News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
Researchers at Columbia University are adapting industrial materials based on sugar to create novel, eco-friendly surfactants for household, medical, and industrial uses. These sugar-based polymers offer better cleansing properties than traditional detergents and can be used in personal care products.
A study by Ohio University found that employers are more likely to hire obese individuals for sedentary jobs, but less likely for high-activity jobs. The study suggests that physical activity is a key factor in hiring decisions, rather than perceptions of attractiveness or weight.
Researchers create new materials with exceptional properties using a mathematical theory developed by Professor Subra Suresh and visiting scientist Antonios Giannakopoulos. The theory allows for the efficient testing of graded materials, including dental implants, tank armor, and gears in car transmissions.
A study found that product linkage and market position are crucial factors in International Joint Venture performance, while a local partner's strategic fit is also vital for risk reduction, market development, and profitability. The research suggests that multinational corporations should select partners with rich market experience, s...
Scientists at Georgia Tech develop a system to encode and decode information using chaotic carrier signals in fiber optic cable. The work opens up new possibilities for secure communication, potentially speeding up data transmission by 100-fold.
The National Science Board will meet on February 25-27, 1998, to discuss various topics including graduate education, industry reliance on publicly funded research, and long-range planning. The meeting is open to the public, and media representatives are invited to attend.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are testing UV technology to enhance night visibility, with the goal of improving road safety. The project aims to increase drivers' visibility distance by up to 30% and make pedestrians more visible.
Plant pathologists are developing new management practices for disease control, including the use of ecologically-based strategies and biological control organisms. The phase-out of methyl bromide is expected to have a significant impact on American agriculture, prompting research into alternative pest control tools.
Montana State University historian Robert Rydell criticizes the presentation of science in exhibits, highlighting the importance of controlling how scientific ideas are presented to the public. He advocates for open discussions and dialogue in science exhibits, emphasizing that science should not be conflated with entertainment.
A recent study commissioned by President Clinton emphasizes the importance of nuclear power in meeting ambitious environmental goals. The report suggests that nuclear energy will be necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet growing energy demands.
A new analysis published by University of California - San Francisco researchers finds that a proposed deal between the tobacco industry and states' attorneys general would be less effective in promoting public health than no federal legislation. The report concludes that granting immunity to the industry and limiting liability would p...
A two-year study found that moderate air pollution can decrease lung function in adult hikers, even at relatively low ozone concentrations. Hikers with a history of asthma or wheezing experienced more pronounced declines.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that lifting patients by caregivers in hospitals and nursing homes poses a high risk of back injury, with even two-person lifts similar to high-risk jobs. Mechanical devices, such as those suspending patients by straps from mechanical arms, may be necessary to mitigate the risk.
A new study reveals that adjusting the structural orientation of a soluble catalyst's molecules can dramatically improve its catalytic efficiency and selectivity. The researchers found that neatly arranged molecules are more efficient and easier to control chemical reactions.
Researchers found that making optimal use of backup agreements between catalogers and manufacturers can increase net cash by almost 50%. The strategy, tested on a multibillion-dollar retail giant, is applicable to various industries with seasonal demand fluctuations.
Using heat-resistant microbes, researchers can treat waste air and water emissions at temperatures up to 70 degrees Celsius. The new process eliminates the need for cooling, saving companies time and money while reducing environmental impact.
The University of Georgia team is compiling a comprehensive map of South Florida's national parks and preserves, using aerial photographs, satellite images, and GIS technology to track changes in vegetation patterns and ecosystem disturbances. The project aims to monitor environmental factors influencing bird nesting habits and the imp...
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have created aerogels with a dielectric constant of 1.0, making them ideal insulators for computer chips. The new materials could double computing speeds and be used by industry within five years.
Researchers found that some chemicals being phased out for ozone protection have offsetting benefits, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The study suggests that environmental policies should consider both ozone depletion and global warming together.
Research reveals estrogen regulates fluid reabsorption in efferent ductules, essential for sperm maturation and normal fertility. The study found high concentrations of estrogen receptors in the male reproductive tract.
A nationwide review of managed-care companies' gatekeeping practices found nearly one-third of patients denied emergency medical care suffered adverse outcomes. The study highlights the need for in-person medical assessments, as telephone gatekeeping failed to reliably distinguish between safe and unsafe cases.
