News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology developed a blockchain prototype system for digital rights management and royalty distribution, creating new revenue streams for small publishers. The project enabled micro-payments via smart contracts to creative professionals involved in the writing and publishing process.
Researchers at MIT demonstrate the mass production of carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNFETs) using a commercial manufacturing facility. This breakthrough enables the creation of 3D microprocessors with unprecedented energy efficiency and performance, potentially surpassing silicon-based technology.
A new framework published in NEJM offers a responsible approach to patient data-sharing, allowing companies to access massive data troves with transparency and consent. The system includes an easy-to-understand informed consent document and a dedicated gatekeeper committee to review and approve projects.
Researchers created a physical-economic model analyzing collision risk, orbital debris, and satellite counts from 1957-2017. Imposing a tax on orbiting satellites could increase the industry's value by decreasing these risks and amount of space debris.
A team of Louisiana engineers and scientists, with federal funding from the National Science Foundation, are developing new technologies and materials to enhance structural safety and integrity in 3-D printing. They will use machine learning to efficiently discover and test optimal material compositions and processing methods.
Osaka University researchers have developed a new method to create nanocellulose films with multiple axes of alignment using liquid-phase 3D-patterning. This technology has the potential to lead to affordable and energy-efficient optical materials, including smartphone displays.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a high-throughput screening tool to rapidly profile medium-chain fatty acids produced in yeast. They identified seven new genetically engineered mutants that produce higher levels of those fatty acids, which are crucial components of biodiesel and other industrial chemicals.
New research found that tobacco companies continued to sell and promote menthol products despite a four-year phasing-in period for the UK's menthol cigarette ban. The study reveals that industry experts developed new products to circumvent the ban, including menthol filters and flavour cards.
Erick C. Jones, a renowned researcher at the University of Texas at Arlington, has been recognized as a Fellow of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE). He is internationally recognized for his pioneering work on radio-frequency identification technologies, Lean Six Sigma Quality Management, and autonomous inventory ...
A group of researchers developed a new way for robots to pool data in real-time, allowing them to navigate difficult terrain as a team. The system uses a centralized data cloud, where each robot draws on data from other robots to steer clear of obstacles.
Researchers have developed a novel magnetic nanotechnology that quickly and efficiently removes haze-forming proteins in white wine. The technology shows promise as a valuable and sustainable alternative to conventional bentonite fining treatments, potentially saving the wine industry millions annually.
Researchers found that price increases rarely impact short-term energy consumption, but have a significant effect after about five years. The study developed two scenarios for future development: E-POL and CLI, which focus on increasing electricity use and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy-efficient technologies.
A new model of regulation considers industry capability and uncertainty about new technologies' payoff to motivate greentech development. The study found that regulations taking firm capabilities into account are more effective than those ignoring voluntary adoption levels.
Research led by University of Exeter found that people with aphantasia are more likely to work in scientific and mathematical industries, while those with hyperphantasia excel in creative professions. The study also showed benefits of aphantasia for assimilating complex information and leading teams.
The National Science Foundation has selected Stevens Institute of Technology to lead the first-ever IUCRC center on financial technology and science, bringing together partners to conduct research relevant to the industry. The five-year award aims to find innovative solutions for complex challenges facing the fintech industry, focusing...
A newly published study suggests that the forest elephant population size is smaller than believed, leaving the species in an even graver position. The research provides insights into a revised population count and social behavior of the forest elephants.
New research from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute finds that women are more likely to be promoted in the IT industry due to their perceived helpfulness and trustworthiness. However, women who take training courses are more likely to be promoted than men, suggesting a potential strategy for advancing female careers.
Richard Waring, a renowned researcher at Oregon State University, has been awarded the prestigious Marcus Wallenberg Prize along with Joe Landsberg and Nicholas Coops. The prize recognizes their groundbreaking work on a computer model predicting forest growth in changing climates.
Research at the University of Huddersfield warns that smaller construction firms are missing out on cutting-edge techniques like BIM and Lean Construction, which can improve efficiency and productivity. The study found that SMEs are not adopting these practices, despite their potential to transform the industry.
A breakthrough in biobutanol separation has been achieved through the development of a novel metal organic framework (MOF) that can efficiently separate biobutanol from biomass fermentation broth. The new MOF has shown great efficiency compared to existing methods, making it a promising step towards economically viable biofuel production.
