News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
Researchers from NTU Singapore have developed a new method using pyrolysis to convert challenging plastic waste into hydrogen and carbon nanotubes. The converted energy could power up to 1,000 five-room apartments for a year.
Researchers at Princeton University have achieved an unprecedented level of fidelity in two-qubit silicon devices, paving the way for the use of silicon technology in quantum computing. The study's findings suggest that silicon spin qubits have advantages over other qubit types, including scalability and size limitations.
A new study reveals that tumble drying a load of laundry releases comparable quantities of microfibres to those released during machine washing. Researchers found that using fabric conditioners and dryer sheets can significantly reduce microfibre release, while lint filters with smaller pores can trap larger masses.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to turn treated plastic waste into an effective carbon dioxide sorbent, capable of removing CO2 from flue gas streams. The process involves heating plastic waste in the presence of potassium acetate, producing particles with nanometer-scale pores that trap CO2 molecules.
A team of researchers led by Prof. Federico Rosei is developing high-power active optical fibers doped with erbium and ytterbium for ultra-fast satellite communications. The goal is to convert heat dissipated by the fibers into electrical energy, enabling near real-time Earth observation imaging.
A new study analyzes knowledge transfers across 853 US counties in five manufacturing industries, revealing the importance of local environment, university research, and industry structure for innovation. The findings provide insights into inter- and intra-regional flows, as well as the role of external factors in knowledge output.
Researchers develop new membranes to capture more efficient CO2 from mixed gases, addressing trade-off between permeability and selectivity. The technology increases CO2 selectivity by up to 150 times while retaining relative high permeability.
The project will develop a better understanding of nuclear radiation by integrating recent mathematical developments into radiation transport modelling. This will lead to improved nuclear safety, cancer radiotherapy, and shielding for astronauts from cosmic rays.
A new device made from silicone and liquid metal, with knotted cords, measures pressure in the digestive tract similar to high-resolution manometry. The invention brings down cost and makes it easier to produce and deploy, offering a cheaper alternative for diagnosing dysmotility disorders.
Researchers have developed a new type of membrane material that can significantly improve the efficiency of gas separation processes. The membranes, based on hydrocarbon ladder polymers, offer both high permeability and selectivity, making them outperform other polymer materials in many gas separations.
Modern manufacturing companies can avoid commoditisation by complementing products with services that offer additional value. Digitalisation enables companies to develop intelligence, connection, and analytic capabilities, making it time for customer support service innovation. By doing so, companies like ADAX have successfully differe...
A study found that female principal investigators led fewer trials and those funded by industry sponsors, but more trials led by women were associated with higher enrollment of female subjects. This highlights the need for increased female representation in clinical trial leadership.
Scientists developed a natural antibacterial texture inspired by insect wings, killing up to 70% of bacteria. The innovation aims to reduce food waste, particularly in meat and dairy exports, and extend the shelf life of packaged food.
A recent study using mercury stable isotopes reveals that industrial discharge is the primary source of mercury pollution in Korea's west coast. This finding highlights the need for targeted management strategies to mitigate industrial mercury releases and protect marine environments.
Researchers from NTU Singapore and KIMM create chemical-free printing technique to fabricate semiconductor wafers with nanowires. The method produces highly uniform and scalable wafers, leading to improved performance and high chip yield.
A new 3D matrix ultrasound method has been developed to assess cardiovascular risk in healthy individuals, offering a reliable and accurate alternative to traditional methods. The technique shows promise for personalized prevention and treatment strategies by detecting and quantifying an individual's accumulated cardiovascular damage.
The University of Plymouth is collaborating with Kongsberg Digital to develop a state-of-the-art simulator that will revolutionize the floating offshore wind sector. The new system will provide key insights into solutions increasing efficiency, safety, and cost effectiveness for industry professionals.
Researchers at Duke University have demonstrated a new attack strategy that can deceive industry-standard autonomous vehicle sensors into believing nearby objects are closer or further than they appear. This vulnerability highlights the need for additional redundancy and data sharing between vehicles to protect against such attacks.
Research suggests that using language to label innovations as 'new and different' is a key strategy for software companies. Category innovation was found to be associated with firms' likelihood of initial public offerings (IPO), suggesting it's part of successful firm strategies.
