News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
A new mathematical model, PSP, offers improved predictions of transistor behavior, particularly in high-frequency and miniaturized devices. The model, which focuses on surface potential at the silicon-silicon dioxide interface, has been successfully tested on simulations and measurements.
Researchers at NIST developed an X-ray technique to analyze high-intensity gas discharge lamps, revealing the spatial distribution of mercury atoms. This understanding improves lamp design and energy efficiency, saving $10 billion annually in U.S. electricity consumption.
Researchers develop new method to grow self-assembled and self-welded carbon nanotube devices, potentially leading to smaller but more powerful computers and electronic communication devices. The discovery could improve companies' competitive edge and help the $850 billion electronics industry advance.
The TRUST consortium, funded by NSF's Science and Technology Centers program, aims to create new technologies that make computer software and networks inherently secure. Researchers will focus on protecting against attacks, ensuring data integrity, and developing tools for building trustworthy systems.
Marcus Milling received the AGI's prestigious Pick and Gavel Award for his tireless efforts to unite the geoscience community. He has made valuable contributions in research, management, and leadership in both corporate and public sectors.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded $12 million to the Center for Advanced Separation Technologies (CAST) at Virginia Tech to develop advanced separation technologies for efficient coal cleaning. The project aims to reduce sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, and mercury content, while increasing domestic energy production.
Researchers from MIT and Daniel Webster College found that the effective tax rate on airline tickets is steadily increasing, with passengers facing a 19% average tax on top of ticket prices. The study suggests that airlines cannot raise airfares to keep pace with inflation, while taxpayers may be subsidizing security costs.
A preliminary engineering study at Georgia Institute of Technology and Rice University investigated the potential environmental impact of nanomaterial waste. The researchers found that fullerenes, a carbon-based nanomaterial, can form aggregates in water, affecting particle size and transport.
The William C. Rose Award lecture will focus on the importance of cytochrome P450s in drug development, endocrinology, and toxicology. Dr. Guengerich's recent work includes kinetic analysis and methods to define substrates and products of orphan P450s.
Dr. Strahl's research focuses on histone modifications, specifically the addition of ubiquitin to histone 2B by Rad6 enzyme. He also explores histone methylation and its regulation through various biochemical pathways.
A study found that paid tobacco industry consultants dominated the journal's editorial board, influencing research on environmental tobacco smoke. 61% of relevant papers published during this period had positive conclusions favorable to the tobacco industry.
The UK has created several programs to recruit, retain and promote women in science, engineering and technology. The programs will feature opportunities for study abroad, research, investment and trade with the UK.
Dr. Walsh will focus on his research on nonribosomal peptide synthetases, which biosynthesize a variety of biologically active peptides. He will discuss the molecular logic of enzymatic assembly lines and tailoring enzymes that modify the peptides.
The new CodaOctopus laboratory will map extensive areas of the sea bed using novel 3-D methods, providing visualisation for scientists and strategic decision makers. This collaboration aims to focus research on commercial requirements, developing further Cardiff University's marine reputation.
A partnership between The Beard Company and Pinnacle Mining Company will utilize patented Microcel TM technology to recover clean coal from fine coal impoundments, providing a new energy resource. The project is expected to produce 240,000 tons of clean coal per year.
Researchers at Purdue University have improved nuclear reactor safety codes by enhancing their simulation capabilities. The new codes better predict what happens during severe accidents, allowing for more accurate plant designs and reduced risk of meltdowns.
Orphan nuclear receptors are structurally related to well-known hormone receptors but lack known ligands. Dr. Forman's work identifies novel signaling pathways and regulatory molecules that contribute to critical diseases, including fat cell formation, insulin sensitivity, and cholesterol homeostasis.
A study reveals tobacco companies' strategies to counteract research linking tobacco smoke to cancer-causing mutations in the p53 gene. The industry supported studies that appeared to cast doubt on this link, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and the integrity of scientific research.
A European network aims to enhance coordination of innovation-driven research in catalysis and sustainable chemistry. The initiative seeks to increase efficiency and strengthen the field's position on the European research agenda.
Academic leaders express frustration with restricted access to research, citing difficulties in accessing articles from NIH-funded science. A six-month delay is seen as sufficient to address concerns about publishers' costs, while a compromise between the academy and publishing industry is proposed to ensure open access.
