News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
A digital imaging system is being developed to automate the inspection process at a bakery, allowing for faster and more accurate quality control. The system uses computerized vision technology to identify imperfections in bread rolls and automatically remove them from production lines.
Operations researchers at Delta Air Lines used simulations to optimize boarding processes, resulting in a 25% reduction in aircraft turnaround time. The study's findings suggest improved utilization and increased convenience for passengers.
Researchers identified 25 genes involved in termite caste development, including muscle function and cellulase production. Treatment with juvenile hormone can convert worker termites into soldiers, potentially leading to colony decimation.
The project aims to design microchannel reactors for on-site production of hydrogen peroxide, addressing transportation, storage, and dilution costs. The grant also supports the development of microchannel reactors for catalytic hydrogenation reactions in the pharmaceutical industry.
The USC Biomimetic MicroElectronic Systems (BMES) center will develop biomimetic devices replacing damaged human body parts, with potential treatments for blindness, paralysis and memory loss. The $34 million grant enables industry partnerships and educational programs in Los Angeles-area schools.
Research reveals early Andean cultures were advanced technologically, polluting the atmosphere with heavy metals and facing climate change challenges. The study suggests that several thousand tons of silver were produced in pre-Incan times, but most likely recycled or exported.
Duke researchers successfully programmed DNA molecules to form patterned nanostructures, enabling precise control over molecule location and potential use in sensors, diagnostics, and nanoelectronics. The breakthrough could lead to smaller-scale devices and circuits.
A new smart blending technique optimizes plastic materials for maximum effectiveness, enabling the creation of tougher, electrically conductive, and porous plastics. The technology, developed at Clemson University, has potential applications in food packaging, personal hygiene products, automotive uses, and even breakfast cereals.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $12.5 million to Cal-(IT)², a two-campus science and innovation institute at the University of California, Irvine, to develop innovative information-sharing tools and organizational strategies for first responders in urban crisis situations. The project aims to provide critical tools to early...
A study by Newcastle University found that a refined garlic product is an effective killer of slugs and snails, with the potential to replace chemical pesticides. The researchers tested nine molluscicides, including a garlic-based product, and found it to be one of the most effective killers.
A physiologist's research has led to the development of improved catch-and-release procedures in fishing tournaments, resulting in better physiological condition and higher energy stores for fish. The new methods prioritize water immersion during weigh-ins to minimize stress and improve survival rates for species like bass and walleye.
The UC Discovery Grants fund eight projects led by Jacobs School of Engineering faculty, focusing on high-bandwidth wireless spaces, MIMO wireless communication systems, low-power mixed-signal circuits, and more. The goal is to enhance wireless networks and develop new technologies.
A study found that 47% of faculty IRB members who are also researchers served as consultants to industry within three years. This may raise concerns about conflicts of interest and scientific behavior.
A study by Cornell University found that smoke-free regulations in New York restaurants and hotels did not harm employment or sales. In fact, the regulations led to a statistically significant increase in taxable sales and overall payrolls.
Researchers have successfully assembled three-dimensional patterns from two different types of nanoparticles with complementary properties. The combination may exhibit novel magneto-optical properties and key features for quantum computing.
Biotechnology Heritage Award honors William Rutter's significant contributions to the development of biotechnology through discovery, innovation, and public understanding. Rutter's entrepreneurial spirit and management skills played a crucial role in the growth of biotechnology as a discipline and global industry.
Teenagers who view more smoking in movies are almost three times more likely to start smoking compared to those with low exposure. The study found that half of smoking initiation can be attributed to viewing smoking in movies, highlighting the need for policy changes to reduce youth exposure.
Philip Morris advertised in gay media to 'own the market,' but quickly distanced itself from the community. The company ultimately settled a boycott by agreeing to financially support HIV/AIDS groups.
Vera Kettnaker's proposed system analyzes an elderly person's movement patterns to detect potential problems and summon help automatically. The system would be integrated with ceiling-mounted cameras and data-processing equipment to provide a safe and private living environment for seniors.
Researchers are working to make cell phones more accessible for people with disabilities by identifying user requirements and challenges in user interface designs. The study focuses on usability tests with selected Toshiba phones and aims to develop new features for future cell phone interfaces.
