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Sweet sweet straw

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a method to produce erythritol, a natural sweetener, from ordinary straw using genetically modified mould fungi. The process eliminates the need for expensive enzymes and molasses, making it more sustainable.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAMB Express·DateJun 24, 2014

Innovative technologies in rural areas improve agriculture, health care

This special issue of Technology and Innovation explores the benefits of tech transfer to universities and its impact on rural regions. Key findings include the use of information technology in rural health care organizations and precision agriculture in the Northern Great Plains, which improves crop management and reduces waste.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Technology and Innovation·DateJun 18, 2014

Strange physics turns off laser

Researchers at Princeton University have created a laser system that unexpectedly shuts off when more power is applied, offering new possibilities for controlling optical systems. This phenomenon is made possible by the careful distribution of energy loss within an overall system being amplified.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2014

Shaken, not stirred: Control over complex systems consisting of many quantum particles

Researchers at TU Vienna develop a new method to utilize quantum mechanical vibrations for high precision measurements in complex multi-particle systems. They successfully control hundreds of Rubidium atoms in an ultracold Bose-Einstein condensate, enabling the use of collective motional states for interferometric measurements.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 4, 2014

Significant differences in CVD risk factors between men and women with type 2 diabetes

A recent study published in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics reveals significant disparities in cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels, between men and women with type 2 diabetes. The research highlights the importance of addressing gender differences in managing co-morbidities.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateMay 15, 2014

Teaching robots right from wrong

A team of scientists from Tufts University, Brown University, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is working on a project to create robots capable of making moral decisions. The researchers aim to develop formal frameworks for modeling human-level moral reasoning that can be verified and implemented in computational architectures.

NAI Fellows paper on patents and commercialization for tenure, career advancement in PNAS

The paper argues that universities should value faculty patents and commercialization activities equally in decisions related to tenure and academic advancement. The authors suggest that encouraging innovation and supporting bright young faculty can lead to a culture change that recognizes the value of these activities.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2014

Researchers see hospitalization records as additional tool

A study by Tufts University researchers found that comparing hospitalization records with local health data provides a more accurate way to monitor disease outbreaks. The analysis revealed that some municipalities had significantly lower surveillance-to-hospitalization ratios, indicating potential underreporting of cases.

SourceTufts University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 16, 2014

Searching for dark energy with neutrons

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have made extremely sensitive measurements of gravitational effects using neutrons, providing limits on possible new particles or fundamental forces that are restrictive even compared to previous estimations. The findings shed light on the possibility of dark energy and quintessence theories.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 16, 2014

Study compares heart valve systems

A recent study published in JAMA compared two types of heart valve technologies used in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures. The researchers found that balloon-expandable valves had a higher rate of device success, with lower rates of complications such as regurgitation and the need for additional surgeries.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 30, 2014

Squeezing light into metals

University of Utah engineers create microscopic structures that use light in metals to carry information, controlling electrical conductivity with an inexpensive inkjet printer. The technique could lead to rapid fabrication of superfast components and faster wireless technology.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateMar 7, 2014