In the decades-long search for a “silver bullet” to tackle the U.S. obesity crisis, immense sums have been spent on diets, pills, and intensive workout programs. Now, researchers say GLP-1 — originally a treatment for type 2 diabetes — also addresses obesity, effectively solving two problems at once. But there may be additional benefits. A…
Global survey finds widespread trust in science, calls for greater public engagement
Given the prevalence of anti-science rhetoric and dubious advice from certain podcasters and influencers, one might believe that trust in science has reached an all-time low. However, an international study involving participants from 68 countries found that most people overall have a high level of confidence in scientists and want them to be more involved…
US and China sign five-year amended Science and Technology Agreement
The State Department has announced that the United States and China have amended and extended their bilateral Science and Technology Agreement (STA) for five years. Initially signed in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter and Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, the deal was designed to foster cooperation in agriculture, energy, space, health, and the environment. U.S. officials…
This week in semiconductors: Google’s quantum chip achieves computation milestone
Semiconductor-based quantum processors are driving rapid advancements in computational power, with companies like Google and IBM leading the charge. Recent reports highlight increasing interest in quantum computing as a transformative force in finance, energy, and other sectors. Several key developments underscore the importance of cutting-edge semiconductor fabrication and design in enabling these next-generation devices: 1.…
Sandia National Laboratories sees surge in R&D agreements
Sandia National Laboratories executed 72 new Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) in fiscal year 2024, the second-highest number in its history. Sandia last reached similar levels in the early 1990s when the World Wide Web was introduced. CRADAs are collaborative agreements that allow federal laboratories and external organizations to jointly develop new technologies by…
University of Arizona taps Díaz de la Rubia for research VP
Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, an accomplished scientist and executive, has been selected as the new senior vice president for research and innovation at the University of Arizona. He is expected to begin his role on November 11th. In this position, Díaz de la Rubia will oversee the university’s vast research portfolio, managing an estimated…
AI in science: How large language models are reshaping research
In a world rapidly adapting to artificial intelligence (AI), large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and DALL-E are changing the landscape of creativity and communication. Instead of relying on code, users can now interact with these “chatbot” models by asking questions in plain language and receiving instant responses. Yet, while LLMs have already altered how…
This week in R&D: Samsung lags in AI chip race, OSTP urges R&D overhaul, DOJ set to file antitrust suit against Google
The R&D World Index (RDWI) for the week ending October 11, 2024, closed at 4.049.72 for the 25 companies in the RDWI. The Index was up 1.11% (or 44.32 basis points). Fourteen RDWI members gained value last week from 0.06% (Microsoft) to 5.06% (Eli Lilly & Co.). Eleven RDWI members lost value last week from…
This week in R&D: ULA launches second rocket, Microsoft sets up AI in Italy, and India and U.S. form R&D partnerships
The R&D World Index (RDWI) for the week ending October 4, 2024, closed at 4.005.40 for the 25 companies in the RDWI. The Index was up 0.62% (or 24.71 basis points). Eight RDWI members gained value last week from 1.07% (Eli Lilly & Co.) to 6.71% (Alibaba). Seventeen RDWI members lost value the previous week…
This week in R&D: Microsoft to buy electricity from Three Mile Island reactor, Fed lowers the interest rates, and lithium supply is up but demand is down
The R&D World Index (RDWI) for the week ending September 20, 2024, closed at 4,006.95 for the 25 companies in the RDWI. The Index was up 2.11% (or 82.94 basis points). Twenty-one RDWI members gained value last week from 0.14% (Astra Zeneca PLC) to 11.09% (Intel). Four RDWI members lost value the previous week from…
This week in R&D: GM and Hyundai to partner on vehicle development, Moderna cuts $1.1B in R&D spending, and Fed interest rate decision
The R&D World Index (RDWI) for the week ending September 13, 2024, closed at 3,924.01 for the 25 companies in the RDWI. The Index was up 2.95% (or 112.59 basis points). Seventeen RDWI members gained value last week from 0.30% (Volkswagen AG) to 14.26% (Oracle). Eight RDWI members lost value the previous week from -0.85%…
This week in R&D: IBM shuts down China R&D, AI data centers boom, and asteroid defense take center stage
The R&D World Index (RDWI) for the week ending August 30, 2024 closed at 3,969.84 for the 25 companies in the RDWI. The Index was up 0.57% (or 22.41 basis points). Seventeen RDWI members gained value last week from 0.08% (Microsoft) to 7.30% (Intel). Eight RDWI members lost value last week from -0.12% (Stellantis NV)…
This week in R&D: Eli Lilly opens large R&D center in Boston, Cisco cuts 5,900 jobs
