HEADLINES ARCHIVE
IEEE Releases “Building Code for Medical Device Software Security”
IEEE has released a set of guidelines that establish a baseline to enable secure software development and production practices of medical devices.
Researchers Boost Walking Efficiency with Unpowered Exoskeleton
An unpowered exoskeleton increases walking efficiency for humans, according to an article published in Nature.
Sensor Tracks Pollution at the Nanoscale
Researchers have developed a way to track emissions using a sensor at the nanoscale.
20 Years Later, Wetlands Continue to Reduce Nitrates
Researchers from the University of Illinois revisited wetlands created 20 years ago and found an overall 62% nitrate removal rate and little emission of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas.
MIT System Uses Electrodialysis to Clean Water
Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed what they say is an inexpensive, portable desalination system to turn salt water into drinking water.
NOAA Mapping Tool Offers Texas-to-Maine Coastal Flood Information
A flood risk mapping tool developed by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office for Coastal Management is now available for coastal areas along the entire East Coast and Gulf of Mexico.
U.S. and Canada Announce New Rules for Rail Tank Cars
U.S. and Canadian regulators announced a final rule for the safe transportation of flammable liquids by rail.
Biogas Reactor Could Address Everest's Waste Problem
A specially designed biogas reactor will transform trenches of human waste from Mt. Everest climbers into energy, and provide the host village with a source of methane for cooking and heating homes, reports IEEE Spectrum.
Steel Mesh Could Help Separate Oil from Water in a Spill
Nanoparticles coated mesh can make cleaning up oil spills easier.
OHSA Proposes Update to Eye and Face Protection Standards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OHSA) proposed changes to its personal protective equipment (PPE) standards for eye and face protection in all covered industry sectors except agriculture.
EPA Says Greenhouse Gas Emissions Are Down 9% Since 2005
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its 20th Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks, showing a 2% increase in greenhouse gas emissions in 2013 from 2012 levels, but a 9% drop in emissions since 2005.
U.S. Safety Board Calls for Upgrades to Oil Tank Cars
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says that rail tank cars carrying oil or ethanol need to be retrofitted or replaced to make them more fire-resistant.
Study Finds a Natural Oil Dispersion Mechanism for Deep-ocean Blowouts
Researchers from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science and University of Western Australia say they have observed how oil droplets are formed and have measured their size under pressure.
API Revises Standard to Improve Refinery Safety
The American Petroleum Institute (API) issues an updated standard to enhance refinery safety.
Improved Traffic Signal Management Could Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions
A study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology says that better programming of a city's traffic light could reduce delays, improve efficiency and reduce vehicle emissions.
ASTM Standard Will Help Laboratories Test for Dissolved Gases in Water
A proposed ASTM standard would provide a simplified way to test for dissolved gases such as methane and ethane in water.
Robots Could Guide Firefighters in Low-visibility Conditions
Robots equipped with tactile sensors could serve as guides for firefighters in smoked-filled interiors, enabling first responders to identify objects and obstacles.
Many Plastics Labeled "Biodegradable" Don't Break Down as Expected
A study published in the American Chemical Society journal Environmental Science and Technology finds that plastics designed to degrade did not break down any faster than their conventional counterparts.
Testing and Certification Program for High-visibility Safety Apparel Used in Canada
CSA Group says it launched its testing and certification program for high-visibility safety apparel to the requirements of CSA Z96-09. High-visibility apparel includes garments such as coveralls and vests and is intended to make the individual easy to see in low-light conditions.
ASTM Water Park Standard Highlights Stationary Wave Systems
Stationary wave systems bring the thrill of surfing to water parks. Safe construction and operation is important for protecting water park users from dangerous accidents.