News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
The Biophysical Society has announced 2012 CPOW Travel Award winners, recognizing postdoctoral female researchers presenting at the conference. The award aims to increase participation of women in biophysics.
A major national initiative aims to create scientific guidelines for safe farming, packing, and storing of fresh produce. The UMD-led project will analyze data from over 200,000 tests to measure pathogen presence in produce, irrigation waters, fertilizers, and transport facilities.
Researchers at Harvard University and BASF are working on creating nanoscale particles of drugs to overcome hydrophobic drug compounds. The symposium aims to discuss efficient creation and delivery of these tiny particles for targeted treatment, addressing major challenges in modern medicine.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum successfully exploited a 'man-in-the-middle' attack to bypass HDCP's encryption, demonstrating the system's security weakness. The low-cost hardware solution used had a material cost of approximately €200 and was designed to assess the feasibility of creating an independent hardware solution.
A recent study published in Cornell Hospitality Quarterly found that novice wine consumers can be swayed by advertising and create stronger memories when they have a better understanding of the product's background. To combat this, wine producers are advised to combine tasting experiences with educational materials.
Researchers have discovered that rivers in cities can produce a cooling microclimate, helping to reduce overheating temperatures. The University of Sheffield's URSULA project has found that rivers can absorb excess heat from the sun and help cities stay cool, making them a valuable tool for urban planning.
Researchers found vermicompost amendments in organic substrates significantly enhanced tomato growth and yield. The addition of vermicompost resulted in lower incidence of defective fruit, further increasing the benefits for organic production.
The NSF-funded I/UCRC E3S center aims to develop holistic approaches to energy efficiency in data centers, potentially saving millions of dollars. The collaboration between universities and industry leaders will focus on finding ways to monitor and self-regulate electronic systems' energy usage.
The Materials Project accelerates material discovery, enabling faster development of new materials used in clean energy technologies and common consumer products. Researchers can access a database of over 15,000 inorganic compounds to predict and discover new materials.
A study of 100 migrants found that most sex workers choose their jobs for better pay and avoid menial employment, challenging the notion of forced trafficking
The Princeton study suggests that savanna wildfires play a crucial role in maintaining the division between forests and savannas. The researchers found that regular fires prevent trees from establishing and savannas from turning into forest. However, human activities such as climate change, road construction, and fire prevention measur...
A new report by the University of Delaware finds that sharing agreements among local TV stations lead to a loss of diversity and localism, as well as job losses. In eight American television markets, the agreements resulted in a significant number of stations using the same anchors, reporters, scripts, and graphics.
Researchers developed a simplified lab technique for measuring polymer characteristics using magnets, validating decades-old Nobel-Prize-winning theory. The new method uses magnetic tweezers to measure the structure and other critical parameters of long polymer molecules like polyethylene glycol.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have found evidence of advanced blade production during the late Lower Paleolithic period, around 200,000-400,000 years ago. The discovery of well-planned 'production lines' suggests a sophisticated tool-making system that rivals later blade technology.
A new study from Rice University and Duke University found that removing digital rights management (DRM) restrictions can actually decrease music piracy. The research showed that while DRM restrictions make piracy more costly and difficult, they also have a negative impact on legal users who don't intend to engage in piracy.
A new MIT study reveals that non-compete agreements lead many engineers to abandon their chosen industry after switching jobs, often at significant financial cost. The study found that about one-third of tech workers who sign non-compete agreements leave their industry altogether.
Carbon nanotubes have exceptional thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties, but agglomerate formation hinders their full potential. Simulations using the Ohio Supercomputer Center unveil the effectiveness of tie molecules in improving CNTs' stability and performance.
The Fisher-Price iXL Learning System, a smart device for children ages 3 to 7, received the 10th User-Centered Product Design Award for its outstanding user-centered design. The award recognizes innovative approaches to human factors/ergonomics and industrial design.
The researchers aim to create a flexible power distribution system that can adapt to changes in rooftop solar panels. They are developing a holonic multiagent system that can monitor the power grid and negotiate with other agents to maintain balance between loads and generation.
Researchers have successfully developed a new, cheaper alloy for shape memory materials, which could revolutionize industries such as aerospace engineering and electronics. The new alloy, produced using copper, has shown promising properties and is expected to be cost-effective alternative to existing alloys like Nitinol.
