News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
Research finds EU tobacco agreements with major companies have failed to stop cigarette smuggling and recoup lost tax revenues. The agreements contain many loopholes that the industry can easily exploit, making them ineffective deterrents.
A £4 million project is increasing production in Scotland's salmon farming industry by utilizing wrasse as a cleaner fish to reduce sea lice challenges. The research aims to improve the quality and delousing efficacy of farmed wrasse, advancing hatchery technologies and optimising welfare.
The University of Texas System launched Influuent, a web portal that connects researchers to private sector and government agencies. The database contains over 15,000 researchers who have produced nearly 110,000 publications in the last five years.
Researchers developed a new method called computational hydrographic printing that physically aligns surface color textures onto 3D surfaces with unprecedented precision. This breakthrough enables the customization of complex surfaces with specific colors and patterns.
The National Science Foundation has funded a project to develop ultralow-wear composite materials for industrial applications, with the goal of reducing friction and wear costs. The research will explore material structures, composition, processing, and operating conditions to improve tribological performance.
Farmers using multiple herbicides per application (83 times less likely to have resistance) and rotating herbicide mixing are the most effective tools in managing herbicide resistance. Management factors, not environmental or landscape variables, play a crucial role in preventing resistance.
Researchers from the University of Missouri and USGS found that atmospheric releases of Bisphenol-A (BPA) can elevate its levels in nearby surface waters, threatening aquatic species and humans. BPA concentrations were up to ten times higher near known atmospheric release sites, indicating a potential novel route of exposure.
The game, developed by NERDLab at the University of Miami, aims to educate consumers and encourage them to speak up in favor of paid sick time. It was found that 60% of restaurant workers have had to work while sick, putting public health at risk.
Researchers have developed a process using laser shock peening technology to alter metal properties, making it stronger and more durable. The technology is being tested for use in passenger aircraft and has the potential to extend both reliability and life.
Research suggests that using average-sized models in fashion marketing campaigns can have a positive impact on product evaluation, especially for new brands. Women with low self-esteem tend to prefer average-sized models over size-zero ones. This shift could lead to increased sales and reduced controversy in the industry.
Researchers have developed a magnonic holographic memory device that can recognize patterns and improve speech and image recognition hardware. The device uses spin waves to encode and decode information, allowing for parallel processing and potentially more efficient computation.
Researchers have developed a new friction stir welding process that can join aluminum sheets of varying thicknesses, yielding car doors that are 62% lighter and 25% cheaper. The process is ten times faster than current techniques, meeting high-volume assembly requirements.
The University of Houston will lead an Advanced Superconductor Manufacturing Institute to develop low-cost, high-performance superconductors. The consortium aims to address technical obstacles and integrate the technology into existing infrastructure.
Queen's University Belfast is at the forefront of a major European push to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks. The SAFEcrypto project, led by Professor Máire O'Neill, will focus on three main areas: protecting information passed via satellites, public-safety communications systems, and safeguarding data privacy.
Researchers found anaerobic co-digestion to have cost, energy, and environmental benefits compared to digestion of manure but disposal of food waste in a landfill. The process resulted in a 25-year net value of over $8.4 million for dairy farm manure and food waste co-digestion.
A study by Xuan Chen and Carlos A. Flores found that Job Corps participants experienced average wage effects of 5.7-13.9% four years after graduation, with non-Hispanics seeing greater gains.
Researchers developed real-time sensors that can detect trace amounts of heavy metals and bacteria in private well water. The technology has been licensed to six companies, including three Wisconsin-based firms, for use in water equipment and treatment processes.
Researchers have developed a new type of 4D printing material that can transform into different shapes in response to water or heat. The technology has the potential to revolutionize fields such as medicine and construction, with applications including soft robotics and autonomous valves.
A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that front-of-package nutrition labels can help consumers make informed decisions about their diet. Researchers analyzed data from over 2,000 adults and found that participants could differentiate between healthier and less healthy options using various label systems.
Researchers at the Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology successfully produced large quantities of Nootkatone, a natural flavoring substance used in soft drinks and cosmetics. The substance was produced from sugar using genetic engineering in yeast cells, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical synthesis.
