Articles tagged with Chemical Engineering
Despite scientific evidence linking BPA to human health problems, regulators question the accuracy of study methods. BPA is widely used in consumer goods and food packaging, raising concerns about exposure levels.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara developed a new method of nanoscopic imaging that could lead to early detection and diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. The study focused on the myelin sheath, a membrane surrounding nerves compromised in MS patients.
Tobin Marks has developed major new industrial catalysts and a deeper understanding of their chemical structures and mechanisms. His research has led to multi-billion dollar industrial processes and enormous savings in energy and resources.
The US is expanding its 20-year-old program to secure and destroy Cold War-era nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction in East Africa. The Cooperative Threat Reduction Program aims to counter the threat of bioterrorism in volatile regions where deadly diseases like Ebola and Marburg viruses occur naturally.
Researchers create a new model of how self-repairing materials function, revealing that an ideal amount of weak bonds can make a material stronger and more resilient. The findings are corroborated by nature's example of the abalone shell, which absorbs stress through stretching and sliding.
Vikas Berry, a Kansas State University assistant professor of chemical engineering, has received a $400,000 CAREER award to study the production of graphene quantum dots. This research could lead to improved electronics and optoelectronics by controlling the properties of graphene.
Richard C. Willson, a professor at the University of Houston, has been recognized as a 2010 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his work in biomolecular recognition sciences and technology development. The honor is a testament to Willson's research contributions.
A new smart grid system aims to optimize energy use, allowing consumers to control their appliances and use electricity during off-peak hours. The proposed 'time of use' pricing strategy could lead to significant cost savings for US households.
University of Washington engineering students have developed a device that uses the sun's rays to detect bacterial and viral contaminants in drinking water. The device, called Solar Disinfection of Water (SODIS), was designed to monitor water disinfection using the sun's rays and has won $40,000 prize from Rockefeller Foundation.
Researchers at UMass Amherst develop a method to produce high-volume chemical feedstocks from pyrolytic bio-oils, a cheap liquid fuel derived from biomass. This process could reduce industry's reliance on fossil fuels worth $400 billion annually.
Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully developed a method using terahertz pulses to manipulate molecular networks in crystalline form. This technique softens crystals without raising temperatures, allowing for potential advances in chemical synthesis and pharmaceutical refinement.
The use of graphics processing units (GPUs) is accelerating the simulation of molecule movement, reducing processing times from years to months for the development of new drugs. Chemists are embracing this technology to streamline computations and accelerate discovery.
Researchers Jacinta Conrad and Jeff Rimer have papers featured in consecutive issues of Science, exploring new method for bacteria to move and developing potential drug targets for L-cystine-based kidney stones. Their work has implications for industries such as food production and military transport.
Carnegie Mellon University has received a five-year, $3.15 million grant to launch an interdisciplinary program exploring the environmental affects and policy implications of nanotechnology. Graduate students from multiple disciplines will participate in a two-year training program to learn about environmental issues pertaining to nano...
A team of researchers has developed a product that makes corn-derived plastics more heat-tolerant, allowing them to be used in hot-filling applications. The heat-deflection temperature modifier is fully biodegradable and up to 90% corn-based.
The US is facing a potential supply crisis due to China's monopoly on 17 key elements essential for various industries, including computer hard drives and military weapons. To address this issue, plans are being developed to resume production at the Mountain Pass mine in southern California.
A new DNA delivery method has been discovered by Virginia Tech chemical engineers, which enhances the delivery of genetic material into cells. The method uses hydrodynamic effects to uniformly deliver DNA over the entire cell surface, resulting in a greatly enhanced transfer of genetic material.
Underhill will investigate how interactions between bacteria lead to collective responses, developing a theoretical framework and computer simulation methods. The award includes educational tools for exploring the role of fluid mechanics in bacterial systems.
Scientists are investigating new clean-up methods to limit environmental damage, including applying dispersants underwater and boosting naturally-occurring bacteria that can break down oil. The effectiveness of these approaches remains to be seen as massive amounts of oil remain in the ocean.
The American Chemical Society's Green Chemistry Institute is developing a universal standard to evaluate chemical products and processes based on their environmental performance. This standard will provide comparative data, making it easier for consumers to choose greener products.
The gypsy moth continues to spread across the US, resistant to effective pesticides. Despite decades of pesticide use, the insect remains a threat to forests and urban landscapes.
