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Scientists Share Genetic Data of Poplar Trees
This largest-ever SNP dataset may be useful to scientists studying biofuels and lignin. Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have released the largest-ever single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) dataset of genetic variations in poplar trees, information useful to plant scientists as well as researchers in the fields of biofuels, materials science, and secondary plant metabolism.
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Silver Fir Has Edge Under Changing Climate Conditions
As reported this month by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) in Switzerland, as well as in other European countries, Norway spruce and European beech trees are struggling to keep pace with the rapidly changing climate. This poses risks for the country’s forestry sector, which relies on spruce wood. A study by the WSL shows that these risks could be mitigated by relying more on silver fir and using Norway spruce from warmer growth locations.
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PaperChase is More Than Fun
For more than 30 years, the PaperChase Fun Run, in one form or another, has been an annual event held at a TAPPI Conference. Runners, walkers, and supporters from every area of the pulp and paper industry have come together to raise scholarship funds for deserving engineering students in our industry. Ahead of the Curve would like to share some of the history of the event—to thank the hundreds who have made their mark while making a difference.
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The Three-Leader Litmus Test
S. ERIC CHRISTENSEN, Ed.D. What is the real definition of successful organizational change? Efforts to evaluate organizational change initiatives focus on quantitative metrics. A “hard number” states unequivocally that targets are exceeded, met, or not met relative to a specific time period. Engineers and financial professionals are especially enamored of this approach. Metrics are comfortable, convenient, and necessary… but do not even come close to effectively grading the value of any given change initiative.
News
Ensuring a Tight Load
GRAEME RODDEN The following article is part of a special multi-part feature on Global Transport in the just-released July/August issue of Paper360°.
News
DoE Funds Biofuels Research
The Department of Energy has announced funding for new research centers to accelerate the development of specialty plants and processes for a new generation of biofuels and bioproducts, according to press information released Monday.
News
US Manufacturing Sees Growth in Production
The ongoing effects of recent US economic recessions are still being felt in many sectors including (and perhaps particularly) the forest products industries. While every industry faces its own challenges, what is the current state of overall manufacturing and logistics in the US? The answer may surprise you.
News
Mountains of waste could lead to new U.S. manufacturing, jobs
By Kathleen Phillips, Texas A&M University Researchers at Texas A&M University are exploring ways that lignin waste from pulp and paper operations can be transformed into carbon fibers used in a range of products from tennis rackets to automobiles.
News
National Labs explore energy-efficient solutions for paper industry
Researchers at two national laboratories are developing new computer simulations that could help papermakers improve energy efficiency and cut energy costs. The project is part of the Department of Energy’s HPC4Mfg initiative, a multi-lab effort to use high-performance computing to address complex challenges in US manufacturing. Project outcomes could have significant benefits; the papermaking industry ranks third among the nation’s largest energy users, behind only petroleum-refining and chemical production, according to the US Energy Information Administration.
News
The Knowledge Trail
MURRAY ELLIS One of the most rewarding and enjoyable parts of my career in the pulp and paper industry has been the opportunity to investigate and solve problems. The problem-solving process means that you are discovering, adapting and generating new information to address the problem at hand. In simple terms, you are acquiring knowledge in the pursuit of a solution. However, sometimes this problem-solving process does not find a solution easily.