News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
The Iowa State University-led NSF Engineering Research Center for Biorenewable Chemicals aims to develop technologies transforming the petroleum-based chemical industry into a biorenewable industry. The center will educate students in multidisciplinary research and global collaborations, advancing the production of biorenewable chemicals.
A $18.5 million project aims to develop biodegradable implantable devices that adapt to a patient's anatomy and dissolve once they have healed. These devices would reduce follow-up surgeries and potential complications in orthopedic, craniofacial, and cardiovascular procedures.
Researchers at USC's CRAFT center have developed a system to automate concrete building, with Caterpillar funding. The Contour Crafting process uses specialized concrete and has already built six-foot walls, paving the way for future research on design, robotics, and other issues.
CSIRO scientists have developed two new Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technologies to improve navigation in remote areas. The systems will support personnel safety, traffic management, collision avoidance, and haul truck operation efficiency.
Researchers from UC San Diego and the University of Arizona conducted three months of rigorous earthquake simulation tests on a half-scale three-story structure, producing powerful jolts up to magnitude 8.0. The project aims to develop better designs for precast concrete buildings and improve their connections to resist earthquakes.
The P4P system drastically cuts network load through local file-sharing, with average data packets traveling just 160 miles and making fewer metro-hops. Local file sharing increased nearly tenfold from 6% to 58%, providing a basis for the future of peer-to-peer systems.
Researchers urge companies to use comprehensive screening tools to analyze carbon footprints across all tiers of their supply chain. This will enable them to make informed decisions on reducing their environmental impact.
Carnegie Mellon researchers digitize old books with reCAPTCHA, achieving industry-standard transcription accuracy. Over 100 million CAPTCHAs are solved daily, equivalent to hundreds of thousands of hours of human effort.
The 9th International Kimberlite Conference at the Goethe University Frankfurt explores the science of diamonds, their inclusions, and their significance for geoscientists. The conference features over 500 participants from 37 countries, with a focus on basic scientific research, diamond production, and industry.
A research team at Georgia Tech is developing foundational research in massive data analysis and visual analytics. The project aims to improve the visual analytics of massive data sets through machine learning, numerical algorithms, and optimization.
A handheld device, 'electronic tongue', can identify grape variety and vintage of wine at the press of a button. It uses six sensors to detect substances characteristic of specific wines, preserving quality and preventing fraud.
Research by Dr Jane Fowler found strikers experienced higher levels of depression and anxiety, but those actively involved in union activities showed lower symptoms. Unions can support members with financial assistance and counselling to reduce psychological impact.
Researchers are using biofumigation with mustard and other Brassica species to manage soil-borne pests and weeds. This technique can provide economic and social benefits by reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides and promoting environmental health.
Potatoes with 'green' patches contain a toxic substance called Glycoalkaloids (GA), posing health risks. Cutting away the affected area can eliminate most of the toxin, reducing public health risks. Effective pre-harvest and post-harvest practices, such as proper soil coverage and harvesting timing, can also control GA levels in potatoes.
A study published in HortTechnology found that migrant labor raises average wages within green industry firms, but has no significant effects on hours worked and sales. Migrant workers contribute positively to the total number of hours worked by seasonal part-time and full-time employees.
Researchers found a deliberate strategy by tobacco companies to recruit and addict young smokers with milder menthol products. The study analyzed internal documents, lab tests, and survey data, revealing that menthol brands with lower levels appealed to younger smokers.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed laser-produced light sources for next generation Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUVL), which could make the process more efficient, simpler, and cheaper. This breakthrough may lead to advancements in flash memory chips, enabling denser and faster storage.
Researchers found that rats on diets enriched with industrial or natural trans-fats showed no significant changes in insulin or glucose responses. The study also confirmed these findings in cell culture studies, indicating that muscles can utilize trans-fatty acids without increasing the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes.
A new Penn State study found that a variety of recruitment strategies are used to recruit and retain older workers, including employee incentives and flexible work schedules. Employers can benefit from tapping into the experience and knowledge of baby boomers and other older workers.
Researchers evaluate V45 harvester's effectiveness on southern highbush and rabbiteye blueberries, reducing labor hours from up to 520 per acre. The study shows improved yields with winter-pruned plants and potential for mechanical harvesting while maintaining fruit quality.
