News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
Researchers from SUTD developed a novel approach, 'Chocolate-based Ink 3D Printing' (Ci3DP), to print chocolate-based inks at room temperature using cold extrusion. This method eliminates the need for stringent temperature controls, offering wider potential for 3D printing temperature-sensitive food.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire found that climate change increases the risk of mercury contamination in Arctic areas. The study reveals that thawing permafrost releases mercury into surrounding waterways, soil, and air, leading to increased levels of methylmercury, a neurotoxin.
Researchers are studying ventilation systems in large-opening mines to reduce diesel particulate matter exposure and improve workplace safety. They aim to develop new tools for booster fan optimization, air recirculation modeling, and seasonal ventilation pressure analysis.
Researchers have developed a cheap catalyst that can generate hydrogen gas for hours in a commercial device, offering a potential solution to reduce the cost of producing this important industrial chemical. The catalyst, based on cobalt phosphide nanoparticles, was tested in a commercial electrolyzer and operated well over 1,700 hours.
In a large-scale study of 8 small-scale societies and 14 industrialized countries, researchers found that men engaged in commercial labor worked approximately 55 hours per week compared to 45 hours per week for noncommercial labor. Women across all levels of commercialization averaged around 55 hours per week.
Researchers develop mathematical model to describe how polymers contract into spiral structures, known as loxodromes, with complex patterning. The discovery could lead to the creation of manmade patterns that are difficult to produce using traditional methods.
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is launching TUM.Additive, a comprehensive research focus on additive manufacturing. The initiative aims to establish Bavaria as a leading economic region for digital manufacturing technologies, promoting sustainable industrial use and creating new products with complex geometries. The strategy ...
The University of New Mexico-led project, Cognitive Autonomy for Human CPS: Turning Novices into Experts, seeks to develop a framework for improving autonomous technology's adaptability to real-life human behavior. The team will investigate ways to anticipate and mitigate common human-automation interaction problems.
The University of Virginia has launched a national research center to ensure the security of connected electronic devices. The Center for Hardware and Embedded Systems Security and Trust (CHEST) is tackling key challenges in designing, protecting, and resiliently operating electronic systems.
New research reveals that maternal exposure to industrial pollution can harm offspring's immune system and pass on the weakness to subsequent generations. The study, conducted in mice, suggests that this multigenerational weakening of the immune system could explain variations in responses to flu infection.
A University of Washington team developed an artificial suction cup that borrows from the Northern clingfish's natural design, performing better than its natural counterpart. The prototype held up to 230 times its own weight and was flexible enough to conform to rough surfaces.
A new study using FAD tracking data, ocean models and simulation methods reveals the trajectories and potential impact of FADs on fisheries and island nations. The research found that over 2000 FADs wash up on beaches and coral reefs every year, with significant impacts on bycatch species and reef damage.
Sven Apel and colleagues received the Most Influential Paper Award for their 2008 research paper on software product lines, which revolutionized software development by reusing existing components. Their work has been widely adopted in industry, with over 500 citations since its publication.
The study measures and sets guidelines for the use of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) in bolted joints, revealing its tensile strength compared to high-strength steel. UHMWPE's unique properties make it an attractive material for various applications, including shipping, armour, and textiles.
A new collaborative project aims to address the Great Lakes' seafood trade deficit by promoting sustainable aquaculture. The project, funded by $1 million, will focus on environmentally responsible and science-based initiatives.
Researchers at Newcastle University found that higher water volumes in delicate wash cycles release more plastic microfibres than standard cycles. The team discovered that the volume of water used during the wash cycle is the key factor, not spinning action, and that this can lead to a significant increase in released fibres.
The report examines wind energy impacts on sensitive wildlife, citing the need to balance wildlife conservation with rapid greenhouse gas emissions reductions. It highlights areas where further research is needed to minimize wind turbine effects on birds and bats.
The National Science Foundation has announced a new PAWR platform, AERPAW, in Raleigh and Cary, North Carolina, which will focus on wireless communications for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and ground mobility. The platform aims to accelerate research into the capabilities necessary for mobility systems.
Researchers at Swansea University have created a system that uses a freshwater lens to improve visibility in cloudy waters, allowing scientists to identify fish species with greater accuracy. This breakthrough technology has the potential to monitor wildlife communities around marine renewable developments globally.
