News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
Researchers in the US and China have grown two types of topological insulator materials on smooth and rough surfaces, showing promise for high-speed computing. The discovery could lead to faster, more efficient computers without energy dissipation.
Yedioth Group won the Daniel H. Wagner Prize for its analysis that reduced print magazine delivery costs by using sophisticated analytics and math modeling. The team developed a pooling model of delayed distribution, enabling dramatic reductions in production and return levels while maintaining sales.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a compact, room-temperature terahertz source with an output power of 215 microwatts, paving the way for applications in homeland security, medical imaging and space research. The device, similar to a laser diode, operates at high power without cryogenic cooling.
Professor Richard Pleass of LSTM has developed a biomimetic called Hexagard, which is approximately 50 fold more effective than current IVIG therapy. The innovative treatment aims to replace IVIG therapy for treating autoimmune diseases in developing countries where it is unaffordable.
The five-year collaborative research alliance will focus on detecting adversaries and attacks, measuring and managing risk, and altering environments to achieve best results at the least cost. Researchers will develop predictive models to make real-time decisions that lead to mission success.
A team of researchers at MIT has developed an accurate 3-D model of streamer propagation, which qualitatively and quantitatively describes the development of electric breakdown in dielectrics. The model offers great promise for applications such as medical imaging, aerospace engineering, and power transmission.
Benzathine penicillin G's supply is intermittent in many countries due to quality control issues and low administration rates. Novel delivery devices are proposed to improve accessibility to this life-changing intervention.
Researchers at TUM have developed a new family of electronic devices using carbon nanotubes, enabling rapid gas detection and low power consumption. These sensors can be integrated into food packaging to gauge freshness or built into electronic skin for robotic applications.
The SUPREN research group has developed a method to produce acetals from glycerol, which improves the properties of biodiesel. The new process shows higher efficiency and lower costs compared to traditional methods, making it a promising solution for reducing environmental impact.
The University of Houston has received a $4 million grant from the Welch Foundation to establish a Center of Excellence in Polymer Chemistry. This will support fundamental chemistry research and collaboration with petrochemical companies to develop new polymer products and technologies.
The OptSwap method enables scientists to predict and optimize microbial strain designs for increased yield of valuable biobased chemicals. Researchers identified optimal strain designs for L-alanine, succinate, acetate, and D-lactate production under modeled conditions.
Researchers attribute Arctic surface temperature variation from 1900 to present to a combination of greenhouse gas emissions, anthropogenic sulfate aerosols, and volcanic eruptions. The study demonstrates the importance of aerosols in climate forcing and sheds light on the environmental and economic impacts of Arctic climate change.
A new type of organocatalyst, using halogen bridges, is introduced as a potentially environmentally friendlier alternative to existing catalysts. This catalyst shows special properties that open up new avenues for application in organic reactions.
Transnational tobacco companies invested in smokeless tobacco products like snus in Europe for business gains, not health concerns. The industry's efforts to influence EU policy and maintain the status quo in favor of cigarettes have been revealed through internal documents.
Researchers have discovered the unique properties of Morpho butterfly wings that can be used to develop innovative technologies. The study found that the physical structure and surface chemistry of the wings provide surprising properties for applications such as photonic security tags, sensors and self-cleaning surfaces.
Physicists at the University of Houston have discovered a non-toxic material that can convert waste heat from vehicle tailpipes, industrial smokestacks, and power plants into electricity. The new compound, tin telluride with indium, shows promise in boosting vehicle mileage by up to 5% and power plant efficiency by as much as 10%.
A North Carolina State University study analyzed survey results of 180 construction industry professionals to identify factors contributing to time buffers. The researchers found that protecting the reputation of the construction company and delays in obtaining necessary permits can significantly lengthen time buffers.
Researchers have developed a new assay called Digital Deletion Detection (3D) that accurately analyzes extremely rare mitochondrial DNA deletions associated with aging. The method uses Droplet Digital PCR technology to detect these deletions, which are often missed by conventional methods.
Researchers propose a rigorous evidence-based approach to identify what works and doesn't work in collaborations, aiming to improve the efficiency of drug development. Thousands of organizations have come together in over 100 multi-stakeholder collaborations to solve specific problems.
The 3D NanoChemiscope enables simultaneous analysis of mechanical and chemical properties in three dimensions, revolutionizing surface analysis. By combining a scanning force microscope and high-end mass spectrometer, researchers can study the composition and structure of surfaces with unprecedented precision.
