News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
Texas A&M University professors Drs. Vanderlei Bagnato, Rodney Bowersox and Don Lipkin have been elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Class of 2025 for their outstanding contributions to engineering practice, research and education. The NAE recognition underscores the exceptional talent within the faculty.
A new comparative study has confirmed on-column injection as the most reliable method for analyzing odorants in food, minimizing artifact formation. This method proves to be particularly effective in reducing odor-active artifacts and obtaining a representative odorant spectrum.
Researchers from Aalto University have created a synthetic surface inspired by lotus leaves and found that plastronic waves travel along the surface at speeds up to 45 times faster than capillary waves. The discovery could lead to new applications in biotechnology, materials science, and pharmaceuticals.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new catalytic graphitization technology to convert petroleum coke into graphite, reducing emissions and cost associated with conventional synthetic graphite production. The process uses lower temperatures and shorter times, making it more sustainable and efficient.
Researchers have discovered Random Antimicrobial Peptide Mixtures (RPMs) as a promising non-antibiotic antimicrobial agent for cultured meat production. RPMs successfully eliminate bacterial contamination without harming stem cell viability or contributing to antibiotic resistance.
Relativity Networks develops patent-pending HCF cable that transmits data nearly 50% faster than conventional glass fiber, expanding data center geographical optionality. UCF's College of Optics and Photonics supports the innovation through industry partnerships and research collaborations.
Dr. Denzil Moodley, a leading expert in Fischer-Tropsch technology, joins HZB to accelerate the development of sustainable aviation fuels. The appointment strengthens the partnership between HZB and Sasol, combining cutting-edge research with practical industrial insights.
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory's four PECASE recipients made groundbreaking contributions to next-generation energy storage and solid fuel combustion, expanding the nation's energy density portable energy storage capabilities and optimizing propulsion systems.
Discounted hotel rates available at select hotels near the Anaheim Convention Center. The Global Physics Summit will feature nearly 14,000 individual presentations on new research in various fields.
Researchers have developed a new form of QR code that can protect users from phishing attacks by signaling whether a link is safe or not. The SDMQR codes provide an added layer of security without interfering with existing functionality, allowing companies to replace traditional barcodes with more sophisticated QR codes.
A team from Tokyo University of Science developed a novel trivalent platform for triple click chemistry, allowing for the efficient synthesis of complex compounds. The approach utilizes simple initial materials and promotes sustainable pharmaceutical synthesis.
Researchers at the University of Kansas developed an eco-friendly way to separate and recycle refrigerants, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The innovative method uses membranes to efficiently isolate complex refrigerant mixtures, paving the way for effective recycling and reuse.
Germany's leading biotech hubs, Berlin, Munich, and Heidelberg, excel in different areas, but struggle with transforming research into market-ready solutions. The country's innovation potential is largely untapped due to the fragmentation of its biotech landscape and inadequate knowledge transfer.
Researchers use CRISPR/Cas9 and CRISPR/Cpf1 genome editing to precisely edit the promoter region of key high-temperature-responsive gene GhCKI, leading to improved anther development and heat tolerance in cotton. The breakthrough provides novel genetic resources for breeding heat-tolerant cotton varieties.
The Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum conference will take place in March 2025 at ICC Birmingham, aiming to foster an inclusive space for underrepresented life scientists. The event offers mentorship schemes, networking opportunities, and inspiring speakers from diverse backgrounds.
Research shows that front-of-package food labels professing 'healthy' contents can decrease consumers' willingness to pay unless supported by FDA backing and explanation. The study found a 18% discount for yogurt labeled as 'healthy', while both 'healthy' and 'great taste' labels led to a 25% discount.
The Terasaki Institute recognizes Dr. Cato Laurencin's groundbreaking contributions to regenerative engineering, while Dr. Jun Chen is recognized for his innovative technologies in soft bioelectronics and magnetoelastic materials.
Researchers have found a new method to remove PFAS from drinking water by heating them with granular activated carbon at 572 degrees Fahrenheit. This process achieves 90% mineralization of the PFAS, breaking them down into harmless inorganic fluorine.
A new drug developed by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has shown significant promise in reversing memory loss in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The drug, GL-II-73, selectively targets GABA receptors to restore brain function and repair damaged neural connections.
