News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
SIAM has announced its 2016 Class of Fellows, a group of 30 distinguished researchers recognized for their outstanding contributions to applied mathematics and computational science. The recipients were chosen for their exceptional research and service to the community.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a new method for making thin films using atomic layer deposition (ALD), reducing waste and potentially cutting precursor costs. The technique involves pulsing gas into the chamber to free up blocked receptors, increasing efficiency in manufacturing processes.
Researchers from the University of Surrey have discovered a new physical mechanism that separates particles according to their size during the drying of wet coatings. This 'self-layering' process creates two layers with independent properties, which could improve the performance of coatings across industries.
A textile engineer at Technische Universität Dresden has developed a flexible weaving technology for producing three-dimensional textile structures with excellent structural mechanical properties. The technology can be used in various applications such as aircraft fuselage, car bodies, and machine enclosures.
A new smart vest developed at RMIT University uses sensors to measure body temperature and heart rate, sending data wirelessly to a smartphone app. This innovation aims to prevent heat-related accidents on construction sites, where workers are at higher risk of death or injury than in many other occupations.
Dr. Prasit Phowthongkum is the recipient of the 2016 Horizon Pharma/ACMG Foundation Award, which provides $40,000 per year to support his one-year fellowship training in clinical genetics. The award aims to advance education, research, and standards of practice in medical genetics.
A team of researchers is developing a new mooring system for floating offshore wind turbines that uses an integrated network of anchors and lines to hold dozens or even hundreds of turbines in place. This proposed system aims to save money and require fewer anchors and geotechnical site investigations.
The NREC has been selected for four major federal research projects totaling over $11 million, focusing on topics such as automated stress testing and transformative wheel technology. The center anticipates hiring additional staff to augment its existing team of around 100 researchers.
Researchers from University of Southern Denmark found that liposomes cannot penetrate the human skin barrier intact. The study used a nanoscope to directly observe individual molecules and liposomes, revealing no penetration without breaking down. This challenges previous assumptions about liposome efficacy in skincare and medicine.
A new study exposes the 'myths' surrounding sustainable air travel, revealing that technological solutions are often overstated and failing to drive meaningful policy change. Despite growing emissions, industry and government rely on unfeasible technologies like solar flight, perpetuating a culture of non-accountability.
The University of Bath has been awarded two Innovate UK grants to lead separate projects investigating different aspects of a vehicle's exhaust system, aiming to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The research will focus on two new ways to utilize waste thermal energy to enhance fuel economy in future vehicles.
The University of Warwick will receive £5 million to support 66 PhD students in engineering and physical sciences research. The program aims to equip students with advanced research training and skills to address 21st-century questions.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding enzymes that break down tough biomass, crucial for producing biofuels from renewable sources. The discovery could lead to improved efficiency and environmental sustainability in industrial biofuel production.
A University of Arizona-led research team found that short-term exposure to industrial nanoparticles used in semiconductor manufacturing poses little risk. The study analyzed the physical, chemical and biological attributes of four metal oxide nanomaterials and determined that they showed no adverse effects on human cells or bacteria.
Researchers found that industry-sponsored programs for reducing drinking and driving often lack evidence of effectiveness or have not been studied. Examples of effective interventions like sobriety checkpoints and ignition interlocks were rarely used in these initiatives.
University researchers propose using economic incentives, such as tax differentials and price controls, to reduce tobacco industry's profitability and promote less hazardous alternatives like e-cigarettes. This approach could lead to a rapid endgame for cigarettes and achieve historic public health breakthroughs.
A team of international researchers synthesized large quantities of pure georgeite, a rare copper-hydroxycarbonate mineral. They found that the georgeite was an excellent catalyst precursor for two important reactions in the chemical industry, outperforming commercial catalysts.
A new Florida State University study refutes a 2007 Science study claiming that shark declines led to increased cownose ray populations, which collapsed oyster and shellfish industries. The research shows that shark populations were not as depleted as reported, and most species have recovered or are recovering.
The European Research Council has announced €585 million ERC Consolidator Grants to support 302 top mid-career scientists conducting innovative research across various fields. The grantees, including German, British, French, and Italian scientists, will develop groundbreaking ideas with potential impact on industries and global welfare.
