News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
The largest study on hardmetal workers found no increased risk of lung cancer or death due to the substance's use in the industry. Short-term workers showed small excesses in lung cancer mortality, attributed to lifestyle and behavior factors rather than occupational exposure.
A recent University of Alberta study reveals that wolves in the Athabasca Oil Sands region are undeterred by tailings ponds and pit mines when hunting moose. In fact, low human activity areas like these provide effective hunting grounds for wolves.
The Army-led Micro Autonomous Systems and Technology (MAST) Collaborative Technology Alliance has demonstrated futuristic robotic research platforms, showcasing state-of-the-art benchmarks. The program aims to develop small autonomous robots for collaborative operation with large systems in complex environments.
Researchers at KAIST have created highly flexible wearable displays by integrating OLED into fabrics, enabling commercialization of clothing-shaped displays. The team's breakthrough technology reduces mechanical stress on OLEDs, resulting in high luminance and efficiency.
Researchers at UTA are refining their ClaimBuster tool to verify facts in new forms of media and publications, and automate the process. The expanded tool aims to improve information accuracy and transparency, benefiting consumers, businesses, and professionals.
Researchers demonstrate non-invasive method to control gait using brain-computer interface and virtual walking avatar. The study, funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke, shows increased activity in brain areas involved in motor learning and error monitoring.
The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) suggests that dental schools prioritize research participation, collaboration with other departments, and flexible curricula. AADR also advocates for increased funding from various sources, including the National Institutes of Health, to support dental research and training.
A study evaluated the effectiveness of chemical insecticides and the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana against western flower thrips on broccoli and lettuce. The results suggest that incorporating biopesticides like Beauveria bassiana into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices can help manage thrip populations effectively.
A discovery by a UQ-Columbia University-University of Washington research group has explained the regulation of pyruvate carboxylase enzyme in Lactococcus bacterium, crucial for efficient milk acidification and cheese production. The findings have significant implications for Australia's billion-dollar cheese industry.
A new study by UC San Francisco researchers found that tobacco companies knew NRT hardly ever works without counseling, but now sell it over-the-counter to complement smoking. The 'Tobacco Papers' reveal how industry documents show a shift in perception toward nicotine.
Researchers found knee OA in 16% of postindustrial individuals 50+, but only 6% and 8% in early industrial and prehistoric samples. The findings suggest an approximate doubling of knee OA prevalence since the mid-20th century.
A report by three neurosurgeons highlights industry's growing role in funding neurosurgery research, while also addressing ethical concerns and disparities. The authors advocate for careful oversight and disclosure to maintain high ethical standards.
Researchers from Stockholm University have established the SeaBOS initiative to engage global seafood companies in ocean conservation. The collaboration aims to address unsustainable fishing practices and promote marine ecosystem protection.
A Swansea-led consortium has secured £7 million in UK government funding to develop solar power stations in five Indian villages. The project aims to create energy-positive buildings that can generate, store and release their own power.
A national study finds that state investments in high-tech industries pay off, even in places with less ideal prospects. Patience and modest expectations are key to success, according to University of Illinois professor Kevin Leicht.
A $90 billion global problem in the oil industry may be solved by reducing environmental harm through a new process called biosouring. Researchers are developing a technology called GeoBioCell to track interactions between water, rock, microbes, and oil in controlled environments.
Aarhus University researchers and industrial companies publish results and data on innovative Open Science platform, making basic research relevant to industries accessible. The platform breaks barriers and provides risk-free zone for companies to try out ideas, acquire latest university research and create unique products.
A new study from NUI Galway has identified vinegar and heat as the best treatment for lion's mane jellyfish stings. The findings, published in Toxins, recommend rinsing with vinegar or a commercial product to remove tentacles and then immersing in hot water for 40 minutes.
Researchers argue that basic legal and ethical principles surrounding consent are unclear, threatening the validity of large-scale biobanking projects. The authors call for explicit policy action to address these issues.
Researchers use optical coherence tomography to analyze the size, number, and orientation of metal flakes in industrial car paint, improving efficiency in automotive finishing processes. The technique also shows promise for analyzing pharmaceutical coatings.