The IADR/AADR published the proceedings of the 3rd AADR Fall Focused Symposium on Salivary Diagnostics, featuring scientific posters and invited speakers from leading institutions. The symposium explored cutting-edge technology and techniques in salivary diagnostics research.
The UCSB Materials Research Laboratory has received a renewed $20 million grant from the National Science Foundation to conduct distinctive research and education programs. The grant will advance materials science research in areas such as energy-efficient microelectronics, adhesives, and coatings inspired by marine organisms.
Rensselaer's new Blue Gene/Q supercomputer will boost the university's leadership in high-performance computing and enable research in data science, computational modeling, and more. The system, funded by a $2.65M NSF grant, provides balanced computational power, fast data access, and visualization capabilities.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have achieved a world record in nano research by tracking the largest contraction in an inorganic molecule ever recorded. The study used time-dissolved X-ray scattering to measure the contraction of Iridium atoms, resulting in a 62% increase over the previous record.
Researchers at Rice University have successfully powered a fluorescent light bulb using a cable made of carbon nanotubes, which is six times lighter than copper and silver. The new material shows great promise for use in applications where weight is critical, such as airplanes and automobiles.
The University of Missouri has received a $100,000 grant from Monsanto to support student research in plant sciences. The fellowship program will pay high-achieving students up to $5,800 per year to conduct research projects and participate in internships.
Researchers have developed a special type of biopolymer that protects probiotic bacteria from the acidic stomach environment and delivers them safely to the intestines. This innovation could lead to better quality probiotic food products and increase calcium absorption, benefiting gut health and bone structure.
A new study by University of Illinois marketing expert Tiffany Barnett White found that brand-conscious consumers view negative information about their beloved brands as a threat to their self-image. They defend the brand and re-write history to maintain a favorable self-evaluation, extending to multiple markets such as sports teams.
A new experimental study from the University of California, San Diego suggests that spoilers don't spoil stories, but rather enhance enjoyment. People who flip to the last page before starting a book have better intuition and prefer spoiled versions of ironic-twist and mystery stories.
The NTU-JTC I3 Centre will focus on four areas: reclamation & marine infrastructure, sustainable infrastructure, underground infrastructure, and infrastructure systems & materials. The Centre aims to attract top students and faculty to pursue projects and careers in industrial infrastructure.
The University of Nottingham will conduct cutting-edge research on herd welfare, diet, grazing, health, and disease to deliver benefits directly to British dairy farmers. The five-year programme aims to develop programmes for maintaining the health, welfare, and nutritional status of the national dairy herd at world-class standards.
Vertebral fractures, often due to osteoporosis, can lead to severe consequences like spinal deformity and mortality. IOF recommends a systematic approach to manage vertebral compression fractures with minimally invasive techniques like vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty.
Researchers have discovered a range of new colors by tweaking the chemical structure of the existing blue pigment, which could lead to safer and more durable pigments. The new orange pigment is already being explored for commercial use.
A team of scientists used BGI's rapid, bench-top DNA sequencing technology to analyze the deadly E. coli O104:H4 outbreak in Germany, revealing a new model of international collaboration for infectious disease control. The study found that genome sequencing provides the foundation to identify and characterize novel pathogens.
The Urban Water ERC aims to develop new, sustainable ways to manage urban water. Researchers will work in close partnership with industry to address the critical importance of this issue.
Scientists have discovered a link between two competing states of a cuprate superconductor and developed a mathematical theory to describe their relationship. The new theory should help predict the behavior of the material under varying conditions, shedding light on its potential for improving energy efficiency and storage.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) released four reports detailing information used to craft an updated EHS research strategy. The reports outline areas of focus, including human health, instrumentation, and risk management methods.
The UCSF Clinical and Translational Science Institute has received $112 million to expand its work, making it the country's second-largest clinical and translational science institute. The funding validates the success of CTSI in creating a framework for scientists to collaborate on promising research.
The NSF-funded Engineering Research Center for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering will develop new technologies for amputees, stroke patients, and those with cerebral palsy. Researchers aim to create implantable prosthetics controlled by brain signals, revolutionizing robotic systems integration with the body's nervous system.
Researchers at Caltech propose a new wind farm design that places turbines close together, reducing inefficiencies and environmental impacts. The approach uses vertical-axis wind turbines, which provide benefits in turbulent winds, simple designs, and lower profiles.
