News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
A study published in the Journal of Virological Methods found that Bio-Rad's Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) technology significantly increases the sensitivity and precision of mutation abundance quantification when compared to RT-qPCR. This makes it an ideal tool for detecting viral RNA mutations in clinical samples.
Research reveals that 'Honeycrisp' apple size and soluble solids content significantly impact consumers' willingness to pay. Growers can increase prices by optimizing fruit size, while maintaining acidity levels to command higher prices.
A new study found that drinking cranberry juice improves vascular function and blood flow in healthy men. Cranberry polyphenols were shown to have a potent, dose-dependent relationship with these benefits, suggesting an important role for cranberries in a heart-healthy diet.
Research finds expectant mothers near fracking wells face increased risk of preterm birth and high-risk pregnancies, with potential links to air quality and maternal stress. The study's findings highlight the need for policymakers to consider health impacts when permitting future wells.
A study by University of California, Riverside researcher Timothy Gubler found that home sellers who use a real estate agent from the same Mormon church congregation earn an average of $4,000 more than those without such an affiliation. This increase occurs without significantly impacting market time or sale probability.
The University of Texas at Arlington will build a unique, arc-heated wind tunnel to study heat shield materials for hypersonic vehicles and spacecraft. The $1.01 million grant will enable researchers to create high-temperature flows and test new thermal protection systems.
Researchers at Washington State University found that consumers are skeptical of hotels' green initiatives when they perceive self-serving motives, but still participate in eco-friendly practices. Hotels can establish credibility by becoming certified by independent agencies and communicating their green programs to customers.
Researchers warn of the dangers of talc exposure in the food processing industry, highlighting a case of talcosis in workers who inhaled talcum dust. The study led to effective control measures being implemented at the company, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive surveillance programmes and structured medical evaluation.
The new algorithm enables filmmakers to determine the optimal number and location of cameras for capturing a scene, amassing data that can be used during post-production. It allows for virtual relighting, generating new viewpoints, and digitally recovering detailed 3D shapes and layouts.
A recent study found that an Icelandic volcanic eruption released three times more sulphur dioxide gas than all of Europe's industrial emissions combined. The eruption caused significant air pollution and acid rain, with the lava flow covering an area equivalent to Manhattan.
Researchers at Austrian Research Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (ACIB) have elucidated a new pathway that makes yeast Pichia pastoris unique. The study reveals the utilization of methanol as a nutrient, similar to plants using CO2, and demonstrates the leading role of Vienna researchers in biotech yeast research.
Researchers from Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University developed an innovative ethics-based model to ensure academic-industry partnerships are conducted with the highest ethical standards. The nine-principle framework includes academic freedom, conflict of interest policy, governance, protection of human subjects, and transparency.
The European Commission Joint Research Centre has found that the uncertainty in solar photovoltaic power measurements can be reduced by more than half, allowing for tighter margins and increased accuracy. This breakthrough could lead to cheaper and faster calibration of secondary reference devices, benefiting both industry and research.
Northwestern University has received a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to establish a national resource for nanotechnology facilities and expertise. The Soft and Hybrid Nanotechnology Experimental (SHyNE) Resource provides integrated capabilities for researchers, including small businesses and industry users.
The Geoscience Career Master's Preparation Survey report assesses students' experiences in geology, geography, and hybrid programs. The study reveals valuable insights into workforce readiness of graduates for government and industry-related positions.
The Hungarian Osteoporosis Prevention Society has been recognized for its exceptional efforts in promoting osteoporosis awareness and prevention, as well as supporting patients through various initiatives. The award acknowledges the society's commitment to reducing falls and osteoporotic fractures among the Hungarian population.
A study projects that over 319 million people will be at high risk of fracture by 2040, doubling the current number. This increase is expected in all regions, but particularly marked in Africa and Latin America, with Asia bearing the highest proportion of the global burden.
The National Science Foundation awards nearly $40 million to support the development of smart cities, including a new instrument called Array of Things in Chicago. The instrument will enable researchers to rapidly deploy sensors and systems at scale in an urban environment.
The Southern Ocean's carbon sink has renewed its strength, absorbing more atmospheric carbon dioxide over the past decade. This improvement is attributed to changes in sea surface temperature and dissolved inorganic carbon levels.
