Category: Research

European researchers awarded more than EUR7 million to research photosynthesis

European researchers awarded more than EUR7 million to research photosynthesis

October 14, 2019 |

In the UK, a University of Sheffield academic is part of a research team which has been awarded over EUR7 million to continue pioneering research into photosynthesis by the European Research Council (ERC). Photosynthesis is a fundamental process on Earth, harnessing the energy of sunlight to generate the oxygen we breathe and the food we […]

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Wood for skin: nanocellulose sensor developed for human skin health

Wood for skin: nanocellulose sensor developed for human skin health

October 11, 2019 |

In Switzerland, a team of Empa researchers, together with scientists from Canada, have produced a novel flexible sensor that lies on the skin surface and is biocompatible because it is made of nanocellulose. Nanocellulose is an inexpensive, renewable raw material, which can be obtained in form of crystals and fibers, for example from wood. Its […]

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Berkeley researchers produce diesel fuel precursors from crop residues, municipal solid waste

Berkeley researchers produce diesel fuel precursors from crop residues, municipal solid waste

October 11, 2019 |

In California, researchers at Berkeley Lab have created six blends that combined MSW items (non-recyclable paper and grass clippings) with biomass (corn stover and switchgrass). Using an ionic liquid-based process, they converted these blends into methyl ketones, which are chemical compounds that can be used as diesel fuel precursors. This is the first report on […]

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Berkeley Lab creates six blends with MSW and biomass

Berkeley Lab creates six blends with MSW and biomass

October 10, 2019 |

In California, in a new study published in the journal ChemSusChem, researchers at Berkeley Lab created six blends that combined MSW items (non-recyclable paper and grass clippings) with biomass (corn stover and switchgrass). Using an ionic liquid-based process, they converted these blends into methyl ketones, which are chemical compounds that can be used as diesel […]

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Morgan State University nabs nearly $500,000 NSF grant to study nanoparticles in cyanobacterium

Morgan State University nabs nearly $500,000 NSF grant to study nanoparticles in cyanobacterium

October 9, 2019 |

In Maryland, Morgan State University’s School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences has announced its receipt of a $499,999 grant award from the National Science Foundation). The Excellence in Research (EiR) grant will be used to advance interdisciplinary research at the interface of biology, chemistry and engineering with a focus on studying the role of nanoparticles in cyanobacterium […]

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Australian government to invest A$35 million in synthetic biology research center

Australian government to invest A$35 million in synthetic biology research center

October 8, 2019 |

In Australia, the government is investing in the development of an Australian biomanufacturing sector that will use biological systems to produce commercial products, creating jobs and business opportunities. Minister for Education Dan Tehan announced the government was providing A$35 million to establish a research center that combines engineering with molecular biology to design and construct […]

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BioImpulse project seeks to create bio-resin at small decentralized plants

BioImpulse project seeks to create bio-resin at small decentralized plants

October 7, 2019 |

In France, by developing a biosourced molecule of interest, the BioImpulse project will open up new biotechnology applications in the materials field. Coordinated by Michelin through its ResiCare entity, this collaborative project brings together major public and private players: FCBA, INRA and INSA, as well as Lesaffre through its Leaf business unit. Bioimpulse is supported by […]

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New process for controlling the structure of platinum nanoparticles promises breakthroughs in biofuels catalysts

New process for controlling the structure of platinum nanoparticles promises breakthroughs in biofuels catalysts

October 5, 2019 |

In Wales, researchers led by the Cardiff Catalysis Institute in collaboration with scientists from Lehigh University, Jazan University, Zhejiang University, Glasgow University, University of Bologna, Research Complex at Harwell (RCaH), and University College London have developed a techniqueto control and manipulate the structures of metal nanoparticles. These metal nanoparticles are widely used by industry as […]

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India’s research center awarded US patent for new cellulase preparation

India’s research center awarded US patent for new cellulase preparation

October 3, 2019 |

In India, a new cellulase preparation discovered by scientists at ICGEB, New Delhi has received a US patent award. This discovery is likely to provide a better alternative to the available option on the market for commercial cellulase enzyme to produce ethanol for second generation (G2) biofuel. While screening vast microbial consortia from nature, the […]

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MSU scores $2.7 million DOE grant to study sorghum genetics and crop modeling

MSU scores $2.7 million DOE grant to study sorghum genetics and crop modeling

October 2, 2019 |

In Michigan, Michigan State University researchers are part of a multi-university team that has been awarded a $2.7 million DOE grant for a new study on sorghum that melds differing sciences — from genomics to crop modeling. The aim is to identify and better understand genes that lead to improved growth and yield in various […]

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