News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
A fully mapped salmon genome will help improve aquaculture operations, address conservation challenges, and promote environmental sustainability. The international collaboration also provides a basis for global coordination to address fisheries and aquaculture challenges.
Researchers from the University of York have provided new information on how LPMOs work, enabling the degradation of hard-to-digest biomass into its constituent sugars. This breakthrough aims to improve second-generation biofuel production by fermenting cellulose into bioethanol.
A Michigan State University study finds that private security guards lack formal training, making them unprepared to handle problematic individuals and altercations. The $7 billion industry demands more stringent standards and requirements.
Researchers at Wayne State University have developed high-strength low-alloy steels and cast irons with improved energy efficiency, reduced emissions, and increased safety. The university has licensed its patented technology to Detroit Materials, Inc., a new start-up company focused on commercializing ultra-high performance materials.
Anusha Mujumdar, a 3rd year PhD student at Exeter University, has won the Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship to support her pioneering research on spacecraft control for the Mars Sample Return mission. Her work will help develop 'rendezvous and capture' technology for retrieving samples from Mars.
A recent study found a 46% drop in Central Valley wintertime fog days between November and February, which is crucial for fruit and nut crops. The researchers suggest climate forecasts indicate continued decline in winter chill accumulation, prompting farmers to consider adjusting orchard locations.
The Dresden 5G Lab, a collaboration between Technische Universität Dresden and over 500 scientists, aims to develop key technologies for the 5th generation of mobile communications. The lab will focus on reducing latency and increasing throughput, with applications in industries such as transportation, healthcare, and education.
Researchers found that acrylamide exposure damages the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier and impairs secretory and transport functions. This damage may underlie acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity and central and peripheral neuropathy.
A new study from Cornell University has identified LTP1 as the key to perfect beer foam. The research found that the right amount and kind of barley lipid transfer protein No. 1 is essential for creating optimal foam.
Researchers at Kansas State University have identified a new gene expression mechanism in the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus. The discovery provides a potential avenue for developing new antiviral strategies.
A comprehensive analysis of e-cigarette research reveals industry health claims are unsupported, and exposure is associated with indoor air pollution. E-cigarettes should be regulated to protect public health.
Researchers have developed an engineered E. coli strain that can produce high levels of D-ribose from glucose-xylose mixtures, increasing industrial-scale production efficiency. The study provides a metabolic engineering strategy for additional optimization and bioprocess improvement.
The shale gas industry's high water usage competes with residential and agricultural needs in arid regions, depleting groundwater resources. Researchers suggest using brackish water and recycling wastewater to minimize the industry's water footprint.
Researchers found that Cooperative Extension is a vital hub for community development efforts, providing resources and services to underserved communities. By partnering with local organizations and experts, Extension aims to address specific concerns and empower residents to influence their neighborhoods.
A study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that people tend to think more about their health at the beginning of the week, with search volumes peaking on Mondays and Tuesdays. The researchers believe this pattern may be due to a desire for a 'health reset' after weekend indulgences.
A UK public health expert calls for more research on the health impacts of shale gas extraction, citing studies showing a direct link between proximity to extraction sites and adverse birth outcomes.
A team of researchers from ASU will lead a multi-university project to understand the safety of nanomaterials throughout their life cycles. The project aims to develop molecular-level fundamental theories and provide databases of measurements to ensure manufacturing processes are safer.
Javad Lavaei, assistant professor of electrical engineering at Columbia University, has received a $400,000 NSF CAREER Award to develop high-performance optimization methods for power systems. His research aims to improve the design, modernization, and operation of smart grids, reducing electricity costs, power outages, and gas emissions.
A new system can monitor lubricating oils, hydraulic oils and other fluids in industrial installations without interruption, predicting the best time for an oil change. The compact sensor system uses optical methods to measure the oil's chemical makeup and particle loading, reducing environmental impact and unnecessary costs.
Research by Queen's University Belfast predicts that invasive waterweeds will become more widespread over the next 70 years due to climate change. Four species are expected to establish in areas 38% larger than previously thought, posing a threat to global biodiversity and economy.
A new analysis found that industry-sponsored inventions yielded patents and licenses more frequently than federally sponsored ones, with results consistent across technical fields. Industry-funded inventions generated an average of 12.8 forward citations compared to 5.6 for federally sponsored inventions.