Researchers have developed a new protein, IL13-PE38QQR, that penetrates brain cancer cells and kills them without harming healthy cells. The protein is a combination of interleukin 13 and Pseudomonas exotoxin, which can be delivered through the skull via a needle, potentially allowing patients to remain awake during treatment.
The Whitaker Foundation has awarded $6.8 million in grants to improve biomedical engineering education at six US universities and one in Canada. The grants will support the creation of new graduate programs, research initiatives, and infrastructure development.
Researchers at Ohio University created a new type of chemical sensor that stores large amounts of information indefinitely, allowing workers to be alerted to potential dangers. The sensors can detect specific chemicals in the air and provide accurate readings on exposure levels.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have created microtransmissions, which can augment the power of tiny microengines by a significant margin. The new device increases power output by a factor of 3 million, generating enough force to move a one-pound object.
UD and Lincoln University researchers investigate the break-down of carbon in coastal waters by studying chitin degradation, which could help predict atmospheric carbon levels. The study aims to better understand the role of biology in global climate change.
A US-funded project at Sandia National Laboratories has successfully diverted Russian nuclear weapons scientists to develop a new artificial foot for amputees. The foot features a rolling ball joint that mimics the natural movement of the human foot, reducing user discomfort and potential.
Michigan Technological University researchers are developing Trac + Deicer, a mixture of crushed glass and calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), as an alternative to road salt. Studies have shown that CMA can be as effective as salt in keeping snow from packing on the road surface while being less corrosive.
A new study reveals that employers give fewer chances to women and employees with working spouses for job relocations, despite their acceptance rates being no different. The research found biases based on sex and marital type, which could impact career development and create a glass ceiling for working women.
Charles Rick's half-century of research at UC Davis forged a fundamental understanding of tomato genetics. He identified 42 disease-resistance genes and bred them into commercial varieties, benefiting almost every other vegetable crop worldwide.
Researchers found that tightly controlling blood sugar levels can significantly decrease the lifetime risk of diabetes-related blindness for people with early-onset type 2 diabetes. For those who develop the disease at an age of 50-55 or earlier, maintaining a near-normal blood-sugar level can prevent vision and kidney problems.
Sandia National Laboratories has released a CD-ROM containing over 60 megabytes of data gathered from downhole diagnostic tools used in 80% of domestic oil wells. The new tool provides valuable information about well bore dynamics and mechanical stresses on sucker rod strings, leading to equipment fatigue and rod failure.
University of Delaware scientists have developed a technique to produce inexpensive, lightweight composites using soybean oil. The new material has been tested on a door-sized prototype weighing just 25 pounds and demonstrates comparable strength and stiffness to commercial vinyl-ester based composites.
The Society of Actuaries is hosting a conference on risk measurement for financial services, bringing together experts to discuss integrated approaches. The event is timely with the Securities and Exchange Commission's new market risk disclosure rules.
Cornell University has received a $10 million grant from the National Science Foundation to support research in earthquake loss reduction. The funding will focus on developing advanced technologies to predict and mitigate earthquake damage, with an emphasis on improving emergency response systems.
Cornell University is developing a PICT capable of attaching integrated circuits with at least 10 times more connections than today's most powerful chips. The goal is to meet technology goals for microprocessors with 5,400 connections by 2009 and 7,300 connections by 2012.
Researchers at UNC-CH have discovered that carbon nanotubes can bend without breaking and then return to their original shape under large strains. The nanotubes' buckling behavior indicates potential for safer, stronger products, including those used in sports and aerospace materials.
Researchers found that defects in silicon wafers, not grain boundaries, cause low efficiency; optimizing processes can remove contaminants and improve performance. The goal is to achieve 18% efficiency on the production line, a significant step towards making solar cells more profitable.
Shaul Mukamel, a professor of chemistry at the University of Rochester, has received the Humboldt Research Award for his lifetime work on molecular dynamics and its applications in various fields. The award will enable him to conduct research in Munich with European colleagues.
Scientists have discovered a new catalyst that enables the production of alpha-olefins at lower temperatures and pressures, resulting in higher-purity products. The modified metallocene catalyst simplifies the manufacturing process for plastics and other consumer goods, potentially reducing costs and improving safety.
