Category: Наука

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Source: Novosibirsk State University –

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Scientists Center for New Functional Materials of Novosibirsk State University received a patent for a method for producing a mixture of 2-cyclohexenylcyclohexanone isomers—a substance used as a key intermediate in the creation of flame retardants. These compounds are used to reduce the flammability of modern materials, including composites used in transportation and industry.

The development is part of a project aimed at improving fire safety in transport systems. The project is being implemented with financial support from the NTI Foundation. Composite materials are increasingly being used in aviation, rail, and other technology.

"New composite materials are currently being actively implemented because they significantly reduce structural weight and improve transport efficiency, as well as offering excellent performance properties. However, they are more flammable than metal alloys and can emit toxic products when ignited," noted Mikhail Yadrenkin, a senior researcher at the NSU Center for New Functional Materials.

To solve this problem, scientists are developing special additives—flame retardants—that reduce the flammability of materials. Many modern flame retardants are based on a key structural fragment known as DOPO. This is essentially a base to which other components can be added, which will consequently alter the additive's properties, such as the compatibility of the flame retardant with a particular polymer base of a composite material. However, DOPO production requires affordable and effective raw materials, and a patented synthesis method has been developed specifically for this purpose.

As explained by Dyan Ok Tong, head of the Laboratory of Fluorinated Compounds at the N. N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the idea is to create a more convenient and technologically advanced process for producing the DOPO precursor.

"We've improved a well-known synthesis method by replacing hard-to-find and limited-supply reagents with cheaper and more readily available alternatives without sacrificing efficiency. Furthermore, we've managed to scale the process from laboratory conditions to a 20-liter reactor," he said.

The patent awarded is not just a scientific result, but a step toward creating a fully-fledged technological chain. According to the researchers, temporary technological regulations have already been developed as part of the project, and the first samples of polymer binders with new flame retardants have been produced and tested for fire resistance.

"Our goal is not only to synthesize new substances, but also to develop technologies to a level where they can be scaled up and implemented in industry," emphasized Mikhail Yadrenkin.

This development is of significant importance for Russian industry, where the production of modern flame retardants is still limited. These new technologies will enable the creation of low-flammability materials for aviation, rail transport, and other industries with particularly stringent safety requirements.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Source: Novosibirsk State University –

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Keeping common cats is extremely costly to the environment: pets consume enormous amounts of food and wood, which is used to make litter pellets. Cats also produce greenhouse gases—methane and carbon dioxide. Considering the colossal population of these pets (according to the All-Russian Pet Census, there are 49 million cats in Russia alone), the damage to the environment, while seemingly insignificant, becomes colossal. Modern advances in genetic engineering have made it possible to create a new breed—the Siberian Green Cat (Cattus viridis).

"Even in high school, I began thinking about how to make cats' stay in our homes more hygienic. Various approaches were considered, including switching to liquid nitrogen as a diet. While working at university, I realized the problem wasn't isolated, but global: creating a zero-waste cat breed would benefit both the environment and the economy. Thanks to 30 years of collaboration with specialists from the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, success was achieved. Our cats differ in appearance only by their wetter noses, because the energy they generate needs to be expelled somehow," commented the project's initiator, Lyudmila Budneva, a senior lecturer at the NSU Humanities Institute.

"Nitrogen, the main element of the Earth's atmosphere, is widely used by living organisms. However, fixing atmospheric nitrogen is a very energy-intensive process, utilized only by certain microorganisms. Without their vital functions, however, other living organisms would only be able to utilize nitrogen in the form of preformed compounds. The task of converting the biochemistry of a highly organized animal to an environmentally friendly nitrogen diet seemed extremely challenging. We used the concept of a heat and power generator, placing it in special artificial organs located in the place of the kidneys. The generated electric current is used for nitrogen fixation in a specialized gland, and the resulting ammonium ions participate in biosynthesis carried out by symbiotic microorganisms in the cat's cecum. The end result is nitrogen, which is again excreted through respiration," commented Oleg Andreenkov, a graduate of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at NSU and a PhD candidate in biology. "The only drawback of the new breed is its constant purring, as we have not yet been able to make the process completely silent."

The economic benefit of owning a Siberian green cat can be estimated by reducing direct and indirect costs. Using approximately 10 liters of litter per month, the owner will save approximately 11,000 rubles per year, with the median cost of litter being 900 rubles per 10 liters. The cost of a litter box varies from 99 to 32,800 rubles, but the most reasonable estimate, given the income structure of the Russian population, is around 1,500 rubles. With the litter box depreciated over three years, this also adds up to an additional 500 rubles per year in savings. Finally, consider the cost of a bottle of cat detergent, which costs 1,500 rubles per year. Thus, in direct costs alone, the owner will save approximately 13,000 rubles per year per cat.

