The data obtained show the excellent performance of these water treatment systems using plants as filtration agents. The new results make clear that they constitute a suitable system to eliminate, in the great majority of cases, the so called emerging contaminants such as drugs (analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.) or stimulants (caffeine). In comparison with conventional water treatment systems, the percentages of elimination of these substances were in many cases greater. The study was carried out by researchers from URJC, in collaboration with the IMDEA Institute for Water and the Centre for New Water Technologies (CENTA).  

3D printing on fabric to create complex 3D structures A team of computer science researchers from Disney Research and the University Rey Juan Carlos in Madrid have developed a design tool software that makes it possible to 3D print smooth curved surfaces in a fast and cost-efficient manner. The process enabled by the design software involes 3D printing planar curve networks (a bit like a 2D skeleton structure) onto a pre-stretched piece of fabric. When the fabric is cut into a pre-determined shape after printing, it contracts into a specific structure determined by the 3D printed pattern. The result is…

Researchers from URJC have launched DESILICO, a 3D simulation and visualisation tool development company aimed at the textile sector. The researchers, Miguel Ángel Otaduy, Jorge López, Eder Miguel and Gabriel Cirio, have started up DESILICO, a company which commercially develops computer tools which were once restricted to research. DESILICO will be devoted to "developing and offering tools which through 3D simulation and visualisation offer solutions to the textile marketplace in its phases of design and testing", indicates Otaduy. The idea came to light as a result of the work of the Multimodal Simulation Lab Research Group at Universidad Rey Juan…

A new 'cloud' platform to reduce the test time for software projects for large systems. The ElasTest Project offers an "open source" platform for carrying out tests "end-to-end" in a rapid and reliable manner, thereby increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the software testing process and the quality of the system that is being tested.  The ElasTest platform will supply capacity for carrying out advanced tests which will help to increase the scalability, robustness, security and quality of experience of currently distributed systems. In short, it will allow any development team to create faster software with fewer defects.  The new…

The human impact on the Antarctic Peninsula from the presence of emerging contaminants. Researchers from Universidad Rey Juan Carlos and the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain warn of the possible environmental consequences. These chemicals reach the Antarctic as a result of the dumping of sewage, incineration of wastes and the widespread generation of refuse. The results of this work have been published in highly-prestigious scientific journals. In the article published in Environmental Research, information is given on the presence of substances of human origin with the capacity to damage the hormonal system. The most important among the heavy metals…