News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
A partnership between Colorado State University and Michigan has made canola-based motor oil available to consumers, offering a cleaner alternative to petroleum-based oils. The oil reduces vehicle emissions by 30 percent and produces no hazardous waste.
Researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory tested various sealing materials, including clear plastic tape, foil-backed tape, mastic, and injected aerosol sealant. Only duct tape failed the tests, while others formed good seals for extended periods.
A 2,000-year-old climate warming event was discovered in East Africa by analyzing sediment cores from a high-altitude lake. This study suggests that the climate can warm up suddenly without human activity, providing new insights into past climate fluctuations and potentially informing predictions about future climate change.
Cornell University is part of a national effort to pioneer new integrated circuit design and support the US microchip industry. The university's contribution will focus on photonics and novel information distribution methods.
A software tool developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory helps identify manufacturing problems causing defects in silicon wafers, increasing productivity and reducing costs for the US semiconductor industry. The 'spatial signature analysis' algorithm has been licensed to 14 manufacturers and equipment suppliers.
A new approach to experimentation using computer simulation and rapid prototyping could significantly reduce development cost and time in the computer, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. The study found that firms can save millions of dollars by switching between these methods at the optimal point.
The Westwood-Squibb Center for Dermatology Research will examine the impact of managed care on dermatology and advance the specialty through dissemination of information and examination of ethical practices. The center aims to improve skin care and address economic, ethical, and policy issues in dermatology.
Researchers have visualized chaotic flows in three dimensions, revealing regular islands formed by unmixed liquid streams. The study's findings could lead to improved mixing conditions in various industries, including chemical companies and geophysics.
A study by Dr. Barry Bayus found that PC product lifespans have not accelerated over time, contradicting conventional wisdom. Despite rapid innovation, manufacturers have maintained consistent product lifecycles within their lines, suggesting a balanced approach to strategy and R&D investment.
A new spray-on treatment has reduced 'albedo breakdown', a condition causing unsightly puffiness in oranges, by up to 20-25% in Australian orange crops. The treatment uses mineral calcium to address the issue, which can significantly impact fruit value and quality.
A new laboratory tool has been developed by UNC-CH researchers to study the interaction between normal and abnormal heart cells during heart attacks. The tool, which simulates the conditions of a heart attack, aims to reduce death rates from sudden cardiac deaths in the US.
Two Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory-developed technologies have been recognized internationally for their potential to improve the power industry. The Electro-Optic High Voltage Sensor provides safer and more cost-effective ways to measure high voltages. Rapid Solidification Process Tooling Technology reduces pr...
Researchers analyzed 19 samples of honey from 14 different floral sources and found that dark buckwheat honey packs 20 times the antioxidant punch as California sage honey. Darker honey has less water and more antioxidants than light-colored honey, making it a potential supplemental source for antioxidants.
The new CERIAS center will address information security issues from various perspectives, including sociology, psychology, criminology, and economics. It will provide training opportunities for students and work with industry and government researchers worldwide.
Researchers discovered bacterial colonies thriving in Antarctic ice, surviving on minimal light and water. The findings suggest similar life forms may exist on Mars or Europa, and could provide insights for searching for life beyond our solar system.
The report examines emerging trends in science education and research worldwide, with a focus on the impact of globalization on national science policies. Key findings include the dilemma posed by high scientific costs, particularly for developing countries.
The DFG is establishing 14 new collaborative research centres across Germany, focusing on areas like biology/medicine and natural sciences. These initiatives will enable universities to conduct costly long-term research projects with a focus on young scientists' autonomy.
A team of researchers from UNMC and Boys Town National Research Hospital has identified the gene responsible for Usher syndrome Type IIa, a genetic disorder affecting 4 in 100,000 people. The discovery may lead to an eventual cure for the condition, which causes moderate to severe hearing loss and juvenile blindness.
A study by the University of California - San Francisco found that tobacco industry campaign contributions have a substantial impact on state legislators' voting patterns, particularly in states with varying levels of partisan control. The researchers scored legislators on a scale from pro-tobacco to pro-public health and found that in...
Researchers found that urbanization reduces stream diversity, but tolerates insects like midges, which are pollution-tolerant. Stream quality is affected by factors like road runoff, pavement pollution, and sediment, highlighting the need for sustainable land use practices to preserve aquatic ecosystems.
