News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
Fogarty's research aims to monitor language function and recovery in post-stroke patients using DOT. She hopes to establish the feasibility of brain-computer interfaces to restore inter-personal communication for post-stroke patients.
Haotian Wang, associate professor at Rice University, is recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to carbon dioxide electrochemistry. His innovative research has transformed the field of carbon dioxide electrolysis, offering practical pathways to combat climate change.
Researchers at Chungnam National University have developed copper-zinc electrodes that can stabilize over time through recycling, preserving their catalytic effectiveness and selectivity for valuable hydrocarbons. This innovation has significant implications for the conversion of CO₂ into sustainable fuels or chemicals.
A team of Rice University scientists has developed a coating that suppresses thermal emissions from hot windows while remaining transparent enough to capture thermal radiation from objects behind the window. This breakthrough enables clear thermal imaging at high temperatures, with potential applications in industries such as chemical ...
Researchers at Pusan National University developed a hybrid model to predict metal wear in magnesium alloys, enabling safer, lighter designs. The model combines machine learning and physics to improve fatigue life prediction, offering greater predictive reliability for enhanced safety and longevity.
Researchers have developed a biotechnological process to break down and remove the matrix from carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs), recovering valuable chemicals. Genetically modified fungi feed on benzoic acid produced during breakdown, yielding the compound OTA with potential medical applications.
Scientists have created cost-effective lasers for the extended Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) range by utilizing colloidal quantum dots. This breakthrough addresses scalability and affordability challenges in current laser technologies, enabling diverse applications such as hazardous gas detection, eye-safe LIDAR systems, and advanced phot...
Southwest Research Institute has launched a joint industry project to develop technologies for hydrogen-powered heavy-duty refueling operations. The four-year program aims to strengthen existing refueling station equipment and procedures, exploring alternatives to address supply chain issues and technical challenges.
Researchers at Texas A&M University developed a non-toxic pesticide using neem seed extract and nanotechnology. The new formulation shows improved targeting ability and reduces environmental pollution by up to 80-90% of sprayed pesticides missing their target entirely.
The Center for Marine Autonomy and Robotics develops advanced underwater robots and autonomy algorithms, enabling intelligent operation without human oversight. The research team has received $7.4 million in grants to continue their mission, advancing unconventional marine platforms and enhancing AUV capabilities.
A new study from Tulane University analyzed 260 honey samples from 48 states for toxic metals, finding regional differences in contamination levels. The highest arsenic and cobalt levels were found in Pacific Northwest and Southeastern honeys, respectively, while lead was detected in Carolinas honeys.
A Virginia Tech researcher has received a collaborative grant to improve cancer therapies by developing 3D liver organoids and employing cutting-edge microscopy technology. The project aims to identify the most effective treatments for cancer, enabling better-targeted treatments.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed a new, highly selective and efficient method for synthesizing anti-cancer compounds. The innovative approach uses isopropyl magnesium bromide as a base to improve selectivity and scalability.
Dr Florian Kaiser leads €3 million ERC Consolidator Grant-funded research on quantum integration, aiming to create practical applications and overcome scalability challenges in quantum technologies. The goal is to integrate quantum processors and memories on a single chip, enabling superior performance and minimal energy consumption.
The PERTE Chip EPIQ Chair aims to accelerate the adoption of emerging quantum technologies through collaboration between UC3M and Arquimea. The project will focus on strengthening research in microelectronics and quantum technologies, as well as training the next generation of experts.
Researchers will test the hypothesis that environmental manganese exposure is associated with the progression of Parkinson's symptoms and measure neuroinflammation in the brain using MRI scans. The study aims to inform environmental regulations for manganese worldwide and address an environmental justice concern.
The US Department of Defense has awarded East Tennessee State University's Research Corporation over $900,000 to create a biomanufacturing facility that turns waste streams into valuable products. The project aims to bolster domestic bioindustrial manufacturing and advance sustainable manufacturing goals in Northeast Tennessee.
The new SMART USA institute aims to leverage cutting-edge research, educational initiatives, and industry-academic partnerships to improve domestic semiconductor design and manufacturing. The institute will focus on the development, validation, and application of digital twins to enhance semiconductor processes.
SynGAP Research Fund appoints Virginie McNamar as President and COO, bringing extensive Rare Disease advocacy experience. The organization aims to accelerate progress with robust organizational structure and strategic focus.