The article highlights the significance of interdisciplinary integration in academic research and application, citing COVID-19 as a case study. Effective collaboration among experts from various fields is vital for social development and innovation, leading to significant breakthroughs in biomedical research.
A Texas A&M University study found that older adults are more likely to use driver-assistance technologies if taught through interactive videos. The research suggests that video-based training is the most effective method for introducing these technologies to seniors, reducing mental workload and increasing safety on the road.
Researchers created a well-defined supramolecular structure that pushes the 20-nanometer scale, overcoming a major obstacle in supramolecular chemistry. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new materials with unique functions and properties.
A European Union programme aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions has made significant progress despite low prices in carbon markets. The EU ETS saved around 1.2 billion tons of CO2 between 2008 and 2016, nearly half of what governments pledged to reduce in their Kyoto Protocol commitments.
Researchers discovered how to make bottles empty faster by studying bubble dynamics, which reveals key parameters such as liquid film thickness and rise velocity. The study also identifies two distinct bottle-emptying modes and a critical angle of inclination that maximizes the emptying time.
A new machine learning method can predict battery health with 10x higher accuracy, enabling safer and more reliable batteries for electric vehicles and consumer electronics. The method is non-invasive and uses electrical pulses to measure the response of lithium-ion batteries.
Researchers analyzed a century of data to find that female representation in the film industry hit an all-time low during the Golden Age. The study found that women's roles were consistently below 50% across job types and genres, with a sharp drop in the 1920s.
A new analysis of over 26,000 movies produced in the US from 1911 to 2010 reveals a sharp decline in female representation among actors, directors, and producers during the Studio System era. Female producers and directors may help further the careers of other women in the industry.
A study by Lehigh University researchers found that firms with female directors announced high-severity product recalls 28 days sooner than all-male boards. This reduction in time translates to a 35% decrease in the overall recall period.
Fluid dynamics experts have long assumed that fluids flow without slipping at solid boundaries, but recent research reveals this may not be true. Tiny microbubbles formed by shear forces can cause slippage, potentially reducing energy losses in industrial applications such as gas and oil suppliers.
A new study reveals that flavorings containing benzaldehyde can form benzene when exposed to light, posing a risk to consumer health. The long-term solution lies in protecting these flavorings from light, particularly during production and storage.
Researchers argue that robots can help combat COVID-19 by performing 'dull, dirty and dangerous' jobs such as disinfection and temperature checking. The use of robots in pandemic response could reduce human exposure to pathogens and be essential for future epidemics.
Sandia's Resilient Energy Systems campaign aims to defend large electrical utility systems against cyberhacks, electromagnetic disturbances, and natural disasters. The Assured Survivability and Agility with Pulsed Power research campaign explores technologies to simulate nuclear explosions without actual tests, aiming to maintain the U...
A new study finds that individual consumption habits have a significant impact on land use, with rural residents using up to 10 times more land than urban counterparts for their homes. The researchers suggest simple choices like reducing food waste and buying fewer clothes can significantly reduce one's indirect land footprint.
A team of Lehigh University optimization experts, led by Tamás Terlaky, will work on optimizing algorithms for quantum computing with a $2.1M DARPA grant. They aim to demonstrate that quantum computers can surpass classical computers on certain problems.
Dr. Juan Madera has been recognized as a Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) for his outstanding research on diversity management in the hospitality industry. His work has had a significant impact on job attitudes, discrimination, and sexual harassment in organizational settings.
Clara Hildebrandt, MD, has been awarded the 2020 Sanofi Genzyme/ACMG Foundation Next Generation Fellowship Award. The award supports her one-year medical biochemical fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital to explore barriers to timely administration of enzyme replacement therapy.
A recent investigation by The BMJ uncovered links between groups advocating for wider medical cannabis access and those pushing for recreational legalization. Industry funding for research into medicinal properties of cannabis has raised concerns about conflicts of interest and the potential normalization of cannabis use.
Dr. Scott M. Brooks has been recognized as a Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) for his outstanding contributions to the field. His work focuses on translating scientific concepts into practical application through creative storytelling and visual approaches.
A new study aims to identify molecular fingerprints of progressive kidney failure in patients with diabetes, while also exploring the development of targeted therapies. The Transformative Research in Diabetic Nephrology (TRIDENT) study is a $5 million collaboration between Penn Medicine and over 20 institutions nationwide.