The National Center for Supercomputing Applications awarded 17 students Fiddler Innovation Fellowships for their outstanding contributions to student and faculty interdisciplinary research initiatives. The fellows worked on various projects, including quantum-resistant security measures and artificial intelligence productivity engines.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a new solid lubricating mechanism that can reduce friction in machinery at extremely high temperatures. The novel coating has the potential to make components from rockets to semiconductors more safe, durable, and cost-effective.
A team of researchers has developed a novel model of the Blood-Brain Barrier, which mimics the complex structure of cerebral blood vessels. This breakthrough enables scientists to study neuroinflammation and develop new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Dental implant surgeries require optimal mechanical stress levels for successful bone healing and long-term implant success. Researchers are developing a hybrid biomechanical model using machine learning to provide precise, patient-specific predictions of mechanical stress.
Filipino researchers have discovered that Taal volcanic ash can be used as a sustainable and lightweight alternative to expensive materials like concrete and lead. The natural presence of iron-rich minerals in the ash gives it strong radiation attenuation properties, making it effective for shielding against harmful X-rays and gamma rays.
Researchers at the University of Surrey have discovered a unique mix of lipids in polar bear fur that drastically reduces ice adhesion, paving the way for safer and more sustainable anti-freezing solutions. The study found that specific lipids, such as cholesterol and diacylglycerols, exhibit low adsorption energies on ice.
A recent study by Ritsumeikan University researchers analyzed the durability of flexible perovskite solar cells under damp heat conditions. The findings revealed that high humidity leads to degradation, while a high-quality barrier film retained most power conversion efficiency, making it crucial for long-term stability.
Chalmers University researchers develop new ways to make cache memory work smarter, enabling faster data retrieval and improving computer performance. The innovation is part of the European Processor Initiative aimed at securing European independence in high-performance computing chips.
A new study from DTU National Food Institute finds that temperature and light intensity play a crucial role in the yield of various nutrients produced by the microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica. The research suggests a two-stage cultivation process to optimize nutrient production, paving the way for sustainable food production.
A team of researchers from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid created an innovative technique to produce regular oil lenses of uniform size on water surfaces. This discovery can help study the behavior of oily substances on water surfaces, with applications in oil spill mitigation and food industries.
A 16-year study of the US-Canada free trade agreement found that workers were not harmed by increased trade between the two countries. Canadian workers quickly adjusted to changing labor demand and transitioned to new industries, benefiting from larger U.S. tariff cuts.
Binghamton University researchers aim to perfect the electrospray deposition process using artificial intelligence to create consistently thin polymer films. The project seeks to overcome challenges in controlling film characteristics and data collection, enabling efficient manufacturing and reducing labor costs.
A new process converts polycotton textile waste into glucose, a key bio-based feedstock, and separates polyester fibers for reprocessing. The technique is scalable and cost-effective, offering a viable solution to textile waste recycling.
Researchers investigated the chemical composition and structural characteristics of hemicellulose and lignin-carbohydrate complexes extracted from bamboo tissues. The study showed significant differences in extraction yield, thermal stability, and phenyl glycoside bonds among various tissues.
Researchers developed a sustainable approach to improving polymer performance by using plasma treatment on polypropylene-lignin blends. The treated lignin exhibited increased phenoxy radicals and reduced hydroxyl functionalities, leading to enhanced compatibility with PP.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a low-carbon system that transforms materials like plastics and agricultural waste into syngas, producing high-quality chemicals and fuels. The technology achieves a purity of around 90% in a process that takes only a few minutes.
A new study found that movie reviews with female- versus male-dominated casts contain more sexist language, with critics often perpetuating biases against women. The analysis of 17,165 reviews highlights the need for a more equitable film industry, where women are better represented in leading roles and receive fair criticism.
A research team developed an autonomous geological assessment tool that uses machine learning to measure dip angles and directions in rock facets with high accuracy, achieving rates of up to 99.4%. The R-C-D-F method eliminates joint bands while preserving joint embedment points, making it ideal for modern infrastructure projects.
Researchers at Kyungpook National University have developed a new approach to map and engineer enzymes for enhanced plastic recycling. They employ landscape profiling to identify efficient biocatalysts for recycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET), producing high-purity monomers under mild conditions.
Schuman and her team aim to create a large library of open-source code, tools, and training programs for neuromorphic computing. They will provide community-level access to NMC systems, enabling widespread use and research in various scientific fields.
A large-scale study analyzing over three million job postings finds that Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are accelerating the transformation of the job market. While demand for partly substitutable skills reduces, new jobs are created in areas such as chatbot development and machine learning.