A study found that US per capita health spending rose to $4,631 in 2000, significantly higher than other OECD nations. The researchers also discovered that the US spent 13% of its GDP on healthcare, with private financing accounting for a majority of public funds.
Rensselaer's active campus/community coalition is addressing alcohol abuse through various programs, including First Year Experience orientation and on-demand educational programs. The university has also distributed billboards, flyers, and free license verifiers to reduce underage drinking.
The Structural Genomics Consortium will determine the three-dimensional structure of over 350 human proteins, focusing on cancer, neurological disorders, and infectious diseases. The project aims to produce protein structures by the end of 2003, with all structures released freely into the public domain.
Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute create computer models of proteins to integrate them into dry substances like plastic. This development could lead to new applications in the security and medical industries, such as ultra-hygienic surfaces and chemical sensors.
A recent study by Queen's University researchers has found a link between trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure and male infertility. TCE, used in various industrial applications, is metabolized in the human reproductive tract and can adversely affect sperm development.
The new Advanced Disinfection Technology System uses ultraviolet radiation to eliminate molds, viruses, and bacteria in water. It improves the disinfection process by mixing water efficiently, reducing UV lamp fouling and increasing light penetration.
A study published in The Lancet found that accident risk is doubled during the last half hour of a two-hour work period, suggesting that shorter breaks can help mitigate this risk. More frequent short breaks may improve work performance and reduce fatigue, making them a potential strategy to prevent industrial accidents.
Researchers at University of Warwick develop innovative technology to produce hydrogen from natural gas in compact reactors, enabling efficient fueling of hydrogen-powered cars. The process employs novel heat exchange technology and nanocrystaline catalysts to increase efficiency and reduce emissions.
Truong Nguyen will receive $120,000 funding to develop a video decoder that generates additional frames to produce smoother video sequences. The technology aims to enhance live video applications like videoconferencing and surveillance over wireless connections.
The UK has launched a new 'global partnerships' program aimed at fostering science and technology partnerships with the US. The program, which combines expertise from three British Government divisions, has already yielded over 20 partnership projects in its US pilot program.
William J. Rutter, cofounder of Chiron Corporation and biotechnology pioneer, is the latest recipient of the Biotechnology Heritage Award from CHF and BIO. The award recognizes his significant contributions to biotechnology through discovery, innovation, and public understanding.
Otter populations are declining due to parasite infections, with 60% of dead otters infected. The parasite is spread through storm drains and creeks, affecting water quality. Invasive fish like ruffe and gobies also pressure yellow perch in Lake Michigan, depleting resources for sport fishing.
A study conducted by Todd D. Kashdan and Paul Rose found that highly curious individuals experience more positive interpersonal outcomes than less curious individuals in different social contexts. The research also tested a new theory about how curiosity influences the growth of personal and interpersonal resources.
The Center for Nanoscience Innovation for Defense (CNID) has been created to rapidly transition research in the nanosciences into defense applications. The center is being led by Robert C. Haddon and will use CNID funds to establish basic infrastructure for nanotechnology research at UCR.
The US Navy has established a new center for nanoscience innovation in defense, which will transfer knowledge from universities to the industry. The center aims to advance nanoscale systems and devices for advanced technology, including spintronics and quantum information processing.
Researchers have developed a new line of soft red winter wheat that exhibits significantly lower levels of mycotoxins when exposed to the fungus Fusarium. This breakthrough is expected to benefit the Canadian agri-food industry and improve food safety, with the new variety, Wonder, set to be in full commercial production by 2004.
A study using an electronic nose found good correlation between actual and predicted pneumonia scores in critically ill patients. The device can help diagnose ventilator-associated pneumonia more quickly than traditional methods.
The conference emphasized the need for collaborations among government, industry, and academia to address nuclear education and R&D needs. Key action items include developing better secondary-school curriculum, expanding joint outreach at high schools and community colleges, and attracting young women and minorities to the field.
A study of 28 young women found that consuming isoflavone-enriched soy protein supplements for a year did not increase bone mineral density. The researchers assessed the bone mineral content and density of each subject using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometric measurements.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that agreements between academic medical centers and industry sponsors rarely include provisions to protect researchers' independence, access to data, and editorial control. This can lead to compromised scientific integrity and a lack of transparency in clinical trials.