Researchers at Bielefeld University are developing ultra-thin carbon nanomembranes that can filter out impurities from water, producing ultrapure water and beverage concentrates. The technology aims to reduce energy consumption and preserve flavors in food production and pharmaceutical applications.
A new collaborative research center will focus on developing energy-efficient technologies for water desalination, purification, and reuse. The center aims to reduce energy needed for desalination, improve water recovery, and support safe water reuse.
Scientists investigate how liquid flow affects charged particles and surfactants, revealing new insights into aggregation and dispersion. Flow rate can be used to control the behavior of charged particles with specific surfactant types and concentrations.
Dereje Agonafer, UTA's Presidential Distinguished Professor, received the Howard University Alumni Award for his distinguished postgraduate achievements. He has supervised over 225 graduate students and has published more than 230 papers on data center cooling and 3D packaging/cooling.
Researchers at HKUST have successfully grown III-V lasers directly on industry-standard silicon wafers without buffers, paving the way for efficient light interfacing and integrated Si-based photonic devices.
Researchers suggest starting with Final Four picks and building backward and forward from there for optimal strategies. The study's models produce many brackets that would have placed in the top 100 of the ESPN bracket challenge, especially those that start by picking Elite Eight or Final Four teams.
A research project at the University of Córdoba and San Luis University in Argentina successfully manufactured new lithium batteries from used cell phones. The team recovered graphite material, eliminating impurities and reorganizing its structure for new use, making up a quarter of the total weight of a lithium battery.
A new initiative aims to provide affordable drinking water to Pakistan's South Punjab region, utilizing a raw nanoclay with potential health-giving applications. The project has the potential to improve economic conditions and create employment opportunities for locals.
A study of 2 million patients found a strong association between repeat antibiotic prescriptions and increased risk of hospital admissions for new infections. The researchers suggest that overuse of antibiotics may lead to an imbalance of gut bacteria, making patients more susceptible to infections.
Researchers developed a computational model to expedite military operations for evacuating noncombatants, disaster response, or humanitarian relief. The new model helps officials determine what needs to be where and at what time to complete an evacuation as quickly as possible.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have found that metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can selectively separate gases like propane and propene under real-world conditions. The study reveals that water does not significantly impact the material's performance, contrary to previous theories.
The researchers created disc-shaped magnets about 2 millimeters in diameter, called ferrobots, which can move and manipulate droplets of fluid with precision. These robots could transform various biotech-related industries, including medical diagnostics, drug development, genomics, and the synthesis of chemicals and materials.
A research team, led by Caroline Krejci, is developing a framework to analyze food, energy, and water systems in the Des Moines area. The project aims to test the impact of different policies on farmer and consumer decisions, with the goal of promoting sustainable cities.
The Hawk supercomputer boasts a peak performance of 26 Petaflops, enabling cutting-edge academic and industrial research in areas like energy efficiency, climate modeling, and pandemic research. The system will also support the digitalization of industry in Baden-Württemberg and Germany.
Researchers at ETRI have developed a compact 200Gbps optical transceiver that can send and receive twice as much data as conventional methods. This new technology is expected to contribute to solving data traffic congestion in 5G networks and provides a cost-effective alternative to existing coherent modulation technologies.
A study by Nora Szech and Jannis Engel reveals that consumers unconsciously use a single ethical aspect as an excuse for a less moral behavior regarding other aspects of the product. This 'indulgence effect' persists even after the purchase and can be used to justify selfish decisions.
New research advances understanding and methods for assessing novel technologies' environmental impacts. LCA inventories and scenarios are linked to climate change modeling, improving innovation cycle management.
Future factories will require new skills and organizational structures that prioritize human collaboration with robots. Research explores the psychological effects of working alongside large industrial robots and developing tools to enhance robot design.
Researchers at NIST have found a way to link measurements made by a device integral to microchip fabrication directly to the recently redefined International System of Units (SI), increasing users' confidence in their measurements. The device, a quartz crystal microbalance, is critically important to industries that rely on precision c...
A team of researchers from The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science has expanded our understanding of liquid behavior by describing the role of hydrodynamics in these transitions. They found that changes in density lead to hydrodynamic fluctuations, affecting domain growth and long-range interactions.