The CHIKYU vessel conducted the first riser-drilling operation in the Nankai Trough earthquake zone, reaching a depth of 1,603.7 meters beneath the seafloor. The operation provided valuable information on geological formations and stress-strain characteristics.
GeoChip, developed by OU researchers, analyzes microbial functions and has been selected for the 2009 R&D 100 Award. The award recognizes innovative technologies with promising commercial potential.
Psychologist Neal J. Roese and computer scientist Eyal Amir predict that by 2060, androids will be able to mimic human-like voices, facial expressions, and emotions, but still struggle with understanding natural language and forming conclusions from visual input.
Researchers studied effects of lighting interventions, stress and fatigue monitoring on crew performance. The 105-Day Mars Mission aimed to improve work performance in a realistic setting.
Dental CAD/CAM technology enables dentists to create porcelain restorations efficiently, eliminating multiple visits. This technology minimizes stress and strain on patients, saving them precious time and money.
Frank Fisher, an Assistant Professor at Stevens Institute of Technology, received the 2009 Ferdinand P. Beer and E. Russell Johnston Jr. Outstanding New Educator Award for his commitment to mechanics education. The award recognizes his efforts in developing graduate programs and providing exceptional teaching experiences.
A Virginia Tech researcher has solved the mystery of the Bourret's horseshoe bat's unusually large nose, discovering it uses the elongated snout to create a highly focused sonar beam. The study provides insights into the evolution of biological shape and its physical function.
A new type of optical particle trap has been developed by UCSC researchers to manipulate particles on a chip. This innovation enables the rapid detection and sorting of bacteria and viruses, with potential applications in hospitals and research labs.
A team of researchers led by UC Riverside astronomer Gillian Wilson has completed the largest ever survey of very distant galaxy clusters. The SpARCS survey detects galaxy clusters using deep optical observations and infrared data from the Spitzer Space Telescope, revealing about 200 new cluster candidates.
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.
Kelvin Lee, a prominent researcher in biochemical engineering, has been awarded the Biochemical Engineering Journal Young Investigator Award. He will receive a cash prize of $2,500 and present a lecture at the upcoming conference.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing biological joints using living tissue that can mimic normal cartilage in a healthy joint. These new joints have shown promising results in dogs and aim to be used for human patients with similar physical characteristics, potentially reducing complications from repeat surgeries.
Researchers at the University of Houston's Texas Diesel Testing and Research Center will test a system designed to reduce emissions produced by construction vehicles, including Nett Technologies' BlueMAX selective catalytic reduction system. The team aims to provide real-world performance data for the EPA.
A California Department of Education-funded project found that student achievement increased 27.5% with the use of technology to increase academic achievement in fourth-grade classrooms. Traditional print-based literacy is still important, but new technologies are also essential for students in the 21st century.
A duo of researchers from the University of Houston has developed a unique health-monitoring system that could provide congestive heart failure patients with peace of mind and significant healthcare cost savings. The device, known as the BlueScale, simultaneously records various patient information in just 10 seconds.
Researchers developed an electronic glue to overcome a hurdle in semiconductor nanocrystal manufacturing. The innovation increases electronic coupling between nanocrystals, paving the way for mass-produced, low-cost device applications.
A study on guppies led by UC Riverside's Swanne Gordon found that the fish adapted to a new environment in less than 30 generations, or eight years. The guppies developed larger and fewer offspring with each reproductive cycle in the low-predation environment, but not in the high-predation environment.
Researchers found clusters of smaller raindrops falling at speeds exceeding their terminal speed, especially during heavier rainfall. This discovery could improve weather measurement and prediction accuracy, benefiting industries like agriculture, construction, and aviation.
A new study by Imperial College London aims to use a technology initially developed for the ExoMars mission to process unconventional energy resources. The technique involves using surfactants to liberate organic matter from rock, potentially unlocking an enormous impact on the UK and global economy.
A new study from North Carolina State University shows that undercapitalized start-ups can still be successful by minimizing cash outflows and adapting management strategies. A great technology product, not a top-notch management team, is often more important in securing investment.
Nico Habermann was honored by the Association for Computing Machinery's SIGSOFT with its inaugural Influential Educator Award for his lasting impact on software engineering education. He advised over 100 students who went on to become professors, establishing a profound legacy in the field.