Scientists developed an optical system to monitor drop sizes and trajectories at high spatial resolutions, finding rogue drops responsible for unscavenged metals. The technology has implications for nuclear waste treatment and design of cleaner-running engines.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute created large symmetrical crystals with five-fold crystallographic symmetry using boron carbide. These crystals are rare in nature due to the strain caused by their growth, but may have potential as a hard material for engineering applications.
A team of researchers, government agencies, and private companies test a sustainable, environmentally friendly open ocean aquaculture industry in the Gulf of Mexico. The project utilizes innovative technologies, such as a single-point mooring system and automated innovations like a remote camera and satellite tracking system.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that tobacco industry youth anti-smoking programs were designed to serve the industry's political aims, rather than reducing smoking rates. The programs aimed to gather information on youth behavior and attitudes to inform marketing strategies.
A team of researchers has demonstrated the first wireless communication system built entirely on a computer chip, breaking the need for wires to transmit information within the chip. This technology could lead to faster chips, tiny microphones, motion detectors, and other devices.
Internal documents expose tobacco industry's secret lists of control advocates and researchers, aiming to discredit them. Industry agencies also conducted clandestine research on public health groups, including secretly recording meetings.
Researchers aim to find new targets in the brain to prevent and treat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases using Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE) technology. The $2.75 million funding will support Columbia University's technology transfer and commercialization efforts.
Shun C. Fung, a senior engineering associate at ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company, has received the American Chemical Society's Industrial Innovation Award for his work on improving catalyst reuse. His research enabled petroleum companies to capture and reuse expensive catalysts, passing millions of dollars in savings to cons...
Two Johns Hopkins engineering students designed and fabricated a new whitewater recreation helmet with three layers of EVA foam for better protection. The prototype helmet was tested and found to absorb enough energy to prevent serious head injuries, with costs reduced by using rapid prototyping technology.
Research ethics boards involved in industry-sponsored pharmaceutical trials are under investigation due to concerns of secrecy and lack of transparency. Industry sponsorship can create conflicts of interest, compromising the integrity of clinical trials and patient safety.
The Cardiff University team has successfully fabricated a tiny chromatographic extraction cartridge on a silicon chip, enabling easy and inexpensive mass production. The system can be integrated into rivers or factory processes to monitor mixtures flowing through it.
NC State researchers create polymers that allow larger molecules to pass through, improving both permeability and selectivity. The 'reverse-selective' membranes have potential applications in natural-gas suppliers and petroleum processors.
Lester, a renowned chemist from Salem, Virginia, has won the ACS E.V. Murphree Award in Industrial and Engineering Chemistry for his pioneering contributions to catalytic converter technology. This innovation has significantly reduced pollutants in automobile exhaust by 99 percent since 1975.
A new study reveals that river traffic emits substantial nitrogen oxide, fine particulate matter, and sulfur oxides pollution, rivaling that of highways. The research, led by James J. Corbett, finds boat and ship emissions contribute significantly to regional air quality, particularly in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
A management science study finds public research has a significant impact on industrial R&D, with the pharmaceutical industry being a major beneficiary. The study reveals that public research contributes to both innovation and project completion, with materials science and computer science fields having the most widespread impact.
The researchers report that the rough sets method offers significant advantages in intrusion detection, including the ability to work with missing values and imprecise data. The team's study found an average classification accuracy rate of 75.68% for rough sets, compared to 69.78% for neural nets and 51.16% for inductive learning.
Levels of nitrogen and sulfuric acid have decreased moderately in some Adirondack lakes, suggesting a decline in acidic levels. Long-term data is needed to confirm the changes and understand the underlying causes.
The MIT team's X-Cell 60 model rotorcraft performed a 360-degree aileron roll autonomously, marking the first-ever achievement in its kind. The helicopter's small size and low cost make it an attractive option for military reconnaissance or aerial filming.
Researchers found that shipping-related imposex substances are not always transported to the seabed in stratified water. Instead, the harmful substance TBT, which causes imposex, is unable to sink through the boundaries between seawater layers.
A University of Houston researcher developed a biodegradation test to ensure synthetic-based drilling fluids are environmentally safe. The EPA guideline reduces pollution by seven million pounds annually, saving operating costs without economic impacts.