A team of researchers led by UC Riverside scientist Wenbo Ma has received a $4 million grant to study the citrus greening disease and develop resistant varieties. They will use CRISPR-based genome editing to modify native citrus genes and investigate public acceptance of genome-edited crops.
GCEP has awarded over $177 million since its launch in 2002 to support global climate change efforts through innovative energy technologies. Researchers will focus on developing lightweight materials, high-efficiency solar devices and microbial production of biofuels.
The study reveals that on-ramping programs provide support and tools for women to transition into university faculty or instructor positions. Many participants found autonomy, intellectual freedom, and personal satisfaction in their new roles, and expressed high confidence in their abilities as educators.
Researchers at University of Nottingham have developed a novel snow cleaning method for CMM styli, effective in removing tiny debris particles and organic residue, minimizing measurement errors.
Researchers gather features and metrics from private datasets, creating vast data points that describe the physical power grid. The combination of these elements determines the performance of the grid, which has become more complex with recent additions like renewables and intelligent devices.
A McGill University research team finds that Quebec's carbon-pricing policy likely has a modest cost burden on households and industries. The program aims to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions while minimizing economic disruption.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering are developing a new type of storage system that uses metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to adsorb natural gas like a sponge. The material is designed to dissipate heat quickly, making it more efficient than traditional CNG tanks.
Lenient return policies, such as those with flexible deadlines and monetary refunds, can increase purchases and reduce returns. The study suggests that retailers should consider the specific goals of their business when designing their return policies.
A study by Penn State researchers found that high-growth firms are more likely to be in communities with a variety of industries, rather than just one or two specialized industries. Communities with higher numbers of bachelor's degrees also tend to host these businesses.
A new laser-based technique, LIBS, has been developed for rapid analysis of inorganic species in biomass, showing accuracy comparable to ICP-OES methods. The technique's low cost, rapid turnaround time, and minimal sample preparation make it an attractive option for biomass analysis.
The University of Illinois and Syngenta have signed an agreement to implement a commercialization strategy for the 'RIPE' project, which aims to improve photosynthetic efficiency in food crops. The partnership brings together academic groups with industry partner Syngenta to advance technologies developed under the project.
Aspirational professional women can succeed in reaching the top by understanding and using their social capital. A study found that women generally lack the ability, knowledge or opportunity to accrue or use their social capital for senior-level promotion.
A new study from Oregon State University found that Dungeness crab fishermen experience a high rate of non-fatal injuries, with the majority occurring during vessel disasters. The researchers also discovered that many of these injuries go unreported, highlighting the need for improved safety measures and reporting systems in the industry.
The research aims to develop an efficient computational fluid dynamics code for fire suppression, including heat transfer, material flammability, and water spray dynamics. FM Global's FireFOAM simulation tool is available as open-source software to researchers studying fires and fire suppression.
Research by American Psychological Association found that self-esteem tends to increase with age, but the gender gap is more significant in Western industrialized countries. The study analyzed data from over 985,000 men and women ages 16-45 from 48 countries, revealing that specific cultural influences shape self-esteem development in ...
UCSB researchers are working on developing next-generation materials and design systems with $6 million in National Science Foundation funding. They aim to create higher-performance aircraft engines and more efficient natural gas-based power plants.
The number of industry-sponsored clinical trials has dramatically increased since 2006, while NIH-funded trials have declined substantially. This trend raises concerns about the influence of commercial interests on medical research, potentially compromising public health outcomes.
The number of NIH-funded trials decreased by 328, while industry-funded trials increased by 1,965, during the period. The total number of newly registered trials increased by 5,410, with industry-funded trials accounting for the majority of growth.
Research using eye-tracking technology reveals that alternative production methods positively influence purchasing behavior, while price and limited space are common barriers. The study provides valuable recommendations for plant producers and retailers to improve indoor foliage plant sales.
Researchers at Washington State University developed a catalyst that easily converts bio-based ethanol to isobutene, a widely used industrial chemical. The breakthrough could help reduce environmental impacts and meet new regulations for sustainability in the chemical industry.
Nearly 40% of Ph.D. graduates enter industry, with those in RÔD firms earning higher salaries than academia counterparts. Mathematics and/or computer sciences hold the highest average earnings at over $65,000 per year.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers found that modifiable health risks like obesity, stress, and smoking cost companies billions in healthcare costs. The study suggests that workplace wellness programs can help reduce these costs by promoting healthier behaviors.