Researchers at São Paulo State University have developed an edible bioplastic with a tensile strength comparable to petroleum-based plastics. The material is made from gelatin, clay and a nanoemulsion of black pepper essential oil, extending shelf life and preventing microbial contamination.
A team of researchers proposes converting discarded surgical masks into a burnable fuel through pyrolysis, yielding a carbon-rich oil with high heating value. The study suggests this method offers better environmental performance compared to conventional waste management approaches.
Researchers at UTSA are using a three-year DoD grant to improve the reliability of additive manufacturing for critical machinery. They aim to predict mechanical properties and dimensional stability of components fabricated with AM.
Researchers found that polymer molecules interact with the flow around gas bubbles, causing a sudden increase in velocity. This knowledge can be used to predict oxygen input and design equipment for industries like biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
Researchers analyzed skin cell data to identify gene expression patterns responsible for inflammation in atopic dermatitis. Crustacean-inspired cotton was found to control water flow through a special wicking mechanism. Autonomous water treatment systems were also developed to improve energy efficiency and waste reduction.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to accelerated change in the workplace, with flexible hybrids of the WFH mode emerging and evolving. Research studies have explored lessons learned about WFH, drawing conclusions about challenges and opportunities, and making recommendations for optimizing experiences and outcomes.
Researchers from the University of Birmingham have successfully used a quantum gravity gradiometer to detect an object hidden below ground, marking a significant milestone in the development of this technology. The breakthrough could lead to faster, cheaper, and more comprehensive underground mapping, with potential applications in ind...
The University of Texas at El Paso establishes a new Systems Modeling and Simulation concentration, enhancing students' skills in data analytics, computer simulation, and machine learning. The program aims to train students for innovative industries with rapidly changing environments.
Scientists at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, have developed a durable coating that prevents fogging and 'self-cleans' under sunlight exposure. The coating shows excellent adherence to the plastic surface and maintains durability in tests, offering an attractive long-term solution for various applications.
This study examines the care conundrum at the intersection of class, access, and health, focusing on kin networks and their impact on children in industrialized nations. The researcher argues that the narrative around choice and maternal investment is false, as parents face significant constraints due to identity and class.
Researchers found that kitchen sponges provide an optimal environment for microbial diversity by mimicking the separation and communal spaces found in healthy soil. This complex structure supports both solitary and diverse bacterial communities, leading to higher biodiversity levels.
A team of scientists is mapping out California's Lithium Valley and assessing the Salton Sea geothermal field's potential for sustainable, environmentally friendly lithium extraction. The goal is to meet America's urgent demand for lithium in a way that doesn't harm the environment.
Researchers are developing systems to detect, characterize and track objects in cislunar space, or the space between Earth and the moon, to prevent lunar traffic jams and congestion.
The BRIGHTER project develops a new 3D bioprinting technology that creates complex and accurate human tissues, reducing the need for animal models. The technology uses light-sheet lithography to fabricate human skin and other tissues with high resolution and accuracy.
Researchers developed Inducible Directed Evolution (IDE), a new technique for controlling directed evolution in bacteria, allowing up to 30 gene modifications at a time. This approach enables finely tuned changes to bacteria, making it suitable for biopharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing industries.
Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have developed a method to produce non-alcoholic beer that tastes like regular beer, improving its flavor and sustainability. The technique involves using micro-factories of yeast cells to release hop aroma molecules, eliminating the need for expensive aroma hops.
Researchers at CSU are developing a system to recapture and burn crankcase ventilation gas, reducing methane emissions by over 75%. The project partners with Caterpillar to test their engine and design the system, which aims to solve a significant industry problem.
A new material, sodium carbo-hydridoborate, improves the performance of solid-state sodium batteries, making them more sustainable and durable. The ideal pressure to be applied to the battery for efficient operation has also been defined.
Rice University scientists have developed a method to extract rare earth elements from fly ash, bauxite residue, and electronic waste using flash Joule heating. This process improves yields and reduces the use of strong acids, making it a more sustainable solution for recycling these materials.
Four IIT researchers have been awarded €150,000 each from the European Research Council to develop groundbreaking technologies addressing health challenges, such as tumours, blindness, and amputations. Their projects aim to substitute critical raw materials in electronics and create multisensory systems for visually impaired infants.
The Advanced Magnetics for Power and Energy Development (AMPED) Consortium has received a $60,000 planning grant from the National Science Foundation to address the growing need for improved soft magnetic materials and enhanced device applications in emerging energy technologies. The consortium aims to create an interdisciplinary workf...
