News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a novel Nuclear Magnetic Resonance approach to tag and label the connection point of fat chains, allowing for the monitoring of enzyme effects on individual chains. This breakthrough enables industrial chemists to better understand and control the quality and performance of fats.
Researchers have developed a method to align liquid crystals using molecular anchors, allowing for the creation of stable patterns on both flat and curved surfaces. This technology has potential applications in fields such as optics, displays, and biosensing.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a process to make topsoil from coal ash, yard waste and industrial byproducts. The resulting soil is nutrient-rich and outperforms local topsoil in terms of yield.
Researchers at UC Davis discovered that plants with simulated leaf domatia attract beneficial insects, reducing spider mite populations and increasing cotton yield by 30%. This mutually beneficial relationship offers a natural biological control strategy to pesticides.
Environmental scientists have developed an internet-based chat room to analyze ozone levels, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions. The site provides real-time data and interactive tools, helping researchers better understand the regional nature of ozone transport.
A new device invented by Ohio University researchers can control zebra mussel infestations in enclosed water conduits, ballast tanks, and water supplies. The device uses commercially available vacuum systems to lower oxygen levels, preventing mussels from attaching to surfaces.
The Unified Data Meta Model (UDMM) integrates CAD, CAPP, and MRP systems to enable efficient data transfer between them, reducing production time and costs. This integration allows industrial engineers to work more efficiently throughout the manufacturing process.
The discovery contradicts the 'sulfate paradigm' which suggested sulfates offset the cooling effect of greenhouse gases. New findings indicate a potential increase in global warming due to absorbing solar radiation, not reflecting it like sulfates.
The H2Fuel Bus features a unique hybrid power system that uses hydrogen fuel stored in metal hydrides, producing near-zero emissions. The bus will provide valuable experience and raise awareness about hydrogen as an alternative fuel for the future.
A new solid sorbent air sampling material developed by ORNL has been licensed by Supelco, offering a cost-effective way to detect and measure airborne pollutants. The sol-gel sorbent's improved thermal stability allows for higher temperatures, increasing its productivity and selectivity in sampling organic contaminants.
The study found that lime-yellow fire trucks have a lower accident rate than red ones. The most visible color, lime-yellow, was chosen for its strong sensitivity curve in daylight and nighttime vision, enabling rapid reaction. Improved visibility through safer fire truck colors can be achieved without added cost.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed 'Critters On A Chip,' a living sensor integrated circuit that detects pollutants and explosives. The bioluminescent bacteria emit a visible signal when exposed to targeted substances.
Researchers have developed microporous ceramic materials that can remove extremely fine particles from indoor air and water. These materials offer a durable, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional technologies, such as incineration.
A study by Technion Researchers found that licorice extract delays LDL oxidation, reducing cholesterol build-up in arteries. Glabridin, a compound in the licorice root, traps free radicals causing oxidation and increases blood's resistance to it.
Researchers have identified a mechanism to trap key industrial metals such as nickel, copper and zinc in soils, reducing their mobility. This discovery could lead to more effective cleanup techniques using traditional methods.
Researchers at Columbia University and IBM used X-rays to measure changes in atomic structure as electric current flowed through tiny wires. They found large stresses of up to 50,000 pounds per square inch, which can damage wires and their insulation.
Researchers at Purdue University have been working on phytoremediation, a process that uses plants to collect heavy metals and radioactive waste from polluted sites. By understanding how plants take up and store toxic metals, they aim to develop metal-mining plants that can clean up contaminated soil and water.
Researchers have developed methods to improve efficiency and stability of amorphous silicon solar cells, enabling mass production. Stacking solar cells on panels has increased conversion of sunlight to power, with efficiencies reaching over 14 percent.
Researchers will test the effects of microgravity on plant species known as sweet wormwood and rosy periwinkle, which naturally produce pharmaceutically important compounds. The goal is to develop new drugs or lower production costs.
Penn State researchers develop organic thin film technology with potential to replace expensive hydrogenated amorphous silicon in liquid crystal displays. With improved mobility and on/off ratio comparable to amorphous silicon semiconductors, pentacene-based devices show promise for mass production.