The University of Sussex is conducting vital skin cancer research with a new £428K grant. The project focuses on targeting the PHIP(2) protein, which is present in high amounts in melanoma and other aggressive cancers.
The Francis Crick Institute has launched a fellowship programme to train African researchers to combat infectious diseases in their home countries. The programme, called the Crick African Network, will provide two years of intensive training and mentorship to foster the next generation of research leaders in Africa.
A new study reveals a dramatic increase in pangolin hunting across Central Africa, with up to 2.7 million animals harvested annually. The research highlights the need for governments and local communities to work together to protect these critically endangered species.
A record-breaking marine heatwave, lasting 251 days and seven times larger than Tasmania, was driven by a surge of warm water in the East Australian Current. Climate change made this event several times more likely, with temperatures 2.9°C above normal.
A team of chemists developed a method to produce polycarbonates from limonene and CO2, replacing bisphenol-A (BPA) as a precursor. This bioplastic production approach reduces toxicity and offers a sustainable alternative for various industries.
The University of Birmingham has been awarded £7 million by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) to establish a global surgical research unit. The unit will focus on developing sustainable international research hubs across low and middle-income countries.
The University of Warwick has received a £1.5 million grant from the NIHR Global Health Research Unit to develop culturally appropriate interventions for psychosis sufferers in India. The three-year project aims to improve early treatment, raise care standards, and use digital technologies to overcome infrastructure problems.
The University of Warwick has received a £5.7m grant to find better ways of delivering healthcare to people living in slums in Asia and Africa. The project aims to identify the best models for health service delivery and persuade politicians to make changes, benefiting nearly a billion people.
A new study found that nearly 10% of the world's total catch in the last decade was discarded due to poor fishing practices and inadequate management. The discarded fish could have been put to better use, highlighting the need for improved fisheries management and new technology to reduce waste.
Researchers at IUPUI's Transportation Active Safety Institute are working with Toyota to develop roadside-departure systems for autonomous vehicles. The project aims to create and test methodologies for detecting road edges and boundaries, improving driving safety.
Researchers at WMG, University of Warwick have developed a new processing route to control brittle stages during steel production. This breakthrough allows for the creation of low-density steels with maximum strength and durability, making them suitable for safer, greener, more fuel-efficient cars.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is part of a leading EU-China food safety project, tackling global food fraud worth $52 billion annually. The partnership aims to reduce food fraud and improve safety through innovative technologies and collaborative research.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a new type of silica particle that can stabilize both oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions using a single type of emulsifier. The particles' rough surface reduces their mobility, allowing them to form a stabilizing armour around droplets.
A recent study published in Public Health found that only 1% of examined products provided calorie information on labels, and none were available in supermarkets' stores or online. This raises concerns about the lack of progress made by UK alcohol producers and retailers to provide consumers with essential nutrition data.
Researchers developed a more resilient type of concrete using recycled tire fibres, reducing crack formation by over 90% compared to regular concrete. The new concrete has potential to shrink the tire industry's carbon footprint and reduce construction emissions.
A new technique developed by James Cook University scientists helps oil palm growers predict crop yield, nitrous oxide emissions and nitrogen leaching. The research provides valuable information for on-farm decision making, enabling growers to make decisions that balance productivity and environmental sustainability.
Assistant professor Namiko Yamamoto is using a $447,663 grant from the Office of Naval Research to explore the fundamental toughening mechanisms of novel ceramic composites. Her goal is to develop ceramics with enhanced fracture toughness and damage tolerance for high-temperature aerospace applications.
The 'Keep Control' project aims to improve understanding and diagnosis of balance and gait deficits in older adults, with a focus on developing innovative treatment options. The initiative, coordinated by Kiel University, brings together experts from Europe to enhance diagnosis and therapy for fall-prone individuals.
A Tel Aviv University study reveals that asymmetric objects settle uniformly in liquid, contrary to symmetrical objects. This finding may improve fluidized beds used in polymer production and water treatment facilities.
Dr Rebecca O'Connor's research has led to the development of a chromosome screening service for agricultural food providers, improving mapping of the pig genome and reducing economic costs. The device can screen for genetic flaws that affect fertility in pigs, producing fewer than half the usual litter size.