A special supplement of Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics reviews the latest research findings and critical analysis of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology. CGM devices have been shown to improve glucose control, but limitations and drawbacks include finicky technology and limited physician knowledge.
A team of psychologists used videoconferencing technology to study how people adapt their head movements and facial expressions when conversing with someone of the opposite sex. They found that gender is not a determining factor in nonverbal communication, as people tend to mirror each other's movements regardless of the perceived gender.
A Michigan scientist and ethicist argue that environmental scientists have a responsibility to advocate for environmental policy. They analyze key arguments for and against advocacy, finding that most lack soundness. The researchers conclude that more active participation by scientists in policy matters is necessary to better society.
A team of University of Minnesota students, ReachOut Water Solutions, has won the Acara Challenge to provide clean water to thousands of residents in Mumbai's slums. Their plan combines source water storage, ultraviolet treatment, and a novel distribution system to supply 50 liters of clean water per day.
The University of Granada has developed an artificial simulator of the nervous system to analyze functions and test new medicines. The EDLUT simulator allows researchers to study new diseases and improve robots inspired by human bodies.
The University of Minnesota Institute for Mathematics and its Applications has received funding for five new math postdoctoral fellows as part of a National Science Foundation initiative. This program creates jobs for talented young mathematicians, addressing the shortage of trained scientists and promoting scientific training in the US.
A new study reveals the source of silkworms' attraction to mulberry leaves is a jasmine-scented chemical called cis-jasmone. The potent attractant triggers a highly tuned olfactory receptor in the silkworms' antennae, guiding them towards the food source.
The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) has named 183 individuals as Fellows for their significant impact on the fields of applied mathematics and computational science. These professionals have made substantial contributions to various areas, including number theory, partial differential equations, and algorithm design.
A new technology developed at the University of Cincinnati enables full-color electronic paper with excellent brightness, color saturation, and video speed. The Electrofluidic Display Technology (EFD) has the potential to transform e-readers into mainstream products, such as Amazon Kindle, and create high-tech jobs in southwest Ohio.
Researchers are investigating whether mathematical similarities between word associations and quantum theory could lead to new models of how humans process words and meaning. The study aims to gain an understanding of the intriguing connections between cognitive science and quantum theory.
The FluChip technology has been licensed by InDevR to detect the deadly flu virus. The test can distinguish between human H1N1 viruses and the new swine H1N1 subtype, a crucial gap in current diagnostics. This new tool has the potential to greatly enhance influenza surveillance and track the virus.
Azellon has raised £1.6 million in funding for trials of its cell bandage technology, which aims to regenerate damaged knee joints and prevent osteoarthritis. The technology uses a patient's own stem cells to create a 'cell bandage' that can be transplanted into the knee joint.
Scientists have developed a brain-computer interface system that allows people with locked-in syndrome or spinal cord injuries to send tweets using only their thoughts. The system uses EEG technology to detect brain activity and translate it into physical actions, such as typing on a keyboard.
The Office of Naval Research has awarded 15 young researchers with three-year research grants worth up to $510,000. The winners were selected from 193 proposals and include faculty members at top universities, such as Harvard College and Cornell University.
A University of Houston research team is helping NASA develop a navigation system to track and direct explorers on the moon. The system must be adaptable, robust and provide accurate information despite sensor failures or changes in input data.
A new University of Minnesota study reveals that ethanol production in the Midwest uses far less water than similar processes in drier states like California and South Dakota. Iowa's 6 gallons of water per gallon of ethanol is significantly lower than California's 2,100 gallons.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have identified two genes that increase plant tolerance to heat, salt, and drought. The collaboration will help identify additional candidate genes for developing stress-resistant crops.
The university will lead a project to analyze and model initiatives to defeat improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world. The research aims to understand how IEDs are used as a weapon of strategic influence and develop practical ways to counteract them.
Researchers developed Sun Dial to help Muslim users determine prayer times, finding imagery-based prompts more appealing than text-based options. The app aims to enhance the religious experience by reminding users of their community ties.
Developed by MIT engineers, the device uses a hollow S-shaped needle with a guide filament to keep injections on target. This prevents needles from penetrating too far under the skin and reduces medical complications.
