University researchers make new discovery in plastics

Currently, most bioplastics are produced using renewable biomass resources, such as vegetable fats, oils, and sweet potatoes, which readily decompose once they are buried in the ground. However, these materials lack the necessary strength and flexibility required to extend the life of plastics in the packaging and electronic industry. To date, there have been limited successes in inventing new solvents to dissolve cellulose for commercialization usage. Also, the increase in toxicity associated with current dissolution techniques has made cellulose less attractive for use in the plastic industry. But, Tuskegee University researchers in the College of Arts and Sciences have discovered a new method that can be used to suspend tiny particles of cellulose in an organic solvent that is commonly used in the plastic industry.

U.S. Patent issued to Tuskegee University researchers for more accurate detection of viable microbes

Tuskegee University researchers in the College of Veterinary Medicine have a major accomplishment to be proud of with the issuing of the United States Patent no. 9434976 for the rapid and more reliable detection of viable foodborne, biothreat pathogens and other infectious microbes using modified Polymerase Chain Reaction sample preparation.  It was just two years earlier that three of these researchers were credited with the issuing of a U.S. patent that allowed for the most time-saving method of determining food threat agents and foodborne pathogens in such items as meat, milk, and vegetables.

Tuskegee University offers the 2017 Drone Summer Academy

Tuskegee University hosted the 2017 STEM Drone Summer Academy from July 5th – 28th. This was the second year the campus hosted the program, which is spearheaded by the Computer Science Department in the Brimmer College of Business and Information Science. In 2016, the National Science Foundation awarded Tuskegee University a 1.2 million dollar federal grant to bring drone technology to the local area. 

The three-year grant also encourages teachers from local area schools to participate in the academy. These teachers will design course modules based on their observation of academy activities and introduce them in their high school classrooms in order to teach STEM concepts.

Tuskegee University patent can make producing chickens more environmentally friendly

With the demand for heart-healthy chicken breast products on the rise, the United States poultry industry has become a booming business. In Alabama alone, more than 1 billion chickens were produced in 2010, bringing in $2.5 billion. However, the big dollars also come with a toll on the environment that a Tuskegee University patent can help end.   

A researcher in the College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences found that without proper management, this litter can possibly contaminate land and water, which can harm food resources and habitats.

Tuskegee University patents unique new nanostructured thermoplastic-based thin film

The United States patent office has issued Tuskegee University engineering researcher, Professor Heshmat Aglan of the College of Engineering, United States Patent no: 9,034,426 B2 for the invention titled: Nanostructured Thermoplastic Polyimide Films on May 19, 2015.

According to Dr. Aglan, "The Nanostructured Polyimide Thin Film (NPTF) invented at Tuskegee University has unique properties being extremely lightweight, durable material suitable for high temperature and harsh environments. For example, it has the potential to replace thick glass substrates currently used in solar concentrators. 

Patent could help produce more flavorful meat that is better for the environment

A new Tuskegee University patent aims to make the meat production industry more environmentally friendly and economical. Researchers Byeng Ryel Min and Sandra Solaiman with the College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences invented a new livestock feed that keeps animals healthier and reduces the toxicity of their waste and emissions. 

Using a mixture of tannin-containing wood products such as pine bark, the feed naturally and cheaply reduces parasites in ruminants like cattle, horses, goats and sheep.