News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
Researchers found that firms like Fabindia use a specific approach to shape industry futures, transforming key aspects of the landscape. The team mapped Fabindia's evolution over 50 years and identified three major instances where the company successfully transformed its industry.
Researchers have designed and synthesized an atomically dispersed co-promoter of Sn and Zn on the CuO surface, demonstrating a greatly enhanced promoting effect in the industrially important Rochow reaction. The synergistic interaction between single-site Sn and Zn co-promoters leads to improved catalytic performance.
Studies funded by the tanning industry are more likely to downplay risks and highlight perceived benefits of indoor tanning. Researchers analyzed 691 articles on indoor tanning and found that studies with financial ties to the industry were significantly more favorable, highlighting the need for independent scientific data.
Researchers find wooden pallets have a slightly lower carbon footprint than plastic pallets on both one-trip and 100,000-trip basis. Heat-treated wooden pallets incur a 20-30% lower carbon footprint than methyl bromide-fumigated ones.
Researchers at Flinders University have developed a decontamination method that removes salmonella contamination from eggshells without impacting the egg's usability. The method involves treating eggs for 9 minutes using kitchen equipment commonly found in commercial kitchens, and has been shown to be effective in reducing the incidenc...
Designing mid-rise urban buildings with engineered timber could create a 'bank vault' storing 10 to 68 million tons of carbon annually. This would drastically reduce carbon emissions associated with the construction sector.
A comprehensive review of 23 studies on drinking alcohol during pregnancy found evidence that it can lead to poorer cognitive functioning and lower birthweight. The findings reinforce the UK Chief Medical Officers' DRYMESTER guidelines, which recommend abstaining from alcohol in all trimesters.
Researchers used airborne measurements to find that oil and gas facilities in the south central US are releasing up to 2.5 times more methane than EPA estimates suggest. The study, part of the ACT-America campaign, used weather models and ethane measurements to determine methane sources.
Researchers partner with energy companies to test whether mindfulness exercises can improve safety and reduce burnout among offshore workers. The study aims to develop an easy-to-implement safety program with a broad impact on the industry.
A new production technique for CdTe material uses a high-pressure furnace and produces high-purity crystals in a rapid timeframe, outperforming current methods. The technique also eliminates concerns about explosions and allows for easier doping of the material.
A University of Georgia study evaluated environmental monitoring practices across the frozen food industry to identify effective methods for controlling Listeria monocytogenes. The research found that facilities were predominantly testing for Listeria spp., but there is a need for facilities to review their sampling strategy.
A study by Abo Akademi University found that environmentally friendly shipping practices can lower emissions and freight costs. Investments in sustainable technologies, such as solar panels and optimized propellers, are economically profitable.
Researchers led by Lehigh's Anand Jagota will explore bio-inspired design of near-surface structures to improve friction in soft materials. The project aims to create safer tires, improve robotics and biomaterials, and advance mobility with the support of a $2M NSF grant.
Research found that PFOS changes the gut microbiome of mice, suggesting potential mechanisms outside human cells and metabolic effects on microbes. The study supports emerging ideas that chemical exposures can impact gut microbes.
A predictive Early Fault Detection system is being scaled up for commercial release after impressive results in Australia, the US and China. The system enables proactive management of electricity network assets, identifying faults that are about to happen through deterioration.
Researchers successfully used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to delete a specific protein necessary for avian leukosis virus subgroup J infection in chickens. The edited cells were then bred to create resistant chickens, addressing a major concern for the poultry industry.
Researchers from Dartmouth and MIT developed a new approach to flight scheduling that aligns flights with passenger preferences, maximizing airline profits. The tool could result in more one-stop itineraries and increased revenue for airlines.
Satellite data reveals significant increases in nitrogen dioxide pollution from oil and gas production sites in the US, particularly in the Permian, Bakken, and Eagle Ford basins. The study uses a new inventory to confirm trends and provides valuable insights for addressing emissions in a cost-efficient manner.
James Gilchrist's project uses microrheology to study paint drying processes and develop a testing method to predict performance. The goal is to improve paint formulations, reduce energy consumption and costs in the automotive industry.
A new project at Aarhus University aims to develop a standardized, documentable 3D printing filament from recycled plastics. The goal is to improve the industry's reliance on new plastics and reduce waste., This innovation has the potential to significantly impact the environment and climate in the long term.