A new analysis found that industry-funded inventions yielded patents and licenses more frequently than federally sponsored ones, with increased forward citations. Despite concerns about exclusive licensing, the study showed that corporate-sponsored inventions were not more likely to be tied up in restrictive agreements.
A new study by American Sociological Association found that social ties play a significant role in determining who wins certain Hollywood movie awards. The research suggests that peers tend to favor award candidates who are heavily embedded in the film industry, while critics show no such favoritism.
The new Center for Dielectrics and Piezoelectrics expands research capabilities with industry partners, focusing on high energy-density capacitors, flexible electronics, and piezotronic transistors. The center will leverage partnerships to support new products and processes.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute is leading a $7.4 million Army project to develop more durable and cost-effective alloys for military vehicles. The research will focus on designing lightweight alloys that can meet specific military needs, including strength, toughness, and fuel economy.
University of Cincinnati researchers have made a breakthrough in boosting the efficiency of polymer solar cells by adding graphene nanoflakes, increasing performance threefold. The new method aims to make solar-powered panels lighter, less expensive and more flexible.
Commercial horticulture operations are adopting wireless sensor networks to monitor and control irrigation events, leading to improved soil moisture management and enhanced crop yields. The technology has been successfully implemented at three nurseries in Georgia, showcasing its potential for widespread adoption in the industry.
A study published in BMJ Open finds that the UK tobacco industry's claims that plain packaging won't work are based on weak evidence. The research analyzed submissions made by four major tobacco companies and found that most of the cited evidence lacked policy relevance and was of poor quality.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology have developed a world-first onboard system that enables unmanned aircraft to detect other aircraft using vision while in flight. The system provided real-time warnings back to the ground control station, resulting in a successful collision avoidance manoeuvre. The technology has the p...
The University of Huddersfield is launching a £4 million Centre for Innovation in Rail, funded by the Government's Regional Growth Fund. The centre will provide world-class training and services to develop critical engineering interfaces in the rail industry, increasing innovation and reducing costs.
French scientists studied soft adhesive materials' inner structure and response to traction during the debonding process. Their findings aim to improve models of adhesive performance by understanding energy dissipation and material deformation.
A new study using social media and Foursquare tracked the movements of fashion workers in the New York metropolitan area, showing the Garment District's importance in the industry. The study found that 77% of fashion designers' trips were within the district, highlighting its role in product production.
Researchers in sweet corn production emphasize the need for accurate measurement of crop responses to improve decision-making. The current approach often focuses on yield, whereas processor variables like recovery and case production are crucial for productivity.
Researchers from Stanford University and Aarhus University develop a cheap alternative to platinum-based electrolysis for producing hydrogen, a crucial component in fertilizer production. The new method achieves efficiency comparable to platinum-based systems while reducing costs.
A new analysis of 63 animal studies found that industry-sponsored studies had less favorable results than non-industry funded studies. This highlights the role of selective reporting and methodological problems in communicating research findings.
A study published in Poultry Science reveals a significant reduction in environmental impact from US egg production, thanks to advancements in feed efficiency, hen housing and manure management. The industry has decreased greenhouse gas emissions, water usage and waste production, while increasing egg production and hen lifespan.
Researchers have discovered a new class of high heat-tolerant electronics using supercapacitors made from CCTO, which could compete with existing devices and operate at higher temperatures. The material's permittivity and loss tangent properties are linked, allowing for efficient energy storage.
Researchers discovered bacteria that breathe toxic metals, which could be used to produce industrial products and remove pollutants from wastewater. The bacteria can produce high-quality antimony trioxide crystals without creating byproducts or requiring specialized equipment.
Researchers have created a way to clean dirty banknotes, removing accumulated sebum and motor oil without damaging security features. This process could save nearly $10 billion annually and minimize the environmental impact of currency disposal.
The US has lost its lead in global biomedical research spending, with Asia's share increasing from 18% to 24%, while the US dropped from 51% to 45%. Industry funding cuts drove this decline, not public sector reductions. Increased support from governments and lower labor costs in Asia are key factors.
