News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
Researchers at Wake Forest University have created a novel solution to the challenges of organic semiconductors. The high-performance organic semiconductor 'spray paint' developed by Oana Jurchescu can be applied to large areas without compromising electric conductivity.
A research team led by Nalini Santanam is investigating the epigenetics of pain in endometriosis, with preliminary findings suggesting that epigenetic markers may play a role in the disease's development. The team hopes to find new biomarkers for diagnostics and personalized treatment approaches.
Researchers found that the alcohol industry distorted international evidence on effective alcohol control measures to influence Scottish Government's policy. The study shows how the industry ignored and misrepresented scientific evidence to promote weak survey-based evidence and unsubstantiated claims.
A team of researchers from Stephen F. Austin State University has confirmed that the Neches River rose-mallow is a unique species using genetic fingerprint analyses. The plant's DNA profile shows distinct differences from other related species, making it eligible for government-funded restoration efforts.
Researchers at Aalto University have developed a new fatigue model that enables the creation of lighter structures, leading to more energy-efficient ships. The study's findings can be used to improve the design of various welded steel structures, predicting fatigue endurance more accurately and utilizing materials more efficiently.
Researchers discovered that eating mushrooms containing vitamin D2 can effectively increase and maintain vitamin D levels in healthy adults. The study found that mushroom powder was as effective as taking supplemental vitamin D2 or vitamin D3.
A recent study from India reveals that patients with hip fractures experience high mortality and functional impairment rates, with 30.4% of patients passing away within a year of the fracture, and only 21.9% regaining normal motor function.
Antibiotic overuse and misuse are creating conditions for the emergence of superbugs in border communities like Eagle Pass, Texas. Collaborating with officials to develop an outreach model to mitigate antimicrobial resistance, scientist Subburaj Kannan emphasizes the need for government action and public awareness.
Four talented Dedham students from Maine's Aspirnaut science-outreach program have made a groundbreaking discovery about a novel chemical bond in animal tissues. This bond is essential for the genesis of animal tissues and has been found to be present in another lineage of multicellular organisms, highlighting its evolutionary importance.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new procedure that thickens and thins fluid at the micron level, potentially saving consumers and manufacturers money. The process creates a permanent scaffold-like network that could be useful for biological applications, such as detecting certain diseases.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a tactile helmet that uses ultrasound sensors to detect distances and provide fire-fighters with additional information. The technology could also be useful for people with visual impairments, acting as an additional sense to guide users.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a swarm of 40 robots that can carry out simple fetching and carrying tasks, and even organize themselves by order of priority. This technology could play a significant role in future medical applications, military operations, and industrial processes.
The graduate student's research focuses on improving school security through architectural design, proposing solutions such as castle designs and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. The study highlights the importance of incorporating security features into school design without compromising aesthetics or budget constraints.
Researchers found that residential property values depreciate nearly 0.1% for each 1% nearer to a brownfield, while increasing in value by the same amount with distance from the site. The study analyzed 6,800 properties and estimated $2.2 million in annual lost property tax revenue.
Researchers analyzed survey data from 200 servers in 18 restaurants, finding that sensitivity to demographic differences predicted service levels. The study highlights the problem of poor service to African-American customers and suggests a solution by promoting tipping norms for specific levels of service quality.
Researchers have developed nanoparticles that can be used to create scintillation devices capable of detecting a wide range of X-rays and gamma rays. The nanocomposite detectors showed promising results, but further refinement is needed to optimize their performance.
Researchers at the University of Bergen have discovered that tunicates can be used as a biofuel source and sustainable fish feed. The cellulose, protein, and Omega-3 fatty acids in ascidiacea make it an attractive alternative to traditional energy sources.
Engineers have created a new technique to strengthen magnesium alloys, introducing nano-spaced stacking faults to increase strength by approximately 200 percent. The resulting material has high specific strength, making it lighter than steel but stronger, with potential for replacing steel in some applications.
Researchers developed a new thin film technology that allows for simultaneous analysis of multiple substances, leading to faster and more efficient diagnostics. The device can detect changes in chemical composition using optical fingerprints, offering improved accuracy and reliability compared to existing state-of-the-art technology.
A single point mutation has been identified in Listeria monocytogenes that enhances its ability to grow at refrigeration temperatures and in high salt concentrations. This finding raises significant concerns for food safety, as the mutated strain could become even more formidable.