A study by the University of Georgia found that southern highbush blueberries have a viable and profitable industry in Georgia. The research estimated total costs of cultivating the crop over four years, showing that 92% of farmers can expect to see positive returns.
A researcher at Penn State is examining how users choose a search engine, evaluate its performance, and react to individual results. The study aims to build a multi-layer model of branding in search engine selection and final web page evaluation.
Researchers at Norwich BioScience Institute have detected chemical differences in genes that can lead to colorectal cancer. These findings suggest that diet and lifestyle factors may contribute to the development of cancer by altering epigenetic code in healthy tissues.
A Phase III clinical trial found that a blood substitute was relatively safe for patients under 80 years old with moderate transfusion needs, but not suitable for those over 80 with acute health issues. The study showed promising results for the blood substitute in reducing the need for regular blood transfusions.
The Safety Professionals Handbook is a comprehensive two-volume book featuring real-life examples and applied nature from experienced safety and health professionals. The publication covers 12 topic areas, including workers' compensation, fire prevention, and industrial hygiene.
The partnership aims to spread Chinese scientific knowledge on petroleum exploration to a wider audience, facilitating communication between Chinese and international experts. The journal's strict peer-review process and high rejection rate ensure the publication of high-quality research.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have unlocked secrets of newly discovered iron-based high-temperature superconductors, revealing new physics and mysteries. The findings suggest a need for fresh theoretical models to develop superconductors that can operate at room temperature.
The University of Oklahoma's K20 Scholars program receives a $135,000 contribution from BP to support high school graduates pursuing energy-related degrees. The program offers four-year scholarships, service-learning projects, and research experiences, aiming to increase the number of students in science and engineering fields.
Researchers found that sea buckthorn leaf extract reduced liver damage in rats, with significant protection observed at higher doses. The study suggests that the leaves' anti-oxidant properties may help ward off liver disease.
A recent study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture reveals that oregano oil is as effective as synthetic insecticides in controlling Rhizoppertha dominica beetle infestations. The natural compound works by inhibiting egg laying and larval development, posing no environmental harm.
Researchers at City College of New York (CCNY) have developed new near-infrared broadband lasers with tunability ranges around triple those of earlier crystals. The lasers can operate in two telecom windows, spanning 460 nanometers, and have potential applications in telecommunications, biomedical imaging, and remote sensing.
MIT engineers developed a new material that increases the power output of direct methanol fuel cells by more than 50 percent. The new material is also less expensive and has potential uses in other electrochemical systems, such as batteries.
Queen's University Belfast has received a £900,000 grant to develop successor to the World Wide Web through Grid technology. This will provide huge processing power on tap for industry, commerce, and academic research.
Researchers plan to reduce binge drinking by providing workplace information and employee commitments, with a focus on raising awareness of health effects. They will follow up with employees to assess long-term behavior change.
NC State's Dr. Brenton Faber and Dr. David Berube are crafting a white paper to advise the government on communicating nanotechnology risks to the media and public. The goal is to ensure accurate risk communication for years to come.
A new study examines the impact of smoke-free laws on restaurant labor markets and finds a decline in turnover rates after implementation. The study supports existing evidence that smoke-free laws are positive for businesses, with no consistent pattern of increase or decrease over time.
A team of researchers led by the US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute has analyzed the genome of Trichoderma reesei, a champion biomass-degrading fungus. The study found that despite its reputation, T. reesei employs a surprisingly minimal repertoire of genes to break down plant cell walls.
Jingguang Chen, a University of Delaware chemical engineer, has won the 2008 Award for Excellence in Catalysis for his work on understanding the physical and chemical properties of bimetallic and metal carbide surfaces. His research has inspired new applications of fundamental studies to catalytic and fuel cell processes.
The DIAMOND consortium aims to address the £70 billion cost of decommissioning UK nuclear sites through research and innovation. The project will also provide training for the next generation of nuclear waste specialists to combat an EU-wide skills gap.
The study found that producers would need to make $120 more per head on naturally finished cattle to match conventionally finished ones, increasing to $400 for organically finished cattle. Researchers emphasize the importance of considering feed prices and potential production challenges when adopting organic or natural methods.
