Articles tagged with Chemical Engineering
Researchers from NYU Tandon School of Engineering successfully assembled colloidal spheres into diamond and pyrochlore crystal structures, a breakthrough in creating efficient photonic crystals. The discovery has the potential to increase the efficiency of lasers and miniaturize optical components.
Protein misfolding may have kickstarted chemical evolution, enabling the creation of complex systems and potentially leading to the emergence of life. The study designed multi-phase dynamic chemical networks and self-propagating peptide assemblies with remarkable functions.
The number of new therapeutic drugs approved by the FDA was significantly lower in 2016 compared to previous years, with only four cancer drugs receiving approval. Delays in pharmaceutical manufacturing plants and a reduction in cancer drug approvals contributed to this trend.
Researchers have developed a chemical-biological strategy for microRNA target identification using photo-clickable miRNAs. This approach enables the identification of target genes associated with miRNAs without disrupting their function, revealing new insights into miRNA-involved cellular regulation pathways.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University successfully created DNA nanotube bridges that connected two molecular landmarks on the surface of a lab dish. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new medical devices and technologies that can communicate directly with cells, potentially revolutionizing the field of nanotechnology.
Researchers at MIT have developed a fast and precise printing process that can fabricate electronic surfaces for a wide range of applications. The team has created stamps made from carbon nanotubes that can print electronic inks onto rigid and flexible surfaces, enabling the creation of high-performance, fully printed electronics.
Controlling polymer chain conformations may enable fast and flexible electrical circuits, revolutionizing the field of flexible electronics. Researchers developed new polymers that increase mobility in organic thin film transistors by over 10 times.
A Northwestern University study found that female faculty in STEM disciplines, particularly genomics, face challenges in collaboration patterns and career advancement. Despite having similar collaborator numbers, females tend to return to the same collaborators less often than males.
A Northwestern University study found that female faculty are underrepresented in genomics, with unequal collaboration patterns and negative cultural milieus detected. The researchers found that women have as many collaborators as men but tend to return to the same collaborators less often.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University discovered that semi-volatile organic compounds can easily diffuse between atmospheric particles, altering their behavior. The findings provide greater understanding of how these particles change in the atmosphere, crucial for understanding their impact on environment and human health.
Researchers from University of Granada utilize alperujo and used cooking oil to produce surface active agents. They use biotechnological methods to ferment alperujo and convert used cooking oil into monoglycerides and diglycerides, reducing environmental impact and increasing the value of waste streams.
A team of University of Toronto scientists has discovered a way to convert gaseous carbon dioxide into energy-rich fuel in a carbon-neutral cycle. Silicon nanocrystals meet the criteria for a highly active and selective catalyst, making them an efficient material for harvesting sunlight and converting CO2 into fuel.
Scientists have discovered a way to control the interactions among microscopic spheres, causing them to self-propel into swarms, chains, and clusters. This breakthrough enables various applications in medicine, chemistry, and engineering, as well as advancing our understanding of collective dynamic behavior.
A new mathematical formula developed by Professor Grant Campbell could lead to increased yields of nutritious flour. By understanding the breakage characteristics of hard and soft wheats, plant breeders may be able to cross-breed new wheat strains with improved flour quality.
Ricardo Sosa, a University of Houston student, has been awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship to continue his research on kidney stones. He will study how organic modifiers affect kidney stone growth, potentially leading to new treatments or prevention methods.
A researcher at Lehigh University is pioneering a unique approach to treat bacterial infections by targeting outer membrane vesicles, which can deliver toxins to healthy cells. Her work has the potential to develop broad-range antibacterial molecules and improve antibiotic stewardship.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new method for trapping multiple particles in solution, which relies on fluid flow to manipulate and assemble particles. The Stokes Trap technique can trap a range of submicron- to micron-sized particles, including single DNA molecules, vesicles, drops or cells.
Scientists have successfully formed nanowires using a combination of atomic layer arrangements and real-time monitoring. The breakthrough discovery aims to control the properties of materials, enabling more efficient electronic devices and future generations of transistors.
Biomedical engineers at the University of Toronto have identified an up-and-coming technique called affinity-controlled release, which allows proteins to stay at treatment sites for longer periods. This technology has potential applications in treating a range of medical conditions, including diabetes and stroke.