Cities in China with non-state run industries and highly educated workforces saw significant economic growth from 1990 to 1999, outperforming cities dominated by state enterprises. This is due to their ability to adapt quickly to technological innovations.
Researchers found that Philip Morris used a German-based research facility to study the health effects of tobacco smoke in the early 1970s. The company allegedly concealed this information from the public and even within its own executives, publishing only selective results that supported the industry's interests.
Researchers analyzed secret internal tobacco industry documents to show how Philip Morris used similar arguments to oppose divestment at Johns Hopkins University and Yale University. The company emphasized its financial contributions while suggesting investments in tobacco stock profits to maintain research funding.
Communications failures occur in 30% of exchanges, with 10% jeopardizing patient safety. Researchers suggest adopting aviation-style checklists to ensure accurate and explicit data exchange.
Virginia Tech has been selected by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) to host a new research lab focused on improving railroad safety, productivity, and efficiency. The lab will be established with an annual grant of $200,000 and is expected to foster closer ties between the university and the railroad industry.
A new Virginia Tech-led initiative will develop research-based changes to the construction industry, focusing on work system designs and technology compatibility with human capabilities. The goal is to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities in the sector.
Norman, a morphine-free poppy variant, produces thebaine and oripavine compounds preferred by industry. CSIRO's Dr Phil Larkin and colleagues discovered genetic differences in Norman that facilitate its superior pain relief properties.
The university will develop tools and processes for mass-producing devices at the nanoscale level, potentially catapulting the field into a $1 trillion industry by 2015. The center will also assess environmental, economic, regulatory, and ethical impacts of nanomanufacturing.
A recent study found that US child health lags behind other industrialized nations in infant mortality rates, immunization rates, and overall well-being. The country's high level of income inequality is cited as a primary factor contributing to these poor rankings.
A four-year study by the Petroleum Technology Research Centre has concluded that large-scale CO2 storage is safe and can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that most of the injected CO2 will remain in the reservoir, with minimal risk to overlying water zones or the atmosphere.
Nebel was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the dairy industry through his research on electronic heat detection, leading to the development of the Heatwatch system. He is a renowned expert in reproductive efficiency and Extension specialist with over 400 published articles.
A new microfluidic device developed by NIST researchers can be used to make specialty polymers in small amounts or rapidly change polymer ingredients. This allows for systematic analysis of the impact of expensive additives on material behavior, which is crucial for applications in nanotechnology and biotechnology.
The Clemson University program aims to help undergraduates develop team-building skills, adapt to the industry pace, and understand marketability of their research. With $85,000 grant from NSF, students will collaborate with industry leaders and faculty to gain insights into the school-to-work transition.
A K-State researcher found a link between smoking, vitamin A deficiency and emphysema in rats. The study shows that benzopyrene, a common carcinogen in cigarettes, induces vitamin A deficiency, which can lead to increased emphysema scores.
The research highlights the importance of natural organohalogens, which are found in various organisms, including plants, animals, and insects. These compounds have medicinal properties, such as treating cancer, bacterial infection, and HIV, and serve vital purposes like hormones, pheromones, repellents, and natural pesticides.
The Innovative and Novel Computational Impact on Theory and Experiment (INCITE) program awards supercomputer processor hours and data storage space to researchers. Successful proposals describe high-impact scientific research and demonstrate the ability to utilize the IBM SP supercomputer's 6,656 processors.
Two new books by the United Nations University provide a guide for developing countries to promote technology-based enterprises. The studies analyze factors that enabled select countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea to expand their high-tech exports. Key findings highlight the importance of science, technology, and industr...
A multidisciplinary group of scientists will now begin working together to set standards on the methodology used to measure antioxidants. The goal is to identify the most reliable values for antioxidant measurements, which are thought to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, as well as fight aging and related diseases.
A project has successfully demonstrated that underground carbon dioxide storage can economically reduce emissions, allowing the oil industry to pump carbon dioxide into its wells and produce extra oil. Over 1.9 billion cubic meters of CO2 have been injected into a Saskatchewan oil reservoir since 2000.
A study found that UK small firms often prioritize short-term gains over sustainability, with many believing it's not a priority for customers. The research suggests regulatory measures may be necessary to drive change within the sector.