A Seoul National University team developed a breakthrough technique to improve metal-polymer joints, enabling the use of plastics in car parts and reducing overall vehicle weight. This method uses laser surface texturing to create strong and durable bonds between steel and plastic materials.
Researchers have created custom-made adsorbent materials that can pull harmful phosphorus out of water by transforming cyanobacterial biomass into chemically modified activated carbon. The lanthanum-modified materials showed promise in removing excess phosphorus, even at high concentrations.
Researchers have designed an innovative iron-based catalyst that can produce ammonia at a rate three times higher than the current industry standard. The new catalyst, made from earth-abundant materials, enables efficient industrial production of ammonia, a crucial chemical for fertilizers and sustainable agriculture.
Neuromorphic computing is poised to emerge into full-scale commercial use, driven by the need for energy-efficient solutions. The review article proposes strategies for building large-scale neuromorphic systems that can tackle complex real-world challenges.
The ECem project aims to develop electric heating technologies for cement calcination, reducing CO2 emissions by up to three times. Researchers are exploring infrared and inductive heating methods to overcome material properties challenges.
The final synthetic chromosome unlocks new possibilities in metabolic engineering and strain optimisation, enabling the generation of genetic diversity on demand. The achievement represents a major milestone in synthetic biology and has important implications for future genome engineering projects.
Researchers at Chung-Ang University have developed a novel hydrovoltaic device that can produce up to a few tens of microwatts and responds quickly to evaporation-driven changes in water flow, making it suitable for fire detection. The device also exhibits excellent stability over extended periods.
A new study suggests that counter climate change organizations are more likely to arise in countries with stronger environmental policies and institutions. These groups often have eclectic views not directly tied to economic or political interests, and are increasingly global in scope.
Researchers have developed a Zn-decorated GaN nanowire catalyst that efficiently converts CO2 and H2O into methane and hydrogen peroxide under light irradiation. The catalyst achieves high conversion rates with 93.6% selectivity and maintains activity for over 80 hours, providing a practical solution for sustainable fuel production.
New research reveals that increasing minimum wages is associated with decreased summer employment and hours worked by college students. Students with limited or no work experience are disproportionately affected. The study provides valuable insights into the impact of rising minimum wages on young workers' job prospects.
A new study published in Journal of Management Studies reveals that employee perceptions of AI performance and feelings towards AI vary, affecting AI performance and adoption. Four different trust configurations were identified, leading to distinct behaviors and a vicious cycle of biased data inputs degrading AI performance.
The UCF-led PARTNERS consortium aims to train a new generation of nuclear engineers and scientists, providing a talent pipeline for the NNSA. The $5 million grant will support students from underrepresented communities, providing research opportunities and internships at national labs.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have developed a technology that uses microwaves to produce clean hydrogen in minutes, overcoming limitations of existing methods. By leveraging microwave energy, the team achieved significant breakthroughs in reducing production temperatures and time.
Researchers have developed a sustainable alternative to traditional fertilizer production by harnessing the Earth's natural heat and forces to cook up ammonia. The new recipe uses iron-rich rocks and nitrogen-laced water, producing about 1.8 kg of ammonia per ton of olivine, with no energy input or CO2 emission.
The open-access book delves into the impact of AI and autonomous systems on human lives and ways of working, emphasizing their importance in prioritizing human well-being and creativity. Key learnings include the need for ethical design practices and considering AI as part of a larger system to enhance human experiences.
The collaboration aims to drive innovation in renewable energy technologies, focusing on advancements in solar, wind, and other new and renewable energy systems. Research efforts will also study microgrid technologies, grid management solutions, and explore energy-efficient buildings and processes.
Biofilm produced by Pseudomonas alcaligenes has unique structural properties and thermal stability, exhibiting antioxidant, emulsification and flocculation activity. The EPS can be used as a natural additive for the pharmaceutical and food industries with potential applications in developing sustainable or ecofriendly additives.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has received USGIF accreditation for its online graduate certificate and master's degree in CyberGIS and Geospatial Data Science. The partnership will train students to address large-scale problems using geospatial sciences, mathematical and statistical sciences, and cyberinfrastructure.
A new 6D pose dataset has been introduced, providing high-quality RGB and depth images with annotated 6D pose data. This dataset achieves state-of-the-art accuracy rates of 97.05% and 98.09% for robotic grasping and automation applications.
The University of Texas at Arlington is developing more efficient processes for sourcing rare earth elements needed to produce high-performance magnets. The project aims to make the mining of these critical materials more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective.