News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
Researchers have developed a new method to detect bacterial biofilms using molecular chameleons, which emit a unique optical fingerprint. This breakthrough could lead to improved understanding of biofilm formation and its applications in medical care and the food industry.
Research warns that hurricanes are moving further north along the Northeast US coast, posing a greater threat to cities like New York. The study suggests that man-made emissions have overridden natural cooling effects, leading to more frequent and powerful storms.
A new study published in Nature's Ecology & Evolution journal reveals that the shape of bacteria does not affect their ability to move, challenging long-held theories. The researchers analyzed data from 325 different species of Firmicutes bacteria and found no association between shape and mobility.
The European Summit of Industrial Biotechnology 2016 highlights the growing importance of biotech, with a focus on innovative technologies like CRISPR/CAS and automated lab systems. However, severe challenges are emerging, including the potential automation of labs and the decline of human roles in scientific research.
Researchers found that cement manufacturing emits significant CO2, but also gradually reabsorbs it through a process called carbonation, reducing its overall impact on climate change. Over 76 billion tons of cement were produced between 1930 and 2013, with an estimated 38.2 gigatons of CO2 released.
A team of scientists has completed research into radioactively contaminated material to gain further understanding around safely decommissioning nuclear facilities. The study identified the specific location of radioactive isotopes in a concrete core, which could lead to more efficient decontamination and cost savings.
Senior officials from the FDA and NIA joined advocates and researchers to discuss collaborations for advancing Alzheimer's disease knowledge into clinical trials. The meeting aimed to identify reliable biomarkers and symptomatic approaches to improve treatment of major behavioral and psychiatric aspects of the disease.
Scientists have created a new thermoelectric material that can convert waste heat into electricity at an unusually high rate, producing 22 watts per square centimeter. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient energy conservation and reduced CO2 emissions by harnessing abundant and free fuel sources.
Research finds a 19% drop in mercury concentrations in Atlantic bluefin tuna over an 8-year period, linked to regional emissions reductions. Industry efforts have led to a 4.3% annual decrease in mercury levels in north Atlantic waters.
A Lehigh University researcher is developing business models to integrate clean energy into the grid, enabling seamless trading of surplus power among consumers and suppliers. This innovation has the potential to drastically reduce reliance on fossil fuels and associated environmental harm.
A recent study discovered that flavored e-cigarette vapor contains hazardous levels of toxic aldehydes, including formaldehyde, which can cause cancer. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the effects of flavoring additives on e-liquid toxicity.
The US Department of Agriculture has awarded $200,000 to four university teams for their innovative solutions in food and agricultural science. The winning teams will receive funding to start a business and participate in an entrepreneurial immersion course to commercialize their inventions.
Researchers found industry sponsorship may be linked to more favorable study outcomes, but differences were not statistically significant. Insufficient evidence exists to quantify the impact of industry sponsorship on research quality and results.
The American College of Physicians recommends using corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or colchicine to treat patients with acute gout. The guideline also emphasizes the importance of diagnosing gout accurately to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment. Additionally, researchers found that industry-...
Scientists at the John Innes Centre have developed a new MutChromSeq technique that reduces the complexity of searching for specific genes in wheat and barley genomes. This method uses chromosome flow sorting to narrow down the search area, making it faster and cheaper to sequence just one chromosome.
A recent study found that employees who are a poor cultural fit can remain engaged and productive through job crafting and enhanced leisure activities. Job crafting allows workers to modify their duties to better match personal abilities, while leisure activities can improve job satisfaction and performance.
Researchers found that a mediocre Italian soup started the meal improved subjects' overall liking for the pasta dish compared to a high-quality one. The study suggests restaurants can improve customer experiences by varying dishes by cuisine type to avoid negative responses.
The annual global weight extracted is estimated at 120,000 tonnes of bait worms, with extraction having significant physical impacts on shore sediment and wading bird populations. The researchers encourage sustainable management to minimize environmental impacts.
Researchers found that retail employees experience corporate hypocrisy through direct managers and corporate offices, leading to negative attitudes and high turnover rates. Good manager training and consistency are key to preventing these issues and maintaining good employee relations.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have engineered a strain of yeast that can convert all plant sugars, including xylose, into ethanol. This breakthrough could enable the widespread production of biofuels from cellulosic biomass, transforming the economics of ethanol production.
Researchers found that poplar trees and many other plants naturally produce zip-lignin, a compound that breaks down easily under simple chemical conditions. This discovery could lead to increased degradability of a vast array of plants through breeding or engineering.
The University of Texas at Arlington has partnered with Apache Corporation to conduct a baseline water quality study of groundwater and surface water in the Alpine High resource play. The study aims to provide important data for future monitoring efforts and support responsible energy extraction processes.
The UK's aerospace manufacturing industry is set to benefit from a new process for producing aerospace-grade titanium alloys, FAST-forge. Developed by the University of Sheffield, this technology provides more design flexibility and could lead to improved buy-to-fly ratios.
Research found that internal networking behaviors promote job satisfaction and reduced turnover, while external networking increases the likelihood of leaving a company. Employers can increase opportunities for internal networking to retain talent, balancing work-life interaction.
A new method for creating industrial chemicals has been developed by researchers at Washington State University, potentially lowering production costs and energy requirements. The Fischer-Tropsch process is used to produce alcohols and aldehydes, which can be used as fuel additives and feedstock for various industries.
Experiments show that people's sense of understanding is increased when told others around them comprehend it. The study found that assurance of others' knowledge creates a community of knowledge, where people feel more confident in their own understanding, regardless of actual expertise.
The University of Texas at Arlington's CLEAR lab will continue to research air and water quality monitoring studies and develop effective corrective strategies to limit negative ecological impacts. A partnership with Earth Day Texas will host a conference on responsible shale energy extraction.
A historical analysis examines the sugar industry's role in coronary heart disease research and suggests the industry sponsored research to influence the scientific debate. The study highlights the importance of having reviews written by people without conflicts of interest and the need for financial disclosure.
The John Innes Centre has developed a comprehensive online training hub for wheat researchers, providing essential information on experimental protocols, genomics tools, and cultivation techniques. The platform aims to break down barriers to wheat research, enabling new scientists to transition into the field.
A new study by Dr. Hilla Dotan and Prof. Uta Herbst found that women achieve better negotiation outcomes when representing their friends, rather than competing against them. This counterintuitive finding suggests that women's focus on building relationships and cooperation can lead to more successful negotiations.
A UK-wide study aiming to assess the resilience of the British pig industry will use advanced analytics and machine learning to forecast how major changes affect the sector. The PIGSustain project will gather comprehensive data on animal health, disease, and welfare as well as socio-economic trends.
A $15.4 million initiative co-led by Johns Hopkins and Salk aims to improve the quality of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology for studying mental health disorders. The project will use iPSCs from over 50 patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder to develop new diagnostic and drug discovery tools.
Research from Simon Fraser University's Beedie School of Business found that consumers conserve resources when they perceive a hotel to be environmentally friendly. The study revealed that visible efforts by firms can influence consumer behavior, with eco-friendly initiatives leading to greater resource conservation and cost savings.
Two studies find high levels of perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAAs) in the blood of African crocodiles and American alligators, suggesting exposure to long-lived industrial chemicals. PFAA levels were higher at sites with past use of firefighting foams, indicating potential environmental contamination.
A new study published in JAMA Oncology found that 86% of National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline authors had at least one reported financial conflict of interest. The study revealed significant payments to guideline authors, with an average of $10,011 for general payments and $236,066 for industry research payments.
Researchers found that individuals living near active natural gas wells were nearly twice as likely to suffer from migraines, chronic rhinosinusitis, and severe fatigue. The study suggests a plausible link between fracking and these health conditions, highlighting the need for further research and protection.
Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory developed a new technique to quantify force transmission through 3D granular materials. The findings suggest that forces move spatially through these materials in patterns consistent with theory and simulations.
Research by RMIT University and others found technical problems caused 64% of drone accidents, prompting calls for improved airworthiness requirements and mandatory accident reporting. The study highlights the need for robust communications systems to prevent accidents in the rapidly growing drone industry.
A commentary in CMAJ cautions against tobacco industry influence on Canada's plain packaging consultation. The authors advocate for media vigilance and government requirements to disclose conflicts of interest and ensure submissions are backed by peer-reviewed evidence.
A new carbon-based membrane demonstrates a potentially disruptive technology in separating xylenes and similar organic compounds. The membrane uses an 'organic solvent reverse osmosis' process, reducing the energy required by conventional separation processes.
Pittsburgh-based researchers receive $350,000 grant to develop fast computational methods for additive manufacturing. The goal is to reduce design optimization time from days or months to minutes, improving the economic sustainability of the process.
Research by Emily M. Zitek and Alexander H. Jordan found that narcissistic individuals are more likely to support hierarchies when they can rise through the ranks or when positions are open. In contrast, they were less likely to support a hierarchy without clear career advancement opportunities.
The project aims to investigate the effectiveness of giving communities access to low-cost portable air pollution monitoring devices in improving air quality and addressing environmental justice concerns. The researchers will educate adults, facilitate cross-community collaboration, and encourage beneficial policy decisions.
Research finds that mismatch between unconscious needs and job demands can cause burnout. A new study reveals that employees with unmet affiliation or power motives are at risk of burnout. The study's findings suggest that interventions targeting these mismatches could increase well-being at work.
NIST's Rapidly Deployable Public Safety Research Platform integrates commercial technologies to enhance emergency communication systems. The platform enables over 200 local users to communicate using voice, text, instant messages, video, and data, with a range of approximately 4 kilometers.
Scientists discovered protected areas contain 15% more individuals and 11% more species than unprotected sites. Better management can double protection effectiveness.
Researchers at the John Innes Centre have identified a previously unidentified step in plant flowering initiation, linking an important gene to protein regulators. This breakthrough uncovers how plants 'remember' low-temperature conditions to control flowering timing.
Researchers have developed a magneto-optic Q-switched laser using a 190-micron-thick magnetic garnet film with labyrinth-shaped magnetic domains. The device achieved optical output with a pulse width of tens of nanoseconds, increasing pulse power by 1,000 times.
The National Science Foundation has awarded over $2.5 million in research funding to Virginia Tech's Wireless@Virginia Tech for projects supporting the White House's Advanced Wireless Research Initiative. The funding will address critical issues in emerging wireless communication networks and technology.
Scientists at University of Sussex have created a new protein resembling Abeta, which doesn't form clumps and is not toxic. This new tool will help researchers understand the causes of Alzheimer's disease and potentially find a cure.
Research suggests that cranberry polyphenols interact with other bioactive compounds to protect the gut microbiota, provide antioxidant functions, and benefit cardiovascular systems. Cranberries also show promise in strengthening the gut defense system, protecting against infection, and managing glucose levels.
The new compiler system allows users to program industrial knitting machines with simple shapes and translate them into needle-level instructions. This enables the creation of a variety of 3D knitted shapes, previously difficult to produce due to complex machine control.
ZIK B CUBE researchers study the role of internal interfaces in biological tissues formation and function using marine shells like pen shell Pinna nobilis and glass spicules of deep-sea sponge Monorhaphis chuni. The team aims to establish thermodynamic and mechanical models for smart composite materials design.
Researchers harness 3D x-ray imaging technology and computer simulations to understand the effect of stainless steel horseshoes on skeletal stresses in horses. The method was used effectively in a preliminary case study, paving the way for new research directions to minimize foot injuries.
A new study found that people with asthma living near larger or bigger fracking industry wells in Pennsylvania are 1.5-4 times more likely to experience asthma attacks. The researchers identified a significant increase in asthma attacks among patients living closer to these wells, particularly during the production phase.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is investing over $400 million in fundamental wireless research and infrastructure development. This support will enable novel technologies, applications, and services that can transform daily life through ultra-high-speed, high-bandwidth, and low-latency connectivity.
Researchers at John Innes Centre discover a key 'twist' in producing heteroyohimbine compounds, which could lead to new and effective pharmaceuticals. The study reveals the importance of specific amino acid sequences in controlling stereoselectivity during compound synthesis.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have developed a composite material that can enhance specific properties on an object's surface, allowing curved surfaces to appear flat to electromagnetic waves. This practical demonstration could lead to improved antenna designs and applications in the aerospace industry.
Researchers developed a cloud-based system using big data analytics and topic modeling to analyze startup companies' business descriptions. The approach identifies potential matches based on business proximity, geographic location, social links, and common investor ownership.
Researchers develop a novel approach to measure individual coating layers of automotive paints using time-of-flight measurements of ultrashort THz pulses. The algorithm-informed computer model resolves layer thicknesses below seven microns with high accuracy.