Top News of Last Week with ANA
Azad News Agency (ANA) published a number of scientific and technological news during the past week whose top ones are as follows:
Iranian Scientists Produce Digital Slide Scanner
Iranian researchers manufactured a new type of digital slide scanner which helps the doctors to magnify slides 2,000 times.
“This device allows doctors to magnify slides up to 2,000 times. This innovation can revolutionize pathology and disease diagnosis processes,” Amin Rafi’ Raad, the technical and production manager of the project, told ANA.
“This scanner is a smart, practical, optimized, and cost-effective device for converting glass slides into virtual slides (digital slides). The slide scanner makes it possible to scan all types of pathology, biology, hematology, etc. slides at desired magnifications and with the highest quality,” he added.
Noting that the slide scanner device, utilizing its unique artificial intelligence, can be used for a variety of research and diagnostic applications, as well as eliminating the need for an analog microscope in the laboratory, at the highest level of quality,
This device allows doctors to, instead of viewing slides under a microscope, place them in the device and scan the slides completely with any magnification up to 2000 times, Rafi’ Raad said, “This scanner gives doctors the ability to view their slides remotely from anywhere in the world and share them with other doctors. They can mark different parts of the slide and record their comments in text or audio."
Islamic Azad University Establishes Phytosanitary Quarantine
Islamic Azad University’s Bojnourd branch established a phytosanitary quarantine to create a basis for international activities.
“In order to recieve the license of the phytosanitary clinic active in the Strategic Technologies Laboratory Network, the Bojnourd branch succeeded in obtaining a phytosanitary quarantine license and seeks to provide a basis for international activities with other countries,” Qolamreza Kazzemi, the president of the Islamic Azad University’s Bojnourd branch in North Khorassan province, told ANA.
“Identifying plant pest diseases, controlling and containing the spread of diseases, participating in the implementation of national and international regulations, issuing and certifying plant health for export and import, and research and development are among the important missions of this quarantine,” he added.
Iranian Knowledge-Based Firm Uses Indigenous Bacterial Strains to Clean Up Oil Pollution
Iranian technologists at a knowledge-based company succeeded in finding a solution for managing and cleaning up oil pollution biologically by identifying and purifying eight bacterial strains and registering them in the gene bank.
The knowledge-based company started its research in the field of recycling wastewater and waste from drilling rig activities and, by achieving waste management technology and cleaning up oil pollution biologically, succeeded in purifying eight bacterial strains and registering them in the gene bank.
These technologists of the Iranian firm studied the most optimal conditions for cultivating these strains for inoculation in the main field by conducting research and experiments, and ultimately, two strains of these bacteria were produced and industrially cultivated and propagated as the best strains for degrading petroleum hydrocarbons.
These bacterial strains consume petroleum hydrocarbons, all of which are native to the region and have been isolated for the first time.
Essentially, all bacteria form biofilms—vast communities of the microorganisms that are held together by slimy extracellular substances and, in the case of Alca, that stick to the surfaces of oil droplets. Alca’s biofilms deform oil drops and eat the hydrocarbons, or they can sometimes transform the drops into larger aggregate structures that can then sink to the seafloor.
Iran Unveils 2 Strategic Knowledge-Based Products Used in Oil Industry
Iranian Vice-President for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy Hossein Afshin unveiled two knowledge-based strategic products utilized for monitoring, controlling, and inspecting oil pipelines.
The Electro Magnetic Inspection (EMI) tool, used in non-destructive technical inspection of seamless pipes, was the first knowledge-based product unveiled at this ceremony which is used in the drilling industry and has been designed and manufactured for the first time in the country by specialists at Arzyaban Dana San’at Etemad company, affiliated to Mazid Industrial Group.
The company is the only manufacturer of this device in Iran and Asia and can meet the country's needs in the field of pipeline inspection.
Preventing unforeseen failures, costs resulting from not completing work on time, and costly stoppages of drilling operations are among the most important functions of this device.
Also, during the ceremony, the Pipeline Telecommunication System (PLT), a smart system that uses metal lines to transmit monitoring and control data, was unveiled.
Iran-Made Compressors Save 100 Million Dollars Annually from Flare Fires
Installation of advanced home-made compressors in Iran will prevent $100 million in gas from being burned annually.
This technology, which has placed Iran among the top 10 countries in the world, in addition to saving national capital, stores natural gas to meet the needs of 84,000 households.