A new study by Rochester Institute of Technology found that sign language interpreting causes more physical stress to the extremities than high-risk industrial tasks, increasing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.
A study found that company employees and unacknowledged authors often wrote clinical trial articles and review papers on rofecoxib, while primary authors had little to do with the research. Guest authorship was common in review articles, but ghostwriting was also prevalent.
The editorial highlights the manipulation of research data and clinical reviews by pharmaceutical companies, compromising public trust in medical science. To restore integrity, researchers, editors, and journals must implement measures such as trial registration, authorship criteria, and disclosure of financial conflicts of interest.
The new guide offers techniques for characterizing the purity of SWCNT samples using thermogravimetric analysis, near-infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and optical microscopy. These methods aim to improve production processes, reduce impurities, and enhance the confidence of buyers and sellers in the market.
Researchers have discovered innovative ways to create polycarbonate plastics from carbon dioxide, which could lead to the production of more affordable, safer, and environmentally friendly products. The new process has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by trapping CO2 in plastics.
The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) presented numerous prestigious awards and recognitions to distinguished scientists, researchers, and students in oral health research. The AADR Distinguished Scientist Award was presented to Kenneth M. Yamada, while the Jack Hein Public Service Award went to Joan Steen Wilentz.
The pharmaceutical industry and academia are collaborating to increase the efficiency of drug discovery. Researchers believe that this cooperation will lead to the development of better drugs for a range of diseases at a lower cost. As a result, more people with rare or hard-to-treat diseases will have access to effective treatments.
The Human Oral Microbiome Database (HOMD) is a free online compendium that provides detailed biological entries for each species and an extensive catalogue of the thousands of genes expressed by these microbes. The database aims to facilitate research into oral diseases such as tooth decay and periodontal disease.
A new study has shed light on the cause of cataracts, revealing that tiny pieces of crystallin proteins become toxic during aging. Researchers also found that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) aggregates are composed of just one protein: superoxide dismutase (SOD1).
Dr. John Polanyi is awarded the Gerhard Herzberg Gold Medal for his outstanding contributions to science and society over 50 years. The $1 million prize will fund his research for the next five years, supporting breakthroughs in manipulating molecules.
Researchers used advanced quantum-mechanical computer modeling to compare key characteristics of copper nanowires and carbon nanotube bundles. Carbon nanotubes boasted a much smaller electrical resistance, suggesting they would be better suited for interconnect applications.
Researchers at UMass Amherst and University of Washington discovered that implantable cardiac defibrillators and pacemakers can be reprogrammed without patient authorization, posing security and privacy risks. The team developed prototype defenses to address these issues.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is addressing the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance through a multifaceted research approach. The institute is investing over $800 million annually in basic and translational research to understand the causes, consequences, and treatments of antimicrobial dru...
A University of Arizona researcher has developed a system to identify major US cities at high, mid-range, or low risk for bioterrorism. The map highlights areas with critical industries, population density, and natural environment factors.
The SMErobot project aims to develop cost-effective, modular, and interactive automation solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises. The new robot cells will present examples of automation solutions in various branches of industry, including machining operations, general handling tasks, and cooperative assembly and handling.
The Kansas State University researchers are analyzing data from feedlots to create decision-making tools for managing bovine respiratory disease complex. They hope to generate estimates of the effect of certain risk factors and develop a system to classify distributions of disease events within feedlot pens.
Researchers at University of Granada create monolithic carbon aerogel capable of eliminating benzene, toluene, and xylene, organic solvents widely used in the hydrocarbon industry. The material can be easily regenerated and used in multiple cycles.
The P2P-Next project aims to create a Europe-wide 'next-generation' internet television distribution system based on P2P technology, allowing audiences to stream and interact with live content. The research project will also explore community building around favorite content via a personalized system.
The Nitrous Oxide Focus Group brings together influential organizations to address the potent greenhouse gas's significant impact on agriculture and industry. Key research findings suggest that nitrous oxide is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide, making its longevity in the atmosphere a potentially more damaging legacy.
The Rutgers Center for Military Biomaterials Research has developed a spray-on dressing called GelSpray Liquid Bandage, which received FDA clearance for marketing. The dressing is designed to conform to wound geometry and adhere to intact skin while resisting abrasion.