Researchers at UTHealth found phthalates in 72 commonly consumed food samples, with all products showing some level of phthalate contamination. The discovery raises concerns about exposure to toxic chemicals, particularly given the potential health risks associated with phthalates.
A computer recognition system can quickly distinguish between oranges and lemons and spot different strains of pear, melon, apple, and plum with high accuracy. The system can be used for sorting and packing fruits and vegetables, as well as speeding up supermarket customer checkout.
Researchers at MIT and the Santa Fe Institute found that some widely used formulas, such as Moore's Law and Wright's Law, offer superior approximations of technological progress. The study analyzed data from 62 industries and found that these two laws best match actual technological advancements over past decades.
Scientists aim to understand how promiscuous enzymes can be engineered to tackle new functions, such as removing toxins from the environment. The goal is to develop biodegradable enzymes that can replace toxic chemicals in industrial processes.
The University of Nottingham has received two five-year research grants to develop next-gen 'smart' manufacturing systems that can adapt quickly to changes in product requirements and technology. These systems will enable self-repair, self-adaptation, and reconfiguration with low-cost maintenance.
A new study by the University of Notre Dame examines the impact of bridal registries on traditional wedding rituals and gift-giving practices. The research reveals that these registries have become a lucrative industry, with $19 billion in gifts purchased by invited guests in 2010.
NREL Engineer Ian Metzger named ASHRAE's New Face of Engineering, recognized for increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy deployment. The Research Support Facility in Golden, Colorado, also won an ASHRAE Technology Award for its net-zero design, using 50% less energy than traditional commercial buildings.
A new research project aims to develop sustainable air conditioning and refrigeration systems for vehicles, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The technology uses waste heat from engine exhaust to power the system, resulting in a significant reduction in emissions and energy consumption.
The inaugural issue of Big Data journal launched at the Strata Conference, featuring premium content from leading experts on big data. The Journal aims to facilitate dialogue among researchers, analysts, and policymakers on the challenges and opportunities in big data, published under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed self-assembling particles inspired by origami that can be manipulated to fold and seal or open and close. These particles have potential applications in drug delivery, mechanical sensing, bio-sensing technologies, and more.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a receptor-free nanomechanical infrared spectroscopy method to detect trace amounts of explosives in complex mixtures. This technique increases selectivity and sensitivity, allowing for the detection of specific molecules even with high concentrations of interfering molecules.
The UK biopharmaceutical sector is set to receive £6.5M in funding for innovative projects, including industrial-scale production of antibodies and stem cell preservation at room temperature. The funding will support the development of new tools and methods for bioprocessing, which is crucial for developing new drugs.
Research suggests that meerkat predator-scanning behaviour is driven by a desire to protect the group rather than personal safety. When young pups are present, adult meerkats exhibit increased vigilance and sentinel behaviour, indicating a strong sense of cooperation and altruism.
Researchers use picosecond ultrasonics to probe human cells' stiffness and viscosity, predicting potential applications in medical implants and cancer research. The technique could help identify cell disease and monitor cell activity without damaging the cells.
According to a new theory by Mats Alvesson and André Spicer, functional stupidity can raise productivity in organizations by promoting unity and consensus. However, this 'stupidity' can also lead to risks and problems if critical questions are not posed about decisions and structures.
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) has launched two new schemes to support industrial biotechnology and bioenergy research in the UK. The funding will create networks and collaborative research between academia and industry, fostering sustainable economic growth and new 'green collar' jobs.
Marwan Krunz, a professor at the University of Arizona, has been named a distinguished lecturer by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for his research on optimal resource allocation and adaptive control. He will share his expertise on dynamic spectrum access models to overcome wireless spectrum shortages.
Researchers from UCR and other top universities will develop technologies for spin-based computing and memory systems. The Center for Spintronic Materials, Interfaces, and Novel Architectures aims to support the US semiconductor industry with more efficient electronics.
The University of Notre Dame has been selected to lead the Center for Low Energy Systems Technology (LEAST), a $6 million research center funded by DARPA and SRC. The center aims to develop new devices that consume less energy, which will enable the creation of smaller and faster computer chips.