A study by American Chemical Society found that kosher products dominate supermarket shelves due to strict standards, appealing to non-Jewish consumers. Rabbis must analyze chemical composition of food ingredients to certify kosher products, highlighting the complexity of kosher certification.
Researchers at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service have formulated low-fat cake mixes and frostings using Fantesk, a microdroplet of trans-fat-free cooking oil encapsulated in cornstarch or wheat flour. These innovations produce cakes with better texture and volume while containing up to 50% less fat.
University of Michigan engineers have found that light can cause rigid nanoparticles to twist into complex shapes. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in superchiral materials, invisibility cloaks, and novel applications in drug delivery, microfluidics, and lithography.
Actin filaments, key components of cell structure, display snakelike movement but are limited by crowding; researchers created a novel approach to track individual filament motion, revealing their movement is more like a conga line on a crowded dance floor
The laser has become a crucial tool in modern chemistry, used to study climate change, ultrafast chemical reactions, and disease-related proteins. Scientists are developing new laser-based systems for detecting nerve agents and diagnosing hard-to-treat diseases.
The California Institute of Technology has received a $3.9 million estate gift from Edward and Ruth Hughes, which will be used to fund highly innovative research proposals and eight graduate research fellowships. The gift is supported by a matching grant of $2 million from the Gordon and Betty Moore Matching Program.
Researchers have discovered alternative chemicals that are safer and perform just as well as toxic fluorochemicals used in nonstick cookware, repellent clothing, and other products. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is phasing out these chemicals due to their potential health risks.
The US liquid detergent market reached $3.1 billion in sales in 2009, driven by innovative eco-friendly products containing natural ingredients. Manufacturers are now offering specialty cleaners that reduce energy or water consumption, combining detergents with fabric softener and static reducers into single sheet-like products.
Researchers at University of Florida have developed a tiny new sensor that can detect glucose levels in the breath and pH levels, offering a potential solution for non-invasive diagnosis and treatment. The sensor is made from widely used technology already in cell phones and other devices, making it inexpensive to produce.
China has made significant strides in scientific research, surpassing other nations in chemistry patent applications and publications. The country published 67,000 patent applications in 2009, more than any other nation, and saw a quadrupling of scientific papers with Chinese authors.
Counterfeiters are using advanced technology to create fake prescription drugs, including small amounts of real active ingredients and holograms. Law enforcement is responding with new security approaches, but these measures only last around 18 months before counterfeiters can produce new mimics.
Researchers at UCLA have created a new intracellular delivery platform using nanocapsules with a single-protein core and polymer shell that can degrade or remain stable based on the cellular environment. This technology shows high efficiency and activity of multiple proteins delivered to cells with low toxicity.
Advances in DNA sequencing technology make it possible for consumers to access their 'personal genome' for disease prevention and treatment strategies. The cost of sequencing is expected to drop sharply, raising ethical and legal concerns about genetic information use.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered a fibrous structure that holds the nucleus in place, which could provide clues to diseases such as cancer, muscular dystrophy, and progeria. The perinuclear actin cap is a domed structure of bundled filaments that sits above the nucleus, controlling its shape and potentially affecting ...
A University of Pittsburgh-led team creates a nanoparticle-based coating that thwarts the buildup of ice on solid surfaces, offering a potential solution to prevent freezing rain damage. The coating, inspired by water-resistant lotus leaves, uses microscopic ridges to reduce surface area for ice adhesion.
A new field of study, materials dynamics, is being developed to examine substances in a state of flow during manufacturing. The collaboration combines strengths in simulation and modeling with experiment design and theory to develop design principles for next-generation materials.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that Brownian motion does not always follow a Gaussian curve, as previously thought. The study reveals extreme displacements that were not predicted by Einstein's statistical molecular theory, suggesting new design possibilities and potential corrections to textbooks.
George M. Whitesides has won the inaugural Dreyfus Prize in Materials Chemistry for his pioneering work in creating new materials and systems. His research has advanced the field of chemistry with significant societal benefits.
Researchers at Kansas State University have created a graphene-based DNA sensor that can detect cancer cells in blood, leveraging the unique properties of this single-atom thick carbon material. This technology has the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and treatment, offering a new frontier in materials science and biology.
Researchers at MIT have successfully engineered viruses to build a cathode material, leading to the creation of a highly powerful and conductive lithium-ion battery. The virus-produced batteries demonstrate improved energy capacity and power performance compared to traditional rechargeable batteries.
