News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
Using actively controlled engine noise cancellation technology can reduce noise pollution, improve fuel efficiency and alleviate environmental restrictions. This new approach eliminates the need for additional weight, increasing the viability of the concept.
Younger men with high cholesterol levels face a greater risk of death from coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease later in life. Lower serum cholesterol levels translated into an estimated greater life expectancy of 6.1 years for men.
The University of Washington research aircraft Husky One will measure pollutant concentrations from three primary sources: fossil fuels, agricultural fires, and natural processes. The subcontinent-sized plume will be studied as it rotates thousands of miles across southern Africa and the Atlantic Ocean.
Researchers found a potential for water trapped in sediments to surge out and cause undersea landslides that can produce tidal waves. The study suggests a new explanation for expulsive events in the continental slope along the East Coast, potentially triggering landslides without warning.
Scientists at Case Western Reserve University found a natural ceramic structure in the Queen conch shell that can be mimicked to create load-bearing, heat-resistant, and corrosion-resistant ceramics. The shell's unique microarchitecture allows it to distribute loads effectively, making it strong and fracture resistant.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a new type of electrolyte that increases electrical conductivity while reducing costs and toxicity. This innovation has the potential to improve rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for use in electric and hybrid vehicles, addressing a significant barrier to widespread adoption.
A recent UB study found that the 'healthy worker effect' can skew results of health studies involving workers, particularly among female nuclear-weapons workers. The study suggests that this bias must be taken into account to obtain accurate results, emphasizing the need for appropriate comparisons and consideration of unexposed workers.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School Medicine have discovered that the transforming growth factor-beta protein stimulates the development of sclerosis in the kidneys, leading to renal failure in diabetic mice. By neutralizing this protein, the study suggests that kidney disease in diabetes can be prevented.
A woman's personal search for medical research information led her to a cure for infertility and miscarriages. The proposal of an online archive for all biomedical research would give free access to latest medical findings, benefiting patients and scientists alike.
Scientists have developed a chimeric receptor in rice cells that enables the switch on of disease-resistance machinery when exposed to brassinolide, a potent growth-promoting hormone. This breakthrough technique offers a promising approach to understanding plant signaling hormones and receptors.
A 10-year study of 4,162 elderly adults found that whites are nearly three times more likely to be prescribed antidepressant medications than African Americans. The disparity jumps to seven times more likely if only selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are considered.
A new study of 332 US manufacturing companies found that international joint ventures and multinational operations increase downside risk, contradicting common business wisdom. Domestic joint ventures also failed to reduce financial risks.
A recent study found that three-tier co-pay prescription programs can significantly lower payers' trend in pharmaceutical expenditures. The study, conducted by researcher Brenda Motheral and Kathi Fairman, showed no significant differences in medical costs between the two-tier and three-tier plans.
The trillion-dollar chemical industry showed a two percent increase in production in 1999, but sales grew faster than profits, leading to decreased profitability among leading companies. A bright spot was the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector, which saw combined sales increase by 29 percent.
Charles R. O'Melia received the Athalie Richardson Irvine Clarke Prize for his work on hazardous particles in water and his findings on filtration and coagulation practices. The prize comes with a gold medallion and $50,000, which will be given away to support education and environmental initiatives.
The Canadian Arthritis Network hosts its Annual Conference 2000 in Toronto, bringing together researchers and clinicians to find solutions for the disease affecting over four million Canadians. The symposium will focus on new approaches to diagnosing and treating arthritis, including innovative strategies to repair cartilage defects.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a new low-fat cheddar formulation that delivers several taste-enhancing compounds. The blend of three bacterial starter cultures reduces bitterness and adds clean, buttery notes, making it an attractive option for health-conscious cheese fanciers.
Chinese President Jiang Zemin outlines China's commitment to global scientific collaboration, highlighting initiatives such as Sino-Israeli and Sino-Australian scientific collaboration funds. He also calls for curriculum reform in China's education system and acknowledges the country's brain drain, with Chinese students studying abroad.
A breakthrough in nanolithography transforms dip-pen nanolithography into a parallel process, paving the way to mass-producing tiny nanostructures. The new eight-pen nanoplotter can create identical patterns with consistent line widths and requires only one feedback system.
