significantly to the development of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The US government invested at least $337 million in research over 35 years, including basic science and vaccine development.
A tiny soft robot has been developed to help doctors perform surgery and search in hard-to-reach places. The robot uses ultraviolet light and magnetic force to climb on any surface, including walls and ceilings, without an external power supply.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have created a new method to monitor flocculation and mixing in real-time, allowing for more precise control over the process. This technique reduces energy consumption by halving the workload and improving precision.
A Berkeley Lab-led team has designed a new type of solid electrolyte consisting of a mix of various metal elements, resulting in a more conductive and less dependent material. The new design could advance solid-state batteries with high energy density and superior safety, potentially overcoming long-standing challenges.
Researchers discovered that frail patients who received additional support before and after surgery were 18% less likely to die within a year. By connecting these patients with medical professionals and resources, they can make healthy lifestyle changes and receive guidance on managing their condition without surgical intervention.
Scientists from NC State University have discovered a way to manipulate the flow of heat through ferroelectric materials by applying different electric fields. The study, published in Advanced Materials, found that varying electric field strengths, types (AC/DC), time, and frequency can alter the thermal properties of these materials.
The CEE team is leading a new project to develop better systems for evaluating the structural health of rail lines and modernizing pavement design and evaluation procedures. Researchers will focus on developing a rail structural capacity rating and Joint Evaluation and Design Integrated (JEDI) Solution software tools.
Scientists have created a non-destructive method to detect and differentiate gibberellins, a class of plant hormones crucial for growth. The new nanosensors can identify changes in GA levels across various plant species, enabling early interventions against salinity stress.
Researchers have discovered a new 3D-printed superalloy that can withstand high heat, essential for power plant turbines. The alloy, composed of 42% aluminum, 25% titanium and other metals, is stronger at high temperatures than state-of-the-art materials.
Verkko software assembles gapless human genome sequences quickly and precisely, enabling better assessment of genomic diversity and comparative genomics. This innovation accelerates efforts to generate complete genome sequences of various species, improving research and discovery in the field.
Despite industry claims of high R&D costs, most biopharmaceutical companies spent more on selling and administrative activities. New medicines often offer little or no added clinical value, leading to concerns over high prices.
Researchers create 'Lego-like' BIND interface to assemble stretchable devices with excellent mechanical and electrical performance. The interface allows for easy connection of modules, enabling the development of highly functional wearable devices or soft robots.
Researchers have developed a new system to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders. The ingestible 'smart pill' tracks movement through the GI tract using magnetic fields, allowing for more accurate and efficient diagnosis and targeted therapeutic interventions.
Researchers developed an operando reflection interference microscope to study lithium-ion batteries. The microscope provides critical insight into the working mechanism of the solid electrolyte interphase layer, a key component in determining battery performance.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a rapid and sensitive soil moisture sensor using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to optimize water usage in agriculture. The MOF-based sensor shows high sensitivity and selectivity for water even in the presence of metal ions, enabling precise irrigation management.
The grant aims to eliminate barriers and facilitate access to early phase cancer clinical trials for medically underserved communities. Researchers will develop and implement a multilevel program to improve referrals and enrollment, exploring the impact of remote clinical trials on enhancing diversity in trials.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have successfully developed an allergen-specific inhibitor that prevents peanut allergic reactions in mice. The inhibitor effectively masks the immune system's ability to recognize the allergen, allowing it to fly under the radar without initiating a dangerous response.
The new automated method, called HybridFlow, uses large-scale aerial images to produce precise 3D models of cityscapes and landscapes. This technology has potential applications in natural disaster risk assessment and mitigation, enabling informed decision-making and evaluation of risk-mitigating factors.
Researchers developed an elastic material using liquid metal that resists both gases and liquids, offering a trade-off between elasticity and gas resistance. The material, created with gallium-indium alloy, has been tested to prevent the escape of oxygen and liquids, showing promising potential for use in high-value tech packaging
The European Health Union aims to detect, prepare, and respond collectively to future health threats. The EU Health Security Framework has been reinforced to learn from lessons learned during the pandemic, with a focus on close collaboration among ECDC, EMA, and HERA.
OmniVis, a pathogen detection company, has received $100,000 from the Purdue Ag-Celerator fund to establish a field pilot for its hand-held devices. The funding aims to test the devices in real-world settings and make connections with the agricultural community.
Anu, a Purdue University startup, received a $970,993 NSF SBIR grant to further develop its innovative Rotary Aeroponic Cultivation Chamber. The technology aims to increase yields while reducing energy consumption and environmental impact through multispectral photomorphogenesis and deep-learning algorithms.
A Korean joint research team has developed a new tissue adhesive that restores damaged corneas by filling them and exposing them to light, potentially treating cornea ulcers without surgical interventions. The new sealant integrates well with adjacent tissues and promotes scar-free corneal tissue reconstruction.
Experts call for a nuanced discussion around gain of function research, highlighting its benefits for human health and its potential to reduce future disease outbreaks. The authors emphasize the need for evidence-based policies that balance safety concerns with the importance of this research in protecting humanity from viral threats.
Researchers developed BrightEyes-TTM, an open-source stopwatch to study molecular interactions inside living cells. The platform records the lifetime of fluorescent molecules, providing insights into cellular structure and function.
Scientists developed an AI system, ProGen, that can generate artificial enzymes from scratch, working as well as those found in nature. The AI model learned aspects of evolution and was able to tune its generation for specific effects, creating proteins with unique properties.
The Faraday Institution has successfully scaled up its battery research to support the development of five projects funded by Innovate UK. These projects focus on recovering valuable materials and developing new battery technologies, such as quasi-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries and solid-state pouch cells.
Researchers developed a cancer-selective therapeutic agent that targets cancer cells' unique acidic pH microenvironment, inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and killing only cancer cells. The agent, Mito-SA, forms charge-shielded nano-assemblies that selectively disassemble in the tumoral environment.
Researchers from UTSA and UT Health San Antonio are developing compounds that target the estrogen receptor-beta, which suppresses cancer growth. The goal is to identify a novel ER-beta agonist with potential as a therapeutic strategy for treating GBM in patients.
Researchers created a system to monitor underground gas pipelines using high-tech sensors that can detect weaknesses, discrepancies, and diversion in residential natural gas lines. The method uses ultrasonic sensors to transmit signals through the pipe, limiting the likelihood of gas diversions and ensuring public safety.
Researchers uncover how changing trends in interorganizational deals in the pharmaceutical industry are improving drug discovery and R&D productivity. The study found that M&A-related deals drive revenue growth for large pharmaceutical companies, and academia-owned spinouts of advanced technology are increasing.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed ESPRESSO, a new computational tool that can accurately discover and quantify RNA molecules from error-prone long-read RNA sequencing data. This will enable better diagnosis of rare genetic diseases and discovery of potential therapeutic targets in cancer.
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) have made a breakthrough in generating single photons on-chip using a new method. The team, led by Kamyar Parto, has successfully created a steady and fast stream of single photons essential for photonic-based quantum technologies.
A new method for measuring bifacial solar panel performance has been developed by the University of Ottawa SUNLAB team. The study proposes a characterization method that considers external effects of ground cover like snow, grass, and soil, providing a way to accurately test panel performance indoors.
A new biopsy procedure is developed with a multispectral confocal endomicroscope to aid in lung tissue imaging. The system allows for simultaneous imaging of multiple fluorescent dyes, enabling unique identification and spectral unmixing.