Richard A. Ellis, a renowned STEM workforce researcher, has been recognized by IEEE-USA for his substantial and sustained contributions to improving understanding of science and engineering labor markets. His research focuses on STEM employment, enrollments, and degrees, as well as compensation and workforce trends.
Scientists have discovered a way to shrink the holes in the mucus layer's netting, allowing it to keep out smaller particles. The technique uses a detergent commonly found in personal care products and has potential applications for protecting against airborne pathogens and nanoparticles.
LSU engineers have developed a model forecasting chemical contaminants in Katrina-flooded homes, including aerosols and gases that can cause serious health risks through inhalation. The study's findings could be applied to future flooding events, helping prepare first responders for increased exposure risks.
Dr. Dennis Hall's research reveals new ways to activate organic molecules, leading to significant uses for compounds like amides in pharmaceutical drugs. His work contributes to making chemistry more environmentally friendly by increasing efficiency and reducing waste.
Engineers at the University of Leeds developed a technique using infra-red spectroscopy to analyze chemical processes, enabling real-time monitoring of supersaturation levels required for crystallization. This can help predict optimum crystal structure conditions and improve pharmaceutical manufacturing efficiency.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have invented wireless microgrippers that can be used to grab and remove living cells from hard-to-reach places. The devices are actuated by thermal or biochemical signals, eliminating the need for electrical wires, tubes, or batteries.
Engineers at the University of Michigan have developed a carbon nanotube-coated smart yarn that can detect blood and monitor health. The yarn, made from a combination of natural cotton and nanotechnology, is flexible and durable, making it suitable for wearable applications.
A team of researchers has developed a chlorine-tolerant membrane that simplifies the water desalination process, increasing access to fresh water. The new membrane reduces the need for de-chlorination steps, leading to cost savings and potentially lowering carbon-dioxide emissions.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed self-moisturizing contact lenses using hyaluronic acid, a natural polymer found in the human body. This innovative approach reduces eye dryness and increases wearer comfort, offering a greener alternative to existing synthetic materials.
Researchers have achieved a record light conversion efficiency of 8.2% in solvent-free dye-sensitized solar cells, paving the way for large-scale outdoor applications. The development of an electrolyte mixture made from three solid salts replaces volatile organic solvents, making it possible to produce lightweight and inexpensive flexi...
The $2.5 million initiative will develop an intelligent transportation system framework using RFID technology to analyze data on traffic use and capacity. The goal is to create a cost-effective solution to manage traffic and reduce emissions.
Professor Nakamura's revolutionary light-emitting diodes and blue laser diode have significantly contributed to the progress of humanity in energy efficiency. The award recognizes his work as a major breakthrough, enabling solid-state lighting to replace traditional incandescent and fluorescent lighting up to ten times more efficiently.
Jingguang Chen, a University of Delaware chemical engineer, has won the 2008 Award for Excellence in Catalysis for his work on understanding the physical and chemical properties of bimetallic and metal carbide surfaces. His research has inspired new applications of fundamental studies to catalytic and fuel cell processes.
Researchers have developed a new method to create diamond-like crystals, which could improve optical communications and other technologies. The technique uses tiny particles suspended on water to form a precisely ordered layer of particles.
A symposium on energy research highlighted the need for transformational breakthroughs to meet future energy demands while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists discussed various renewable energy sources, including solar, nuclear power, hydrogen economy, and catalysis for transportation fuels.
Chemical engineers at Princeton University developed a method for shooting stable jets of electrically charged liquids from a wide nozzle, producing lines just 100 nanometers wide. This technique offers better resolution than ink-jet printing and far more speed and ease than conventional nanotechnology.
Researchers at Purdue University have mathematically described precisely how droplets form when liquids are exposed to electric fields, a discovery that contradicts conventional wisdom. The study found that a liquid's viscosity plays a vital role in drop formation and size.
The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded a grant to Adam Moule, assistant professor at UC Davis, to study ways to assemble thin layers of organic polymers into flexible panels for more efficient solar cells. The goal is to reduce costs and increase power output, with potential prototype development by 2015.
Industry experts suggest nanotechnology can improve fuel extraction from dwindling resources and reduce pollution. Nanomaterials may be used to enhance efficiency, purification and storage of hydrocarbons.