A century-old study of 500 young offenders found that only 22% re-offended after release from institutions, compared to 73% today. The research suggests that apprenticeship-type schemes and less serious crimes may have contributed to the lower re-offending rate.
The iPerform Center for Assistive Technologies aims to create software for assistive technologies, with a focus on creating software. Researchers expect to attract more industry partners and collaborate with other centers on campus.
Researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum used CT imaging to examine the buoyancy of ammonite shells. Their analysis suggests that ammonites could have swum freely in water after hatching, contradicting previous theories.
Researchers found that plants aim to flower when the optimal temperature for seed set is approaching, allowing them to adapt to changing climates. This discovery suggests that many flowering plants have different flowering times due to narrow temperature sensitivity windows.
A Yale study assesses the criticality of all 62 metals, identifying those at risk due to supply shortages and environmental concerns. The researchers found that some metals used in emerging technologies like smartphones and medical imaging may become difficult to obtain.
The new sensor system detects anomalies in machinery behavior and provides early warnings of potential failures. By analyzing data from multiple sensors, the system can predict when parts need to be replaced or repairs can be postponed, reducing downtime and costs.
Researchers argue key assumptions in the report are simplistic and call for a revised approach. They question whether the pledge has been met, citing potential flaws in data and analysis.
Researchers at the University of the Basque Country have developed a system to recover hydrogen from waste plastics in electronic boards. The technology has been patented and shows promise as a clean energy source.
The EU's new Common Fisheries Policy aims to reduce waste and improve fish stocks, but a University of Strathclyde study suggests it may be difficult for the industry to comply. The study found that while overall catches have decreased, the proportion of catch discarded has increased due to an increase in small fish being caught.
The Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology has developed the world's first continuous purification method for recombinant antibodies from clarified CHO cultures. This breakthrough technology is expected to significantly reduce production costs for highly valued drugs, such as cancer treatments and autoimmune disease therapies. The...
Millennials consume news across various platforms, including social media, for civic, problem-solving, and entertainment purposes. The study finds that 70% of their social media feeds contain a diverse mix of viewpoints.
A global tobacco-free world is achievable in less than three decades with sufficient political support and stronger action against the tobacco industry. The Lancet experts call for a 'turbo-charged' effort to phase out tobacco sales by 2040, citing one billion expected deaths from smoking if efforts are not accelerated.
A study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that foreign-born STEM students are more likely to stay in the US than return home, with 44% of Silicon Valley startups including a foreign founder. The study suggests that visa requirements and lack of mentorship opportunities may be driving these students abroad.
Industry documents reveal close ties between sugar industry and NIH in developing research approaches focused on alternatives to reducing tooth decay. Analysis found that sugar industry priorities influenced the 1971 National Caries Program's research proposals.
A historical analysis of internal sugar industry documents shows the industry influenced research priorities for the NCP, excluding research that could have harmed their interests. The study highlights an alignment of agendas between the NIDR and sugar industry in the early 1970s.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new technique called BASIC for creating artificial DNA, which combines the best features of existing methods while overcoming their limitations. The system enables fast and flexible assembly of genes with high accuracy, making it suitable for industrial-scale use.
A University of Adelaide research team has discovered that cadmium causes toxicity by disrupting the transport of essential metals like manganese and zinc into and out of cells. The study also sheds light on how disease-causing bacteria scavenge metals during infection, paving the way for new strategies to prevent cadmium poisoning.
Researchers at the University of Houston have created a new thermoelectric material that generates electric power from waste heat, offering higher efficiency and output power than existing materials. The material has a peak power factor of 55 and a figure of merit of 1.4, making it commercially viable for applications such as car exhau...
Researchers used next-generation sequencing and Bio-Rad's Droplet Digital PCR technology to accurately count diverse copy number states of multiallelic copy number variations (mCNVs) in humans. The study found that mCNVs are responsible for nearly 90% of observed differences in gene copy number, contributing substantially to gene expre...
Researchers at the University of Manchester and DSM have developed a single-step method for producing pravastatin, a widely used cholesterol-lowering drug. This breakthrough reduces the cost and complexity of statin production through reprogramming of the Penicillium chrysogenum fungus.
