News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
Researchers at NIST have developed a new method to reliably measure the noise in CMOS devices, improving signal ranges and clearer signals. The measurement method may also enhance modeling of CMOS transistors and improve precision in device characterization.
Researchers developed a training system for grid operators to handle misleading data, using simulated malfunctioning instruments and fake hacker signals. The new curriculum improved operator responses, enabling them to troubleshoot faster and come up with effective courses of action.
Researchers found that the formation of glass always occurs differently when a liquid is cooled quickly into its solid form, contrary to previous theories. This discovery may help create better plastics and polymers with unique properties.
Researchers Harry Roberts and Bob Carney are studying the animals that live near oil and gas seeps in the Gulf, including bacteria that feed on hydrogen sulfide gas. They will use the Alvin submersible to take them down to the bottom of the Gulf, where they hope to discover new species and learn more about these unique communities.
The University of Minnesota is set to establish a new engineering research center focused on compact and efficient fluid power. Researchers will develop technologies to improve efficiency, leading to significant energy cost savings and the creation of new industries.
A recent surge in dolphin deaths off the Zanzibar archipelago has sparked debate about pollution, underwater noise, and the impact of offshore industries. Dr. Jonathan David calls for mitigation measures to protect dolphin populations and suggests innovative solutions to minimize harm.
Researchers successfully removed up to 82,000 base pairs from E. coli's genome without compromising its functions, paving the way for more efficient production of useful proteins and drugs.
Geri Richmond, founder of COACh, will receive the Council for Chemical Research Diversity Award for her leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion in chemistry. The award recognizes her impact on advancing research careers for underrepresented groups.
Indiana University researchers have created an Inauthentic Paper Detector (IPD) that uses compression algorithms to identify and distinguish between meaningful and meaningless technical texts. The system was inspired by a 2004 prank where MIT students submitted fake research papers, which were accepted without review.
A study found that young people prefer vinyl due to its visual appeal and the physical interaction required. This resistance against the music industry's attempts to define what's popular is a liberating experience for these teens.
The five robots were chosen by an international jury for their significant impact on robotics and computer science education. AIBO is a popular research platform used in robotic soccer, while SCARA has been widely adopted in industrial assembly operations.
Researchers investigated the growth of urban communities in northern Netherlands between 1350 and 1650, analyzing factors driving urban 'mists' and cultural industry development. The studies also explored the emergence of new towns as instruments for politics, economics, and culture in late Middle Ages.
Researchers have provided new insight into enzyme function through detailed experimental observations and theoretical analysis. Their findings suggest that enzymes use quantum mechanical tunnelling to overcome energy barriers, which could lead to improved pharmaceuticals and manufacturing processes.
The University of Maine is investing $10M in forest biorefining research to create new products from wood, including fuel ethanol, plastics and specialty chemicals. The project will also explore ways to sustain forests and make them more valuable to the economy.
The Center for Responsible Nanotechnology has brought together world-class experts to discuss the societal implications of nanotechnology. The group, known as the Global Task Force, aims to develop comprehensive recommendations for the safe and responsible use of molecular manufacturing, a form of advanced nanotechnology.
The GeneChip Citrus Genome Array is a new tool that helps researchers identify genes associated with desirable traits in citrus, such as easy peeling and flavor components. The array will also aid in the development of new diagnostic tools for citrus agriculture and post-harvest fruit handling.
A Brandeis chemist has made a significant breakthrough in developing new methods for molecular synthesis, which could lead to the creation of environmentally-friendly catalysts. His research focused on functionalizing carbon-fluorine bonds, a major component of potent greenhouse gases.
A new study finds that meetings can negatively impact employee well-being for those with high 'accomplishment striving', but positively affect them for those with low striving. Meetings also boost the well-being of individuals who view them as a way to structure their day or network.
Dr. Jeremy Richards proposes setting uniform royalty rates for metal producers to account for extraction costs, which could lead to increased revenue for governments and reduced environmental impact. He also envisions a system of product ownership and recycling to promote social equity and sustainable development.
Kumta's team is developing nanostructured catalyst compositions to improve the efficiency of direct methanol fuel cells. The goal is to create a fuel cell system small enough for portable electronic devices.