The Stanford team perfected a system to control tractors at all speeds with centimeter-level precision, exceeding the best human drivers' accuracy. This technology has potential applications in autonomous tractors and smart roads, improving farm productivity while reducing environmental impact.
The University at Buffalo Center for Biosurfaces has received a $900,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to investigate the effects of airborne contaminants on human cardiovascular and respiratory health. Researchers aim to develop new materials that are non-toxic and do not cause adverse reactions in humans.
Researchers found that R-PIA increased the activity of glutathione, an antioxidant that absorbs free radicals, providing enhanced protection from damage. Animals treated with R-PIA recovered their hearing faster and more completely than those treated with saline, showing less damage to sensory cells.
Two electrically based technologies, Six-Phase Soil Heating and In Situ Corona, are being commercialized for rapid and effective cleanup of contaminated soils. These methods utilize electrical current to heat the soil, removing contaminants through steam stripping or destruction by ionizing plasma.
The new beam line will provide opportunities for UK scientists to study the properties of magnetic materials that could impact on computers, electric vehicles, and storage media. The instrument generates intense X-rays, allowing for detailed analysis of atomic and magnetic structures.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a superior method for producing butanol from corn, reducing energy costs and increasing production efficiency. The new process has shown results that surpass traditional methods, making it a potentially attractive alternative to petrochemical approaches.
The grant will support various research projects, including climate modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, and interactive learning tools. Cornell aims to create a national model for universities in the information age with this technology.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a new acoustic liner material made from hollow ceramic spheres that can absorb both low and high sound frequencies. The material can withstand temperatures over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for applications in aerospace and industry.
A new fire detector developed by Purdue University engineers senses temperature to detect flames, providing a fast response time compared to traditional smoke detectors. The device can also be integrated into home security systems and may reduce false alarms caused by common household occurrences.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a novel gene called p73, which closely resembles the well-known tumor suppressor gene p53. The study found that p73 is deleted in at least one type of cancer and resides in an area of the genome suspected to contain other tumor suppressor genes.
Scientists at the Weizmann Institute successfully created uniformly oriented crystals of varying sizes by fine-tuning the small remaining mismatch between two materials. The method, using a technique called electrodeposition, holds promise for developing tiny semiconductors with new optoelectronic properties.
The National Science Board will meet on August 20 at the National Science Foundation, addressing key topics such as industry reliance on publicly-funded research and federal support for scientific research. The agenda includes a media availability with NSB Chairman Dick Zare and NSF Director Neal Lane.
The UW smogmobile generates no emissions and can actually remove pollutants from the air as its fuel is produced. Its efficiency is currently around 20% due to a less-than-ideal motor design, but further development aims to increase range to match gas-powered vehicles.
A federally mandated regulation led to a significant reduction in hospitalization rates among nursing home residents, with no increase in death rate. The study found that targeted hospital use resulted in better care and cost savings.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have automated two buses, a pair of cars and an Oldsmobile minivan for an automated highway system demonstration. The vehicles will exhibit various aspects of highway and vehicle automation, including lanekeeping and obstacle detection.
Researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed three innovative technologies: Production of Chemicals from Biologically Derived Succinic Acid, Refractory Corrosion Monitor, and RubberCycleTM. The first process converts corn into a cost-effective source of chemicals used in various products, while the second dev...
Researchers at Weizmann Institute achieve record-purity gallium arsenide crystal, allowing electrons to travel at 14.4 million centimeters per second. This breakthrough enables the creation of faster and more efficient electronic devices, such as semiconductor transistors.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed the world's smallest silicon mechanical devices, measuring just a few nanometers in size. These devices can be used for various applications, including modulating light signals for fiber optic communications and measuring tiny forces.
Researchers at the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech are conducting X-ray research at Brookhaven National Laboratory to reduce iron and other trace metals in paper-making processes. The goal is to lower costs, reduce water use and environmental discharges in the pulp and paper industry.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a new material that outperforms existing lubricants in industrial conditions. The material, made of tungsten disulfide fullerene-like molecules, reduces friction between moving metal parts by less than half and wear by up to six times.