Researchers at Umeå University's UMIT Research Lab have developed a new virtual testing technology for future vehicles, reducing development time and costs. This innovation is expected to improve fuel efficiency, manoeuvrability, and safety in vehicles by simulating real-world scenarios before the first prototype is built.
The tobacco industry deployed massive third-party lobbying to subvert the revised European Tobacco Products Directive, which became national law next year. The directive includes increased graphic health warnings and restrictions on cigarette packs but was weakened due to industry interference.
The Georgetown Consensus Group recommends policies to increase female animal models and balance male/female cell use in preclinical studies. The NIH is urged to correct the over-reliance on male cells and animals, which obscures key sex differences.
Researchers at Concordia University have grown mutant E. coli bacteria up to 3/4 millimeter long, 750 times their normal length, by blocking cell division. This breakthrough has potential applications in the nanoscale industry and may lead to a better understanding of pathogens.
The UK government is set to introduce standardized packaging for tobacco products, building on evidence from Australia and other countries that suggests it can reduce smoking rates. Studies have shown that plain packaging may decrease the appeal of cigarette brands and increase awareness of health warnings, saving lives.
University of Iowa researchers have discovered that switchgrass can remove up to 40% of PCBs from contaminated soils, with a combined treatment boosting removal rates to 47%. The study suggests a natural and sustainable method for reducing the presence of toxic chemicals in the environment.
Scientists have identified a rapid increase in atmospheric concentrations of dichloromethane, a man-made substance contributing to ozone depletion. This discovery threatens the recovery of the Ozone Layer, which is still recovering from CFCs.
The 'Hockey Stick' graph, created by Michael Mann and colleagues, revolutionized the climate change discussion with its depiction of rising temperatures. Despite criticism, investigations have consistently upheld the validity of Mann's research, highlighting a crucial distinction between legitimate scientific debate and bad faith attacks.
Researchers at OIST create non-spherical particles using a simple and low-cost method that can be scaled up for various industries. The study reveals four possible shapes: ellipsoid, mushroom, flake-like, and disc, with applications in food processing, cosmetics, and drug delivery systems.
Scientists discovered a previously unknown structure that forms during vulcanization, which could lead to improved tire performance and fuel savings. The discovery has major implications for the auto industry and reducing air pollution.
Eleven University of Waterloo researchers are receiving funding to collaborate with industry on strategic research projects. The grants will support the development of innovative technologies, including electronic fabric for water filtration systems and secure mobile cloud computing.
Public health scientists receiving funding from companies like Coca-Cola and Mars have also advised on nutritional guidance, raising questions about bias and conflict of interest. Research funded by the sugar industry has been linked to obesity crisis solutions.
A study by MIT researchers projects the growth potential of high-tech firms with new precision, identifying key characteristics and locations with higher growth prospects. The study found that firms with certain features, such as formal registration and capital investment, are more likely to grow.
The FibreLux is a small portable unit measuring average fiber diameter, comparable to the $75,000 OFDA2000 in accuracy with an 87% rating. Preliminary studies indicate the tool is user-friendly enough for growers to use on ranches.
Researchers at UT Arlington are developing a distributed sensor system to monitor coal-fired boilers, enabling real-time health assessment of structural components. The new technology promises to improve boiler efficiency and safety, with potential industrial applications.
The UK government has announced a £40 million investment in synthetic biology, aiming to create biological 'factories' that produce essential products like medicines and chemicals. Three new research centres will be established in Edinburgh, Manchester, and Warwick to boost national research capacity.
Researchers found that corn co-products have lower energy concentration than corn, but can still be used in growing pig diets. Amino acid digestibility was also reduced in the co-products, requiring additional protein sources.
UCI professors have developed a device that can restore molecular proteins in egg whites after they have been boiled, potentially slashing biotechnology costs. This innovation could transform industrial and research production of proteins, making cancer treatments more affordable and improving protein manufacturing efficiency.
The Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science at UT Dallas sponsors Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) projects on software safety and surface engineering, providing students with $500/week stipends and state-of-the-art research experience. Participants often pursue advanced degrees and careers in STEM fields.
A CU Denver study reveals that cities investing in compact street networks and multi-modal infrastructure are better equipped to withstand sudden changes in gas prices. The research found that 69.4% of households would struggle to afford commuting costs if gas prices tripled, highlighting the need for expanded transportation choices.