News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
Elke Rundensteiner, a WPI computer science professor, has received the HP Labs Innovation Research Award for her work on complex event stream analytics. The award provides funding for her project to develop advanced tools for extracting meaning from vast amounts of streaming data in real-time.
Researchers and graduate students from low-income countries can apply for conference bursaries to attend the Parasite to Prevention conference in Edinburgh, UK. The bursaries cover travel, accommodation, and conference registration costs.
A new study from North Carolina State University found that race, not experience, influences hiring decisions in the sports industry. Black applicants with identical resumes received lower ratings for overall likeability and competence compared to their white counterparts.
A Japanese team of scientists has identified a long-elusive enzyme necessary for the proper regulation of primary cilia, which serve as communication hubs in sensory neurons. The discovery may aid in developing therapies for diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and polycystic kidney disease.
A multidisciplinary team observes single-molecule interactions of bistable rotaxanes functioning in their native environment, enabling detailed studies of molecular machines. This breakthrough enables greater understanding of how they interact with their neighbors and might work together in nanoelectromechanical devices.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide are exploring ultrasound to combat blue-green algae blooms in water supplies, a significant global problem. They aim to develop an environmentally friendly and cost-effective method using low-amplitude ultrasound to immobilize the algae without releasing toxins.
A new £7m research center at the University of York is developing hyperpolarisation with parahydrogen to increase MRI sensitivity. This could enable doctors to make diagnoses in minutes instead of days and tailor treatments more accurately.
A laboratory milling device called the 'insect-o-graph' can detect internal insects in wheat that are not visible to the eye or detectable by usual grading methods. The system estimates the number of live insects hidden in a one-kilogram grain sample in about one minute.
Researchers discover rapid expansion of salmon farms in Chile's protected National Park, posing a significant threat to native sea lions and the entire ecosystem. The farms' waste, medication, and noise pollution are causing devastating impacts on the region's biodiversity.
The University of Delaware Institute of Energy Conversion is part of a $3.8 million DARPA-funded project to develop flexible high-performance solar cells that can withstand battle conditions and environmental extremes. The goal is to demonstrate low-cost, lightweight photovoltaics with a power conversion efficiency of 20% or greater.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is funding a semester-long program on geometric, combinational, and computational group theory at the Centre de Recherches Mathmatiques in Montreal. Researchers will work together to discuss perspectives for advancing the field and disseminate knowledge among an international community of experts.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal editorial calls for IDRC Chair Barbara McDougall's resignation due to her ties to the tobacco industry. This is seen as a conflict of interest, undermining the institution's credibility in international development.
A new approach to applying nanostructure coatings has been discovered, achieving heat transfer four times faster than uncoated surfaces. The technology has potential applications in high-tech devices and conventional heating and cooling industries.
Chemical biologist Dr. Carolyn Bertozzi has made groundbreaking contributions to biotechnology, including bioorthogonal chemical reactions and genetically-encoded aldehyde tag technology. Her work has the potential to facilitate early cancer detection and develop novel protein drugs.
Researchers have developed a liquid-based method to produce high-quality graphene, which could lead to novel carbon composites and more affordable touch screens. The new technique yields very pure material and has the potential to drive down costs in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction.
The Powered Rope Ascender technology, developed by ONR in collaboration with industry partners, allows warfighters to efficiently climb and descend vertical surfaces at high speeds. This innovation increases the functionality of naval operations, such as boarding enemy vessels or evacuating remote casualties.
Researchers Jane Siegel and Jeff Perdue are leading an initiative to develop business-centric measures of cloud computing benefits and risks. The goal is to provide chief information officers with a standardized method for comparing internal and external providers.
A recent White Paper report by the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) highlights issues with genetic ancestry testing, including imprecise definitions and lack of standard guidelines. The task force recommends a collaborative approach among stakeholders to address concerns and develop best practices.
The University of Nevada, Reno's mining engineering program has received a $2.4 million boost from the mining industry to support environmental solutions and distance education. The program will offer new classes in metallurgical engineering, with two endowed professorships and student scholarships.
The IOF-Servier Young Investigator Research Grant was awarded to two young researchers, Dr. Frank DeVries and Dr. Davide Ruffoni, for their innovative projects on osteoporosis. The grant aims to estimate the risk of fracture in patients with bariatric surgery and understand the mechanisms of implant integration in osteoporotic bone.