Researchers found that 58% of Isle Royale wolves exhibit congenital malformations, including lumbosacral transitional vertebrae. The condition can cause paralysis and back pain, with all dead wolves displaying bone deformities over the past 12 years.
Rutgers and Purdue universities will receive up to $30 million over six years to conduct research on information technologies for homeland security. The Rutgers team, led by DIMACS, will focus on data sciences, while Purdue's visualization sciences team will lead the other part of the center.
Nikki Pohl's breakthrough technology can produce complex carbohydrate molecules in 24 hours at a fraction of the cost of current methods. The startup company, LuCELLa Biosciences Inc., plans to develop an online catalog and sell custom-order carbohydrates to researchers and pharmaceutical companies.
Researchers at University of Warwick have developed a groundbreaking new loudspeaker technology that delivers planar directional sound waves, projecting further than conventional speakers. The 'Flat, Flexible Loudspeaker' (FFL) is lightweight, inexpensive to manufacture and can be concealed inside ceiling tiles or car interiors.
The new technique manipulates parahydrogen to create molecules that are easier to detect in MRI scans, allowing for faster and more accurate diagnoses of various medical conditions. This technology has the potential to replace current imaging technologies using radioactive substances or heavy metals.
Webscalers' technology integrates multiple small search engines to retrieve a vast amount of information, including deep Web content. The system aims to provide fresher results and overcome limitations of existing search engines like Google and Yahoo.
The UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering has launched the Bernard and Sophia Gordon Engineering Leadership Center to cultivate effective engineering leaders. The center will offer leadership courses, forums with industry leaders, and challenges for students to design and build products that benefit society.
A pilot study demonstrates a novel, low-cost technology that automatically monitors hand hygiene dispenser use before and after patient room entry. The system, using Zigbee technology, accurately identified over 90% of subjects entering and exiting rooms for extended periods.
A study from Case Western Reserve University found that mothers' depressive symptoms significantly impact family functioning and problem-solving abilities. Mothers with higher levels of depression struggle to create normal family lives, while those with greater problem-solving skills fare better.
Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have made significant breakthroughs in free-space optical communication by demonstrating a unique atmospheric effect called scavenging, which improves the system's performance in adverse weather conditions. The study shows that mid-infrared QCL systems can deliver up to 300% greater throug...
The IWAS Àgua DF project aims to develop a water management concept for Brasilia, addressing the city's growing population and climate change challenges. By integrating technical solutions with improved policy approaches, the project seeks to ensure a sustainable water supply for millions of inhabitants.
A new study by Professor Emanuela Cardia found that modern appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and electric stoves significantly changed the lives of women, enabling them to enter the workforce. Between 1940 and 1950, the percentage of married women with jobs increased from 5% to 51%, demonstrating the impact of household ...
A new NSF-funded research group will integrate technology from Southern Methodist University, two other North Texas universities, and 11 industry partners to create net-centric solutions. The consortium aims to improve research capabilities in the US by combining academic expertise with high-tech companies.
Uppsala University is expanding its operations to provide researchers with a powerful system for large-scale compute and storage of data, revolutionizing biomedical research on public-health disorders. The new technology will help identify mutations that cause disease and develop targeted drugs.
A national survey conducted by Duke University found that half of Americans believe another country will emerge as the world's leading technological power. The majority of respondents also prioritize developing better medicines, clean water, and environmentally friendly energy sources over other engineering challenges.
Researchers found that two small robots weighing 330 pounds each can build a berm around a landing site in under six months to block the sandblasting effect. The hard-surface landing pad using indigenous materials could reduce this need, allowing for more efficient cargo transfer and reducing damage to the outpost.
Evelyn Hirt, IEEE-USA president-elect, and William Wulf, former NAE President, will receive the organization's highest honors for their contributions to engineering professionalism and public service. They join other award recipients recognized for their achievements in advancing U.S. competitiveness in science and technology.
Researchers from the University of Leicester and British Geological Survey have devised a method to identify levels of environmental arsenic by testing toenail clippings. They found elevated levels of arsenic in people living close to a former arsenic mine, but more research is needed to confirm potential health risks.
Farnsworth Middle School from New York won the Best Communications System Award with its efficient PED system, while St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School from Florida took third place. The Future City Competition promotes technological literacy and engineering among middle school students.