News on research driving industry and manufacturing. Covers petrochemical emissions, food innovation, controlled-explosion labs, and industry-academic partnerships.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a method to precisely control the timing of DNA droplet division, mimicking biological Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation (LLPS) droplets. This breakthrough enables precise control over synthetic droplet dynamics, key to developing bio-inspired systems.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed a non-fluorinated battery system to comply with environmental regulations and enhance battery performance. The innovative 'APA-LC' system, entirely free of fluorinated compounds, shows improved oxidation stability and higher capacity retention.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new nanoparticle that can prevent scaling and stabilize water-in-oil emulsions, potentially making oil extraction processes more efficient and less harmful to the environment. The material is bio-based, environmentally safe and cost-effective.
Researchers discovered that mutations affect protein stability following surprisingly simple rules, making it possible to predict protein behavior without complex models. This breakthrough has significant implications for accelerating new treatments and designing more stable proteins with industrial applications.
A new recycling process reduces environmental impact by eliminating energy-intensive methods, producing harmful waste streams. The innovative technique recovers critical metals with high purity (>95%) and yield (>85%), addressing critical metal shortages and negative environmental impacts.
Researchers at Waseda University developed a novel process for converting ammonia into green hydrogen gas at low temperatures using an electric field and Ru/CeO2 catalyst. The study successfully achieved 100% conversion rate at 398K, surpassing the equilibrium conversion rate.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a new catalyst that efficiently converts a derivative of glycerol into bio-based propylene, contributing to sustainable chemical production. The catalyst enables the selective reduction of allyl alcohol to propylene with high efficiency using renewable energy sources.
A team of researchers from Aalto University has developed a bio-based binder material that can significantly reduce carbon emissions from infrastructure construction. The technology binds CO2 gas in a stable, solid carbonate form within the cementitious clay layer, making ground improvement itself carbon-negative.
The study reveals that farmers' decisions to adopt smart livestock technologies are driven by their understanding of the technology's benefits, ease of use, and financial resources. A generational divide is also identified, with younger farmers being more open to adopting new technologies.
Researchers found that colleges offer multimillion-dollar coaches instead of throwing money at student-athletes, leading to an arms race in athletics. The study revealed a significant correlation between head coach salaries and team recruitment success, with higher salaries associated with better teams and more victories.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a new adhesive combining epoxy resin and hydrogen-bonded styrenic thermoplastic elastomers. The breakthrough offers unparalleled impact strength, enabling lighter vehicle production with improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
The Indian Institute of Science team proposes an on-site alternative using iron nanoparticles that can remediate heavy metals. The S-CMC-nZVI material showed nearly 99% efficiency at Cr6+ removal under different conditions.
Researchers create interlocking glass bricks that can withstand pressures similar to concrete blocks, aiming to reduce embodied carbon in construction. The 3D-printed bricks are designed to be reused and repurposed, promoting a circular construction method.
A new study found that Australians are wasting a third of all food in the country every year due to confusion over use-by and best-before dates. The research suggests that clearer date labels and more practical storage advice could help reduce food waste.
Juan Jimenez, a Goldhaber postdoctoral fellow at Brookhaven National Laboratory, has been recognized as a Blavatnik Awards Finalist for his work on developing new catalysts to convert greenhouse gases into industrially useful materials. His research focuses on minimizing hazardous byproducts and using solvent-free processes.
A team of researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology developed a moving particle simulation-aided soil plasticity analysis for earth pressure balance shield tunnelling. The study found that earth pressure is a reliable indicator for analyzing soil plasticity and proposed a computer-aided analysis system that precisely reflects e...
Researchers have developed a new technique to study anisotropic materials, capturing full complexity of light behavior in these materials. The method revealed detailed insights into how light scatters differently along various directions within materials, allowing retrieval of scattering tensor coefficients.
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University reveals that the Crystal Palace was constructed using a standard screw thread, allowing for rapid completion in just 190 days. This innovation played a significant role in the building's success and had far-reaching implications for engineering and construction.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a patent-pending optical counterfeit detection method for chips called RAPTOR, which exceeds traditional methods by up to 40% in accuracy. The technology uses deep learning to identify tampering and has been validated through simulations.
A new scientific statement emphasizes the role of social determinants, such as immigration status, socioeconomic position, and access to healthcare, in shaping cardiovascular health among Asian American adults. The statement identifies future research directions to advance health equity and reduce disparities in these communities.
