SCIENCE AND TECH
In the fierce battle between American manufacturers and Chinese competition, innovation emerges as a crucial defensive weapon, according to groundbreaking research from HEC Paris and UC Berkeley. The study reveals that U.S. firms investing heavily in research and development (R&D) have proven remarkably resilient to the dramatic surge in Chinese imports that has rattled American manufacturing over the past two decades.
“While rising imports from China lead to slower sales growth and lower profitability, these effects are significantly smaller for firms with a larger stock of R&D,” explains Adrien Matray, co-author of the study. “The magnitude is economically large – moving from the bottom quarter to the top quarter of R&D investment reduces the negative impact of Chinese competition by about half.”
The research comes at a critical time, as policymakers worldwide grapple with the challenges posed by China’s rapid integration into global markets. Since the early 1990s, manufacturing imports from China increased more than 15-fold in the United States, creating what many consider an existential threat to domestic manufacturers.
“The conventional wisdom has long been that competing on costs against Chinese manufacturers is a losing battle,” says Matray. “The argument goes that only firms that have invested in R&D and upgraded product quality are able to compete successfully against low-cost imports. Our research provides the first rigorous evidence supporting this view.”
To reach this conclusion, the authors leverage the fact that certain states since the early 1980s have implemented large R&D tax credits. Since firms are not all located in the same place, this difference in state-level R&D tax credits means that firms will also have different amounts of R&D investment by the time the…
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Space Force Chief Gen. Chance Saltzman Outlines Urgent Priorities for Achieving Space Superiority at Warfighter Symposium
Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman spelled out the Space Force’s priorities and the
U.S. Department of Energy Removes Barriers for LNG Marine Fuel Use, Boosting Shipping Industry Growth
The Department of Energy on Friday announced an order that removes barriers for the use
Two New Studies Provide Broadest Evidence to Date of Unequal Impacts of Abortion Bans
In two new papers, researchers from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and colleagues estimate that abortion bans in 14 states resulted in 22,180 additional live births and 478 additional infant deaths above what would have been expected in the absence of these bans.
Texas imposed what was then…
Cybersecurity for Remote Work: Securing Software in a Decentralized Workforce Insights From Joseph Heimann
Despite a move back to the office for large corporations, as a concept, remote work is here to stay as a concept, bringing new security challenges. Decentralized teams rely on cloud platforms, personal devices, and external networks, increasing their exposure to cyber threats. Without proper safeguards, sensitive data and…
Enhancing scRNA-Seq Accuracy: The Transformative Power of Automated Cell Counters
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a transformative, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) method that allows researchers to examine gene expression at the individual cell level.
By revealing the complexity and heterogeneity of RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) transcripts, scRNA-seq enables scientists to identify rare cell types and better understand complex biological processes with…
The Regional Education and Development Forum of the House of Feigenblatt and Isaac Newton University Was Successfully Held in San Jose, Costa Rica
The Regional Education and Development Forum of the House of Feigenblatt and Isaac Newton University was held on the 20th of January in San Jose, Costa Rica. The event was attended by more than one hundred academic and cultural leaders representing several universities and governmental institutions. The government of…
The Science and Innovation Driving Aviation Manufacturing
The use of metals in aviation dates back to the early 20th century when aircraft were first built with lightweight but fragile wood and fabric. The introduction of aluminum in the 1920s revolutionized aircraft design, offering a lightweight yet strong material ideal for airframes.
As aviation advanced, the need for…
Iowa Wing joins International Cyber Defense Competition
Airmen of the 168th Cyberspace Operations Squadron assigned to the 132d Wing, Iowa Air National Guard, participated in the International Cyber Defense Competition Feb. 22 at Iowa State University.
Cyber teams from the armed forces of Kosovo, Albania and Northern Macedonia participated with university teams from Iowa State, Kansas, DePaul, Northern Iowa, Drake and several Iowa high schools.
“Seeing the Guard here participating gives the students here a feeling of how cool the event is and how truly international it is,” said Prof. Doug Jacobson, ISU Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Outreach director.
