MNTL General News

Duo develops new biocrude

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 08:00:00 CDT

Two Illinois professors, Yuanhui Zhang and Lance Schideman, have developed a way to create a new biofuel from swine manure. The two are professors in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, and Zhang also is affiliated with the Department of Bioengineering. The process they've developed not only results in a form of crude oil that could be used as fuel, it also employs biomass to clean the resulting wastewater. A possible application of the technology could include mixing the team's biofuel with existing fuel. News of the biofuel development recently appeared in domesticfuel.com.

New 3-D microbatteries offer both high power and high energy

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 08:00:00 CDT

A new form of microbattery developed at Illinois drastically reduces limitations previously inherent in microelectronics -- the tradeoff of high power for low energy or vice versa. The revolutionary 3-D design of the Illinois team's battery allows for high performance in both power and energy. Results of the research were published in Nature Communications April 16. The Illinois team is led by Prof. William King includes student James Pikul, both in Mechanical Science and Engineering.

Prof. Feng awarded 2013 R. W. Wood Prize from the Optical Society

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 08:00:00 CDT

The R. W. Wood Prize is given for an outstanding discovery, scientific or technological achievement or invention. Milton Feng received this recognition for contributions to the invention and realization of the transistor laser, delivering simultaneously both an electrical signal and a coherent laser output and providing the basis for a revolutionary new higher speed electronic-photonic integrated circuit. Established by OSA in 1975 to honor the many contributions that R.W. Wood made to optics, this award recognizes an outstanding discovery, scientific or technical achievement, or invention in the field of optics. The accomplishment for which the prize is given is measured chiefly by its impact on the field of optics generally, and therefore the contribution is one that opens a new era of research or significantly expands an established one. It is endowed by the Xerox Corporation.

Prof. Lyding earns award for contributions to scanning probe microscopy

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 08:00:00 CDT

Mayo Clinic and Illinois researchers develop new sensor for methylated DNA

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 08:00:00 CDT

Collaborators from the Mayo Illinois Alliance for Technology Based Healthcare have developed a new, single molecule assay for detecting methylated DNA -- a naturally occurring process that controls gene expression. The assay involves using a synthetic solid-state nano pore, and researchers say it has great potential in speeding disease-specific analyses of genetic samples. The findings appear in the current issue of Scientific Reports (Nature Publishing Group).

Researchers inspired by ancient work of art

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:00:00 CST

A team of scientists from the University of Illinois and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have advanced the sensitivity of nanoscale sensors that can be used used to analyze chemicals, DNA and proteins. And an ancient artifact is their inspiration. The chemical makeup of the Lycurgus Cup -- a 4th century artifact on exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago through mid-August -- allows it to appear to be a different color when light is shone through it. Similar properties are reflected in the team's sensor research. The results and future related advances have implications for making diagnostics quicker and simpler by putting them in handheld electronics such as smartphones. This groundbreaking advancement is the cover story of the January 2013 issue of Advanced Optical Materials and is featured in WIRED magazine.

New multi-million-dollar grant to advance nanotechnology research and education

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 08:00:00 CST

A substantial new five-year grant from the National Science Foundation enables stronger nano- and biotechnology infrastructure and helps strengthen 'the bridge between engineering and biology.' Bioengineering Asst. Prof. Ting Lu is a co-Principal Investigator.

Prof. Bashir and team address issues of lab-on-a-chip

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 08:00:00 CST

Prof. Rashid Bashir and his research team have advanced the technology of integrating laboratory functions -- "lab on a chip" -- by addressing heat, evaporation and luminescence issues.

Prof. Bhargava earns 2013 Craver Award from Coblentz Society

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 08:00:00 CST

The Coblentz Society, a professional organization focused on fostering "the understanding and application of infrared spectroscopy," has awarded Bioengineering Prof. Rohit Bhargava the 2013 Craver Award. Since 2007, the award has been presented annually to recognize the work of scientists who "have made significant contributions in applied analytical vibrational spectroscopy." Bhargava will receive the award and deliver the Craver Award Plenary Lecture in Applied Vibrational Spectroscopy at the Society's annual conference in Milwaukee in Fall 2013.

$100 million pledge to Engineering at Illinois

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 08:00:00 CST

A $100 million gift has been pledged to the College of Engineering. The Grainger Engineering Breakthroughs Initiative will focus on bioengineering and big data. It will help attract the best students and faculty and includes support for scholarship, research and facilities.