John A. Kanis receives IOF Medal of Achievement for his long-standing and distinguished career advancing the field of osteoporosis research. He has published widely on disorders of skeletal metabolism, including osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone, hyperparathyroidism, renal osteodystrophy and neoplasia.
Research from the ICUROS study reveals that hospitalized vertebral fracture patients have a more substantial decrease in quality of life. This is attributed to co-morbidities and higher severity of fractures among hospitalized individuals.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has honored long-time associate Professor José Zanchetta with the prestigious Pierre Delmas Award. The award recognizes Dr. Zanchetta's commitment to advancing osteoporosis awareness and treatment in the Latin American region.
Young people with inflammatory bowel diseases are at increased risk of fracture due to low bone mass and poor bone architecture. This is attributed to factors such as poor nutrient absorption, glucocorticoid medication use, and altered trabecular bone tissue microarchitecture.
Researchers at NASA and Purdue University have identified molecular-level features that make fluorinated compounds more efficient at trapping radiation in the atmospheric window. By spreading fluorine atoms out in a molecule's structure, these compounds can persist longer in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
A review of studies suggests patients and research participants believe financial relationships between medicine and industry should be disclosed due to potential bias in research and clinical care. Disclosure has been recommended or required by medical associations and policymakers, but its impact on decision-making remains unknown.
A new study by MSU researchers suggests that state biofuel subsidies can be costly, but also highly effective in attracting ethanol producers to the industry. The study found that larger subsidies and tax credits increase the likelihood of an ethanol plant locating in a state.
The UCLA engineer has created a miniature microscope, the world's smallest and lightest for telemedicine applications. The lensless microscope can deliver health care in resource-limited settings by analyzing blood samples or fluids instantly.
A beneficial microbe called Muscodor albus may help protect fresh grapes from troublesome gray mold. Experiments have shown that M. albus can combat Botrytis cinerea, the organism that causes gray mold.
UK scientists Dr Dov Stekel and Dr Jon Hobman will collaborate with Japanese researchers to understand how E. coli survives in the human gut and causes disease. The project aims to improve our understanding of this prevalent bacterium and its variants, which can be fatal.
The US Department of Agriculture's ARS is conducting long-term studies to examine growing camelina as a bioenergy crop. Camelina has high oil content, making it a promising candidate for producing biofuels.
A new method for measuring privacy risk from small geographic areas has been developed, allowing Canadians to manage their location-based data effectively. The study shows that by protecting only those living in small geographic areas, more information can be shared while maintaining privacy risks.
The University of Houston has executed two licensing agreements with SuperPower, covering second-generation high-temperature superconductor (HTS) wire and the fundamental composition of matter patent for HTS discovered by Paul Chu in 1987. These agreements enable SuperPower to advance its 2G HTS wire development for various applications.
BBSRC and NSF announce an intensive workshop, Ideas Lab, to foster new ideas and collaborations on novel biochemical mechanisms for enhanced photosynthesis. The collaboration aims to bring about significant increases in biomass, boosting crop yields and meeting global food and energy security challenges.
Six finalists from various organizations will compete for the prestigious Franz Edelman Award, recognizing outstanding operations research-based projects that transform companies and industries. The winner will receive a $10,000 honorarium.
Researchers found that queso fresco can retain its characteristic texture for two months when stored at 39 degrees Fahrenheit, but breaks down at 50 degrees F. The study suggests lowering the supermarket display case temperature to improve shelf life and quality of this popular Mexican cheese.
Researchers found successful advocates collaborate with local and national organizations, lobbyists, and sponsoring legislators to aid in tanning bed bill passage. Strong lobbying efforts by the tanning industry hindered passage, while knowledgeable healthcare providers and public health advocates were key resources.
A new test developed by UC Davis researchers helps Uruguayan rice farmers determine if their waterways are safe to drain after flooded fields. The test can detect high levels of the herbicide clomazone, which can harm fish and other aquatic life.
A study by Susan Christopherson and Ned Rightor found that film subsidy programs reduce finite state funds, benefit few citizens, and foster a race-to-the-bottom mentality. The researchers argue that policy makers need to carefully evaluate the methods used to rationalize public expenditures on incentives for economic development.
