Purdue University
Fourier key to new human-like computer vision
June 21, 2011 4:21 am | News | CommentsTwo new techniques for computer-vision technology mimic how humans perceive three-dimensional shapes by instantly recognizing objects no matter how they are twisted or bent, an advance that could help machines see more like people.
Hand-held technology detects chemicals on store produce
June 13, 2011 3:39 am | News | CommentsPurdue Univ. researchers recently took their miniature mass spectrometer grocery shopping to test for traces of chemicals on standard and organic produce.
New imaging tech promising for diagnosing cardiovascular disease
June 10, 2011 4:32 am | by Emil Venere | News | CommentsResearchers have developed a new type of imaging technology to diagnose cardiovascular disease and other disorders by measuring ultrasound signals from molecules exposed to a fast-pulsing laser. The new method could be used to take precise three-dimensional images of plaques lining arteries.
'Surrogate interaction': A new class of software
May 10, 2011 7:48 am | News | CommentsResearchers have defined a new class of software, calling it "surrogate interaction," which enables designers and video gamers to more easily change features of complex objects like automotive drawings or animated characters.
Spikemoss genome reveals new target for biofuels R & D
May 6, 2011 6:58 am | News | CommentsIn addition to sequencing a plant that predates the evolution of roots and leaves, researchers from more than 60 institutions also used comparative genomics to find the crucial genes that indicate when and how spikemoss split off from flowering plants. These studies have already told researchers more about cellulosic lignin, the roadblock to producing biofuels from similar plants.
Portable tech might provide drinking water and power to villages
May 3, 2011 8:15 am | News | CommentsResearchers have developed an aluminum alloy that could be used in a new type of mobile technology to convert non-potable water into drinking water while also extracting hydrogen to generate electricity.
Purdue, China forming joint energy-research labs
May 3, 2011 6:03 am | News | CommentsPurdue Univ. is forming two joint laboratories with China's Beihang Univ. to focus on low emissions, combustion and energy systems research.
Reasonable quantities of red pepper may help curb appetite
April 26, 2011 4:00 am | News | CommentsSpicing up your daily diet with some red pepper can curb appetite, especially for those who don't normally eat the popular spice, according to research from Purdue Univ.
Team studies Earth's recovery from prehistoric global warming
April 22, 2011 5:55 am | News | CommentsThe Earth may be able to recover from rising carbon dioxide emissions faster than previously thought, according to evidence from a prehistoric event analyzed by a Purdue Univ.-led team.
Study: Drought-exposed leaves adversely affect soil nutrients
April 7, 2011 5:41 am | News | CommentsChemical changes in tree leaves subjected to warmer, drier conditions that could result from climate change may reduce the availability of soil nutrients, according to a Purdue Univ. study.
Research may lead to therapy that delays onset of MS symptoms
March 14, 2011 6:07 am | News | CommentsPeople suffering from multiple sclerosis may benefit if patent-pending research conducted at Purdue Univ. shows that a decades-old drug approved by the FDA to treat hypertension also can delay the onset and reduce the severity of MS symptoms.
Genetic methods better than eyes when counting endangered species
March 11, 2011 4:47 am | News | CommentsUsing genetic methods to count endangered eagles, a group of scientists showed that traditional counting methods can lead to incorrect totals that they believe could adversely affect conservation efforts.
Study: How plants sort and eliminate genes over millennia
March 9, 2011 5:20 am | News | CommentsHybrid plants with multiple genome copies show evidence of preferential treatment of the genes from one ancient parent over the genes of the other parent, even to the point where some of the unfavored genes eventually are deleted.
Ultrafast laser 'scribing' technique to hike efficiency of solar cells
March 9, 2011 3:19 am | News | CommentsResearchers are developing a technology that aims to help make solar cells more affordable and efficient by using a new manufacturing method that employs an ultrafast pulsing laser.
New class of improved plant growth regulators are expected to be less toxic to humans
March 3, 2011 4:37 am | News | CommentsA Purdue Univ. scientist and researchers in Japan have produced a new class of improved plant growth regulators that are expected to be less toxic to humans.
New scientific field will study ecological importance of sounds
March 2, 2011 2:58 am | News | CommentsA Purdue Univ. researcher is leading an effort to create a new scientific field that will use sound as a way to understand the ecological characteristics of a landscape and to reconnect people with the importance of natural sounds.
Engineered breast aims to improve nanoparticle testings
February 25, 2011 5:54 am | News | CommentsResearchers from Purdue University has reproduced portions of the female breast in a tiny slide-sized model dubbed "breast on-a-chip" that will be used to test nanoparticle-based approaches for the detection and treatment of breast cancer. The model mimics the branching mammary duct system, where most breast cancers begin.
Metamaterials May Advance Optical Technologies, Cloaking
February 9, 2011 8:04 am | Articles | CommentsA new class of plasmonic metamaterials may be potential building blocks for advanced optical technologies, including powerful microscopes and computers, improved solar cells, and a possible invisibility cloak.
Hydrogels used to make new diffraction-based sensors
February 9, 2011 3:52 am | News | CommentsResearchers are developing a new type of biological and chemical sensor that has few moving parts, is low-cost and yet highly sensitive, sturdy, and long-lasting. The "diffraction-based" sensors are made of thin stripes of a gelatinous material called a hydrogel, which expands and contracts depending on the acidity of its environment.
Future surgeons may use robotic nurse
February 4, 2011 3:13 am | News | CommentsSurgeons of the future might use a system that recognizes hand gestures as commands to control a robotic scrub nurse or tell a computer to display medical images of the patient during an operation.
Plants can adapt genetically to survive harsh environments
February 1, 2011 9:55 am | News | CommentsA Purdue Univ. scientist has found genetic evidence of how some plants adapt to live in unfavorable conditions, a finding he believes could one day be used to help food crops survive in new or changing environments.
New cross-disciplinary approach needed for prevention of major systemic failures
February 1, 2011 3:36 am | News | CommentsA Purdue Univ. researcher is proposing development of a new cross-disciplinary approach for analyzing and preventing systemic failures in complex systems that play a role in calamities ranging from huge power blackouts to the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster and the subprime mortgage crisis.
Lab-on-chip advance uses low-cost, disposable paper strips
January 26, 2011 7:26 am | by Emil Venere | News | CommentsWith current systems that use paper test strips, pH or blood sugar can be measured, but more complex chemical assays can’t be perfomed. Purdue researchers have now, however, introduced “paper microfluidics” by etching patterns by laser using readily available hydrophobic paper.
New materials may bring advanced optical technologies
January 24, 2011 3:44 am | News | CommentsResearchers are developing a new class of "plasmonic metamaterials" as potential building blocks for advanced optical technologies, including ultrapowerful microscopes and computers, improved solar cells, and a possible invisibility cloak.
Team creates engineered organ model for breast cancer research
January 20, 2011 10:58 am | News | CommentsPurdue Univ. researchers have reproduced portions of the female breast in a tiny slide-sized model dubbed "breast on-a-chip" that will be used to test nanomedical approaches for the detection and treatment of breast cancer.