Researchers from CSH and ASCII investigate Austrian companies linked to VW, finding 6,300 jobs dependent on the German carmaker. The study highlights the impact of VW's crisis on component suppliers and machine manufacturers, with long-term losses expected.
Researchers developed engineered biochar with enhanced properties for environmental remediation and energy storage. The study highlights the potential of biochar in soil amendment, water purification, supercapacitors, and batteries, but also identifies challenges such as complex biomass composition and lack of standardized protocols.
Four FAPESP-funded deep tech startups are looking to expand internationalization plans and enter new markets. The startups aim to establish strategic partnerships with universities, local companies, and research centers to validate their technologies and gain a better understanding of the challenges and specifics of the European market.
Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo successfully developed a multi-element perovskite catalyst that selectively oxidizes light alkanes to alcohols with high yield and selectivity. The breakthrough catalyst operates under mild conditions and exhibits excellent stability and reusability.
Colombian researchers create novel mycelium-based biocomposites by cultivating Ganoderma gibbosum on agro-industrial residues. The resulting biocomposites exhibit tailored physical-mechanical properties, enabling sustainable and renewable materials production.
Researchers analyzed seismic data from southern Israel and found weak ground motions caused by Hamas forces' unusual vehicle movement. This breakthrough highlights the potential of using seismic data to provide early warnings for future terrorist activities.
Dr Bøsch's work explores betalains' potential to impact blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular health, and gut microbiota. The award highlights the significance of her research in advancing functional food and feed applications with implications for human and animal health.
Researchers create high-quality hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) films just one atom thick using a new growth method. The films exhibit excellent insulating properties and are suitable for high-performance electronic devices.
Researchers at the University of Jena have developed a method to functionalise graphene without interference, allowing for ultrasensitive detection of biomarkers. This breakthrough enables rapid, cost-effective diagnostics using graphene-based field-effect transistors.
A $50 million consortium, led by Virginia Tech, aims to develop high-energy, long-lasting sodium-ion batteries using abundant and inexpensive materials. The initiative seeks to reduce US dependence on critical elements in lithium-ion batteries, paving the way for a more sustainable future in electric-vehicle technology.
Researchers on the ISS National Lab have leveraged microgravity to study fundamental physical phenomena, such as heat transfer, combustion, and fluid dynamics. These discoveries hold potential for advances in pharmaceuticals, energy production, materials manufacturing, and more.
A new microwave-assisted synthesis route has improved the performance of a coordination polymer photocatalyst, achieving a record-breaking value for CO2-to-formate conversion with a nearly ten-fold increase in apparent quantum yield. The improvements are attributed to well-crystallized material and surface area increases.
Researchers demonstrate transverse thermoelectric conversion in WSi2 for the first time, using mixed-dimensional Fermi surfaces to enable TTE effect. The study paves the way for developing new sensors and efficient thermoelectric materials.
The MIT team fabricated a simple water filter modeled after the mobula ray's plankton-filtering features and studied its performance. They found that the ray's filtering features are broadly similar to industrial cross-flow filters, which could inform design of water treatment systems.
Researchers developed a platform to produce mature, uniform organoids using a three-dimensional engineered membrane. This breakthrough enables consistent quality and improved efficiency for practical applications in clinical trials and drug development.
The National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) has received the Readers' Choice Award: Best HPC Collaboration and Editors' Choice: Best Use of HPC in Physical Sciences. This is the 14th consecutive year NCSA has been honored with an HPCwire award.
The Funding Atlas 2024 shows an increase in university funding from €26.7 billion in 2022 to €28.4 billion in 2019, with third-party funding rising by 19.1% over the same period. The federal government is the largest source of third-party funding, while industry share continues to decline.
The research project BIOntier aims to develop more environmentally friendly materials with advanced technological solutions. UC3M participates as leader of the experimental characterisation work package, combining experimental analysis and computational simulations.
A novel no-code prototype, Auto-DSM, generates design structure matrices (DSMs) using large language models. It improves productivity and accuracy compared to traditional methods, with speeds of up to four minutes per DSM generation.
Researchers developed a nano-patterned copper oxide sensor to detect hydrogen at low concentrations, outperforming previous CuO-based sensors. The sensor detects hydrogen concentrations as low as 5 parts per billion and responds quickly, making it suitable for leak detection and ensuring safe adoption of hydrogen technologies.
Researchers at UW–Madison developed an approach to simultaneously mitigate three types of defects – pores, rough surfaces, and large spatters – in metal parts produced using laser powder bed fusion. This breakthrough enables the production of high-quality parts with increased manufacturing productivity.
Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed a strategy to improve both the performance and stability of perovskite-based solar cells. By introducing an iodine-reducing agent, they increased the efficiency and extended the lifespan of the devices.
Researchers at Seoul National University's Optical Engineering and Quantum Electronics Laboratory developed an optical design technology that dramatically reduces the volume of cameras with a folded lens system utilizing metasurfaces. The new lens system achieves a thickness of 0.7mm, making it suitable for ultra-compact devices such a...
Greg Liu has developed a revolutionary way to convert certain plastics into soaps, detergents, lubricants, and other products through thermolysis. The process breaks down polypropylene and polyethylene molecules into chemical compounds, leaving minimal residual solids and usable oil.
Research by Göttingen University and collaborators reveals that tree islands within oil palm monocultures can naturally regenerate native tree diversity through ecological restoration. Larger island areas are particularly essential for endemic tree species struggling to find habitats.
Shiva Shirani, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Malaga, has won the Innovandi NanoCem PhD Prize 2024 for her research on low-carbon cement alternatives. Her work uses advanced synchrotron imaging techniques to optimize cement micro- and meso-structures.
A study found that 64% of clinical trials for the top 30 highest-revenue medicines had their data accessible to researchers, a significant improvement over prior assessments. Companies using independent platforms achieved higher eligibility rates than those relying on internal processes.
Researchers have developed a deep-learning-powered metalens imaging system that overcomes limitations of traditional metalenses. The system pairs a mass-produced metalens with an image restoration framework driven by AI to achieve aberration-free, full-color images while maintaining compact form factor.
A new polymer-based anion exchange membrane has been developed to improve the performance and durability of water electrolysis for green hydrogen production. The membrane demonstrates high hydroxide ion conductivity and can withstand extreme alkaline conditions, making it a valuable component in sustainable hydrogen production.
The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has successfully developed a robotic suite capable of servicing satellites in orbit, enabling resilience for the US space infrastructure. The Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites Integrated Robotic Payload (IRP) will enable satellite upgrades and repairs, reducing complexity and cost.
Anthocyanins, widely studied for antioxidant and anticancer properties, break down easily due to environmental conditions. Researchers developed pectin-coated nanoparticles to improve bioavailability, absorption efficiency, and targeted delivery.
Researchers created a new electrode design that increases the efficiency of converting CO2 into ethylene, a valuable chemical product. The electrochemical system can now be scaled up for industrial applications without significant energy or cost losses.
A research team from Tokyo University of Science has developed an innovative method to halve the number of interactions needed in Ising machines, enabling scalability. This breakthrough paves the way for more efficient solutions to complex optimization challenges.
A new study from the University of Surrey identifies 116 unique transferable skills gained in hospitality and tourism jobs, which can lead to lucrative opportunities in finance, healthcare, and technology. Former workers in these sectors have successfully transitioned into high-demand roles by leveraging the skills they developed while...
The UT Turfgrass Team has been recognized with the national Excellence in Extension Team Award for their worldwide impact and innovations in the turfgrass industry. The team provides education, research and outreach programs to serve the expansive turfgrass industry, which contributes significantly to Tennessee's economy.
Researchers developed a method to enhance compatibility and biodegradability of PLA/biomass composites through forest residue torrefaction. The composite showed improved tensile strength without compromising biodegradability, making it a more sustainable option for disposable products.
The Digital Olfaction Summit 2024 will present the latest developments in digital olfaction, including portable sensors like Scout3 and NeOse, and wearable devices for real-time scent detection. The event will also feature a unique challenge to digitize scents representing regional cultural essence.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a technique using waste carpet fibers to reduce early-age shrinkage cracking in concrete by up to 30%, improving durability. The team aims to address the massive environmental challenge of textile waste disposal, which poses significant concerns for firefighting materials.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a method to break down condensation polymers in plastics using solvents and liquid organic hydrogen carriers, producing aromatic compounds that can be used as fuels. This breakthrough has potential implications for the sustainability of the chemical industry and reducing global warming.
The EU's sustainable finance framework urgently needs to expand to address climate goals. The current taxonomy will not meet the Paris Climate Agreement target of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C.
A new plastic device has been developed to secure the surgical field during robot-assisted heart surgery, allowing surgeons to operate with greater independence. The device, made from a type of plastic used in medical implants and aerospace industry, expands to a certain size and retains its shape.