News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
Researchers are developing treatments for Niemann-Pick disease type C using cyclodextrin and delta-tocopherol, which have shown promise in studies of patient skin cells and animal models. The goal is to reduce lipid accumulation and improve symptoms in patients with this devastating rare disease.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh have contributed three studies to a special issue of the journal Energy Technology, focusing on smart wells, wastewater management, and information gaps related to shale gas drilling. The research aims to improve extraction through wireless communication and safely reuse drilling wastewater.
Researchers created an oil palm system model using APSIM framework to help growers maximize yields while reducing environmental harm. The model accounts for soil, climate, and management factors to evaluate water balance, nutrient balance, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers analyzed 6,629 runway reviews to identify a network of influence among major designers, tracing style trends through the industry. The technology may help consumers create wardrobes within budget and predict future fashion trends.
A global fleet of composite planes could reduce CO2 emissions by 14-15% if introduced widely, thanks to fuel savings. However, the aviation industry's overall emissions reduction will be lower due to a mix of new and old aircraft in service.
Researchers at Dartmouth College have created a 'green' process that reduces molecular switching waste by harnessing visible light. The new method efficiently modulates molecular switches without generating waste, opening up potential for industrial applications in fields like anti-cancer drug delivery and LCD displays.
A team of researchers has developed a new method, laser shock imprinting, to create large-area patterns of three-dimensional nanoshapes from metal sheets. This technique enables the mass production of innovative materials with engineered surfaces that control light, potentially revolutionizing high-speed electronics, advanced sensors, ...
A team of researchers at Argonne National Laboratory has developed an integrated modeling approach to understand the fluid dynamics of fuel injectors in modern engines. The study aims to improve engine design and simulation, reducing trial and error and increasing efficiency.
A collaborative project between UK researchers will focus on developing formal verification techniques for autonomous systems. The goal is to ensure robots make decisions that are safe, ethical, and follow legislation, with applications in industries such as automotive and manufacturing.
The Biogerontology Research Foundation will present new economic longevity research at the second Big Data Science in Medicine congress in Oxford. The research, recently published in Psychology Research and Behavior Management, details an extensive survey of International Employee Benefits Association members.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science has selected five University of Tennessee faculty members for their distinguished contributions to science. The new fellows were recognized for their outstanding achievements in fields such as archaeology, biochemistry, and materials science.
A study refutes past findings that a bad service experience taints a customer for the entire day. Businesses can improve customer attitudes by offering goodwill gestures to dissatisfied customers of other firms.
Researchers at Washington State University have discovered a promising technology to expand the hard cider industry by mechanical harvesting of cider apples. The study found that machine harvesting can provide up to four times less labor than hand harvesting, resulting in significant cost savings and improved efficiency for orchards.
A new RAND Corporation report highlights the ongoing struggles of military veterans in finding civilian employment, despite businesses reporting they make excellent employees. The study found that challenges remain for both veterans seeking jobs and employers trying to hire them.
Research by University of Cincinnati professor Stacie Furst-Holloway reveals veterans face challenges transitioning to civilian careers, with lower perceptions of job fit and limited opportunities for advancement. The study suggests developing interim vocational training can help retain veteran employees in the VA workforce.
Researchers developed a compact probe that produces detailed images of blood vessels using ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging modalities. The system enables real-time imaging and can reveal important medical information, such as hemoglobin oxygen saturation, for monitoring tumor progression.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict which chemicals people are exposed to the most, ranking nearly 8,000 substances. The study aims to help prioritize future efforts to understand potential health risks of thousands of chemicals.
A research team at UMass Amherst aims to understand the complex interactions between content providers, ISPs, and CDNs, with the goal of improving online video streaming quality. The researchers plan to apply interdisciplinary techniques from control theory and network algorithmics to develop new architectures for better coordination.
Researchers developed a cost-saving software-based method that compares pressure and flow rate measurements with mathematical models to accurately detect small leaks in pipelines. This technique successfully reduced errors by 18% and estimated potential savings of millions of dollars compared to existing leak-detection methods.
The Visio.M consortium presents a small electric car with an efficient range of around 160 km and advanced safety features. The vehicle's lightweight design reduces costs and improves driving dynamics.
