News
New species of truffle found in Finland
08.05.2013 A species of truffle that is considered to be rare has been found for the first time in Finland. Previously it has been thought to exist only in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The truffle was found in Puumala, growing under a pine tree. The truffle was identified on the basis of its shape, as well as through methods of molecular biology. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis (evolutionary tree) the truffle was identified as a Tuber anniae. Aalto University and the Juva Truffle Center will study the new truffle's edibility and its commercial potential.
New equipment for study of surface layers of material
06.05.2013 The Department of Forest Products Technology has acquired a new x-ray photoelectron spectrometer, XPS, and new laboratory facilities for it. The previous equipment was located in the Chemical Technology Building, serving there dozens of research groups at Otaniemi for more than 17 years.
Artificial blood vessels and tissues using a 3D printer
23.04.2013 Aalto University School of Chemical Technology and BIT Research Centre are collaborating on a project called ArtiVasc 3D, funded under the European Community´s 7th Framework Programme. This ambitious venture aims to manufacture artificial vascularised skin using 3D printing technology.
Multifunctional nanoparticles enable a range of applications
17.04.2013 By bringing together various components, it is possible to produce nanoparticles, which combine many different properties. In her dissertation research, Norsuria Mahmed, a doctoral student, developed a method of synthesis, which enables production of multifunctional nanoparticles faster, easier and more efficient.
New materials offer solutions to energy production challenges
25.03.2013 New materials will have a central role in many of the energy applications of the future. For instance, inexpensive and environmentally friendly thermoelectric materials will be capable of converting waste heat into electricity in both homes and factories in the future.
An impossible synthesis made possible
20.03.2013 Pyrrole is an organic molecule with a five-membered ring structure. One of the ring's five carbon atoms has become replaced by nitrogen. The remaining four carbon atoms are the possible points where various new groups can attach themselves. These additions take place through a reaction mechanism, allowing the synthesis pyrrole derivatives. The more numerous and bulkier the groups we attempt to attach to pyrrole, the more difficult the synthesis becomes. Instead of pyrrole, we might need to use some other molecule as the parent compound, including classes of compounds for which the synthesis has not been possible.
Professor Markus Linder: Nature provides the inspiration for the development of new materials
24.01.2013 Professor Markus Linder started work at the Department of Biotechnology and Chemical Technology last September. He joined the Aalto University faculty from VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, where he will continue in a part-time capacity for a period of time. Professor Linder research is about biomolecular materials.
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