Researchers have discovered a new light-sensitive pigment called cryptochrome, which controls the circadian rhythm in mammals, regulating bodily functions such as body temperature and blood pressure. The discovery may lead to better treatment for depression and reduce accidents during late-night shifts.
Scientists have discovered a novel form of vancomycin that may be effective against resistant bacteria. The findings suggest a new way for the drug to bind to bacteria, opening an avenue for developing next-generation antibiotics.
A recent study found that over 40% of UK textile firms have discovered infringing fabric designs in the past three years, with one-third of firms finding illegal designs overseas. Designers often lack knowledge about copyright law and are reluctant to take rivals to court due to complexity and scope for interpretation.
Researchers have created transgenic mice that can see over a range of about 360 nanometers, more than humans or old world primates. The mice will be used to investigate scientific questions related to the nervous system's adaptability and how neurons connect to new information.
Researchers are utilizing a jellyfish gene to develop more efficient methods for inserting desirable genes into sugarcane plants. The gene, known as green fluorescent protein (GFP), allows scientists to quickly identify the effectiveness of genetic modifications.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are developing high-temperature electronics to improve geothermal energy production. This could reduce costs by eliminating the need for protective Dewar flasks, which currently add significant expense to drilling operations.
Researchers solved Einstein's three-dimensional equations for gravitational waves using a CRAY T3E-136 system and ImmersaDesk virtual reality systems. The demonstration showcased an 8,000-kilometer transatlantic connection, with data transmitted at millions of bits per second.
Bosques Arauco's winning study utilizes operations research systems to improve efficiency and have a positive impact on forest plantations. The award recognizes outstanding work in operations research that has had a significant impact on the performance of the client organization, with notable annual savings.
High-temperature superconducting materials have limited performance due to energy loss caused by defects and grain boundaries. A University of Wisconsin-Madison experiment found that designing better conductors with improved current flow is crucial for overcoming this barrier.
The symposium will cover various aspects of food safety associated with fresh fruits and vegetables, including outbreaks, international trade, industry initiatives, and microbial ecology. The event aims to discuss intervention strategies and future directions in fresh produce safety assurance.
The Aviation System Analysis Capability (ASAC) is an integrated suite of models and databases that assesses the impact of new technologies on air transportation efficiency and safety. Developed by Logistics Management Institute, ASAC assists researchers in air traffic management analysis and aircraft technology analysis.
The TRAMAH model has been successfully tested in Maryland, achieving near 100% access to trauma system resources within 30 minutes for severely injured residents. By optimally locating fewer helicopter depots or replacing single trauma centers, the researchers saw significant improvements in response times and coverage.
Mathematical models identify optimal locations for breast cancer screening centers in Montreal, balancing medical excellence with geographic accessibility. The study suggests that reducing the number of centers from 48 to 15-22 guarantees high standards while maintaining access for women.
Researchers recommend strategies to manage queues and waiting lines, including paying bills by mail and avoiding in-person registration. Dr. Richard C. Larson suggests that fair standing queues, such as merging traffic, can help reduce frustration with waiting.
A new study by Columbia University and NASA finds that the Arctic ozone hole is projected to double in size by 2020, leading to increased skin cancer cases globally. The research models show that greenhouse gases are cooling the stratosphere, causing more ozone depletion.
Cornell University researchers have developed simple but effective means to detect harmful bacteria using nanofabrication and biology. The new biosensors can be read using a laser beam and provide an instant reading of bacterial contamination, making them ideal for use in food production lines or other sensitive areas.
Research-related gifts from companies pose ethical quandries for scientists, with over half accepting gifts and 66% finding them important to their research. The study recommends guidelines for accepting industrial gifts to avoid problematic expectations and restrictions.
The American Chemical Society supports STEM education through various programs, including the Boy Scout Chemistry merit badge. Researchers will present posters showcasing innovative approaches to teaching chemistry to young learners.
The UPMC Image Engine Project combines clinical images with medical records to improve patient care. The system allows clinicians to download and view full-size images for diagnosis and treatment, while maintaining patient confidentiality.
The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has selected nine professionals as its 1998 Fellows, recognizing their achievements in the field of food science and technology. The honorees include experts from academia, industry, and government, who have demonstrated a minimum 10-year record of accomplishment in their respective fields.