A Texas A&M research team has discovered a way to produce good quality carbon fiber from lignin, a structural part of plants that piles up as waste. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of new products like tennis rackets and cars, generating jobs and rural economic growth.
Researchers warn that African lions and Sunda clouded leopards are at risk of extinction due to a decline in prey species. If primary big cat prey continues to decline, it poses a serious risk to these species, highlighting the need for urgent government protection.
A new study at Michigan State University finds that people are skeptical of research linked to a company, even if the partner has a good reputation. The public's perception of science is affected by corporate involvement, with 77% of participants expressing negative views.
New research suggests UK health spending must increase at a rate faster than GDP to meet growing demand for healthcare services. The J-value model, developed by Professor Philip Thomas, indicates that developed countries like France and Germany are already prioritizing health care as a fraction of their income.
A study found that nearly half of US physicians (48%) received industry payments, totaling $2.4 billion in 2015. Surgeons received significantly higher average payments ($6,879) compared to primary care physicians ($2,227).
A new chemical recycling method has been developed to recycle carbon fiber composites, which are difficult to break down or recycle. The method uses mild acids and low temperatures to break down the thermosets, preserving the carbon fibers in a useful form that can be easily reused.
The team created a nanocatalyst that can perform four separate chemical reactions in one container to produce compounds useful in making a wide range of pharmaceutical products. The new catalyst reduces waste and uses more environmentally friendly solvents.
A new statistical model has been developed to help guide forest management decisions under climate change. The model uses future climate scenarios to produce more accurate predictions than previous methods, allowing for the design of strategies that mitigate climate change impacts on loblolly pine plantations.
Researchers developed a degradable material using corn starch and metal-organic framework nanoparticles, offering promising properties for electronic substrates and insulators. The material has mechanical, electrical, and flame retardant properties, making it suitable for eco-friendly electronics.
A recent study found that companies facing market pressure to meet earnings expectations may compromise on safety, resulting in a 12% higher injury rate for employees. This is due to managers cutting back on safety-related expenditures and increasing employee output, leading to an economic trade-off between profits and worker health.
New research from Michigan State University suggests that a boss's mindset can significantly impact employee motivation. Studies found that leaders with a regulatory focus, or mindset, can adapt their behavior to elicit specific mindsets in employees, whether it's innovation or a more conservative work focus.
The Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors (CASL) developed a model of the Watts Bar Unit 2 reactor core before startup and simulated its initial cycle. The simulations confirmed engineers' predictions on safe operation and provided detailed hour-by-hour behavior during power escalation. CASL's high-fidelity code su...
The BRAIN Center will focus on developing and testing neurotechnologies for a wide range of diseases and injuries, with the potential to save $400 billion in future costs. Researchers from ASU and UH, along with industry partners, will work together to speed technologies to market.
Scientists have successfully developed a 1-bit microprocessor consisting of 115 transistors on a surface area of around 0.6 mm2, running simple programs. The breakthrough uses molybdenum disulphide, a two-dimensional material with semiconductor properties.
A crowdsourced traffic violation reporting app, Mobile Roadwatch, has been developed to improve traffic safety. Drivers can capture and report traffic violations using their smartphones, providing valuable evidence for police to issue tickets.
Researchers found significant differences in how men and women view experience-based hospitality, with men perceiving the brand more positively than women. Women's perceptions were influenced by individual experiences and safety concerns.
A group of students from the UK developed a new method to improve soybean strains using analytics and operations research. The solution has the potential to increase global food production and was part of the first annual O.R. and Analytics Student Team Competition.
The US Air Force Academy has been awarded the 2017 UPS George D. Smith Prize for its effective preparation of students to become frontline analytics practitioners in the Air Force. The academy's O.R. program provides cadets with access to real-world data and problem-solving opportunities through partnerships with top organizations.
Researchers developed a continuous monitoring system to detect potential machine faults through sensor analysis. The system can identify subtle changes in signal patterns, allowing for early warning of damage or mechanical wear.
New research by the University of Warwick found that babies in the UK, Canada, and Italy cry more than those in other countries. On average, babies around the world cry for 2 hours per day in the first two weeks, peaking at 2 hours 15 minutes at six weeks.