Researchers at Cornell University have achieved a breakthrough in materials science by growing single crystals of any material on a semiconductor substrate. This technique opens doors for manufacturing new classes of devices in optoelectronics and microelectronics, including lasers, detectors, sensors, and computer chips.
A study of 100 PSAs found that narratives showing consequences of violence are more appealing to adolescents and effective in reducing violence, unlike PSAs with celebrities simply telling kids not to be violent.
A Colorado State University researcher has developed a real-time radar system that can identify airborne objects even in dense air traffic, improving air safety and efficiency. The technology was tested successfully and is set to be installed in military aircraft, with commercial applications also being pursued.
The Pacific Northwest's high-tech industry may be hindered by proposed federal funding cuts for research and development. The region's universities, which receive significant funding from the federal government, are particularly vulnerable to these reductions, as they rely heavily on this support to fuel their research and innovation.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science reports that New England universities rely heavily on federal R&D funding, which could be cut by up to 33% by 2002. The region's economy and workforce will suffer if these programs are reduced.
Researchers can now customize surfaces to specific qualities, such as absorbency, adhesiveness, and bio-activity. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for fields like medicine, microelectronics, and oil recovery.
A novel mechanism has been initiated at UC Davis to pool university and industry resources, compensating nations for valuable genetic material. The Genetic Resources Recognition Fund will finance graduate fellowships for students from countries that originally provided the genetic material.
A recent report from SPRU reveals that British companies are making significant contributions to scientific research, publishing over 41,000 articles between 1981 and 1994. This has led to a reevaluation of the role of industry in advancing science, with findings suggesting that companies are driving innovation across various sectors.
Researchers at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center are experimenting with Aerogel, the lightest solid material known, in space to learn how to make it transparent. The goal is to create an insulating material for energy-efficient windows that conserve energy and save money.
ORNL's microcantilever technology can detect chemicals used to tag explosives and drugs, enhancing law enforcement capabilities. The portable unit can sniff out explosives or tagged materials, providing critical information in counter-terrorism efforts.
A study led by Dr. Steven Wing found that lung cancer and leukemia rates were significantly higher downwind of the Three Mile Island reactor than upwind, consistent with high radiation exposures. The researchers conclude that radiation from the accident increased cancer in areas affected by radioactive plumes.
A study found that paying high-performing employees according to their performance can help retain them, as promotions alone do not effectively reduce turnover among top performers. High salary growth also helps retain high performers more than it does low performers.
A Vietnamese chemist, Vu-Thi-Yen, has developed a new method to improve the durability of rubber products by blending it with cardanol, an oil extracted from cashew shells. The blended rubber is stronger and longer-lasting than plain latex, showing potential applications in various industries.
A national survey of 1,466 gay men and lesbians found that one out of four reported poor treatment, including verbal, physical, and sexual abuse. The study calls for the establishment of total quality assurance systems to ensure client safety and community input on service effectiveness.
The study provides a three-dimensional view of molecular switch Src, assisting in the development of new drugs. The researchers discovered that Src has four lobes with interconnected linkers, which keep it idle until stimulation arrives, turning it on.
The hybrid lighting partnership aims to develop a new type of lighting that uses collectors to capture sunlight and waveguides to transmit the light. This technology has the potential to significantly improve quality and efficiency of lighting, reducing energy consumption by up to 25%.
Researchers have discovered a novel phosphorus compound, DIP, in bacteria Thermotoga maritima that thrive at high temperatures, challenging the previous understanding of its role in archaea. The study suggests that DIP may play a role in osmosis and potentially as a thermoprotectant.
The Georgia Tech system automatically identifies defects as fabric comes off the loom, allowing immediate correction of process problems. It provides detailed records of weaving quality to optimize fabric use, and can pinpoint factors causing defects.
A new research program using Arabidopsis as a model aims to improve plant branching patterns through DNA manipulation. This could lead to higher-quality wood and reduced harvesting time for eucalyptus and poplar trees, benefiting the paper and construction sectors.
A proposed dam in northern Thailand could submerge a golden teak forest, devastating wildlife and biodiversity. The project aims to account for the ecological, social, and cultural implications of such projects.
A new virtual housewares catalog technology developed at Stanford University allows users to compare and purchase housewares online. The Infomaster system links online catalogs from various manufacturers, enabling searches for equivalent products despite different terms.