Researchers use high-energy synchrotron X-rays to analyze cast iron structure, revealing insights into its mechanical and thermal properties. This technology enables the development of high-performance materials for fuel-efficient engines and engine parts.
The IOF Young Investigator Research Award is offered to researchers aged 40 years or younger. The award includes a grant of 1000 USD and the opportunity to present at a special oral session during the Meeting.
Clemson University has received a $150,000 grant from Wells Fargo to support research on Armillaria root rot, a devastating fungus that causes significant annual losses in the peach industry. The funding will allow researchers to apply advanced genetic and computational techniques to build a foundation for solving this critical problem.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed microscopic swimming devices that can be guided by physical structures and used for drug delivery or medical diagnosis. The devices use a catalytic coating to move automatically on a pre-determined route, opening up possibilities for targeted treatments and disease diagnosis.
A QUT study found that 44% of child injuries in emergency departments are associated with consumer products, but 13% of cases have inadequate records to determine the cause. The study highlights the need for better injury data to improve product safety initiatives.
Scientists at Austrian Research Centre of Industrial Biotechnology discover a new enzyme in white rabbit's foot fern with high activity, enabling efficient recycling of cyanide wastes. The breakthrough opens doors for industrial applications in crop protection and repellent production.
A QUT research found that sharing economy model could be developed to support people experiencing financial hardship by providing essential services like food relief. Clients who interacted with each other at the centre appreciated social value and gained useful knowledge, while stigma attached to seeking help was reduced.
Researchers found that supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) pretreatment increased sugar yields from empty fruit bunches by up to 37%, with the addition of alkali further increasing glucose production. The study provides visual evidence of surface changes in pretreated biomass.
Researchers from Osaka University developed a technology that projects images onto moving objects, aligning them with the object's movement. The technology uses visual markers and radiometric compensation to achieve accurate registration.
Scientists successfully produced a high-quality FeNi magnet using natural meteorite material in just ten days, significantly reducing the production time from billions of years. This breakthrough resolves issues related to rare-earth supply and paves the way for industrial superiority in future magnets.
The University of Houston is developing technology to help protect emergency response systems, such as current and next-generation 911 systems, against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. The team aims to develop low-cost mitigation strategies to strengthen the resilience of emergency response systems.
A team of appraisers found that home buyers pay a premium for solar homes in six US states, with the average premium being $15,000. The study confirmed earlier research by Berkeley Lab and recommends considering individual market characteristics when valuing solar systems.
Researchers at the University of Maryland studied console and game sales data to understand how base proportions of console owners change over time. The study found that companies should weigh tradeoffs between early adopters and later adopters when releasing games, with optimal timing depending on console adoption patterns.
A team of researchers from Auburn University, the University of Iowa and the University of California, San Diego, discovered a new form of crystalline-like matter in strongly magnetized dusty plasma. The lattice properties can be imposed arbitrarily by an external grid/mesh structure, creating unique geometric patterns.
Scientists have identified the 3D structure of iridoid synthase, an enzyme crucial for producing anticancer and antimalarial compounds from plant natural products. The discovery provides insights into the biosynthesis process, shedding light on the unique mechanism used by this enzyme to generate core iridoid structures.
Researchers at the John Innes Centre have developed a method to produce large quantities of useful natural compounds efficiently by growing them in tomatoes. The study found that one tomato can produce the same amount of Resveratrol as exists in 50 bottles of red wine, and Genistein equivalent to 2.5kg of tofu.
Researchers at the University of Florida have identified a type of deep-sea bacteria that can convert industrial carbon dioxide into bicarbonate, a process that could help neutralize greenhouse gases. The enzyme produced by the bacterium has high thermal stability, making it suitable for industrial applications.
A themed issue of Future Medicinal Chemistry highlights academia's role in drug discovery, discussing industry-academia alliances and novel models. The issue features expert commentaries on bridging the translational research gap and implementing open innovation platforms.
A type of bacteria, Thiomicrospira crunogena, produces an enzyme, carbonic anhydrase, that can convert industrial carbon dioxide into bicarbonate. The enzyme has high thermal stability and could be used in industrial settings to neutralize greenhouse gases.