Researchers found taxi drivers are significantly more likely to be murdered on the job than other occupations. Self-employed workers and minorities were also disproportionately affected by workplace homicides.
A collaborative study found that media coverage of new medications tends to exaggerate their benefits, ignore their risks, and fail to disclose their costs. Only 40% of news stories citing experts with financial ties to the drug being studied disclosed this potential conflict of interest.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed an automated optical film-thickness measurement technique that is both inexpensive and nonintrusive. The technique uses light reflection to measure film thickness with an accuracy of one-hundredth of a millimeter.
Researchers discovered that large female spiders in colonies compete for space by building their webs earlier, using a capitalist technique to pre-empt areas. This strategy allows them to secure private space for egg-laying and reduces conflicts with smaller spiders.
Researchers analyzed food marketing trends over three decades, finding increases in energy-dense foods and portions. This shift is believed to contribute to the growing prevalence of overweight Americans.
The FAA was recognized by INFORMS for its Ground Delay Program Enhancement project, which has reduced delays by 90,000 hours and saved the airline industry over $150 million. The project uses collaborative decision-making tools to allocate arrival slots and issue ground delays.
Nine companies have been selected to participate in a $15 million NASA Research Announcement effort titled the Second Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle Risk Reduction Definition Program. This research will explore possible Earth-to-orbit launch vehicles, in-space orbit transfer vehicles, and ground and flight operations.
The X-40A test vehicle, built by Boeing, is being shipped to NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards, Calif., for a series of ground and air tests. The X-37 project aims to demonstrate technologies in the orbital and reentry environments for next-generation reusable launch vehicles.
The conference brings together theoreticians and practitioners to discuss the application of algorithms in industry. Experts share their experiences and knowledge on topics such as enabling algorithm use, repository development, and meeting specific client needs.
The symposium aims to strengthen research relationships between university scientists and industry experts in the rapidly growing field of polymers. Robert Waymouth will deliver three lectures on polyolefin catalysis and its applications.
A new study found that two to three drinks significantly affect mariners' performance, making it twice as long to correct system failures after consuming alcohol. The researchers recommend lowering the current blood alcohol concentration limit for commercial ship personnel to mitigate this risk.
Researchers create molecular footprints of information to encode diverse data, including music, on a single silicon surface. The novel approach enables precise control over structure and chemical composition of nano-devices, potentially leading to breakthrough electronic tools.
Researchers are developing cost-effective methods to capture and store carbon dioxide, with potential to reduce global warming impact. The DOE-funded projects include membrane development, vortex tube separation, and algae-based carbon sequestration.
The ACS Central Regional Meeting will feature over 600 research papers on various topics, including environmental science, food science, and diversity in the workplace. Notable speakers include experts from major brewing companies and a professor emeritus receiving a prestigious award for his invention of the first chemical sensor.
The University of California, San Diego has secured $47 million in private support to build a state-of-the-art cancer facility, with John and Rebecca Moores committing $20 million towards the project. The facility will bring together over 300 physicians, scientists, and staff to provide advanced patient care and conduct research.
The Canadian Arthritis Network hosted a conference showcasing advancements in arthritis research and one-stop services for industry and government. The event featured key developments in therapeutics, diagnostics, and devices.
A 150-ton magnet has passed its initial operating test in Japan, producing a magnetic field of 13 Tesla and storing 640 megajoules of energy. The successful test demonstrates superconducting performance parameters and manufacturing methods for larger magnets planned for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER).
The Navy is hosting its first annual Naval-Industry R&D Partnership Conference to discuss reducing barriers between government and commercial industries. The conference aims to leverage commercial products and technology to maintain advanced capabilities and reduce costs.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new membrane filtration system that enhances the nutritional value of coproducts, including gluten meal and gluten feed. This could lead to increased demand for corn and make ethanol production more profitable.
A University of Washington study found that real-world job training can significantly reduce the likelihood of ex-felons returning to prison. The successful trainees also earned more money and worked longer hours than those in dead-end jobs.
Researchers at ZymoGenetics developed a novel immunosuppressive agent that inhibits disease symptoms in mouse models of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The treatment works by capturing a cytokine that stimulates B cells to make antibodies, reducing their destructive impact on the body.