Scientists struggle to study Zika due to low symptom visibility and lack of approved tests. Pharmaceutical companies are racing to develop vaccines, but a broader approach targeting multiple viruses could provide future protection
Researchers at Caltech have developed a visual readout method using analytical chemistries and image processing to quantify single nucleic-acid molecules, enabling the use of any cell-phone camera. This technology has potential applications in limited-resource settings for disease diagnosis.
Dr. Christine Grant, NC State University, received the 2015 AAAS Mentor Award for supporting diverse students in chemical engineering. She has mentored hundreds of students, including underrepresented minorities and women, resulting in an increase in their pursuit of Ph.D.'s.
A RIKEN group led by Kosuke Morita has discovered element 113, the first superheavy element found in Asia. The discovery was confirmed through a series of experiments that demonstrated the decay chain of the new element.
The WHO classified glyphosate as a probable carcinogen, but a German review found it unlikely to pose a carcinogenic risk. Roundup's diminishing effectiveness has led to the development of resistance by weeds, prompting farmers to seek alternative methods and products.
A novel model enables fast prediction of novel alloy materials, significantly accelerating materials discovery in the field of catalysis. The approach uses machine learning to capture complex interactions of molecules on metal surfaces.
Foreign chemical and pharmaceutical companies face challenges in China due to economic downturn, overcapacity, and tightening regulations. Despite uncertainty, company heads remain confident in their long-term success in the country, which represents 50% of the Asian chemical market.
The American Chemical Society is featuring 'The Talented 12' - a group of young researchers using chemistry to address global issues like climate change and disease. These innovators are developing more environmentally friendly methods for synthesizing molecules and investigating biochemical underpinnings of diseases.
Assistant Professor Ryan Hartman is awarded $501,000 to research methane's carbon-hydrogen bonds at moderate temperatures. His work could lead to more efficient synthesis of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals, as well as innovative approaches to remote K-12 student engagement.
Scientists have developed a new way to recover indium from liquid-crystal displays (LCDs), which could help prevent the depletion of this rare metal. The researchers found that crushing and grinding LCD glass into tiny particles and bathing them in sulfuric acid solution can effectively extract indium.
Researchers at Wayne State University have developed a new nanoengineering method that uses essential oil nanoemulsions to reduce bacteria in fresh produce. The study found that oregano oil was effective against common foodborne bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria.
A UCL-led team used high-energy synchrotron X-rays and thermal imaging to track lithium-ion battery damage in real-time. The study found that internal structural damage can spread to neighboring batteries, causing severe failure.
Researchers at TU Wien and MedUni Vienna have developed artificial blood vessels that are biocompatible and can be broken down by the body. The new material has excellent mechanical properties and allows for the growth of natural tissue, making it a promising solution for bypass operations.
Researchers discovered soy lecithin can break down oil into small droplets that bacteria can degrade, reducing toxicity. The natural surfactant outperformed commercial dispersants in lab tests.
A Kansas State University chemical engineer has developed a patented process to build better semiconductors, minimizing defects that can degrade device efficiency. The research uses off-axis silicon carbide substrates, which have been shown to have fewer defects than standard substrates.
Researchers at UC have made significant advances in harnessing solar power by developing more efficient solar cells using polymer materials. The new technology has increased the cell's efficiency by three-fold, making it a promising alternative to traditional silicon-based solar cells.
Scientists are struggling to weigh e-cigarette promises and threats as sales boom, with preliminary studies showing lower nicotine levels in users compared to smokers. Ongoing studies aim to flesh out potential health issues, including respiratory disease linked to flavorings.
Researchers from Ohio State University and the University of Georgia collaborate to visualize cellular processes at a nanometer scale. The QSTORM project aims to enhance microscopy resolution for sub-cellular imaging, enabling scientists to make molecular movies of muscle contraction.
Researchers study polaritons in organic molecules strongly coupled with photons, finding they can remain at lowest energy levels for an unusually long time. This phenomenon opens the door to novel applications, including modifying optical, electronic and chemical properties.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new process to create "hedgehog particles" that can easily disperse in water and dissolve in oil. This innovation has the potential to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from paints and coatings, resulting in fewer respiratory and climate change issues.
