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Novel method of analyzing microplastic particle pollution can facilitate environmental impact assessment

Researchers propose a novel approach to analyzing microplastic particles, highlighting the importance of particle size and shape in determining environmental impact. Studies show that even samples with similar numbers of particles can have varying levels of plastic pollution based on mass, volume, and specific surface area.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateFeb 28, 2023

Study demonstrates energy-efficient conversion of nitrate pollutants into ammonia

A new study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign demonstrates an approach for integrated capture and conversion of nitrate-contaminated waters into valuable ammonia using a single electrochemical cell. The device shows significant enhancements in energy efficiency, nitrate removal, and ammonium production rate compared to ...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

Aston University researchers discover more accurate way of checking blood flow in type 2 diabetes patients

Researchers at Aston University have discovered a new approach to process LDF light signals, allowing for more precise measurement of blood flow in specific areas of the vascular bed. This innovation has shown significant improvement in diagnostic accuracy for detecting microvascular changes in patients with type 2 diabetes and age-spe...

SourceAston University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 8, 2023

Bringing the Kelvin problem solutions to life with the first-ever polymeric Weaire-Phelan structures

A Japanese research team successfully constructed the first polymeric Weaire-Phelan structure, a previously theoretical form predicted to be the most efficient solution for a century-old tessellation problem. The structure was achieved through a novel polymerization-induced phase separation method.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 28, 2022

Material separates water from … water

A Kyoto University research group has developed a material that effectively separates heavy water from normal water at room temperature. The discovery uses an adsorption-separation method based on copper-based porous coordination polymers, which utilize the flipping action of linkers to separate molecules.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature·DateNov 9, 2022

UMass Amherst researcher uses graphene for same-time, same-position biomolecule isolation and sensing

New research by UMass Amherst professor Jinglei Ping demonstrates the use of graphene for electrokinetic biosample processing and analysis, allowing for faster and more efficient detection of biomolecules. This breakthrough enables the creation of smaller lab-on-a-chip devices with improved time and size efficiencies.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

'Fingerprint' machine learning technique identifies different bacteria in seconds​

Researchers developed a machine learning technique that can identify different bacteria in arbitrary media with accuracies of up to 98% using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and deep learning. The technique, called DualWKNet, enables rapid detection without the need for bacterial separation steps.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 3, 2022

Towards carbon neutrality: New synthesis method yields superior membrane for carbon capture and storage

Researchers from Japan have developed a new method to synthesize a pure Si-CHA membrane showing much higher CO2 separation performance than existing membranes. The key to this achievement is using a porous silica substrate instead of alumina, eliminating problems with pore size reduction and improving efficiency.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalMembranes·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Urban mining for metals flashes forward

A new process recovers rhodium, palladium, gold and silver from electronic waste in seconds, producing a byproduct clean enough for agricultural land. The flash Joule heating method uses significantly less energy than traditional lab methods, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

Rice expert: Using carbon is key to decarbonizing economy

Pasquali proposes splitting hydrocarbons to produce clean hydrogen energy and solid carbon materials, which could replace materials with large carbon footprints. This transition would generate robust growth in manufacturing jobs and improve production efficiency.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 5, 2021

Sound separates cancer cells from blood samples

Researchers developed an acoustic-based microfluidic device to separate circulating cancer cells from blood samples with high accuracy. The device uses surface acoustic waves to push CTCs out of the fluid stream, making it a potentially game-changing technology for non-invasive diagnostics and treatment monitoring.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2015

Nanofabricated 'gel' separates DNA

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a nanofabricated device that can separate DNA fragments by length in as little as 15-30 minutes, compared to the traditional method which takes 12-24 hours. The device uses alternating deep and shallow sections to propel DNA strands through it, allowing for faster separation and analysis.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateMay 11, 2000

New protein separation technology

Researchers have created a new liquid-phase protein separation technology that can help scientists solve the proteomics puzzle. The system eliminates time-consuming 2-D gel electrophoresis and can detect trace amounts of protein, providing valuable insights into cancer research and other areas of science.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateApr 17, 2000

Ultrapowerful laser system performs difficult industrial task on tabletop

Researchers at University of Michigan have developed a new isotope-separation process using an ultrapowerful laser system that can deliver up to 1000 times more power than the entire electrical generating capability of the US. This technique provides a futuristic alternative to bulky methods and opens possibilities for preparing medica...

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 20, 1999

Urine Test For Cancer Under Development

Scientists are developing a new urine test that can detect chemical indicators of cancer. The test looks for derivatives of pteridine compounds, which change levels in the urine of cancer patients. This could lead to earlier diagnosis and monitoring of treatment progress.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMar 31, 1999