A new special feature of Yale's Journal of Industrial Ecology explores how industrial ecology can lead to cost savings and higher profits for businesses. The research highlights the economic and environmental benefits of using life cycle assessment, design for environment, and material flow analysis in supply chains.
The University of Hawaii's Hawai'i Center for Advanced Communications has received a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to develop innovative solutions for improving radio spectrum utilization. The project aims to provide reliable broadband wireless service to remote and rural areas in the Hawaiian Islands and beyond.
A new study by Michigan State University economist Soren Anderson found that children are 39% more likely to buy a particular car brand if their parents bought that brand. This inherited brand loyalty could impact automakers' marketing strategies, with potential implications for pricing and product offerings.
Boston University will receive a five-year, $1.8 million NIH 'BEST' grant to enhance training for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in biomedical research, preparing them for careers beyond academia.
Researchers from the University of Ottawa and Drexel University have been awarded the 'Best of Research' award for their study on the mode of action of AHCC, an alpha-glucan rich immune modulator. The study demonstrated that AHCC can stimulate intestinal immunity and increase IgA+ immune cells in the intestines.
New research will focus on understanding and mitigating threats to industrial control systems, including manufacturing plants, power stations, and the rail network. The project aims to provide effective interventions to counter cyber risks and improve risk communication.
A University of Miami study found that most charter fishing captains in Florida have a strong conservation ethic towards sharks, with 82% practicing catch and release. However, hammerhead sharks are not suitable for catch-and-release methods and require immediate release to reduce mortality rates
The Visio.M consortium presents a safety package for compact electric vehicles, providing a safe compartment and passenger protection through advanced materials and sensor systems. The integrated safety concept uses radar and camera sensors to recognize critical situations and activate protective measures.
Researchers studied how average people with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and other common conditions performed during simulated flight. They found that nearly everyone tolerated the stresses of commercial spaceflight without problems.
Scientists from the John Innes Centre are developing a new business concept to revive heritage lines of barley for brewing, offering greater choice and added value to farmers and brewers. The venture aims to provide sustainable production and high-quality malting barley, capitalizing on the demand for unique beer ingredients.
A study published in BioScience argues that the US Environmental Protection Agency's pesticide risk assessment practices are flawed, inviting bias towards industry interests. The agency's reliance on manufacturer-funded studies and rigid inclusion criteria may lead to incomplete assessments. The authors recommend improving the process ...
Scientists at Kyoto University create porous coordination polymers (PCPs) with exterior surface grooves to repel water, allowing for stable gas storage and separation. The new materials demonstrate selectivity in isolating organic molecules from mixtures, overcoming a major drawback of traditional PCPs.
A recent study in Australia found no evidence to support industry claims that plain cigarette packs would harm small retailers or increase the trade in illicit tobacco. The research surveyed over 2000 smokers and found no change in their purchasing habits between 2011 and 2013.
Researchers recommend using fluorochemicals only where absolutely essential, citing links to cancer, immune system damage, reproductive issues, and environmental contamination. They urge producers to test alternatives properly before market release.
A new study by Baylor University researchers identifies the challenges facing women in the IT profession as being rooted in occupational culture and informal interoffice social networks. The findings suggest that mentoring, social interaction, and career-stage awareness are key areas for improvement to increase diversity.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has been selected to participate in the National Science Foundation-funded CloudLab project, which aims to develop cloud infrastructure and support high-level research. The $2.3 million grant will enable researchers to evaluate novel cloud technologies in a realistic environment.
Princeton researchers find that bursting bubbles inject tiny oil droplets into water when covered with a layer of oil. The discovery provides new insight into the mixture of non-soluble liquids and has potential applications in industries such as drug manufacturing and oil spill cleanups.
A study found that the EU's policy on tobacco control shifted in favor of the industry following massive lobbying. The research used automated content analysis to track changes in language used by health groups and industry stakeholders, revealing a significant shift towards industry interests.
New research by the University of Southampton suggests that air traffic growth rates will surpass carbon reduction efforts unless demand is substantially reduced. To achieve emission reductions, ticket prices must rise by at least 1.4% annually.
A new study from the University of Cincinnati suggests that taking online breaks at work can have benefits for productivity and worker well-being. The study found that workers take online breaks to balance their work and personal responsibilities, leading to greater levels of satisfaction and focus on their job.