The R&D World Index (RDWI) was up 2.91% with Cisco leading at 8.78%, in spite of its lay-off announcement. In the week ending August 16, the index closed at 3878.49 for the 25 companies in the RDWI. The Index was up 2.91% (or 109.53 basis points). Twenty-one RDWI members gained value last week from 0.95%…
Why the godfather of AI says skeptics are underestimating AI’s abilities
Can a machine truly understand? AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton, Ph.D. believes the answer is a firm yes when it comes to large language models (LLMs), and it’s precisely this understanding that has him deeply concerned. “It’s very clear that we understand language in much the same way as these large language models,” Hinton said in…
This week in R&D: Eli Lilly eyes $1,000 share price while pharma overall cuts back on R&D
The R&D World Index (RDWI) climbed 2.57% this week, with Eli Lilly leading the charge at a 10.84% gain, while tech giants ramp up AI investments amidst regulatory challenges. In the week ending August 9, 2024, the index closed at 3768.96 for the 25 companies in the RDWI. The index was up 2.57% (or 94.45…
Explore the 2024 R&D 100 award winners and finalists
For six decades, the R&D 100 Awards have been a benchmark of achievement in science and technology, often referred to informally as “The Oscars of Innovation.” This year, we’re offering a new interactive experience, allowing you to explore the remarkable work of both winners and finalists across diverse fields. From advances in mechanical and material…
R&D World announces 2024 R&D 100 Professional Award Winners
R&D World has announced the winners of the 2024 R&D 100 Professional Awards. The honorees were selected by a panel of 56 prestigious industry experts from around the globe. The list of 2024 winners follows, along with highlights from their nomination letters. These winners will be formally awarded at the R&D 100 Awards Banquet at…
AMD raises earnings forecast to $4.5B, after continuously doubling revenue; NSC to feds: increase AI spending
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Santa Clara, California, announced last week that its data-center revenue more than doubled year over year, exceeding Wall Street analyst’s estimates. The company also raised its forecast for this year’s sale of AI chips to more than $4.5 billion, an increase of 13% from its forecast three months ago. While this…
Winners unveiled for 2024 R&D 100 Special Recognition categories
The Medalists in the 2024 R&D 100 Awards Special Recognition categories have been announced by R&D World. This year’s esteemed judging panel included 56 well-respected industry professionals from across the world. Medalists are listed below by category, and include primary submitting organizations and then co-developing organizations, as provided to R&D World. These and other winners…
R&D 100 Finalists for 2024 are announced
A total of 141 Finalists for the 2024 R&D 100 Awards have been announced by R&D World. This renowned worldwide science and innovation competition, celebrating its 62nd year, received entries from 16 different countries and regions. This year’s esteemed judging panel included 56 well-respected industry professionals from across the world. The Finalists are listed below…
OpenAI unveils SearchGPT test version; Tesla’s humanoid robot to debut in 2025
OpenAI, San Francisco, announced last week that it is launching a test version of their long-awaited search engine. SearchGPT will cite news sources such as News Corp. (publisher of the Wall Street Journal) and the Atlantic magazine (published by the Emerson Collective/publisher is Laurene Jobs — Steve Jobs’s widow). OpenAI has also struck partnerships with…
Is research fraud becoming an issue for engineers?
The Following was originally posted on EE World, R&D World’s sister publication There’s little question that research-paper fraud is increasing dramatically, but by how much? I recently saw an article that had me worried at many levels. This Wall Street Journal article [1] (behind a paywall, but you can likely lean on a friend or…
Buntz named as Editor-in-Chief of R&D World
WTWH Media, a digital-first B2B media and marketing company, is pleased to announce that Brian Buntz has been named as Editor-in-Chief of R&D World, a renowned B2B brand that has served research and development scientists, engineers, and technicians for more than 60 years. The coverage applies to professionals working for corporate, governmental, and academic research…
NSF’s pilot program to create partnerships between industry and researchers at emerging institutions
The U.S. National Science Foundation announced a $1.2 million pilot effort to create new, diverse partnerships among emerging research institutions in U.S. higher education and industry innovators to accelerate breakthrough technologies to impact. Halo, an AI-powered technology platform, will lead the 18-month effort. It will help corporate R&D teams connect more efficiently with scientific partners and…
NSL Analytical Services relocates metallurgical testing laboratory to new facility
NSL Analytical Services, an independent analytical and metallurgical testing services company serving U.S. and global customers, announced a significant milestone in its growth trajectory in relocating one of its two Cleveland-area testing laboratories. NSL has moved its metallurgical testing laboratory to a new facility at 4564 Johnston Parkway, Cleveland. The strategic move to the 20,000…