Based on field reports, the plan to build the first main compressor core in 10 refineries in the South Pars region has resulted in significant achievements like preventing the daily burning of 1.4 million cubic meters of gas ($280,000) in flares, which amounts to $100 million annually, improving the extraction of valuable hydrocarbon compounds like propane and butane with export potential, providing natural gas to 84,000 households for each refinery equipped with this technology, preserving national capital and reducing pollution from burning associated gases.
In the gas transfer cycle from platforms, gas is directed to subsequent units after entering the reservoirs and undergoing a compression process.
Iranian Scientists Reach Technology to Join Dissimilar Alloys
Iranian researchers at Khajeh Nasireddin Tousi University of Technology succeeded in indigenizing the technology for joining dissimilar alloys with higher strength and longer life.
Reducing production costs and increasing productivity in various industries are among the advantages of using these high-tech parts.
“In this method, dissimilar metal parts are joined at a temperature of 1150 degrees through induction welding, a method that increases the strength of the joints by 20 to 30 percent,” said Faraj Tati Khani Verdi, the designer of the dissimilar metal joining device.
He explained that dissimilar bimetallic materials like nickel-based superalloys or a high-entropy alloy can be joined with a device made with a special filler made of a high-entropy alloy, adding that parts made with mechanical alloying technology increase the strength and life of the parts and increase efficiency.
“The foreign model of this tool is capable of machining 8,000 parts, but with this manufacturing method, it can machine over 24,000 parts. In other words, the life of the part has tripled,” Tati Khani Verdi said.
Iran to Hold Expo of Latest Achievements in Medicinal Plants Industry
An exhibition of the latest achievements of technologists in the field of medicinal plants is due to be held on the sidelines of the 12th National Congress of Medicinal Plants at Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran on June 11-12.
The 12th National Congress of Medicinal Plants will be held by the Research Institute of Medicinal Plants and Pharmaceutical Raw Materials and the Secretariat of the National Network of Medicinal Plants Research and Technology.
The congress will cover issues like basic sciences, agriculture and natural resources, pharmacy, medicine and veterinary medicine, and industry and economics.
The scientific event will discuss and exchange ideas in different related areas, including genetics, biotechnology, domestication and breeding, primary post-harvest processing, seed technology, traditional medicine, pharmacological effects, clinical effects, formulation and control, production of medicinal plant products, and innovation in production of functional products.
Iran Produces over 3.3 mbd of Crude in March
A report by Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) released that Iran’s crude oil production in March reached 3.335 million per day.
According to OPEC's latest monthly report, Iran's crude oil production increased by 12,000 barrels per day (bpd) in March, reaching 3.335 million bpd.
In accordance with its Statute, the mission of OPEC is to coordinate and unify the petroleum policies of its Member Countries and ensure the stabilization of oil markets in order to secure an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consumers, a steady income to producers and a fair return on capital for those investing in the petroleum industry.
Iranian Scientists Produce Fertilizer from Industrial Waste
Iranian researchers at the Faculty of Environment of the University of Tehran succeeded in producing a type of fertilizer from industrial waste suitable for Iran's calcareous soils.
“The idea of producing iron-ligand fertilizer from industrial waste was formed by implementing projects supported by the National Elite Foundation. The goal of this project is to optimally use domestic industrial waste and produce effective fertilizer for the special conditions of Iran's calcareous soils,” said Zahra Qeshlaqi, a faculty member of the Faculty of Environment of the University of Tehran and the head of the research team.
“Biotechnological studies on plants resistant to iron deficiency in calcareous soils and the identification of key compounds that initiate enzymatic reactions in plants provided the scientific basis for this project. The research led to the design of a fertilizer formulation that, with a high percentage of soluble iron and high absorption capacity, provides a practical response to the challenge of iron deficiency in agriculture,” she added.
Noting that iron-ligand fertilizer is produced using advanced chemical and biotechnological technologies and using domestic industrial waste and has outstanding characteristics, Qeshlaqi said, “Among other things, this fertilizer uses hydroxypyridinone compounds that form a stable bond with iron, increasing its absorption capacity in a wide range of soil pH conditions. In addition, a special coating in the formulation of this fertilizer provides the most optimal pH conditions and oxidation-reduction potential and improves iron absorption. Finally, the raw materials for the production of this fertilizer include iron chips, steel slag and mine waste, which are recycled and converted into soluble iron powder using advanced techniques.”
Tehran, Beijing to Further Expand Scientific Relations
The Caspian International Campus of the University of Tehran and the Beijing International Exchange Association (BIEA) inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to further bolster scientific ties and cooperation.