The Jackson Laboratory will establish a new Neurobehavioral Biometry Center with a $1 million pledge from the Cornelia Cogswell Rossi Foundation. The Center aims to accelerate research in neurological and neurobehavioral disorders by assessing behavior related to disease characteristics and therapy responses.
Researchers from Clemson University have discovered that lipids play a crucial role in the adhesion mechanism of barnacle cyprid larvae, paving the way for novel anti-fouling paint for ships and boats. The findings also provide insight into the development of new bio-adhesives for medical and industrial applications.
Scientists found industrial lead pollution in Antarctic ice cores from 1600 to 2010 A.D., with peak concentrations in 1900 and remaining high until the late 1920s. Lead contamination persisted despite mitigation efforts and still affects the continent today.
The Wyss Institute has commercialized its 'Organs-on-Chips' technology, which mimics human organs on a microchip, for pharmaceutical and personalized medicine applications. The new company, Emulate Inc., aims to reduce animal testing and accelerate drug development.
The mHealth app industry has tremendous potential to broaden access to medical treatment and control costs, but lacks sufficient regulation by the FDA. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine notes that only about 100 out of 100,000 apps have been cleared by the FDA, while opponents see this as a deterrent to innovation.
The research aims to improve the accuracy of failure and reliability prediction in ultra-high strength steel autobody manufacturing systems. By incorporating material microstructure and micro-damage information, the study may lead to solutions for manufacturers in reducing tool failures and improving product quality.
A team of researchers created a model that can predict the level of discomfort experienced by drivers under various LED lighting conditions. The study suggests minimizing light hitting at an observer's eyes and luminance contrast between streetlights and backgrounds to minimize glare.
A recent study found that nearly 30% of completed clinical trials in the US remained unpublished after four years, threatening the validity of medical research literature. The lack of transparency was particularly pronounced among industry-funded studies and those with smaller sample sizes.
Researchers at KAIST have developed TransWall, a two-sided, touchable, and transparent display wall. It allows users to collaborate via shared see-through displays and communicate through talking or touching each other.
Scientists discovered that liquids containing nanoparticles, known as nanofluids, have the potential to effectively cool devices. The study analyzed three types of nanofluids, finding one mixture of copper oxide and water to be the most effective coolant.
A study found that alcohol use disorders are associated with a lower work trajectory, with women's careers more likely to be disrupted. The association is stronger for women than men, suggesting that AUDs may have a greater impact on women's career paths.
A recent study discovered how the bloodsucking parasitic mite Varroa destructor transforms Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) into a major threat to UK honeybees. DWV is usually harmless, but when transmitted by Varroa, it amplifies a virulent form of the virus associated with disease.
The Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden has strengthened its position as a leading research platform in micro- and nanoelectronics. Researchers are working on pressing topics, including the 'Fifth Generation' of mobile communications, to develop new technologies with applications in various fields.
Dr. Leslie F. Greengard has been awarded the 2014 John von Neumann Lecture prize for his transformative contributions to computational science. He will receive the award and deliver a keynote lecture on Fast, Accurate Tools for Physical Modeling in Complex Geometry at the SIAM Annual Meeting in Chicago.
Six projects funded to improve understanding of food choice, develop healthier foods, and explore the impact of small behavioural changes on weight management and osteoarthritis. The research aims to deliver real health benefits to UK consumers.
Research by University of Delaware professor Katalin Takacs Haynes finds that extreme greed among top managers leads to lower performance and loss of shareholder value. However, a powerful board or long CEO tenure can mitigate this effect.
The University of Surrey has established a graphene centre to advance technologies such as electronic devices, supercapacitors, and solar cells through collaborative research with industry partners. The Centre will utilize the ATI's Photo Thermal deposition technology to produce high-quality graphene for various industrial applications.
Wayne State University has received a $2.4 million NIH grant to develop a cleaner, healthier environment in Detroit through its Center for Urban Responses to Environmental Stressors (CURES) program. The program will explore the impact of environmental exposures on human health, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children an...
Researchers are developing new models to analyze sedimentary basins, combining geological data with complex simulations to better understand their formation and changes over time. The Basin GENESIS Hub aims to improve resource estimates and exploration targets in deep basins, particularly in remote regions of Australia.
A Cornell University study reveals that undocumented workers receive no wage premium for working in dangerous settings, unlike most other groups.