The Long-Range Research Initiative (LRI) aims to advance chemical industry's research, with $100 million committed over 5 years in 10 areas. Drs. James S. Bus and Carol J. Henry will discuss LRI status and future directions.
Researchers found that an anti-smoking media campaign in Massachusetts increased awareness of the dangers of light cigarettes and decreased beliefs that they pose a lower risk to public health. The study suggests targeted advertising can correct misinformation about smoking.
The first Workshop on Interactive Robotics and Entertainment (WIRE 2000) will bring together experts from academia and industry to analyze the growing interaction between robotics and the toy industry. The conference will predict how this interaction will change both areas in the future.
A recent study updated the classic 'Stigler's Diet Problem' to reflect current dietary recommendations and prices. The results show that a woman's diet is approximately $115.40 cheaper than a man's, with daily costs of $535.27 for women and $651.27 for men.
A team of University of Massachusetts researchers has developed a way to make molecules that are too small to be seen, behave in a predictable and orderly way. The finding could lead to the creation of faster computers and ultra-sensitive sensors.
Researchers found that taking American ginseng before a meal reduced blood sugar levels in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. The study's findings suggest that controlling after-meal blood sugar levels may be an important strategy in managing diabetes and preventing its onset.
New polymers enable polymeric electro-optic modulators to translate electrical signals into optical signals at rates of up to 100 gigabytes per second, increasing information-processing speeds by 10 times those of current electronic devices.
Two UC San Francisco scholars analyze a 10-year study on second-hand smoke and cancer, finding the tobacco industry launched an unprecedented misinformation campaign to undermine its findings. The campaign was aimed at slowing down smoking restrictions in European markets.
Researchers discovered that adding carbonate to cow manure can effectively kill dangerous microbes, such as E. coli O157:H7. The treatment is estimated to cost less than $10 per year per cow and could help prevent water contamination.
A team of Australian National University scientists has developed a type of semiconductor laser with world-leading performance, which can speed up information transport through optical fibers and improve real-time communication. The technology has attracted international commercial interest, including a Taiwanese company investing $50 ...
A recent study by Dr. Andreas Constantinou suggests that soy protein mixes without isoflavones may be more effective in reducing mammary gland tumors in rats than previously thought. The study also found that the anti-tumor ingredient in soy works by increasing detoxification enzymes that eliminate free radicals.
The UK is in danger of missing out on fuel cells, solar energy, and the next generation of cleaner cars due to lack of innovation, experts warn. Government needs to set tough strategic goals and regulation to guide and enable businesses to adopt greener management.
Researchers developed a novel method to improve polymers by changing their organization using small molecules as additives. The new method creates a gel-like material with enhanced mechanical and thermal properties, as well as unique optical properties, including birefringence and wavelength reflection.
A $4.1 million grant from the National Science Foundation is helping researchers link disparate databases and protect confidential data for economic and social scientists. The project aims to improve quality of the Census Bureau's surveys and enable better research on social issues like welfare-to-work and aging.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have created a gel that allows women to control their fertility and reduce the risk of infection from HIV, yeast infections, and other STDs. The acylcarnitium analog, Z-15, has demonstrated in vitro effectiveness as a spermicide and inhibits multiple STDs.
Missouri has officially designated the life sciences industry as one of its Lead Industries to promote economic development and growth. The state is home to over 100 life sciences companies, with research funding from the National Institutes of Health increasing by 46% between 1995 and 1999.
Cornell University materials engineers have created a polyvinylalcohol (PVA) nanocomposite that can be used to deliver drugs to the human brain or bloodstream. The material, with chains of polymer molecules controlling drug flow, has potential applications in tissue engineering and enzyme carriers.
The Drosophila genome sequence completion reveals nearly two-thirds of genes known to cause human disease are present in the genome. This achievement demonstrates the value of basic research using Drosophila in combating human disease.
Researchers create an online library of electronic books using a specialized search tool called WebBook. The tool helps organize information in a database-driven format, making it easier for users to find specific answers.
George Samara, a chemist from Albuquerque, NM, has been honored by the American Chemical Society for his exceptional research management skills. He was awarded the Earle B. Barnes Award for Leadership in Chemical Research Management for his contributions to advancing solar cell technology and developing unique semiconducting materials.