The EPA proposes stricter rules for refineries to reduce emissions, but industry groups dispute the environmental benefits, citing high costs. The EPA claims the revisions will improve air quality and public health in affected communities.
Researchers have developed chitosan-based coatings to reduce the microbial load of carrots, providing a biodegradable and sustainable solution for food packaging. The use of this material has shown promising results in laboratory tests, but further research is needed to explore its industrial potential.
The year saw major advances in solar cells and treatments for Ebola, as well as efforts to label GMO products and restrict neonicotinoid use. The American Chemical Society highlighted its impact on research, policy, and industry through various initiatives.
Penn researchers demonstrate that stiffness and strength scaling remain unchanged across various glassy materials, indicating a constant critical strain before catastrophic failure. This finding provides insight into the fundamental mechanism driving failure in glasses, suggesting cooperative motion of particles or atoms.
Computational modeling allows researchers to design efficient and affordable catalysts from gold, reducing the need for large amounts of expensive precious metals. The method has potential impact on energy-and-environment related fields, such as automotive exhaust and hydrogen production.
Scientists create versatile model to predict stalagmite-like structures in nuclear processing plants and kettle scaling, reducing manual inspections and improving safety. The new model has potential applications in other industrial and domestic situations where salt solutions precipitate out and cause problems.
Researchers create a new material that can store charge and support weight, with potential applications in wearable technology, water filtration, and radiofrequency shielding. The material's flexibility and strength make it suitable for various uses, including improving electrical energy storage.
A Mexican plant-based fixative alternative to expensive ambergris could significantly reduce the environmental impact of perfumery. Researchers found that producing this new fixative could generate $20 million in local profits and create hundreds of jobs, while minimizing its environmental cost through renewable energy use.
Scientists and policymakers debate ways to curb sugar consumption amid growing health concerns. Despite reduced sugar intake over the past 15 years, Americans still consume excessive amounts, leading to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other conditions.
The article investigates the effects of triclosan, a common antimicrobial ingredient, on human health and the environment. Studies have found that triclosan can disrupt hormones and cause problems for vulnerable populations, such as fetuses and breastfeeding babies.
A team of McMaster researchers has developed a simple pill that can test water safety using a dissolving breath strip technology. The new method reduces the need for expensive lab equipment and shipping water to the lab, making it potentially life-saving for people in remote areas.
University of Michigan researchers have created 'living' rotating crystals by making nanoparticles spin, which could shed light on the origin of life. The self-organizing behavior of the particles forms phase separation without direct attraction.
A chemical leak in Charleston, W.Va., highlights the shortcomings of policies and research on thousands of chemicals. The incident led to 300,000 residents relying on bottled water due to the lack of complete toxicology studies on the leaked chemical, MCHM.
Research suggests lead exposure, once widespread in US gas and paint, may be key factor behind decline in violent crimes. The study found a significant decrease in homicide rate after the ban of lead from gasoline and paint.
Researchers from University of Southern Denmark engineer controlled assemblies of artificial vesicles, resembling natural tissues in architecture and functionality. The new systems have potential applications in personalized medicine, studying cells, and as small bioreactors.
Researchers fabricated microstructures including straight filaments, layer-by-layer scaffolds, and freeform helical spirals using a solvent-cast 3D printing technique. The technique demonstrates powerful fabrication capabilities, enabling the creation of three microsystems with diverse functionalities.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a method to grow liquid crystal 'flowers' using silica beads as templates, creating a lens-like structure with potential applications in optics and optoelectronics. The new approach demonstrates directed assembly and paves the way for the creation of custom optical components.
The US FDA is proposing to ban partially hydrogenated oils, which contain trans fats. The alternatives used instead are generally considered healthier, but not without their own risks.
Small labs are setting up to analyze medical marijuana products for potency, purity and safety. They also check for mold, mildew, microbial contamination, pesticides and solvents.
Researchers explore the connection between pesticides and Parkinson's disease, discovering two genetic mutations linked to increased risk in pesticide-exposed individuals. The study highlights the complexity of the disease and the need for further investigation into pesticide exposure and its potential effects on human health.
Close to 1,400 tons of chemical weapons remain in Syria, requiring multiple strategies for destruction. Destroying the stockpile will require specialized equipment and careful handling of precursor chemicals.