A new type of catalyst made from activated hydrotalcite has been developed, offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional homogeneous catalysts. This innovative material can be used in various applications, including the production of methyl isobutyl ketone and other organic reactions.
Ronald Breslow, a trailblazing researcher and prolific author, has been awarded the Othmer Gold Medal for his pioneering work in biomimetic systems and nonbenzenoid aromatic chemistry. His contributions have led to potential breakthroughs in cancer treatment through gene transcription modulation.
The tobacco industry developed a product strategy to conceal the toxicity of cigarettes by exploiting loopholes in testing protocols. The internal documents reveal that BAT and ITL designed products to fool consumers and regulators into thinking they were safer than they actually were.
The US Department of Energy's INCITE program has awarded 18 million hours of supercomputing time to 15 teams for various research projects. These projects include simulating aircraft design, studying Parkinson's Disease, and understanding climate change.
Two studies found that 44% of geneticists and 32% of other life scientists reported witholding data from colleagues, while trainees reported difficulties accessing information and resources. Data withholding was more common in highly competitive settings and associated with industry relationships.
A new approach eliminates some steps in conventional tanning, resulting in substantial production efficiencies and a significant reduction in pollutants. The reverse process produces comparable leather with 42% less time, 54% fewer chemicals, 42% less energy, 65% less water and up to 79% fewer emissions.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory discovered that magnetic vortices in nickel-iron alloy exhibit unique behavior when trapped within lithographically patterned ferromagnetic structures. The study, published in Nature Physics, shows promise for the development of faster and more energy-efficient electronic devices.
The study reveals that information technologies have increased the quantity of available information in real estate, leading to better-informed consumers who demand specialized services. Virtual tours, online bidding, and national competition have also resulted in additional specializations for professionals and new business models.
J. Virgil Waggoner is being recognized by the Chemical Heritage Foundation for his outstanding contributions to the petrochemical industry, as well as his commitment to education and community service. He will receive the Petrochemical Heritage Award at the opening of the 31st annual NPRA International Petrochemical Conference.
The UK Select Committee on Science and Technology has been criticized for its lack of knowledge about research use in public policy and funding bodies it monitors. This oversight allows the committee to ask irrelevant questions, compromising the integrity of British science.
A £6m grant has been awarded to develop new methods for processing, forming, joining, and surface engineering of aluminium, titanium, and magnesium. The project aims to create lighter, more environmentally-friendly vehicles using these materials.
A recent study found that mercury can be carried long distances in the atmosphere and combined with other chemicals, making it more water-soluble and easily removable. High concentrations of reactive gaseous mercury can now be present even far from industrial sources, posing a significant threat to ecosystems.
The CD4 Initiative aims to create easy-to-use devices for measuring CD4+ T-lymphocytes in HIV+ patients, addressing the high cost and complexity of current technologies. The project will bring together industry know-how and scientific creativity to develop simple, rapid, and affordable tests.
The LINK Applied Genomics Programme accelerated application of genomics knowledge in biomedicine through industry-academia collaboration. Highlights include nerve tissue regeneration, personalized cancer treatment, rapid diagnosis of infectious diseases, and vaccine development against salmonella.
Monash University has received $32 million in ARC funding for diverse research projects, including investigating immunity and infection control. The university's Civil Engineering department will use the grant to predict and reduce water and gas leakage in underground pipes.
The University of Queensland is leading a world-first consortium to create an Australian Minerals Science Research Institute, funded by a $8.6 million ARC grant. The five-year research program will focus on sustainable mining and mineral processing, with potential applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals and food production.
The Center for Child Injury Prevention Studies (CChIPS) aims to translate research findings into tangible innovations in safety technology and public education programs. CChIPS researchers are working on various projects, including studies on young driver performance, booster seats, LATCH systems, and forward-facing child seats.
William Edelstein's contributions to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) led to the commercialization of high-resolution imaging technology. His work on the Spin Warp method and other innovations improved image quality and reduced noise, making MRI systems clinically useful.
Biomedical research funding in the US has doubled over the last decade, primarily driven by increased private and industry support. The proportion of industry funding remains relatively constant at 56%, while federal government funding for clinical trials has decreased.
Despite advancements in medical science, academic medical centers face numerous challenges in conducting research. These include managing high public expectations, maintaining public trust despite potential conflicts of interest, and sustaining the cultural norms of academia while partnering with industry. Additionally, researchers mus...