Scientists at UMass Amherst have discovered a new way to understand the structure and vibrations of zeolites, which are used in refining petroleum and biomass. The team's findings provide insights into the formation of nanopores and dynamical behaviors, leading to potential advances in materials for clean energy and carbon capture.
Researchers have created a novel method for producing non-toxic chemicals using microorganisms, which can be scaled up for industrial use. The technique, developed at Imperial College London, mimics the way organisms naturally produce toxic chemicals without harming themselves.
KAUST researchers have devised a way to turn rigid silicon into solar cells that can be stretched by up to 95 percent while retaining a high solar energy capture efficiency of 19 percent. This breakthrough overcomes the rigidity limitation of silicon, allowing for flexible wearable electronics and robots.
A new project aims to create targeted cancer drugs that use small molecules and immune system activators, potentially treating tumours less aggressively. Researchers from 14 European partners will work together to develop prototypes for future tumour therapies.
The University of Texas at Arlington is collaborating with the city of Waxahachie on a pilot project to inspect several miles of sewer pipelines using robotic technology. This will allow for more accurate estimates of pipeline service life, reducing the need for costly replacements and enabling 'microsurgery' repairs.
A study by BMJ Group found that healthcare workers are less likely to receive honors compared to professionals in other industries. Healthcare workers received only 7.6% of New Year Honours from 2009 to 2018.
A recent review suggests that artificial sweeteners, commonly used to aid weight loss, may actually contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes and weight gain. According to UniSA Professor Peter Clifton, consuming large quantities of artificial sweeteners can alter gut bacteria and lead to increased calorie intake.
A new study found that fossilized shells from around the globe show evidence of both rapid ocean warming and elevated mercury levels during the Deccan Traps volcanic eruptions. The findings suggest that the mass extinction event that killed off dinosaurs may have been triggered by both asteroid impact and massive volcanic eruptions.
A new review study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine finds that egg-industry funded research tends to skew findings, leading to a neutralized image of eggs as a cholesterol-raising product. Over 85% of studies showed unfavorable effects on blood cholesterol levels.
Leptothrix cholodnii forms long filaments with nanofibrils, which capture precious metals and aid in niche establishment. The structure is essential for bacterial cell attachment to solid surfaces.
A team of Brown University researchers will compare two licensed flu vaccines in up to 1,000 nursing homes to identify the most effective one for elderly residents. The study aims to inform public health decision-making and improve healthcare outcomes for this vulnerable population.
The Department of Navy's Technology Transfer Program Office fosters collaboration between the Navy, government agencies, industry, and academia to advance cutting-edge technology and capabilities. The program enables partnership agreements that strengthen naval capabilities and accelerate technology research and development.
The Soviet Union profited from screening foreign films during the Cold War, with Hollywood movies serving as a weapon in the fight against the USA. The films were often shown on closed networks or renamed to avoid copyright issues.
A new study published in Nature Scientific Reports suggests that increasing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology could play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The research estimates that there is enough space in the world's nearshore continental margins to store 6-7 gigatons of CO2 annually by 2050, and tha...
Scientists from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University detected a surface effect that prevents hydrogen from entering metal, causing errors in industrial testing and evaluation of materials properties. A theoretical model was developed to describe this phenomenon.
The University of Texas at Austin is launching a unique initiative to make itself a national hub for geothermal energy expertise and startups. The new Geothermal Entrepreneurship Organization will leverage existing expertise in geosystems and drilling engineering to develop technologies and launch companies.
A new Yale research model provides a more comprehensive understanding of environmental impacts by incorporating capital assets into production supply chains. The analysis shows that capital assets account for 13% of economy-wide carbon, energy, and material footprints in 2012.
Researchers develop software that mimics human visual processes to improve color accuracy, outperforming existing methods in psychophysical tests. The new framework reduces and extends the color gamut, producing results free from artefacts and meeting the film industry's demands.
Researchers developed a method to forecast probability and severity of aftershocks, analyzing seismic patterns and incorporating statistical methods. This tool provides a useful approach for mitigating earthquake hazard, enabling timely updates based on new data.
Researchers at Concordia University and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University have identified five types of pipeline failures: mechanical, operational, natural hazard, third-party, and corrosion. They propose using big data to predict failure patterns and improve safety assessments.
