News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
A study by Texas A&M University has revealed high levels of lead, barium, and chromium in soil samples from the Greater Fifth Ward neighborhood. The findings highlight the need for environmental protection programs to address health risks associated with heavy metal exposure.
A TU Wien-developed robot can learn to clean a sink by watching humans perform the task, adapting its knowledge to different shapes and applying the right amount of force. The technology combines machine learning and robotics, enabling robots to share their parameters through federated learning.
A research team led by Virginia Tech will test the geologic conditions at the Roanoke Cement Plant for storing 1.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year for three decades. The project aims to prevent estimated 50 million metric tons of carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere.
A new study examines the impact of purdah (spatial modesty) on women's experiences in Pakistani banks, revealing tensions between career ambitions and cultural expectations. The research highlights the need to understand additional ways spatial modesty is practiced in the workplace.
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute received nearly $1 million in grants to develop and enhance tractor-trailer educational programs. The programs focus on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and safer driving outreach, aiming to save lives by educating drivers on the benefits of these technologies.
Researchers have summarized advanced field weakening (FW) control strategies for permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs), including offline calculation methods, online computational methods, and model predictive control (MPC)-related methods. The studies highlight the importance of balancing computational difficulty with control ro...
Hoda Eldardiry receives $349,360 grant from NSF to develop practical competencies for students to apply ethical principles in AI system design. Her team aims to engage industry professionals to translate AI ethics into concrete decision-making.
The JAX-Allentown partnership launches an AI-powered home-cage monitoring system to enhance preclinical research efficiency and improve translatability. The Envision platform captures digital measures of mouse behavior and physiology, promoting animal welfare and superior data quality.
The partnership aims to simplify cooperation in ATMPs and related technologies, promoting research and development within academia, healthcare, and industry. The collaboration will explore opportunities for project and business development, quality-controlled production, and clinical trials.
Researchers at the University of Virginia have confirmed a key principle governing heat flow in thin metal films, paving the way for advancements in technology and more efficient devices. The study validated Matthiessen's rule in ultra-thin copper films, providing a blueprint to mitigate thermal bottlenecks.
Researchers at NCSA have presented a novel post-quantum cryptography network instrument to measure PQC adoption rates and ensure secure data safeguarding. The project's findings indicate that only OpenSSH and Google Chrome have successfully implemented PQC, achieving an initial adoption rate of 0.029%.
A new study reveals gentrification's complex impact on residential communities in Seoul, Korea, finding that state-led urban change can lead to emotional displacement of residents. Meanwhile, property-led redevelopment has resulted in direct displacement and replacement of industrial clusters with high-rise residential construction.
Researchers will focus on harnessing waste heat and renewable energy sources to power clean cooling technologies. The project aims to address the growing environmental impact of cooling in various industries, with demand expected to multiply in the coming years.
Researchers at UCF are developing a compact semiconductor light source that can disinfect rooms with UV-C light, suitable for defense and civilian use. The laser device aims to last up to 10,000 hours, overcoming its current short lifespan.
A recent study by Mizzou researchers found that infections are a significant problem for white-tailed deer on Missouri farms. The study identified the three most common types of bacteria causing pneumonia in farmed deer, providing actionable data for veterinarians and farmers to make informed decisions.
The partnership aims to create, study, and implement digital health solutions to address mental and behavioral health conditions. Researchers will use ecological momentary assessment and digital sensors on a patient's mobile phone to monitor cognitive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
Florida Atlantic University's Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center is establishing a blue energy hub to develop and test ocean current energy technologies. The project aims to improve the nation's competitiveness in marine energy technology and create jobs.
The University of Kansas and Avium will develop new catalysts and technologies to improve the efficiency and reliability of green hydrogen production. The goal is to make clean hydrogen more affordable and support the transition to a clean-energy future.
Scientists use modern technology to analyze ancient ochre samples, revealing the material's origin and history. This helps them understand how human cognition and social networks developed alongside early technological innovations.
A new training algorithm called ternarized gradient BNN (TGBNN) enables learning capabilities for binarized neural networks (BNNs) on IoT edge devices. The proposed MRAM-based CiM architecture achieves faster convergence and matching accuracy with regular BNNs.
The report found significant economic benefits from the casinos, including job creation and tax revenue, but also noted a loss of workforce in other sectors and negative impacts on businesses. Negative social impacts included increased vehicle traffic, accidents, and crime near casinos, as well as a rise in illegal gambling.