As the electric industry transitions to a competitive system, consumers can expect lower electric bills due to increased efficiency and market forces. State regulators will play a crucial role in ensuring that consumers are informed about their rights and responsibilities.
A new national study found that young men who switch jobs early in their careers don't suffer from lower wages, and may even earn more than those who stay in the same job. In contrast, women's wage gains are less clear, with some evidence suggesting they may face a 2% penalty for early job stability.
A prestigious panel will discuss the future of federal funding for research and development, with implications for chemistry research and the nation's status as a world technological leader. The panelists from government, academia, and industry will examine current efforts to double federal funding for research over the next decade.
The ACS Industry Pavilion features presentations and workshops from renowned scientists, including Nobel laureate Julius Axelrod and pharmaceutical executives. The pavilion also addresses the future of the chemical industry through a panel discussion on trends and their impact on careers.
Researchers developed two time-saving strategies for drivers to find parking spaces: Pick a Row, Closest Space and Cycling. The first approach requires less driving but more walking, while the second is faster but with slightly longer distances.
A new software program, EXAKT, uses mathematical models to determine the optimal time to replace or repair equipment based on performance data and economic factors. This allows maintenance managers to combine risk assessment and economic considerations in making informed decisions.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has been awarded $2.1 million for three projects that could lead to new disease identification methods, improved glass production, and faster semiconductor devices. The funding is part of a larger DOE initiative with industry partners IBM, Corning, SEMATECH, and Genometrix.
A cost-benefit analysis found El Nino forecasting provides an annual economic return of 13-26% to the US agricultural industry, exceeding the government's minimum standard. The Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere (TOGA) climate research program yields benefits worth $240-266 million annually.
A team of researchers is working on creating silicon surfaces that are essentially totally flat, which could improve the performance of transistors in the semiconductor industry. The technique uses a basic hydrofluoric acid solution to etch away surface atoms one by one, producing small areas with perfect flatness.
The ASU-Led Project uses the scanning probe microscope to enable students in schools far from campus to operate the instrument remotely over the World Wide Web. Students can design their own experiments and manipulate the microscope with a mouse, getting results that are not yet available to most laboratories in the country.
Purdue University researchers have developed a new class of co-polymer networks with diverse properties, suitable for various applications such as wastewater treatment, drug release and coating. The materials can be tailored to control their properties by varying the relative amounts of acrylic acid and oligoethylene glycol monomers.
A recent study found that hospitals use various tactics to discourage patients from questioning their bills, including intimidating images and bureaucratic roadblocks. Hospitals may also use friendly communication to downplay the need for formal inquiry, but these efforts are often successful in deterring consumer challenges.
Researchers found that bluntness is key to reaching both children and adults through anti-smoking ads, with messages portraying tobacco industry manipulations being effective in kindling viewer responses. Effective ads also targeted concerns over addiction and illustrated the dangers of second-hand smoke.
Scientists have successfully demonstrated a technique to observe the dynamics of electrons as they move across the boundaries where metals and non-metals meet. The experiment showed that electrons can become delocalized, free to roam, before becoming localized and trapped in the interface.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill will study nanotube-based materials with potential applications in energy storage and display technology. The five-year grant aims to understand the chemical, mechanical, and electrical properties of these molecules.
A new study by UCSF researchers found that smoking in movies has returned to levels comparable to the 1960s, with pro-tobacco portrayals remaining prevalent. The incidence of smoking in films increased dramatically during the 1990s, exceeding real smoking rates and reinforcing misleading images.
Researchers at the University of Florida are adapting space-age technology to improve citrus farming efficiency in the state. The team, led by Professors Jodie Whitney and John Schueller, is using precision agriculture techniques to help farmers optimize their fields and reduce costs.
A National Research Council panel recommends more automation in air-traffic control to enhance safety and efficiency. The panel advises against fully automating tasks that require human judgment, instead focusing on tools that assist controllers with understanding and predicting situations.
The 1997 Illinois Statistical Abstract offers detailed information on various aspects of the state, including corn production, women-owned firms, cancer deaths, and per-capita personal income. The book provides a comprehensive overview of Illinois in all its diversity.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a fast new method to analyze part designs and locate potential defects that may form in die-cast metal parts. The binary voxel model uses geometry to simulate die casting, producing an image with color-coded areas of concern. This method can identify weak spots in seconds, unlike more...