Scientists have found that geraniums can paralyze the Japanese beetle, a pest feeding on ornamentals, soybeans, and other crops. The beetles typically recover within 24 hours after being paralyzed, but often succumb to predators under field conditions.
The €3.5M grant will support a four-year project to enhance water and wastewater treatment plant performance, leading to improved surface and ground water quality. Researchers from seven institutions in the UK, Ireland, and Germany will collaborate on this Marie Curie ITN.
A voluntary effort to reduce salt in processed foods could lead to a 9.5% decline in Americans' salt intake, preventing strokes and heart attacks in nearly a million people. The initiative is estimated to save $32.1 billion in medical costs and extend the lives of Americans by 1.3 million years.
University of Florida engineers develop a nearly perfect hydrophobic interface by reproducing spider hairs on flat plastic surfaces. The surface repels hot and cold water, pick up dirt, and has potential applications in food packaging, windows, solar cells, and boat hulls.
Research reveals two to three times higher rates of registered sex offenders in energy 'boomtowns' compared to other industries. The study found that the growth of sex offenders increased by 300% over a nine-year period in areas dependent on oil extraction.
A new INFORMS study proposes incentivizing shippers to take on more port security responsibilities, reducing the burden on the federal government. This shift could lead to cost savings and improved security measures in the supply chain.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a groundbreaking technology that combines high-resolution still images with very high-speed video footage. This innovation is expected to revolutionize various fields, including science, industry, and consumer sectors, by providing access to detailed imaging at an affordable price.
A retrospective study of Red Cross donor and hospital data found that patients receiving female-donor plasma had better lung function, reduced risk of death within 30 days of surgery, and longer hospital stays compared to those who received male-donor plasma.
The Center for Resource Recovery and Recycling (CR3) aims to reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions by developing new technologies for maximizing metal recovery and recycling. The center will focus on promoting a more sustainable approach to metal use in the US, with research collaborations between academia and industry.
Researchers are exploring ways to increase iron and zinc quantities in white flour using high-intensity x-rays. This approach aims to develop nutritious grain varieties that can help address global dietary deficiencies.
Agricultural Research Service scientist Peggy Tomasula has written a chapter on using dairy ingredients to produce edible films and biodegradable packaging materials. The research focuses on improving the water-vapor barrier properties of dairy proteins, such as casein and whey.
Researchers found six essential oils, including thyme, can inhibit the COX-2 enzyme, which contributes to inflammation. Thyme oil proved most active, reducing COX-2 levels by almost 75% with carvacrol as the primary active agent.
A study found that biomedical research funding in the US has decelerated and may have even fallen when adjusted for inflation. Funding growth was not accompanied by an increase in new drug and device approvals.
A new method developed at Purdue University has shown that 70 of the rearranged distillation sequences can improve energy efficiency by 6-48 percent. This could save millions of dollars in energy costs annually for oil refineries, with potential savings reaching $12 million per year.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed a process to recover significant quantities of rare-earth oxides from titanium dioxide minerals in industrial waste. The new method could make green technologies more accessible and reduce reliance on China's dominant supply of these resources.
A consortium of five universities, including Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh, has been awarded a collective $465 million contract to provide research services to the National Energy Technology Laboratory. The team will work on a range of projects, including fossil energy research and energy sector planning.
The facility will contain testbeds for building systems integration, allowing researchers to develop and validate technologies for N-ZEB. Berkeley Lab will work with industry partners to address key technical challenges and achieve aggressive energy savings.
A new mechanical string blossom thinner prototype significantly increased fruit size and reduced labor costs in peach production. The study found that the horizontal string trimmer resulted in improved fruit quality and reduced hand-thinning time, leading to cost savings for growers.
The EPSRC has invested £13 million in three new mathematical sciences Centres for Doctoral Training at Lancaster University, University of Cambridge and University of Warwick. These centres will train at least 40 students over seven years and focus on statistics, analysis and applied mathematics.
A study simulated car crashes involving pregnant women, aiming to improve safety in the automotive industry. The research aims to better understand how crash forces specifically affect pregnant women and their developing babies.
Researchers introduced a single bacterial gene into yeast to improve bioethanol production from agricultural waste, increasing ethanol yields while eliminating major byproducts glycerol and acetate. The innovation addresses second-generation bioethanol challenges, enabling more efficient and sustainable production.