The new fringe photometric stereo technique reduces scanning time by over two-thirds while achieving micrometer-level accuracy, ideal for real-time scanning applications such as industrial inspection and medical procedures. The approach 'feels' the surface by projecting light patterns, improving precision measurements.
The Cyber-Resilience Resource Center will provide training and support to organizations across West Virginia, with a focus on small and medium-sized businesses. Over 200 students will gain real-world cybersecurity experience through the center.
Dr. Kevin J. Kelly, an assistant professor at Texas A&M University, has received the Henry Primakoff Award for Early-Career Particle Physics for his significant contributions to neutrino physics and proposing novel directions for dark matter research. He will deliver an invited lecture on his research at a future APS meeting.
A University of Virginia-led research team has developed new protective coatings that allow turbine engines to run at higher temperatures before components begin to fail. The coatings were created using rare earth oxides and have shown improved performance without complex multi-layer coatings.
Researchers have developed a reconfigurable three-dimensional integrated photonic processor specifically designed to tackle the subset sum problem, a classic NP-complete challenge. The processor operates by allowing photons in a light beam to explore all possible paths simultaneously, providing answers in parallel and demonstrating hig...
Researchers at Politecnico di Milano discovered that the ratio of CO2 to methane present in the reaction determines carbon build-up on catalysts. This finding paves the way for more efficient technologies and longer-lasting catalysts.
Dr. Fyodor Urnav proposes a set of initiatives to address the crisis, including pooling patients by syndrome and permitting multiple gene editors in a single Investigational New Drug application. This approach aims to accelerate the development of CRISPR therapies for rare genetic diseases.
Researchers developed an efficient analysis method to precisely determine gamma-glutamyl dipeptide concentrations, enabling prediction of full-bodied cheese flavor development. The method uses ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and can analyze 60 cheese samples per day.
High-performance manufacturing (HPM) is a solution to meet the challenges of loading, transmission, conduction, energy conversion and stealth requirements in critical sectors. HPM advocates for a design and manufacturing approach based on scientific modeling and precise control.
Dr. Wai Hong Lo, PhD, has been appointed as the new Editor-in-Chief of ASSAY and Drug Development Technologies, succeeding Dr. Bruce Melancon. Dr. Lo aims to enhance online accessibility, incorporate visuals, and increase social media engagement to reach a broader audience.
Combining visible light with electrochemistry improves CO2 conversion rates and selectivity, enabling the production of valuable products such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The study's findings have significant implications for catalysis research and industrial applications.
Researchers at UVA have developed an AI-driven system that optimizes manufacturing processes, improving speed and quality while reducing waste. The system uses Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning to coordinate tasks in real-time, leading to faster production and reduced downtime across various industries.
Researchers at GIST developed a cat's eye-inspired vision system that filters out unnecessary light and improves visibility in low-light conditions. The system promises to elevate the precision of drones, security robots, and self-driving vehicles, enabling them to navigate intricate environments with unparalleled accuracy.
Researchers developed a new approach called ZeroCAL, which can remove nearly all carbon dioxide emissions associated with cement production. The process uses limestone as a feedstock and produces clean hydrogen and oxygen gas, making it an elegant solution to reduce carbon footprint.
UCF researchers have developed a unique 'barcode' technique to quickly identify chiral molecules based on their infrared fingerprints. This technology has the potential to speed up pharmaceutical and medical advancements by identifying enantiomers, which can have different effects in the body or chemical reactions.
Despite Norway's ambitious circular economy goal, the country incinerates more than 65% of collected waste, with significant gaps in data collection and measurement methods. Researchers propose 18 new methods to improve efficiency, highlighting the need for more accurate reporting on recycling rates.
Hokkaido University researchers have developed a novel method to activate alkanes, making it easier to convert these building blocks into valuable compounds. The new technique utilizes confined chiral Brønsted acids, improving efficiency and selectivity in producing desired products.
A new process developed by Lehigh University researchers uses evaporative ion exchange (EIX) to concentrate hypersaline brine at room temperature, avoiding scaling and fouling. The process has shown promising results in concentrating salts from hypersaline water, with the potential for widespread use.
Researchers have developed functional interlocking metasurfaces that offer more structural strength and stability than traditional techniques like bolts and adhesives. These metasurfaces can selectively disengage and re-engage on demand while maintaining consistent joint strength.