A UK-based science engineering company has licensed a novel heating technology from Purdue University to support industries such as research institutes and commercial manufacturers. The C-Core carbon fiber technology provides uniform heat without cold spots, facilitating high-quality sample delivery in analytical science and forensics.
A Michigan State University study found that older adults are more likely to use wearable activity trackers for longer periods if they offer a variety of functions, such as tracking calories burned or mood. Technological savviness and partnership-based motivation also play a crucial role in long-term adoption.
New research suggests that nearly extreme black holes can appear to regrow hair through a phenomenon known as 'scalar hair', which is made of a massless scalar field. However, this hair is transient and eventually disappears, leaving the black hole bald again.
A new analysis finds that large drug manufacturers would still be the most profitable industry sector even with $1 trillion in lower sales. This is despite the pharmaceutical industry having among the highest profit margins and returns of any industry group. The researchers found that large drug companies could lose significant revenue...
Researchers at KAIST developed AI technology that automatically detects safe moments for AI agents to provide conversation services to drivers. The technology was tested on a real-world driving dataset and demonstrated an accuracy of 87% in determining opportune moments for driver interruption.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have demonstrated a sub-picosecond thin-disk laser oscillator achieving an average output power of 350 W, surpassing the previous record. The breakthrough enables efficient cooling and heating control, paving the way for even more powerful lasers with potential kilowatt-level output.
A study by Jonathan Schultz et al. reveals how the medieval Catholic Church's marriage policies replaced extended kin networks with nuclear households, contributing to increased individualism and less conformity in Western populations. The researchers controlled for variables such as education and income to support their findings.
Researchers from Graz University of Technology develop biological methods to improve storage of apples and sugar beet, reducing losses due to spoilage. The combined use of hot water treatment and biocontrol organisms significantly increases shelf life and reduces post-harvest pathogens.
Researchers from UCLA, Oxford, and others analyzed 10 industrial applications for carbon dioxide emissions, finding that utilizing CO2 could help the environment by reducing emissions. The study suggests a potential scale of over 10 gigatonnes of CO2 use per year at under $100 per tonne.
Michigan State University researchers identified key elements of a company's product portfolio and brand strategy that drive success in marketing. The study found that developing high-quality brands within a portfolio and innovating products are critical to maximizing sales and market share.
The £3m Cyber-SHIP Lab aims to address key cyber security challenges in the shipping industry by assessing connected systems for weaknesses. It will bring together experts in cyber security and information systems, featuring a range of maritime technologies.
Researchers explore the potential of blockchain to secure international trade by improving speed, security, and traceability. The technology has the potential to reduce fraud and enhance cargo tracking, but widespread adoption faces challenges such as data sharing and regulatory frameworks.
A team of researchers led by Ben Wilkowski analyzed goal-related words used by English speakers to categorize human goals. They identified four components: prominence (social status), inclusiveness (acceptance of diversity), negativity prevention (avoiding negative outcomes), and tradition (upholding cultural institutions).
Researchers at MIT have developed a new synthesis method to create polymers that can break down more readily in the body and environment. By adding a novel type of building block, they were able to create polymers with easier degradability under biologically relevant conditions.
A team of researchers from the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona achieved biological decontamination of an aquifer contaminated with organochlorine compounds, including perchloroethylene. The study used biostimulation of organohalide-respiring bacteria to transform the toxic compound into non-toxic ethene.
Researchers at MIT have compiled a comprehensive dataset of robotic pushing dynamics, capturing the behavior of hundreds of different objects. This dataset, called Omnipush, enables robots to learn fundamental object manipulation tasks, such as reorienting and inspecting objects, by training on a diverse range of pushing scenarios.
The joint partnership between NTU Singapore and GF Singapore aims to demonstrate the new ReRAM technology on 12
A University of Strathclyde-led partnership with M Squared aims to develop advanced computing technology for significant advancements in UK's quantum capabilities. The project will work with fintech and aerospace businesses to deliver breakthroughs in banking security, traffic management and aerospace security.
The Center for Hardware and Embedded Systems Security and Trust will investigate unique vulnerabilities in collaboration with private companies and government agencies. The research focus is on developing techniques to avoid circuit counterfeiting and ensuring the authenticity of computer chips.
A European research project, 5Growth, will test nine 5G use cases in four vertical industry settings in Spain, Italy, and Portugal. The pilot tests aim to validate the performance of 5G systems for Industry 4.0, eHealth, and audiovisual entertainment applications.