A new study by the University of Nottingham found that virtual reality (VR) training can improve employee safety by increasing engagement and retention. The research used immersive VR systems to simulate health and safety training scenarios, comparing outcomes with traditional PowerPoint training. The results showed that VR-trained emp...
Researchers successfully grew Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the bacterium causing Citrus Greening Disease, in a laboratory for the first time. This breakthrough enables studies on the disease and potential treatments.
The 'Green Grass' project aims to bring back grazing livestock into pastures, using innovative technologies like virtual fences and remote sensing systems. The goal is to reduce the workload of pasture farming, cover cows' nutrient needs with fresh grass, and maintain biodiversity.
The INTERfaces project, funded by the EU's Horizon 2020 programme, aims to replicate natural bioprocesses for use in the chemical industry. Researchers will mimic nature's metabolism to produce pure and sustainable chemical products.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a novel molecule that can control its magnetic properties through visible light. The discovery has significant implications for the development of flexible and processable magnetic materials, which could be used in a range of applications including data storage and chemical sensors.
The Endocrine Society and international partners endorse a statement clarifying benefits and risks of testosterone therapy for women. Testosterone therapy has been shown to improve sexual wellbeing in postmenopausal women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Dysfunction (HSDD), reducing concerns and distress about sex.
Researchers at The University of Texas at San Antonio aim to improve the design of AM parts that are less susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement. They will study the effects of high pressures, elevated temperatures, and hydrogen atoms on the nickel-718 alloy material.
Researchers developed a new gene activation method that targets previously difficult-to-activate genes in bacteria, including those involved in infections and industrial applications. This technique has the potential to revolutionize the production of useful products with high efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
A study by researchers at the University of Queensland and University of Cambridge found high levels of agreement among scientists and research stakeholders on principles to prevent conflicts of interest with the food industry. However, there is ongoing debate about what constitutes acceptable interactions and funding arrangements.
Quantifying physicochemical properties is crucial for understanding drug interactions and mechanisms. The article highlights the importance of using contemporary methods to improve subpar testing outcomes, enabling better structure-property relationships and accelerated predictive models.
Researchers at Penn State found that harmless bacteria form biofilms that shelter Listeria monocytogenes in apple-packing facilities. This discovery may lead to alternative strategies for controlling foodborne pathogens.
Scientists at MSD and Francis Crick Institute are working together to better understand Motor Neurone Disease, a devastating disease with no current treatments. The collaboration aims to identify key mechanisms that can kill motor neurons and build scientific understanding for future treatments.
Researchers at Michigan State University have created a synthetic nano-sized factory using a new shell protein that can be controlled to direct useful enzymes inside. The team successfully produced factory shells with the new protein, allowing them to incorporate molecules and control cargo imports.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University and the Technion Institute of Technology discovered critical vulnerabilities in the Siemens S7 Simatic programmable logic controller. They successfully reverse-engineered the proprietary cryptographic protocol and gained control of the PLC's operations, demonstrating how a sophisticated attacker can a...
Scientists at the University of Warwick developed a new method, OCULAR, that assigns a record-breaking 244,779 molecular compositions within a single sample of petroleum. The technique combines experimental and data processing techniques to characterise complex samples, enabling analysis across various fields.
Research examines industry payments to physician directors of National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers, using data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The study found significant industry payments to these physicians, highlighting potential conflicts of interest.
The DOE has allocated $6.5 million to advance isotope research and development, focusing on cancer diagnostic and therapeutic agents, as well as improving production techniques. This funding will enhance isotope availability and purity for US applications in science, medicine, and industry.
A recent study by Cardiff University and others found that Welsh rivers in urban locations have damaged food chains and fewer species of invertebrates compared to rural rivers. Persistent industrial pollutants like PCBs and PBDEs may be responsible for these effects, persisting despite being phased out.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh used supercomputer calculations to study the growth and collapse of tiny bubbles, known as nanobubbles. The findings suggest that these bubbles can burst to release powerful jets of liquid, causing damage to industrial structures.
Researchers identified a critical current density that prevents void formation and cell failure in all-solid-state batteries. This breakthrough could enable the development of commercial solid-state batteries for electric vehicles.