A team of researchers led by Kansas State University's Xiuzhi Sun will study oilseed camelina to make it a cost-effective bioenergy and biobased product feedstock. The goal is to create a foundation for nonfood oilseeds as a resource for biofuels, chemicals, and bioproducts with minimal impact on food systems or the environment.
The federal government is investing in two national research projects led by SFU, one focusing on advanced materials science and the other on particle physics analysis, with potential commercial applications and global impact.
Researchers found that Tsimane indigenous population in Bolivia does not exhibit the traditional Big Five personality traits, but rather a 'Big Two' of prosociality and industriousness. The study's findings suggest that lifestyle and ecology shape human psychology more broadly.
A study of an isolated Bolivian society found that five widely accepted personality traits may not be universal, instead revealing a unique 'Big Two' structure including prosociality and industriousness. Researchers suggest expanding beyond Western populations to better understand personality development.
The UK government has allocated £21.5 million of public funding to commercialize graphene, a 'super material' with exceptional properties. Researchers at Imperial College London will explore ways to apply graphene in aerospace design, medical technologies, and other high-tech industries.
Researchers have discovered a rapid and reliable test using next-generation real-time PCR systems to detect Shiga toxin-producing E. coli in ground beef. This new method is expected to increase food safety by providing faster, easier, and more reproducible results.
The use of paper industry waste to create bricks has been shown to have low thermal conductivity, making them effective insulators. Additionally, the bricks can provide energy due to their organic material content, which could help reduce fuel consumption and kiln time required for brick production.
Victor Gibeault, a cooperative extension specialist at UC Riverside, has received the 2013 USGA Green Section Award for his dedicated work on turfgrass research and education. He holds U.S. patents for zoysiagrass and buffalograss cultivars.
The University of Houston has received a high-speed computer cluster donation from Total, expanding its computing capabilities for research and education. The cluster will be used for large-scale simulations, data analysis, and teaching students about systems administration.
Five young investigators from the Asia-Pacific region were awarded prestigious grants for their top-ranking abstracts. The IOF Young Investigator Award valued at USD 1,000 and invited them to present their work in oral presentations during a special plenary session.
Studies funded by industry report more favorable results and outcomes compared to non-industry sponsored trials. The systematic review found that papers describing industry-sponsored studies presented more favorable overall conclusions, with increased benefits and fewer harmful side effects.
Researchers found that compressed propane increased inulinase activity, but the effect depended on enzyme structure and experimental conditions. The study explored the potential of compressed fluids to boost biotransformation reactions in industrial processes.
Volunteers who saw larger portions before eating reported less hunger 2-3 hours later, while those seeing smaller portions did not. This suggests that cognitive processes influence feelings of satiety after meals.
Foxes are widespread in northern and eastern Tasmania, with a predicted spread that could lead to devastating consequences for the island's wildlife. The University of Canberra team used DNA detection techniques to map their distribution and recommend targeting all highly suitable fox habitats for eradication.
Joseph Morse, a UC Riverside professor of entomology, has received the California Citrus Quality Council's Albert G. Salter Memorial Award for his steadfast dedication to the field of entomology. His extensive research on controlling citrus pests has led to significant contributions to the California citrus industry.
Scientists have developed a new method to study mechanochemical synthesis, allowing for the observation of complex chemical transformations in real-time. This breakthrough could lead to more environmentally friendly chemical production and optimize processes in various industries.
Eight new research projects receive funding from Carbon Management Canada to develop technologies for reducing CO2 emissions in industries such as cement and power generation. These projects will focus on innovative solutions for capturing, storing, and utilizing CO2, including sensor technology and carbon mineralization methods.
Agricultural research and development investments have seen a surge in private sector spending, driving innovations in crop seed, biotechnology, and farm machinery. The USDA study shows how public-private partnerships are crucial for advancing agricultural productivity.
A panel of experts recommends more research on the health effects of medical imaging and ways to reduce unnecessary CT tests, as well as industry standardization of CT machines. The experts stress that despite widespread public concern about radiation risks, the biologic effects from medical imaging tests are not entirely understood.
A new model developed by Concordia researcher Mohammed Othman takes into account workers' personality strengths and differences to create a more efficient workforce planning system. The result is a significant cost savings of 7.1% compared to traditional approaches.
The university will utilize new state-of-the-art equipment to develop applications such as smart sensors and biomedical devices. Researchers aim to transform the manufacturing industry through applied research, education, and industrial outreach.