The IEEE forum identified four major challenges to address during the pandemic: healthcare, screening, tracing, and treatment. The panel highlighted socioeconomic and education status as critical factors impacting mortality rates and hospital admission lengths.
Researchers have discovered a practical and inexpensive way to produce non-toxic, recyclable, and sustainable colors using nanotechnology and nature's approach. The method mimics normal color mechanisms in nature, creating physical colors from almost transparent materials like clay suspended in water.
The £1 million HAROLD 2.0 test rig will enhance the facility's functionality with real-time train braking performance models and a fully functional AC power bogie, enabling analysis of on-train systems and novel hybrid drivetrains.
Researchers developed an algorithm that incorporates customer behavior into recommendation systems, making more accurate and personalized suggestions. The technique, known as tensor decomposition, analyzes data in multiple dimensions to capture complex patterns and relationships.
Researchers propose a new neural network-based method to visualize chemical reactions in a 2D plane, grouping similar reactions together. The visualization helps chemists understand the global chemical reaction space and identify underused or unused reaction types.
Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a novel chemical glucose sensing method based on boronic acids and graphene foam. The new technique can accurately detect lower glucose concentrations than current systems, making it ideal for chronic conditions like diabetes.
Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a scalable way to assemble nanowires into nanoribbons, a promising material for sophisticated electronic devices and catalysts. The method involves weaving together nanowires with chalcogen atoms and heat, resulting in atomically thin ribbons with unique properties.
Researchers have developed an ultrasensitive bioelectronic tongue that mimics human taste buds to measure sweetness. The device responds to sweet-tasting compounds at the 0.1 femtomolar level, making it a powerful tool for industries such as healthcare and food.
The University of West Virginia leads a global initiative to integrate behavioral and social sciences into oral health promotion, aiming to reduce dental disparities and inequities. The effort involves innovative technologies like apps and smartphones to increase access to dental care.
The Bureau of Reclamation has invested $1.6 million in nine innovative desalination technologies aiming to make water treatment more affordable and sustainable. The projects focus on reducing energy requirements and environmental impacts, providing communities with a new source of usable water.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a low-pressure method to convert industrially processed biomass into high-performance plastics and valuable chemicals. The process uses glycerin as a solvent instead of methanol, reducing costs and environmental impact.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a smart and super-efficient way of capturing carbon dioxide and converting it to solid carbon, which can be integrated into existing industrial processes. The technology offers a pathway for instantly converting CO2 as it is produced, locking it permanently in a solid state.
Researchers at MIT have developed a method to control the interaction between liquids and solids, allowing for the creation of surfaces with high or low wettability. This breakthrough has potential applications in various industries, including thermal management, protective coatings, and heat pipes.
The FUN-BioCROP model predicts effects of plant choice and agricultural management on soil carbon storage, slowing climate change. By using bioenergy from plants, less carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere, resulting in a more sustainable energy source.
A new method combines computational ghost imaging and x-ray fluorescence to create high-resolution chemical element maps. This approach eliminates lenses, reducing scanning time and improving spatial resolution, making it useful for biomedicine, materials science, art analysis, and industrial inspection.
A large-scale survey of over 500 delta-8-THC users found they experience fewer negative side effects and use it in safer modalities compared to delta-9. The study's findings have significant implications for lawmakers, public health officials, and consumers as more states legalize cannabis while prohibiting delta-8.
A new study by UBC researchers found that larger farms lead to a 15% decrease in bird diversity in the farmland bordering the former Iron Curtain. Maintaining diverse habitats within agricultural landscapes is crucial for conserving bird diversity.
Scientists have developed a mathematical method to interpret data on underground water flows, providing more efficient and accurate imaging for planning construction works and inspecting dams. The technique has great potential for locating water reservoirs in dry areas and tapping into this resource for agricultural and industrial needs.
A new study found that manufacturing facilities that use large amounts of water during periods of drought often streamline their processes to lower toxic emissions into water, lakes, and rivers. On average, these changes resulted in reduced toxic emissions by over 2.5%.
Researchers from Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) have discovered a way to perform 'general inverse design' with high accuracy. This breakthrough enables the creation of materials with specific characteristics and properties, paving the way for revolutionizing materials science and industrial applications.