Researchers at UTA are collaborating with Lockheed Martin to optimize sensor usage in unmanned vehicles, using a Kalman filter to combine information from multiple sensors. The goal is to accurately predict target behaviors and adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Experts recommend industry regulation to curb digitally altered images in ads, which contribute to body dissatisfaction and disordered weight control behaviors. Policymakers and corporations can create innovative policies to improve health by reducing the harm caused by manipulated images.
Research finds tobacco industry has bumped up prices for products beyond required tax changes, contradicting its claims that price rises fuel illicit tobacco trade. Industry-driven price increases were higher for cheaper 'roll your own' tobacco than expected.
A study by University of Texas researchers finds that incumbent companies can improve performance by intensifying distribution in response to liberalization. Companies with prior exposure to foreign markets and performance can also boost performance by increasing promotions.
A comprehensive map of over 250 faults has identified the Fort Worth Basin as highly susceptible to seismic activity, with many small faults potentially capable of triggering earthquakes. The study recommends increased regulation and monitoring of wastewater injection to minimize the risk of induced seismicity.
Scientists at the University of Virginia Health System are creating a new industry of microbe 'microbreweries' to produce customized probiotics. By optimizing gut microbiome growth and resource sharing, researchers aim to create tailored blends for various diseases, including autism, cancer, and depression.
A commentary by UCSF experts highlights the need for radical reform in addressing dental decay, citing the sugar industry's influence on dental research and professional bodies. The authors recommend policies to manage financial conflicts of interest and promote public trust.
Oral diseases pose a major global public health burden, with 3.5 billion people affected, yet access to care remains inaccessible for billions. The Lancet Series on Oral Health calls for radical reform of dental care and tightened regulation of the sugar industry.
A new AI radar system developed by DGIST can detect subminiature drones flying as far as 3km away, thanks to the use of super-resolution algorithm and AESA radar signal processing technology. The system also integrates GANs-based drone cognition technology for real-time detection and identification.
Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have created a platform that combines chemical synthesis with biological high-throughput screening on a single chip, called chemBIOS. This allows for the simultaneous performance of 75 parallel reactions, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
Researchers found that only reciprocity boosts a candidate's chances of being the victor, while direct ties and cliquishness decrease their chances, according to new research published in the Academy of Management Journal.
A new study found that the tobacco industry's corrective statements reached only 40.6% of US adults and 50.5% of current smokers in 2018, highlighting the need for targeted advertising to reach key populations. The ads had lower exposure among certain ethnic and socioeconomic subgroups, including those with higher smoking rates.
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics announced technical excellence awards to recognize outstanding contributions in space automation, robots, and propulsion. Winners include DARPA, NASA, and top aerospace professionals for their pioneering work and innovative achievements.
The Moving Matters review reveals that community organisations and decision makers should consider diverse factors shaping people's habits, and promoting incidental activity is key to sustained benefits. Effective interventions include improving public transport, enhancing green spaces, and changing school and workplace routines.
UTA researcher Surendra Shah has been inducted into the Academy of Athens for his work on making concrete production more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable. His research focuses on nanomaterial applications to improve the use of composite materials and reduce carbon footprint.
Thomas Ebbesen, a renowned physical chemist, has been awarded the prestigious CNRS Gold Medal for his groundbreaking work in nanosciences. His research has enabled technological breakthroughs in optoelectronics and biosensors, and he is recognized for his pioneering discoveries in carbon materials and molecular systems.
A UH researcher reports that the formation of abnormal hemoglobin clusters in red blood cells may be a crucial step in developing treatments for sickle cell disease. The study suggests that inducing similar-sized clusters in liquids and solids could have applications in nanotechnology and industry.
The world faces an urgent need for a global agenda to manage sand, a key ingredient in modern life. With rapid urbanization and population growth driving high demand, the global sand extraction rate is projected to increase by 300% between 2000-2100.
Researchers at NIST have designed new probes for sensing emission flow rates and developed a measurement method that could potentially improve the accuracy and speed of smokestack emissions audits. The fieldwork results were promising, showing reasonable agreement with laboratory findings.
A study by Christopher Meir examines the transformation of European cinema through Studiocanal, finding it replicates American forms and increases job opportunities in Europe. The research reveals that European studios are reaching unprecedented levels of global success with films like Lucy, The Impossible, and Paddington.
Researcher Brett Burkhardt finds that private prisons are shaped by politics and policies, yet also face moral and ethical dilemmas. The industry is adapting to changing incarceration rates and exploring new opportunities such as drug testing and treatment programs.