The UK's Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council has launched 13 unique collaborative networks to promote interaction between academia and industry, pooling skills to develop research projects with potential to overcome major challenges in industrial biotechnology and bioenergy. The networks will unlock innovative ways t...
Researchers at Luz WaveLabs have developed a Terahertz generator with a signal quality one million times greater than current technology. The device uses an 'optic seed' to synthesize high-quality THz signals, making it suitable for various applications including security systems, cancer detection, and industrial inspection.
A study by McGill University found significant disparities in health spending efficiency between men and women across 27 industrialized nations. The analysis showed that men experienced greater life expectancy gains per dollar spent on healthcare compared to women.
Researchers have identified regions beneath the oceans where igneous rocks can safely store large volumes of carbon dioxide. The stored CO2 would be locked away for centuries, preventing its release into the atmosphere or oceans.
The WSF RIO Declaration advocates for harmonization of global and national efforts, education to reduce inequalities, and sustainable funding mechanisms. It also emphasizes the importance of responsible research conduct and improved dialogue with governments and society.
Researchers at Florida State University have secured over $1.4 million in funding to develop a system for producing large quantities of buckypaper, a lightweight and high-performance material made from carbon nanotubes. The goal is to make the material more efficient and cost-effective for industries such as aviation and aerospace.
John Trumble, a renowned entomologist at UC Riverside, has been awarded the 2013 Oscar Lorenz Award for his outstanding contributions to research and extension education in the California vegetable industry. He has developed effective integrated pest management programs and strategies to reduce the use of toxic insecticides.
Research found that manager support for fun significantly reduces employee turnover, especially among younger workers. However, this support also negatively impacts sales performance, regardless of age. The study suggests a balance between manager support for fun and engaging activities to minimize productivity losses.
Research suggests that exposure to specific environmental toxins during pregnancy may increase the risk of congenital heart defects in children. The study found a strong correlation between certain chemicals and rates of congenital heart defects, particularly septal defects and conotruncal defects.
A new multi-million dollar collaboration aims to enable university researchers to harness the full potential of data-rich world in various scientific fields. The 5-year, $37.8 million initiative seeks to establish career paths for data scientists, build sustainable research ecosystems, and facilitate collaborations across institutions.
Researchers have created robotic devices that mimic the movement of clams and snails, enabling them to burrow into sand with reduced friction. These devices could find use in applications such as automatic tethers, anchoring systems, and underwater mining.
A new London NERC Doctoral Training Partnership will train next generation of environmental scientists, tackling global challenges with £100m investment. Royal Holloway University and partners will collaborate to provide necessary skills and training for academia and industry.
Research reveals Yeast Protein Concentrate (YPC) can be separated from cereal matter and is a cost-competitive substitute for imported soya-based protein feeds. This could partially replace fish meal on commercial fish farms, benefiting 800 million chickens reared for meat production each year.
A new mixing strategy using synchronized flows of jets has been developed to optimize mixers in industrial products. The 'cat's eyes flip flow' is a promising solution that increases performance while reducing energy consumption, making the process more environmentally friendly.
A new report highlights 100 companies created from federally funded university research, driving innovation and job creation. The companies' success is attributed to the nurturing ecosystem of research universities, providing access to essential tools like technology transfer offices and business incubators.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a technique to examine pore sizes in nanoporous carbons, revealing higher local structural order than previously believed. This discovery allows for more efficient gas extraction from shale deposits and potential carbon dioxide sequestration technologies.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University are using advanced Nano X-ray Computed Tomography tools to visualize hydrogen fuel cells, enabling the development of more durable and efficient fuel cells. The new technology is expected to play a key role in reducing harmful emissions in the transportation sector.
The Roundtable Discussion highlights the need for biomanufacturing degree programs combining classroom learning with hands-on research and scale-up experience. Partnerships between colleges and industry are essential to develop innovative educational and training programs, enabling young people to engage the bioeconomy.
Researchers used Bio-Rad's Droplet Digital PCR to obtain promising results in new copy number variation studies, showcasing its precision, reproducibility, and sensitivity. The technology has already resulted in nearly 50 peer-reviewed publications.
A new PDE model computes the value of a defined pension plan, including the option for early retirement. The authors provide mathematical analysis and numerical methods to solve the problem, allowing users to identify optimal retirement dates.