Peer Reviewed

Singapore, 15 Feb 2013 - A*STAR’s Institute of Microelectronics (IME) and Stanford University will collaborate to advance innovations in nano-electromechanical systems (NEMS) switch technology for ultra low power digital systems.

Rethinking the process used to machine industrially important ceramics could reduce damaging cracks and chips

A model that predicts real-world behaviors of insulator interfaces makes designing ‘nano-electronic’ materials significantly simpler

A flexible design approach for nanosensors that overcomes practicality and reliability issues is now available

Researchers from the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), South Korea have pioneered a simple, but efficient and eco-friendly way to produce Edge-selectively functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (EFGnPs) by dry ball milling graphite in the presence of various gases.

An innovative technique which pinpoints protein locations and helps researchers unravel the protein's functions has been developed by the researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), researchers who recently moved from MIT to the Ulsan National Institute of Science (UNIST) explain.

Tsukuba, Japan 7 Feb - Researchers in Japan have developed a way to detect caesium contamination on a scale of millimetres enabling the detection of small areas of radioactive contamination. The research is published in Science and Technology of Advanced Materials today.

Tsukuba, Japan 7 Feb - Researchers at Ruhr University have used self-assembling techniques to produce gold microwires that have suitable properties for micro-Velcro. The research is published today in Science and Technology of Advanced Materials.

Penang, Malaysia 6 Feb - A group of international scientists have sequenced the draft genome sequence of the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis, the major commercial source of natural rubber. The manuscript describing the draft genome is published in BMC Genomics.

Critical thinking skills have been identified as learning outcomes expected of students. Teaching towards developing thinking skills is quite recent, attempts are observed to find ways to infuse critical thinking into the tertiary curriculum. Assessment as learning promotes active thinking via self assessment and exchange of feedback among peers.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has designed a new aircraft lavatory called BrailleWise®, giving visially impaired people greater independence and comfort when using toilets on airplanes.

Safe and inexpensive iron catalysts provide a ‘greener’ alternative to typical pharmaceutical production methods

New design guidelines from researchers in Singapore simplify the development of targeted therapies for muscular dystrophy and other diseases

The ability to miniaturize photonics devices to sizes compatible with computer chips inches closer

Generating and sustaining electrical currents with unique properties for information processing comes closer to reality after a successful theoretical demonstration

Singapore, 31 Jan – A*STAR’s Institute of Microelectronics has signed an agreement to collaborate with Petroleum Geo-Services (OSE:PGS), to develop a high performance Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) based sensor for deep sea seismic oil and gas exploration.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today (30 January) conferred the honorary title of University Fellowship upon six outstanding individuals to pay tribute to their significant contributions to the University and the community.

(Tokyo, 30 January 2013) Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have produced a new form of photoactive micelles with potential applications in photofunctional dyes and sensors. The research was published in Angewandte Chemie recently.

Singapore, 29 Jan 2013- A*STAR’s Institute of Microelectronics (IME) and Physical Logic Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Physical Logic AG, have extended their collaboration in micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) sensor accelerometer research and development.

Chinese and Dutch scientists have developed a special surface modified cotton fabric that absorbs water from misty air for up to 340% of its own weight. The cotton then releases the collected water as temperature rises, a potential solution to provide water to the desert regions, for example for agricultural purposes.

Influenza scientists this week announce their intention to resume research into H5N1 avian influenza virus transmission in countries in which governments and institutions have given approval and in which appropriate biosafety and biosecurity conditions have been met. The announcement is published jointly in the journals Nature and Science.

Kuala Lumpur, 23 Jan - Malaysian researchers have revealed the presence of multidrug-resistant strains of Listeria monocytogenes in frozen burger patties taken from supermarkets and other retail shops in Malaysia. The research was published in Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science.

Funded by the International Development Research Centre, their goal is to understand how dengue is transmitted in the city, focusing on — health, the environment and climate, human behaviour, and urban planning, among others. This knowledge is critical for preventing the spread of the mosquito vector and controlling the virus.

A Japanese team led by Kazuhiro Sato of Okayama University participates in the International Barley Sequencing Consortium (IBSC) to produce a high resolution assembly of the majority of barley genes.

(Okayama, Japan, 22 Jan) Pioneering research from Okayama University on surgical treatment of congenital heart disease & inflammation & diabetic nephropathy, to plant activators to protect crops, DNA sequencing of barley & piezoelectric actuator for cryogenic temperature

The Implications of the LDP’s Landslide Victory and the Proliferation of Small Parties - Opinion article by Prof. Masanobu Ido, Professor, Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences, Waseda University

Writers, publishers, teachers and parents need to closely scrutinise gender construction in children’s literature so that young children are presented with stories that promote equality and respect for both sexes according to Ramesh Nair from University Teknologi MARA

World’s First Successful Power Switch Using a Diamond Semiconductor. In the future, this technology may contribute to a new energy strategy in Japan through offshore wind energy, efficient power transmission across the Japanese archipelago, and more.

Professor Oka and his research team at Waseda University have succeeded in developing the world's first conceptual nuclear reactor design of high plutonium breeding by light water cooling.

Korean researchers believe that the 'DJ-1 protein' can be used to promote the formation of new bone tissue in patients suffering from osteoporosis by improving communication between bone making cells (osteoblasts) and blood vessel (endothelial) cells. The research was published in Nature Communications.