Researchers have identified a promising method for extending the shelf life of perishable produce by using edible coatings made from chitosan and beeswax. The study found that these coatings significantly enhance the preservation of pointed gourds and green chillies, reducing weight loss and delaying visible decay.
New research finds that employees who feel pressure to work while sick experience deviant behaviors like theft and mistreatment of coworkers. The cost of such behavior, known as 'presenteeism,' can be staggering, with annual losses estimated at up to $150 billion.
Researchers develop eco-friendly method to extract collagen from marine waste, reducing reliance on traditional processes that harm the environment. The study employs statistical modeling to optimize conditions, achieving high collagen yields and paving the way for more sustainable production practices.
Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a novel screening methodology using machine learning to identify key design guidelines for ternary metal sulfide electrocatalysts. Focusing on crystal structure leads to better results, overcoming challenges in material properties and electrochemical performance analysis.
Researchers harvested climate-smart soybeans in a $5 million USDA project aiming to reduce GHG emissions while increasing crop production. The crop was grown using five climate-smart practices, including earlier planting and soil conservation.
The new Corporate Lab aims to advance collaboration between industry and public sector researchers to address real-world challenges in sustainable living and digital technologies. It will develop and trial novel digital technologies prioritizing sustainable ecosystems and lifestyles, including energy-efficient AI algorithms, green clou...
Researchers propose a novel compact meta-silencer design leveraging acoustic black hole and rainbow trapping effects to reduce low-frequency noise. The study demonstrates improved performance with coiled-up slits, achieving an average sound transmission loss of 6.73 dB across a broad frequency band.
Researchers developed a novel predictive model to accurately predict soil resistivity, reducing the need for extensive testing and modifications. The study's findings can optimize substation grounding designs, cutting costs while maintaining regulatory compliance.
A study by Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology found that installing EVCS boosted spending at nearby establishments by 1.4% in 2019, leading to an overall increase of USD 6.7 million. Strategically placed EVCS also stimulated consumer spending in underprivileged areas, creating potential catalysts for economic growth.
Dr. Abdoulaye Djire, a Texas A&M chemical engineer, has received the Army Research Office Early Career Award for his research on electrochemical ammonia production. His project aims to develop more efficient and environmentally friendly methods for producing ammonia using 2D nanostructured nitride MXenes.
Researchers from Texas A&M are leading a $26 million decarbonization effort to convert CO2 into valuable products, driving a circular carbon economy. The initiative aims to develop cost-effective and sustainable solutions for manufacturing systems.
The Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts is a leading open access journal fostering transformative research on bioresource conversion into biomaterials, biochemicals, and bioenergy. The journal's eight thematic areas focus on cutting-edge topics in sustainable energy and materials science.
A new filtration material developed by MIT researchers uses natural silk and cellulose to remove persistent chemicals, including PFAS and heavy metals. The material's antimicrobial properties help keep filters clean, providing a nature-based solution to water contamination.
A novel synthetic biology platform enables rapid and cost-effective transformation of protein binders into high-contrast nanosensors for various applications. The platform uses fluorogenic amino acids to increase fluorescence up to 100-fold, enabling the detection of specific proteins, peptides, and small molecules.
Researchers found that sustained neck exertions alter the cervical spine's curvature, leading to muscle fatigue and increased risk of neck pain. The study provides new insights into the mechanical changes that occur in the spine and muscles when performing repetitive tasks.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham will develop a credentialed curriculum for research administration and grants management through a three-year, $2.8 million NSF grant. The program aims to provide a professional career path for future research administrators and managers.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a highly selective and efficient glycerol electrooxidation process that converts waste into high-value three-carbon compounds. Higher borate concentrations improved selectivity for these products, reducing the need for additional processing.
A new type of gel developed by MLU chemists improves the safety and service life of lithium-ion batteries. Initial lab studies show that it also enhances battery performance, remaining stable at over five volts.
Rice University graduate students Eric Wuesthoff and Esther Jimenez have been awarded National Science Foundation INTERN grants to engage in real-world research experiences. Wuesthoff will collaborate with the Houston Zoo on conservation efforts, while Jimenez will work at Solugen on developing sustainable chemical production.
Researchers at New Jersey Institute of Technology are working on a new fault detection technology that can handle the unique challenges of solar and wind-powered grids. The project aims to create a perturbation-based signal for the circuit to recognize, enabling more accurate detection of faults in these systems.
Researchers at Universiteit van Amsterdam created a PFAS-free synthesis route for pharmaceutical and agrochemical compounds using a trifluoromethyl group attached to sulfur, nitrogen, or oxygen atoms. The method avoids the use of PFAS reagents, offering an environmentally friendly alternative.