The competition pits the industry’s best against some of the most talented students in the Midwest. For the Iowa Air National Guard Airmen, it was a chance to hone new skills.
“It’s been great to get a lot of hands-on technical experience,” said Capt. William Smith, 168th COS cyber systems operator. “We got to set up our systems from scratch, which we don’t usually get a chance to do. The collaboration with the teams here has been stellar.”
Competitors secure and manage network services while defending against cyberattacks. Blue Teams of four to eight students have three weeks to secure their systems before facing an eight-hour attack from a Red Team…
Utah engineers create first flat telescope lens that can capture color while detecting light from faraway stars
For centuries, lenses have worked the same way: curved glass or plastic bending light to bring images into focus. But traditional lenses have a major drawback—the more powerful they need to be, the bulkier and heavier they become. Scientists have long searched for a way to reduce the weight of lenses without sacrificing functionality. And while some slimmer alternatives exist, they tend to be limited in their capacity and are generally challenging and expensive to make.
New research from University of Utah engineering professor Rajesh Menon and colleagues at the Price College of Engineering offers a promising solution applicable to telescopes and astrophotography: a large aperture flat lens that focuses light as effectively as traditional curved lenses while preserving accurate color. This technology could transform astrophotography imaging systems, especially in applications where space is at a premium, such as on aircraft, satellites and space-based telescopes.
Their latest study, featured on the cover of the journal Applied Physics Letters, was led by Menon Lab member Apratim Majumder, a research assistant professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering. Coauthors include fellow Menon Lab members Alexander Ingold and Monjurul Meem, Department of Physics & Astronomy’s Tanner Obray and Paul Ricketts, and Nicole Brimhall of
FDA Proposes Landmark Rule to Lower Nicotine Levels in Cigarettes, Aiming to Reduce Addiction and Smoking-Related Deaths
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a proposed rule that, if finalized, would make cigarettes and certain other combusted tobacco products minimally or nonaddictive by limiting the level of nicotine in those products. If finalized, the United States would be the first country globally to take…
U.S. and Nigeria Launch Technology Dialogue to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation and Drive Digital Transformation
Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell led the inaugural U.S.-Nigeria Technology Dialogue in Washington, D.C. on January 10, hosting a senior delegation from the Nigerian government led by the Honorable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani.
This event built on the momentum of Deputy Secretary Campbell’s visit to Abuja…
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope Reveals Record-Breaking Discovery of 44 Individual Stars in Distant Galaxy, Shedding Light on Dark Matter
Looking halfway across the observable universe and expecting to see individual stars is considered a non-starter in astronomy, a bit like raising a pair of binoculars at the moon in hopes of making out individual grains of dust inside its craters. Thanks to a cosmic quirk of nature, however,…
New UCLA Study Reveals Multilingualism Enhances Cognitive Abilities and Reduces Autism Symptoms in Children
A new study from UCLA Health adds to the growing body of evidence on the cognitive benefits of speaking multiple languages, finding that multilingualism not only enhances general cognitive abilities but also may help reduce certain symptoms and bolster control of daily thoughts and actions in children with and without…
U.S. Space Force Activates 33rd Range Squadron to Enhance Cyber Training and Readiness
Space Training and Readiness Command officially stood up the Space Force’s first cyber range squadron, the 33rd Range Squadron (RGS), during an activation ceremony on Schriever Space Force Base, Dec. 16. The new squadron, which falls under Space Delta 11, marks a critical milestone in advancing the Space Force’s…
Dr. Andrew Beuttenmuller, a leading pediatric dentist in Watertown, NY, has been featured in HelloNation magazine for his expert guidance on maintaining children’s dental health during the holiday season. With extensive experience in pediatric dentistry, Dr. Beuttenmuller provides families with practical strategies to keep young smiles bright and cavity-free, even during the most sugar-filled time of the year.
