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New ultrasensitive electronic sensor array speeds up DNA detection

Scientists developed a novel electronic sensor array to rapidly detect DNA for disease diagnosis and biological research, with ultrasensitive detection capabilities and cost-effectiveness. The Nanogap Sensor Array technology has the potential to speed up efforts in detecting debilitating diseases such as cancer and infectious viruses.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 26, 2009

Penn State researchers receive $1.2 million MURI grant

Researchers at Penn State's Center for Network-Centric Cognition and Information Fusion are working on a $1.2 million MURI grant to develop unified research on network-based hard/soft information fusion. The team will use data from various sources, including cell phones and social media sites, to improve data fusion capabilities.

Aluminum-oxide nanopore beats other materials for DNA analysis

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a new solid-state nanopore sensor made from aluminum oxide, exhibiting superior mechanical properties and noise performance. The sensor can detect single molecules with signal-to-noise comparable to other technologies, opening doors for personalized medicine and advanced diagnostics.

'Smart turbine blades' to improve wind power

Engineers at Purdue University and Sandia National Laboratories have developed a technique to monitor forces exerted on wind turbine blades, enabling real-time adjustments for optimal efficiency. The system aims to reduce catastrophic damage from high winds and improve overall wind turbine reliability.

Swimming pool game inspires robot detection

Researchers used the pursuit-evasion game 'Marco Polo' to create a system for controlling moving robots that can autonomously detect and capture other moving targets. The system, which uses multiple sensors and cell decomposition algorithm, has broad applications in security, environmental monitoring, and tracking endangered species.

SourceDuke University·JournalSIAM Journal on Control and Optimization·DateMar 18, 2009

New method for detecting explosives

Researchers have developed a new technology to detect explosives based on their unique thermal characteristics, enabling trace detection and differentiation between individual explosives. The system uses microfabricated bridges to probe thermal signatures of chemical vapors, allowing for high sensitivity and selectivity.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMar 13, 2009

Tracking tigers in 3-D

Researchers use new software to rapidly identify individual tigers and estimate populations by matching unique stripe patterns from camera trap photos. The software is up to 95% accurate in identifying tiger species from scanned photos, aiding tiger conservation efforts.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalBiology Letters·DateMar 12, 2009

Nano-tetherball biosensor precisely detects glucose

A team of researchers from Purdue University has developed a precise biosensor for detecting blood glucose and potentially many other biological molecules. The device, resembling a tiny cube-shaped tetherball, uses single-wall carbon nanotubes anchored to gold-coated nanocubes to conduct electrical signals.

SourcePurdue University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 22, 2009

Protecting patient privacy the new fashioned way

A new computer program, Medical De-identification System (MeDS), can accurately and speedily remove patient identifiers from medical records while retaining essential data for medical research. MeDS has been successfully tested on large datasets and shows promise in resolving the complex issue of privacy vs. public good.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateSep 25, 2008

James Webb Telescope components pass tests

Development models for James Webb Telescope components have successfully passed temperature and vibration tests, allowing engineers to proceed with building actual instrument parts. The Mid-Infrared Instrument, which will operate between mid-infrared wavelengths of 5-28.5 microns, must be kept icy cold due to its extreme sensitivity to...

Researchers discover primary sensor that detects stomach viruses

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified MDA-5 as the primary immune sensor that detects norovirus infections. The discovery may lead to the development of a treatment that prevents or reduces infection, particularly for individuals with common genetic variations that make them more susceptible.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 17, 2008