A new vaccine created by Mizzou researchers protects cattle from bovine anaplasmosis, a devastating tick-borne disease causing hundreds of millions of dollars in economic losses. The vaccine has been proven to give immunized cattle protection for at least a month and is being discussed with industry partners for future distribution.
Researchers at NREL create a novel resin called PECAN that performs on par with industry standards and outperforms certain thermoplastic resins. The process allows for the complete breakdown of blades in six hours, making it possible to recycle and reuse components.
Researchers from the University of Florida and Indiana University found that even mild instances of rudeness can dramatically reduce team functioning and trigger defensive responses. The studies recommend implementing solutions to build team member resilience and mindfulness to deal with perceived threatening situations like rudeness.
The study utilizes near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and machine learning to provide quick, accurate, and cost-effective product analysis. The researchers created a global model for corn kernel analysis, which can predict moisture and protein content with high accuracy across different locations.
A new type of sensor leverages exceptional points to achieve high sensitivity and reconfigurability. The novel design addresses limitations of traditional EP-based sensors by incorporating spoof localized surface plasmon resonators, allowing for dynamic reconfiguration of EP states across a wide frequency range.
A recent study by University of Missouri researchers found that giving nurses massages during their shifts can reduce physical aches and pains while improving mental rejuvenation. The study's lead researcher aims to create a healthier work environment where nurses are excited to remain in the profession long-term.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed polyethylene rafts that are about five times more durable than traditional bamboo rafts used in oyster farming. The new rafts are designed to be affordable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, reducing damage from typhoons.
Researchers have engineered a catalyst that converts methane into methanol in a single step, reducing the need for multiple reactions and increasing efficiency. The new process has potential applications for local deployment of stranded natural gas reserves.
A recent study reveals the lily's robust defense mechanisms against Fusarium wilt, highlighting the critical role of phenylpropanoid metabolism and transcription factors. The research provides valuable insights for developing crops with enhanced disease resistance.
Researchers identify two key factors driving consumer participation in community-supported agriculture: the socio-cultural environment and weighing of expected gains against losses. These factors shape individuals' knowledge, attitudes, and decisions, highlighting the importance of considering lifestyles and values when promoting CSA.
The new ERC EARTH research center will focus on developing sustainable refrigerant technologies and practices to improve quality of life and combat climate change. Lehigh University's team, led by David Vicic, will work on reclamation and repurposing of high-GWP legacy refrigerants.
The University of Kansas has received a $26 million grant from the National Science Foundation to create a new Engineering Research Center focused on developing sustainable refrigerant technologies. The EARTH center will address the challenge of replacing hydrofluorocarbons with safer, more environmentally-friendly alternatives.
A pioneering study found that factories globally are not properly destroying emissions of a super-greenhouse gas emitted from the production of fluoropolymers like Teflon and refrigerants. The researchers used a novel technique to measure actual emissions, revealing a discrepancy between reported and real levels.
A University of Central Florida researcher has developed a nature-inspired filtration and conversion system that extracts carbon dioxide gas from the atmosphere to create fuels and chemicals. The device mimics the lotus surface, capturing carbon dioxide with a microsurface comprised of a tin oxide film and fluorine layer.
Researchers developed a one-pot process to transform aromatic ketones into esters, simplifying the reaction process, reducing reaction times, and minimizing purification steps. The method enables seven different chemical transformations and has shown notable stability and reusability, making it scalable for industrial applications.
Researchers discovered that sponges in the Gulf of Eilat employ a unique tactic to deter predators by storing high concentrations of toxic molybdenum. The symbiotic relationship between the sponge and a bacterium enables this process, allowing the sponge to accumulate metals and neutralize their toxicity.
The fifth-generation sugarcane variety LC05-136 has been cultivated across over 1.67 million hectares in China, showcasing its high yield and drought tolerance. Despite its achievements, challenges like sugarcane smut resistance remain, highlighting the need for continued improvements to ensure stable sugar production.
Researchers sequenced and analyzed chloroplast genomes of C. oleifera and C. meiocarpa, revealing significant differences that clarify their phylogenetic relationship. This study developed 17 primers for distinguishing between them, providing valuable tools for assessing genetic diversity in tea-oil Camellia.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a novel strategy to increase the efficiency of photopolymerization reactions by leveraging dynamic UV lighting. This technique produces heavier polymer chains with reduced energy consumption, offering potential for sustainable industrial processes and polymeric materials.