A $1 million University of Nevada, Reno project is providing a catalogue of favorable structural elements and models for geothermal systems to enhance exploration methodologies and reduce the risk of drilling nonproductive wells. The research aims to identify potential geothermal sites in the Great Basin with 3-D imaging.
Over 220 cooperative R&D projects have been approved and supported by EUREKA since Israel's Chairmanship year in July 2010, totaling 320 million Euros of investment. The program has achieved significant successes in areas such as renewable energy, agrofood technology, biotechnology, and IT.
A landmark editorial in The Spine Journal denounces flawed clinical research in bone growth products and inadequate disclosure of industry relationships. Financial ties between physicians and medical device industries have led to biased and corrupted research, harming patients, according to the editors.
The NIST researchers developed an evaluative framework called SCORE to assess the performance of systems and their components, providing a unified set of criteria and software tools for emerging technologies evaluation. The framework helps maximize contributions without biasing test results and provides flexibility over time.
A study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry reveals that a protein called globin E plays a crucial role in supplying oxygen to the avian retina. This finding helps explain how birds evolved large eyes without a dense network of ocular capillaries, and sheds light on the unique properties of the avian eye.
The University of Arizona has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract to polish a 4.2-meter primary mirror for the Advanced Technology Solar Telescope in Hawaii. The mirror will be the world's largest solar telescope, allowing researchers to study the sun in unprecedented detail.
New research finds that human activity related to oil production and the timber industry may be more important than wolves in caribou population decline. The study advocates for specific options to control human impact on habitats before resorting to predator removal.
The First European Forum on Railway Running Gears brought together top professionals to discuss advances in technology and interoperability. Researchers emphasized the importance of strengthening university-industry relationships to improve safety, profitability, and efficiency in the railway industry.
A new study suggests that regular use of olive oil for cooking and dressing may lower the risk of stroke by 41% compared to non-users. The research found that consuming olive oil was associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
The study analyzed the performance of bolted joints in aeronautical structures, finding that low temperatures or low torque levels increase the risk of failure. Researchers developed a numerical model to estimate joint torque based on temperature ranges, which can help reduce aircraft weight and fuel consumption.
The Collage Authoring Environment won first prize for its scalable architecture designed to support authors, reviewers, and end users as well as publishers. SHARE: A Web Portal for Creating and Sharing Executable Research Papers took second place, while A Universal Identifier for Computational Results received third prize.
A new study found that fetal exposure to BPA changes the development of the uterus in female primates. The research suggests that oral and subcutaneous forms of BPA can alter gene expression and affect uterine cell development.
A new drag reduction method could help shipping industries reduce energy use and carbon emissions by creating an insulating vapour layer around the ship's hot body. The Leidenfrost effect is used to minimize drag on fast-moving projectiles in water, with potential applications in ocean transport and high-pressure pumping.
A new study by Elizabeth M. Poposki explores how individuals attribute work-family conflict, finding that most (64%) blame work and few (6%) blame themselves. The study suggests scheduling conflicts in advance may reduce negative emotional reactions.
EUREKA's new 'E!nnoVest' platform helps investors find highly-qualified SMEs and start-ups with innovative technology-based projects. The web tool supports the introduction of products to markets, addressing market failure in preliminary R&D stages.
Scientists find that honeysuckle extract improves UV-blocking ability of wool fabrics, providing significant potential as a natural UV-blocking agent for clothing. The extract remains effective after exposure to sunlight and laundering, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional sunblocks.
A new editorial in PLoS Medicine calls for greater scrutiny of the alcohol industry's impact on health research, government policy, and public perceptions. The authors highlight questionable behavior by the industry, including promoting health benefits while downplaying harms, and suggest stricter regulation to protect public health.
A study published in The Service Industries Journal found that public Spanish universities outperform private ones in providing internal research support services, including infrastructure and staff. This leads to improved research results and attracts top talent from around the world.
A survey by Northwestern University found that small companies report more challenges than large companies in the FDA's 510(k) review process. The predictability of regulatory requirements is a crucial factor in deciding whether to invest in developing new products, with only 8% of respondents believing the US system is predictable.
The NAPANIL project explores the potential of 3D nanoimprinting techniques in various applications, including optics, life sciences, and industry. The project aims to bridge the gap between basic research and industrial uptake, with a focus on cost-efficient products and novel functionalities.