Genome researchers at Bielefeld University have successfully sequenced the Chinese hamster genome, providing valuable data for biopharmaceutical production. The decoded genome consists of eleven pairs of chromosomes and is comparable in magnitude to the human genome.
Wayne State University has received a $200,000 National Science Foundation grant to develop an undergraduate certificate program in nanoengineering. The program aims to prepare students for flexible employment opportunities and provide them with hands-on knowledge of cutting-edge technologies.
A study found that Droplet Digital PCR can accurately quantify and determine the size distribution of target DNA in a single reaction well, avoiding drawbacks of other methods. This method offers precise quantification and detailed size distribution analysis, enabling efficient library preparation for next-generation sequencing.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a wearable helmet sensor that can detect the onset of carbon monoxide poisoning in construction workers with a probability of greater than 99%. The sensor uses pulse oximetry technology to monitor blood gas saturation levels, providing early warnings to prevent potential harm.
The Human System Simulation Laboratory at Idaho National Laboratory is a full-scale virtual nuclear control room that tests proposed technology replacements before implementation. This facility enables scientists to improve control-room designs by studying human interactions with instruments and responses to alarms. The lab is now help...
Researchers will develop biomimetic materials with self-replicating and evolving properties using DNA-guided self-assembly and origami folding. The goal is to create self-replicating 3D arrays with potential applications in advanced materials, biofuels, and industrial products.
Consumers of grapes and grape products have increased intakes of essential nutrients, including vitamin A, C, fiber, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. This study suggests that incorporating grapes into one's diet may lead to healthier dietary patterns and improved nutrient intake.
The new Rolls-Royce@NTU Corporate Lab will focus on three core areas: Electrical Power and Control Systems, Manufacturing and Repair Technologies, and Computational Engineering. The lab aims to invent more efficient energy delivery systems and develop innovative manufacturing technologies to complement robust power systems.
A recent study by a MU, K-State research team disproved the theory that Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) binds to CD169 molecules in pigs. This discovery will help scientists narrow their search for an ultimate cure.
Researchers at Disney Research have created software packages that can produce mechanical and actuated deformable characters, expanding creative choices for designers. The systems use rapid manufacturing methods like 3D printing to fabricate the physical characters.
Michael Donauer developed a tool to identify causes of nonconformities in mass production environments, focusing on data usage and processing challenges. His work is an example of interdisciplinary approaches contributing to both academia and industry.
Research found a worrying increase in alcohol-related deaths among young women in Glasgow, Liverpool, and Manchester, contradicting overall falls in both countries. The study suggests that increased affordability, marketing, and cultural influences may be driving this trend.
A study conducted by GOJO and independent researchers found that implementing an electronic hand hygiene compliance monitoring system can significantly increase hand hygiene compliance. The SMARTLINK Activity Monitoring System was used, resulting in a 92 percent increase in hand hygiene compliance rates during the study period.
A new statistical framework called Pathoscope can accurately discriminate between closely related strains of the same species with little coverage of the pathogenic genome. The method also determines the complete composition of known pathogenic and benign organisms in a biological sample.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute professor Diana Lados received the inaugural Constance Tipper Silver Medal for her seminal research and technical accomplishments in metal fracture and fatigue. Her work has worldwide impact and applications in automotive, aerospace, marine, and military industries.
The 2013 Reaxys Ph.D. Prize recognizes three young chemists for their groundbreaking research, which was selected from a record 581 submissions. The winners will present their work at the Reaxys Inspiring Chemistry Conference in Grindelwald, Switzerland.
The University of Nottingham has established a leading £18 million national power electronics research centre to develop the next generation of power electronics components and devices. The centre will bring together academics and industry partners to create an environment for innovation and knowledge transfer.
Researchers explore fungal biology and bioengineering applications to produce enzymes for releasing sugars from biomass, converting to biofuels and biobased chemicals. Advances in technology enable the development of new industrial processes.
A new study finds that industrial extraction in Wolf Lake Forest Reserve would significantly threaten biodiversity, making it a 'scientifically irreplaceable system'. The reserve's unique characteristics allow for climate change studies and inform future restoration practices.