In his article, “Bright Smiles for the Holidays: Tips for Keeping Kids’ Teeth Healthy”, Dr. Beuttenmuller discusses the hidden dental risks of holiday treats and how parents can help protect their children’s teeth. He highlights the dangers of sticky candies, hard sweets, and excessive sugar, all of which can lead to tooth decay and dental emergencies. By promoting moderation and smart snacking—such as choosing tooth-friendly alternatives like fruit, cheese, or yogurt—parents can help reduce the risk of cavities while still allowing kids to enjoy holiday festivities.
Dr. Beuttenmuller also emphasizes the importance of consistent oral hygiene habits, especially during the holidays when sweets are more abundant. Encouraging children to brush twice daily for at least two minutes and floss regularly can make a significant difference in their long-term dental health. He also suggests fun, engaging ways to reinforce these habits, such as using holiday-themed toothbrushes or singing festive songs while brushing.
As a respected pediatric dentist at Watertown Pediatric Dentistry since 2012, Dr. Beuttenmuller is well-known for his compassionate approach to children’s dental care. His expertise and dedication to preventive dentistry help families across Watertown establish lifelong oral health habits. He is an active member of the American…
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Researchers Create Comprehensive Brain Atlas to Uncover Connections Between Motor Control and Spinal Interneurons
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Going Beyond the Demo: Ensuring Robotics Technology Thrives in Real-World Environments
In the rapidly evolving sphere of robotics, achieving product-market fit is often the defining hurdle for success. While spectacular demonstrations can showcase the potential of a solution, the real challenge lies in ensuring these technologies deliver in the complexity of real-world facilities. According to Failory, over 50% of startups…
Promoting Healthy Aging: Dr. Philippe Smith on Preventative Geriatric Care
Living longer is a common aspiration, but living healthier as we age holds even more value. As the global population ages, promoting healthy aging through preventative geriatric care becomes crucial. With advancements in medical science and lifestyle awareness, many seniors can enjoy not just longer, but better lives. This…
MyResource student concierge is being developed with watsonx, IBM's portfolio of AI products
IBM (NYSE: IBM) on Monday announced its collaboration with Penn State, consistently ranked among the top six percent of the world’s universities, to build and deploy MyResource, a student concierge built with watsonx, IBM’s portfolio of AI products. The generative AI-powered assistant is meant to streamline details about campus resources and how to seek them when it launches, expected in the fall semester, to the nearly 90,000 Penn State students.
The project stems from Penn State student leaders identifying a need for improved access to campus services, such as academic advising, health and wellness, and financial aid, while an analysis by the university discovered similar findings. In listening to students, Penn State and IBM are collaborating to create a concierge to help students navigate the many resources available to them, help increase support, and further advance satisfaction for the student body.
“At Penn State, student success is our priority, and this is an exciting step toward continuing to enhance the lives and experiences of students across our University,” said Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with IBM to leverage advancements like generative AI, a critical tool to help us create a more student-centered experience, remove barriers, improve retention…
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Cultural Longevity Secrets: Dr. Gregory Duhon, MD, on What We Can Learn From the World’s Oldest People
Groundbreaking Study Shows Larotrectinib Promises Hope for Pediatric Patients With Infantile Fibrosarcoma and NTRK Gene Fusion
Researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) found that larotrectinib, an oral drug that stops cancer-cell growth, was highly effective in pediatric patients with newly diagnosed infantile fibrosarcoma (IFS) or other solid tumors that have a neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK) gene fusion without a…
Engaging Activities to Boost Impulse Control in Children
Impulse control in children isn’t just about preventing tantrums or saying “no.” It’s a crucial skill that helps young minds navigate social situations, manage emotions, and achieve personal goals. While some kids seem to naturally possess strong impulse control, many need guidance to hone this skill.
By involving children in…
New Research Creates Roadmap for Understanding Antimalarial Drug Resistance
Researchers at University of California San Diego analyzed the genomes of hundreds of malaria parasites to determine which genetic variants are most likely to confer drug resistance. The findings, published in Science, could help scientists use machine learning to predict antimalarial drug resistance and more effectively prioritize the most…