A new net design reduces bycatch of juvenile pollock in the US fishery by up to 75%. Researchers have found that modifying mid-water trawls to use single top-panels of mesh allows small pollock to escape, while retaining market-sized fish. This simple and effective technique could greatly enhance the survival and health of the resource.
Copolymer-1 has been approved by the FDA for treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, demonstrating its ability to reduce attack frequency and minimize negative side effects. The drug works by blocking the immune system's attack on myelin coatings and triggering immune suppressor cells.
Researchers examine obstacles to international technology diffusion, including funding limitations, investment distortions, and intellectual property issues. They also investigate strengthening economic incentives for mutually-beneficial technology adoption.
A Kansas State University researcher has invented a method for preparing a pre-formed emulsifier that reduces the calorie count of cakes by up to 50%. The emulsifier allows bakers to create low-calorie cake batter with high-quality cakes. By controlling ingredient proportions, bakers can achieve a desired structure and texture.
A new algorithm using transformations can optimize robotic movements, reducing calculation time by up to 10-fold. This technique may enable robots to perform tasks more efficiently in space and on Earth, such as satellite repairs and inspection tasks.
The RFF report reveals that water's value is highest in the drier, more water-scarce Rio Grande and lower Colorado regions for its withdrawal uses. Water's value varies by use, with industrial processing and domestic uses ranking highest.
Researchers are inserting prosthetic heart valves into pigs to study their interaction with blood and hearts, aiming to reduce or eliminate the need for anticoagulants. The goal is to develop more durable valves that can last longer than current mechanical and tissue valves.
Children drank ale at breakfast, lunch and dinner, with average daily consumption being a gallon for adults and less among children. Women brewed most of the ale consumed during the 14th and 15th centuries, challenging common assumptions about women's roles in medieval society.
The study reveals that more men than women were high-cost claimants, with the 50-59 age group accounting for the highest percentage of claims. The average charges per case were $80,000 for congenital disorders and perinatal conditions, highlighting areas where healthcare needs exist.
A flaw detection system developed by the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory is helping textile plants in the U.S. improve fabric quality and reduce defects, which could lead to cost savings and job preservation.
Researchers at Resources for the Future (RFF) argue that tighter ozone standards won't resolve urban smog problems due to local conditions and economic competition. The authors suggest targeting individuals' driving habits and activities as an alternative to mandated regulation.
Researchers are exploring e-beam processing to extend the shelf-life of foods, reduce the need for preservatives, and increase food safety. The technology has shown promise in delaying ripening of fruits and vegetables, inhibiting sprouting of vegetables, and reducing microbial contamination.
Researchers at Purdue University developed chilled-aeration technology to control pests in stored grains without using chemical fumigants. The method is economically competitive with fumigation and reduces total energy consumption. For fresh-picked produce, the technology increases marketability by cooling it immediately after harvesting.
The Georgia Institute of Technology has established a new Test and Evaluation Research and Education Center (TEREC) to find less expensive ways to test new technologies. The center will provide an international focal point for T&E research and education, and a catalyst for the invention of the future of the discipline.
Researchers are testing a promising new vaccine against pancreatic cancer, which boasts one of cancer's poorest survival rates. The vaccine targets an abnormal variant of the ras gene, designed to stimulate an immune response against mutant ras protein.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a process to convert corn into commercial chemicals, reducing reliance on imported oil and expanding domestic agriculture. The new process produces 1,2-butanediol, tetrahydrofuran, N-methyl pyrrolidone, and other essential chemicals for various industries.
UB physicists have developed the first single-crystal, semiconducting nanomaterials that can bend without breaking. The new semiconductors retain structural integrity and optical properties, making them suitable for future advances in optical computing.
Researchers have invented a new digitally encoded plastic transparency to test the accuracy of ultrasound scanners. The new phantom is more accurate and works faster than current phantoms, which are cumbersome hand-built blocks made of various tissue-mimicking materials.
The Electric Power Research Institute is developing new opportunities in aquaculture, including recirculating systems that use waste heat and advanced technologies like ozonation for water disinfection. These innovative solutions aim to increase U.S. seafood production and meet growing global demand.