Researchers at Linköping University have discovered that disorder and short-range intermolecular aggregation can enhance the conductivity of conjugated polymers. This finding opens up new avenues for developing faster electronic components.
Engineers at the University of Sheffield are working with the ITF to create a handheld device that measures friction on tennis courts. This will enable professional players to understand and adjust their sliding movements, giving them an edge over their opponents.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new seasickness treatment using a mild electrical current applied to the scalp. The treatment reduces responses in an area of the brain responsible for processing motion signals, helping prevent symptoms of motion sickness. Short-term use is expected to be safe and effective.
A new study from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that gaming computers consume 20% of global PC energy use, but can be optimized for up to 75% energy savings through setting changes and component swaps. By doing so, gamers can improve reliability and performance while reducing their carbon footprint.
A recent study found that incense smoke contains mutagenic properties, causing genetic mutations and potential cancers. Incense was compared to cigarette smoke in a comparison of indoor use, revealing surprising results.
Counterfeiting in the fashion industry can lead to improved quality, aesthetics, and affordability for consumers. Brands react by investing in superior materials and designs to differentiate themselves from counterfeit products.
Researchers at the John Innes Centre found that Euglena gracilis has over 32,000 active protein-encoding genes, significantly more than humans. The single cell algae can produce various natural compounds, including vitamins, essential amino acids, and a sugar polymer with anti-HIV effects.
A Kansas State University biochemist has modified a nonfood oilseed crop to produce high levels of lipids with unique properties. The researchers achieved very high levels of an oil with reduced viscosity and improved cold temperature characteristics, making it suitable for biofuels, industrial applications, and even food-related uses.
Researchers aim to develop multifunctional coatings that protect surfaces while adding value through sensing capabilities. The new ATOMIC center will focus on creating atom-thin materials for various industries, including energy and manufacturing.
Researchers at KAIST engineered an E. coli strain to produce 1,3-diaminopropane via fermentation, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based processes. The production titer increased about 21-fold, with 13 grams per liter of 1,3-diaminopropane obtained through Fed-batch fermentation.
A study published in the British Medical Journal found that trans fats are associated with a 34% increase in death for any reason, while saturated fats showed no clear association with an increased risk of death or heart disease. However, researchers recommend replacing high-fat foods with vegetable oils, nuts, and whole grains.
Researchers used satellite observations and atmospheric modeling to calculate the impact of fires from industrial concessions on air quality. The study found that these fires contribute significantly to air pollution, particularly in regions with degraded peatlands and deforested areas.
A new statistical model developed by Michael Braun and collaborators can help businesses estimate the value of customer relationships and optimize marketing efforts. The model considers factors such as service quality and price paid during transactions to assess the impact of marketing activities on customer retention.
The NSF-funded Industry/University Collaborative Research Center will design and develop advanced two-dimensional coatings to address fundamental scientific and technological challenges. The Center for Atomically Thin Multifunctional Coatings (ATOMIC) aims to create spin-out companies and solve issues like corrosion, oxidation, and abr...
Disney Research has developed a new adaptive rendering method that efficiently corrects for erroneous pixels while preserving crisp detail, resulting in faster production times. The approach uses sparse modeling to predict additional pixels based on patterns identified in a small number of image pixels.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have successfully manufactured biocatalysts suitable for industrial applications by harnessing the power of cyanobacteria's photosynthesis. The production process uses carbon dioxide and water as source materials, eliminating the need for mineral oil-based resources.
Researchers at Northeastern University have developed a new material that exhibits magnetic, optical, and electrical properties, including thermal sensitivity. The material, known as 2D-BNCO, has the potential to be used in various applications such as high-resolution camera arrays, photo detectors, and atomically thin transistors.
The newly developed OLe peanut variety boasts a longer shelf life due to its higher oleic acid content, reducing the risk of rancidity by up to 10 times. This increase in disease resistance also makes it an attractive option for farmers, who can save up to $150/acre on fungicide usage and experience improved yields.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed a new technology to remove carbon dioxide from natural gas, making it safer and more efficient. The process uses a mixture of water and ionic liquids, offering commercial opportunities for reduced environmental impact.
Herbert C. Freyhardt, a research professor at the University of Houston, received the International Cryogenic Materials Conference Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in developing type II superconducting materials and promoting the understanding of flux pinning effects.
Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health notes that more efficient research methods are needed to continue scientific progress. Dr. Muennig's project demonstrates the potential for automation in public health research, reducing costs by over 75%.
A follow-up study of IRB members' industry relationships found improvements in disclosure and management, but persistent problems such as voting on protocols with conflicts of interest. The study also showed a decrease in problematic relationships, with increases in disclosed payments for attending meetings and conferences.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a non-invasive breath analysis system using an optical frequency comb, which measures molecular content in gas samples with high accuracy and speed. The system has promising potential for broad-scale health screening and could be available commercially in 3-5 years.
Clemson University researchers found that poor sleep habits increase the risk of impulsive desires, inattentiveness, and questionable decision-making. Better sleep habits can contribute to improved health and worker performance, as well as reduced risks of addictions and excessive spending.
A study found that a small group of authors, including those employed by pharmaceutical companies, dominated diabetes research with an over-reliance on commercially sponsored studies. This raises concerns about the balance of power and conflict of interest in the field.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed segmented, screw-like spikes to improve material bonding in industrial coatings and 3-D printing. The new structure, mimicking marine sponge spines, offers a stronger internal structure lasting longer than previous approaches.
Researchers aim to teach robots to understand forces during object movement and react to changes, enabling human-robot collaboration. The goal is to develop robots that can work together with humans on tasks like lifting objects, such as tables.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified the mechanism and structure of enzymes that produce hydrocarbons from yeast moulds. This discovery provides a new route to producing alpha-olefins, a key intermediate in various industrial applications.
A new study by University at Buffalo researchers could automate hospital discharge communication, adding critical data and cutting delivery time from weeks to hours. The research aims to reduce hospital readmissions by making the discharge summary more efficient.
A study of 23,422 video games found that diverse teams with a mix of career backgrounds and working relationships led to groundbreaking innovations. The research suggests that embracing friction within teams can actually stimulate creativity, as long as there is sufficient social structure in place to facilitate collaboration.
Research suggests pyrazines, found in low tar cigarettes, can act independently of nicotine to prompt dopamine release and enhance tobacco dependence. The study calls for swift regulation of pyrazine additives to mitigate their role in nicotine addiction.
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) revised its recommendations to support the judicious use of systemic hormone therapy in women over 65. The organization acknowledges that hot flashes can persist into the mid-60s, posing a challenge for treatment guidelines and clinical practice.
Researchers at NIST have created a fast process for making platinum nano-raspberries, which can act as catalysts in fuel cells. The nano-raspberries exhibit high surface area and stable clumping behavior, encouraging efficient reactions. This breakthrough could lead to more practical fuel cell technology.
Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering have developed a prototype synchronizing four nodes to an accuracy of three nanoseconds, introducing the
A $10 million grant from the USDA will support a 5-year research project to develop treatments for citrus greening disease, which threatens the US citrus industry. The project aims to use systems biology approaches to block the transmission of the disease-causing bacterium and develop resistant citrus varieties.
The Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI) will examine ways to use polymers in infrastructure construction, reducing maintenance and carbon footprints. Researchers aim to develop cost-effective, sustainable structures with improved outcomes over the next three years.
Scientists identify key research needs to ensure healthy populations of these prized game fish, including habitat conservation and genetic analysis. A holistic approach is needed to manage the impact of humans on fish populations.
The University of Sheffield's new machine will build parts up to three times larger and 100 times faster than current machines, enabling serious production of volumes over one million. This technology, called high-speed sintering (HSS), selectively fuses polymer powder layer by layer using infra-red-absorbing ink.
John Innes Centre researchers have settled an epigenetic debate by showing that local chromatin holds epigenetic information passed from parent to daughter cells. Their findings, published in eLife, could have wide implications for human cancers and other organisms.
Climate change is expected to increase pesticide toxicity in fish, as warmer temperatures become toxic at the upper limit of species' temperature tolerance. The study reveals that pesticides and industrial contaminants become toxic when temperatures reach 50C, making fish more vulnerable to environmental changes.
Researchers at UT Austin study computational models and simulations of hurricanes like Ike to predict storm surge and flooding consequences. Advanced tools in high-performance computing are used to improve simulation accuracy.