Lexing Ying, a professor of mathematics at Stanford University, will receive the SIAM's James H. Wilkinson Prize for his outstanding contributions to numerical analysis and scientific computing. His research focuses on designing fast and accurate algorithms for fundamental problems in scientific computing.
Stanley Osher, a professor at UCLA, is awarded the 2013 John von Neumann Lecture for his groundbreaking work on non-oscillatory methods, level set methods, and l1 and TVD methods. His research has numerous applications in engineering, physics, and image processing.
The NIH is funding collaborations between academia and industry to explore new uses for existing compounds in eight disease areas, including Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. The initiative aims to accelerate the development of new treatments by leveraging existing research and development.
Researchers from the University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering have developed a new process called QuickRec, which allows steps in a process to be retraced to learn where bugs occurred. This prototype is a multicore record and replay system for multithreaded programs, enabling secure and efficient debugging.
A new study by the University of Utah found that hands-free devices can overload drivers' attention and impair their ability to drive safely. The study used advanced metrics to assess driver mental workload and reaction time, revealing a five-fold increase in infotainment systems in new vehicles by 2018
A team of researchers led by Gupreet Singh has devised a method to assemble self-assembled copolymer block films with nanostructures, enabling multiple functions and flexibility on a macroscale level. The films can be embedded with nanoparticles for various applications, including data storage and water purification.
Researchers at Wayne State University are conducting a comprehensive study on the impacts of differential speed limits for cars and trucks on Michigan's state freeways. The study aims to determine whether raising truck speed limits would improve safety or have negative effects on air quality, pavement quality, and freight operations.
The Canadian government has launched a new program, Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP), to move genomics-based solutions from laboratories to the marketplace. The program aims to stimulate investment in projects addressing real-world challenges and opportunities in genomics, with a total investment of $90 million.
A study by University of British Columbia researchers found that consumers experience social awkwardness when given free upgrades in front of others, leading to a decline in satisfaction and shorter browsing times. The study suggests that retailers should offer perks privately to avoid embarrassment.
FAPESP has invested $680 million in 17 Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers (RIDCs) in São Paulo, Brazil, with a focus on various research areas. The centers aim to contribute to commercially relevant high-impact applications while disseminating knowledge through education.
The Center for Advanced Research in Drying (CARD) aims to develop products, processes, and strategies to reduce energy usage and cost in various industries. CARD will focus on developing sustainable practices and improving product quality, with funding from the National Science Foundation.
Visikol, a polychlorinated alcohol mixture, effectively clears organisms for viewing under microscopes without the need for federal regulation. Developed as a replacement for chloral hydrate, it offers safety and cost benefits while maintaining high-quality microscopic images.
Clemson University has been awarded a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to launch an institute focused on mentoring underrepresented groups in computing sciences. The initiative aims to increase African-American doctoral graduates with research focus and develop future leaders in the field.
Researchers have developed maps that predict climatically suitable habitats for tree species based on climate predictions. The study found that populations of wide-ranging tree species lag behind their optimal growing environment due to changing temperature and precipitation conditions.
A UC Santa Barbara scientist and team found significant benefits to slowing climate change from reducing industrial methane emissions. Methane levels were highest near refineries, with nighttime concentrations enhanced by calm atmospheric layers.
A £5.6m UK national collaboration, PRiME, aims to design and implement energy-efficient embedded systems with many-core processors. The project will tackle global societal challenges by preventing uncontrolled energy consumption and unreliability in these systems.
Miljanic aims to enhance students' educational experience through recorded lectures and 3D printed models. His research focuses on molecular self-sorting and development of new molecules for sensing, separations, and energy-relevant applications.
Researchers at Uppsala University discovered that a curled path in curling stones is caused by microscopic scratches on the ice sheet produced by the stone's roughness. This scratch-guiding mechanism generates sideway force necessary for curling.
Researchers at Drexel University School of Public Health recommend using existing federal standards for occupation and industry data to track workplace injuries. This can lead to evidence-based prevention strategies, highlighting the benefits of collecting industry and occupation data on hospital discharge records.
NMR spectrometer Pulsar offers affordable and accessible analysis of molecular structure and composition, enabling quality control labs and university teaching centers to utilize the technique.
A new wave bypass technique could divert vibrations away from load-bearing elements of bridges, reducing the risk of catastrophic collapses. Inspired by nature's structured mirrors and metamaterials, the method involves adding lightweight resonators to existing bridges to absorb specific vibrations.