Researchers found that adopting popular brand nicknames can be detrimental to a company's performance, as it implies consumer control. This is because brand nicknames are often used by consumers, which can make the brand appear weaker when adopted by marketers.
Concordia researchers develop a novel method of 3D printing using acoustic holograms, capable of creating complex objects quickly and at once. This technique, called holographic direct sound printing (HDSP), stores information of multiple images in a single hologram, allowing for the creation of multiple objects simultaneously.
Industry-sponsored trials have grown while federally funded enrollment remains flat, jeopardizing research in cancer prevention, screening, and health disparities. Diversified funding and strong advocacy are needed to ensure all patient populations benefit from research advancements.
Recent research highlights microwave-induced synthesis as a transformative potential in drug discovery and development. This efficient technique enables rapid preparation of diverse N-heterocycles, including biologically active molecules such as pyrimidines, thiazoles, and quinolines.
Researchers at Rice University have developed adhesive bacteria and proteins that can help efficiently decompose PET, a notoriously resistant type of plastic. The engineered microbes demonstrate a 400-fold increase in adhesion to PET surfaces, making them a potential solution for tackling plastic pollution.
Researchers developed a novel single-cell genome approach to analyze microbial diversity and genetic features, recovering 300 missed bacterial species and providing insights into antibiotic resistance genes and gene exchange networks. The study has potential applications in public health, environmental monitoring, and agriculture.
A Kennesaw State University researcher aims to develop open-source, hands-on QML training materials to educate future researchers. The project will create nine training modules with hands-on labs covering key quantum computing concepts.
A new study by NUS Medicine reveals that Singaporean families with young children successfully adapted to the pandemic's challenges, with 31% showing economic security and relational strengthening. Families with strong relational factors, such as maternal self-efficacy and quality family time, demonstrated higher relational resilience.
Researchers have developed a novel method to fabricate high-performance macrofibers with exceptional mechanical properties and humidity response using the TAT technique. The resulting fibers exhibit record tensile strength and rapid actuation in response to environmental moisture, making them ideal for various industries.
Virginia Tech researchers publish real-time data to better understand what happens when people lose their balance. The study uses wrist-worn voice recorders to capture immediate, self-reported data from participants, providing a more reliable understanding of the circumstances surrounding balance loss among older adults.
A research team developed an RNA-based sensor platform that can regulate gene expression in bacteria, mimicking natural biological interactions. The START platform enables tunable control over sensor response and detection of various molecules, including drugs and proteins.
The NSF has invested $5 million in the Reliable and Scalable Biofoundries for Biomanufacturing and Global Bioeconomy to advance bioeconomy research and solve global challenges. The project aims to establish standards and metrics for biofoundry applications, promote industry partnerships, and develop workforce development programs.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Wavelogix a two-year, $999,910 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II grant. The funding will help the company develop a complete solution for scaling up production of its REBEL concrete strength sensors, enabling faster and data-driven decisions in construction engineering.
A nationwide study found that Australians are buying too many clothes and need guidance on responsible disposal. The study revealed that age was the most significant factor in determining consumer clothing practices, with younger generations more likely to buy second-hand and repair clothes.
Researchers developed a method to reconstruct hyperspectral images from standard RGB images using deep machine learning. The technique achieved over 70% accuracy in predicting soluble solid content and 88% accuracy in dry matter content in sweet potatoes, with potential applications for the agricultural industry.
A new study warns that continued investment in carbon-intensive industries could lead to $557 trillion of stranded assets by 2050. Researchers urge policymakers to transform educational and financial systems to create new opportunities, rather than delaying the transition.
A new study by Tel Aviv University reveals that 27% of respondents withhold inventions due to reasons such as emotional attachment, fear of credit, or lack of trust in management. The study aims to shed light on this phenomenon and develop effective management tools to increase employees' willingness to disclose their inventions.
In this study, researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology found that hydrogen sulfide-dependent transcription factor YgaV regulates iron uptake dynamics in Escherichia coli. The team observed elevated intracellular H2S levels resulting in increased antibiotic resistance and upregulated genes involved in sulfur metabolism.
Researchers used aerial drone technology and boat-based surveys to map complex tidal flows around the world's most powerful tidal turbine, O2. The study provides new insights into optimal turbine placement and site-specific assessments to address uncertainties surrounding interactions with marine habitats and environments.
Researchers developed a lignin sub-microsphere loaded with TiO2 for enhanced sunscreen capabilities, achieving SPF 42.93 and improved color properties.