In a meeting that was held online, the two sides agreed to expand cooperation on developing joint strategies for the expansion and exchange of education, research, science, technology, and entrepreneurship; establishing and expanding a communication network among experts at the university and research and technology centers; participating in organizing annual BRICS technology competitions with a focus on an innovative environment and knowledge-based start-ups in order to further expand scientific and technological achievements in University of Tehran and other universities in the country.
The MoU aims to establish relations with universities and research centers in BRICS member states since University of Tehran is a member of BRICS Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) cooperation.
Based on the MoU, the University of Tehran can introduce other institutions and research centers to cooperate with BIEA.
Iranian Company Produces Sorbitol for Different Industries
An Iranian company stationed at the Central province of Isfahan started production of sorbitol which is used in different industries.
The first phase of the largest pharmaceutical company (sorbitol production) in West Asia was put into operation at Modarres Pharmaceutical, Chemical and Food Industries Complex in Tiran and Kerun regions of Isfahan last year thanks to the efforts of the Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research.
“At present, our product is offered to the market in the form of liquid sorbitol but the strategic vision of the complex is to move towards producing more diverse products with higher added value. Therefore, our future investments have also been defined in line with this goal, and by completing the processing chain, we will seek to increase the economic and industrial productivity of this sector,” said Saman Fathi, the managing director of Modarres Pharmaceutical, Food and Chemical company.
“Now, our production capacity is between 8,000 and 8,500 tons per year. Therefore, one of our basic plans is to first improve the productivity of the existing production line and achieve 100% of the plant's nominal capacity,” he added.
Nanocomposites Good Opportunity for Flourishing of Iranian Industries
The nanocomposites market, specially in the polymer sector, can play a key role in advancing Iran’s industry and global competitiveness.
The 89% share of nanocomposites in the total market shows that nanotechnology in Iran has been used most to improve the structural properties of materials. These compounds are produced by adding nanoparticles to substrates such as metal, polymer or ceramic to significantly improve properties like strength, chemical resistance, conductivity or thermal properties.
The increasing demand for polymer nanocomposites is due to special properties like low weight, excellent resistance to environmental conditions and cost-effective production costs. Also, this technology can be expanded on an industrial scale and is experiencing high growth due to its wide applications in parent industries.
Polymer nanocomposites with a market share of 86% are the largest subgroup of this market, as they have major applications in UPVC pipes and fittings, biodegradable garbage bags and water storage tanks.
Iran to Launch Cyber City in Payam Economic Zone
A cooperation memorandum of understanding was signed between Payam Post and Telecommunications Air Services Company and the Institute of Communications and Information Technology to launch a cyber city in Payam Special Economic Zone.
The memorandum was signed with the aim of benefiting from the scientific, research, technical and laboratory capacities of the Institute of Communications and Information Technology to settle the challenges and needs of the Special Economic Zone and Payam International Airport.
Based on the memorandum, the two parties will cooperate in areas like launching the cyber city, utilizing the scientific, research and laboratory capacities of the institute to respond to the technical and commercial needs of the region, developing a framework for evaluating technological projects, and establishing companies introduced in Payam region.
Payam special economic zone is active as the airspace of Iran and many merchants use this airspace for exporting and importing commodities and services. Thus, the knowledge and familiarity with the rules set plays a significant role in the activities of exporters and importers. Thus, the commodity entrance and clearance are briefly presented for the activists in this area.
INIC Approves Specialized Glossary to Create Common Language in Nanotechnology
In a bid to improve the understanding of nano concepts for researchers, industrialists, and the general public, the Iran Nanotechnology Innovation Council (INIC) updated the Cellulosic Materials Glossary.
Developing and updating specialized glossaries is a fundamental step in supporting innovation, national and international collaboration, and developing effective regulations. Therefore, a new national standard in the field of terminology was recently approved, titled ‘Nanotechnology – Glossary – Part 13: Graphene and Other Two-Dimensional Materials (D2)’.
Also, the Nano Standard revised and updated the Cellulosic Nanomaterials Glossary.
According to the INIC, the Iranian National Standard/ISO 80004 under the general title of ‘Nanotechnology - Glossary includes the following sections of basic vocabulary, nanomaterials, carbon nanomaterials, nanostructured materials, nano/bio interface, nanomaterial characterization, diagnosis and treatment for health, nanomaterial manufacturing processes, nanomaterial electronic products and systems, nanomaterial photonic components and systems, nanolayers, nanocoatings, thin nanosheets and related glossary, quantum phenomena in nanotechnology, and graphene and other two-dimensional materials.