The Communications Innovation Institute (CII) aims to tackle major challenges in communications technology by uniting universities, industrial partners, and policymakers. The CII will develop road maps for wireless and spectrum usage, explore 'viral' communications, and test emerging technologies such as peer-to-peer systems and wirele...
The exhibition features 12 thematic stations celebrating diversity in fields like genetic research, fashion, and environmental understanding, highlighting the impact of women chemists on our daily lives. Featured chemists include Marie Meurdrac and Susan Solomon.
Leroy Hood is being honored with the 2004 Biotechnology Heritage Award for his groundbreaking work in systems biology and medicine. He pioneered the techniques that enabled the rapid sequencing of the human genome, revolutionizing genomics.
The study identifies areas with high mortality rates among grizzly bears, primarily caused by human activities such as forestry, oil and gas, and mining. The researchers recommend limiting human access to critical habitat sites and increasing education programs to mitigate the impact on the species.
Researchers discovered a protein that dissolves amyloid fibers in yeast cells, which could have implications for understanding protein folding processes and the role of environmental factors in evolution. The finding also sheds light on the natural biology of Sup35, a protein involved in genetic translation.
Cognitive impairments are a significant contributor to the disability associated with schizophrenia. Recent research indicates that medications currently available do little to remedy this aspect of the illness. New trials, part of the TURNS initiative, aim to develop new treatments for cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.
The LASOR team aims to revolutionize optical integration density and develop new technologies to advance optical router capacity beyond 100 Terabits per second. The project will utilize tunable all-optical wavelength converters to direct packets through the router using light itself.
Researchers at Harvard University developed world's smallest lasers for faster computers, while nanotechnology shows promise in cleaning up industrial sites and removing environmental pollutants. New biological sensors could lead to improved diagnostics and noninvasive imaging techniques.
Carnegie Mellon University chemist Dr. Matyjaszewski has received a prestigious award for his groundbreaking contributions to atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), a controlled living polymerization process that enables precise control over polymer composition and architecture.
A NIST study identifies a potential source of error in the automotive industry's use of surface roughness data to predict friction. The researchers developed an improved analytical approach that can help automakers incorporate lighter weight materials and improve fuel efficiency.
The study replicates and extends earlier results on bubble fusion, a method for achieving nuclear fusion without strong magnetic fields or lasers. The new data show significant neutron emission rates, consistent with theoretical predictions.
Researchers used immersion lithography to create circuit lines and features at least as small as 45nm using 193nm equipment. This breakthrough allows manufacturers to create more powerful chips while extending the life of their current fabrication equipment.
Domestic tomato varieties in the US are now producing anthocyanin-containing fruit, offering a boost to nutritional value. The discovery opens doors for developing more nutrient-rich tomato varieties, benefiting both home gardeners and the food industry.
Researchers at NIST collaborate with industry partners to devise rapid screening and measurement methods for new epoxies, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and other high-value products. A miniaturized test platform utilizing micro-lens technology is designed to screen hundreds of adhesive formulations in an automated process.
Scientists have found that bacteria can produce uniform nanospheres of selenium with vastly different properties from conventional selenium. These findings could lead to the production of smaller, faster semiconductors and other electronic devices.
The latest research at Jefferson Lab has confirmed the existence of pentaquarks, five-quark particles predicted by scientists for years. This breakthrough provides valuable information on the nature of this new state of matter and its production process.
Wilks pioneered commercial development of infrared absorption cells and ATR, advancing IR spectroscopy in industrial, academic, and research applications. He also contributed to gas chromatography-IR and developed portable gas analyzers for workplace monitoring.
The new network will provide access to leading-edge fabrication and characterization tools, enable educational outreach to K-12 students, and examine the societal and ethical implications of nanotechnology. NSF funding is expected to be $70-million or higher for five years.
The new Mathematics Institute will focus on addressing pressing global issues through mathematics, including epidemics, cosmology, and finance. It will attract top researchers and young talent from around the world for collaborative projects.
A new research project has set up houses with various termite defence systems in Arnhem Land to curb $780 million damage caused by termites each year. The project is using novel preservatives and chemical barriers to protect timber, and learning from the Yolngu people about termite behaviour and biology.