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Niron Magnetics raises $21.3M to commercialize rare-earth-free iron-nitride magnets

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The Volvo Cars Tech Fund and Volta Energy Technologies join existing investors Anzu Partners and the University of Minnesota. Niron will use the funding to build its pilot production facility in Minnesota and accelerate the development of its Clean Earth Magnet technology. million in new financing. Background. 2019.165962.

Minnesota 482
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DOT awards U-M-led hub $15M for connected and automated transportation

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The US Department of Transportation has awarded a $15-million grant to renew the Center for Connected and Automated Transportation (CCAT), based in Ann Arbor and led by the University of Michigan. million over its first six years, CCAT is one of 10 regional USDOT University Transportation Centers nationwide.

Connect 259
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U Minnesota researchers create synthetic biopathway to turn biomass into green products; “bio-spandex” and more

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Researchers at the University of Minnesota have engineered a new synthetic biopathway that can more efficiently and cost-effectively turn agricultural waste such corn stover and orange peels into a variety of useful products ranging from spandex to chicken feed. The study was published in the journal Nature Chemical Biology.

Minnesota 150
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U. of Minnesota researchers demonstrate new method for direct conversion of heat to electricity

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Researchers at the University of Minnesota have demonstrated a new method for the direct conversion of heat to electricity using a multiferroic alloy, Ni 45 Co 5 Mn 40 Sn 10 , which they had discovered earlier (Srivastava 2010). An open access paper on the work appears in the journal Advanced Energy Materials. Srivastava, V.,

Minnesota 268
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Sustainable Rail International, U of Minnesota partner to develop most powerful carbon-neutral locomotive, using new steam engine and biocoal

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CSR Project 130 will draw on the carbon-neutral solid biofuel research expertise of the University of Minnesota and the modern steam mechanical engineering capabilities of SRI. CSR plans to break the world record for steam locomotive speed, reaching 130 mph (209 km/h).

Minnesota 304
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University of Minnesota Study Finds Cellulosic Ethanol Carries Lower Human Health Economic Costs Than Gasoline or Corn Ethanol

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A new study by researchers at the University of Minnesota finds that cellulosic ethanol has fewer negative effects on human health because it emits smaller amounts of fine particulate matter. Jason Hill, lead author, resident fellow in the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment.

Minnesota 150
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DOE awards Donald Danforth Plant Science Center $16M to enhance energy sorghum

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The team will then deploy these genes using tools of the emerging field of synthetic biology to accelerate development of elite energy sorghum varieties for production under marginal environments. This project aims to deliver stress-tolerant sorghum lines, addressing DOE’s mission in the generation of renewable energy resources.