A new study by UCSF researchers found that the tobacco industry secretly influenced pesticide regulations at the EPA and World Health Organization. The study analyzed internal tobacco company documents and discovered that the industry hired ex-agents to manipulate decision-making, staged a useless test on phosphine emissions, and conce...
The U.S. National Science Foundation has deployed small unmanned aircraft, including a fixed-wing plane and a miniature helicopter, to assist in the search and rescue efforts during hurricanes. These vehicles provided valuable information to emergency responders, helping them focus their efforts and avoid hazards.
The ULTRA AP concept vehicle combines proven technologies with advanced materials and engineering concepts to enhance survivability and mobility. The design incorporates novel armor designs, blast protection, and on-board computers for improved safety and performance.
Researchers at Queen's University have developed switchable solvents that enhance chemical manufacturing processes while minimizing waste and emissions. This breakthrough enables more environmentally-friendly chemical production methods.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a way to reduce phytate levels in animal feed, making it more nutritious. By understanding the biochemical pathway of phytate synthesis in plants, they were able to create low-phytate strains of feed grains that could improve nutrition and reduce environmental pollution.
Research by industry faces no high standard, enabling pharmaceuticals, tobacco, and other industries to make claims harder to challenge than government-funded research. The current imbalance can be seen in the FDA's increasing scrutiny, with a focus on
The partnership aims to develop a micro fuel cell system with potential industrial applications, offering advantages such as fuel versatility and fast start-up times. Researchers from both organizations will conduct joint research at each other's labs.
A new NIST-developed instrument uses infrared laser light to accurately measure silicon wafer thickness, enabling precise nanoscale dimension measurements. The Improved Infrared Interferometer can produce detailed spatial maps of differences in thickness with high repeatability.
Researchers are using the UK Kennel Club's extensive breed records to identify genetic variations in diseased and healthy dogs. The study aims to improve nutrition and veterinary drugs for dogs, while also providing insights into human diseases.
A £1.8m UK project aims to identify genes that improve barley quality for whisky production, benefiting growers, producers, and drinkers, while supporting the Scottish agricultural economy.
Research reveals continued union decline and increasing availability of flexible working arrangements in Britain. Despite this, employees' perceptions of work-life balance have improved, with managers showing a greater understanding of employees' responsibilities outside work.
A US delegation of 22 researchers led by Dr. Wright participated in a workshop with Japanese researchers, exploring topics like network forensics and biometric key encapsulation. The event aimed to promote bilateral cooperation in protecting critical information infrastructure.
Researchers at NIST and SEMATECH developed a method to determine nanoscale 'linewidth roughness' with improved accuracy, reducing exaggeration of true values by 40%. The new technique corrects for measurement noise and bias, enabling more precise quality control in semiconductor fabrication.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a new polymer that maintains its strength even when exposed to light, offering potential solutions for dental fillings and electronic packaging. The polymer's unique properties could also have applications in boats, automobiles, and structural materials.
A new survey seeks insights from leading researchers on factors driving creativity in human genetics and nanotechnology. The study aims to identify the environmental and institutional circumstances that contribute to innovative breakthroughs.
A new study reveals that tobacco industry documents show companies intentionally modified products to promote female smoking by emphasizing stylishness and perceived health benefits. The analysis highlights the troubling implications for world health as tobacco companies seek to increase smoking among women in developing countries.
The University of Manchester's Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine is conducting a three-month study on infectious diseases. The project will examine the evolving risk of diseases, changing detection requirements, and cutting-edge science to inform future research and management policies.
Medical schools have inconsistent standards for allowing industry sponsors to control research, including revising manuscripts, limiting investigator roles, and reviewing data. Some institutions prioritize public interest over sponsor interests, while others are more permissive, raising concerns about researchers' autonomy.
Researchers found that young women in Cameroon view their life as random, while those in rural Thailand consider the sex industry an option. In Hong Kong, a successful women's movement secured inheritance rights for indigenous women through public framing of their stories as human rights violations.
Researchers at Penn State are developing new approaches to integrating control and condition monitoring systems for Intelligent Vehicle Health Management. This will enable equipment to continue operating when something breaks or is about to fail, reducing the need for human intervention on long, unmanned deep space missions.