Now let's consider the indirect costs. Every cat owner is familiar with the stress of "does the house smell? What will guests/mother-in-law say, etc." Stress, as we know, leads to impulsive buying, eating, and possibly even drinking. According to Tochka Bank, most Russians impulsively spend between 1,000 and 15,000 rubles per month. For simplicity, let's assume that the cost of eating/drinking is already included, and we'll conservatively estimate the reduction in impulse purchases due to the reduced stress of 2,000 rubles per month. Cleaning up after the cat doesn't add joy either, and it also takes up time—let's say it's 15 minutes a day. 7.5 hours a month free from cleaning up after the cat—how much is that worth? The minimum threshold is the amount a Russian earns per hour. Minimal—because if someone isn't working (and could be), it means they value that non-working time more than their working time. According to Rosstat, the average hourly rate in our country is 382 rubles, which translates into savings of 2,865 rubles per month and 34,380 rubles per year.

One positive side effect of the Siberian Green cat's constant purring shouldn't be ignored. Purring is known to reduce the risk of heart attack by 30%, decrease stress levels, normalize blood pressure, promote calm, and even help heal fractures. Of course, the comprehensive health benefits, including economic ones, require extensive research, but consider that over 80% of Russians take dietary supplements for their physical health and well-being, spending approximately 1,500 rubles per month. A conservative estimate of reducing these costs by 200 rubles per month yields an additional 2,400 rubles per year. It's easy to calculate that the owner's benefit would be approximately 74,000 rubles per year. But that's not all. Along with the economic costs, the carbon footprint of owning a cat also decreases. It is currently estimated at 310 kg of CO2 equivalent per year. Most of it is generated during the production of meat-based feed, but even the most conservative estimate, that the filler and emissions themselves account for no more than 20% of the carbon footprint, yields a savings of 62 kg of CO2 equivalent per year. And for the domestic cat population in Russia (remember, there are about 49 million), this would amount to 3 million tons. Given the service life of a civilian aircraft of 40,000 hours, this carbon footprint would be left by 76 aircraft over their entire lifespan, said Elena Limanova, PhD in Economics, Associate Professor, and specialist in environmental and natural resource economics, in her assessment of the work of Novosibirsk scientists.

No cats were harmed as a result of the experiments.

Let us recall that a year ago our scientists managed to discover a new species of bird – the pink crow.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Scientists from the Laboratory of Nuclear and Innovative Medicine performed CT scans of five jaw fragments from woolly rhinoceroses that inhabited southern Siberia during the Pleistocene. Faculty of Physics of Novosibirsk State UniversityHigh-quality 3D images of valuable finds allow paleontologists to understand how these ancient animals changed their teeth and compare the data obtained with modern rhinoceroses, which are endangered. Tomographic studies provide scientists with valuable information about paleontological specimens that is impossible to obtain using other research methods. The image of the object is scanned in three projections. It can be rotated, zoomed in, zoomed out, and fragmented.

“The paleontological samples under study are interesting because they are fragments of the jaws of not adult individuals, but of young ones, the estimated age of which is from 3.5 to 5 years and, possibly, a little older. It was at this age that baby woolly rhinoceroses changed their milk teeth to permanent ones. This process is long, and we are interested to know exactly how it happened. It is possible to find out to what extent permanent teeth were formed in the animals from which the specimens we studied originated, only by looking inside the jaw. There are only two options to do this. The first is to disassemble the jaw fragment mechanically and see how it is arranged inside. But for paleontological samples this is extremely undesirable, since their integrity will be damaged, and the sample itself, which is of scientific value, will be lost. The second option is to conduct a CT scan of the samples, study the resulting images and obtain the necessary information without destroying the samples. Therefore, we chose the second path. Thanks to him, we will try to understand at what age each individual died and correlate the data obtained with those that are typical for modern rhinoceroses. In this way, we will be able to establish whether the development of woolly rhinoceroses was similar to the development of modern rhinoceroses, or whether there were any differences between them,” said a senior researcher at the Laboratory of Lithogeodynamics of Sedimentary Basins at the Institute of Geology and Mineralogy. V.S. Soboleva Dmitry Malikov.

Preserving the integrity of the specimens is particularly important in this case. While skeletal remains of adult woolly rhinoceroses are relatively common, discoveries of similar specimens from calves are very rare. Their bones are much more fragile than those of adult animals, which directly impacts their preservation. Five dental specimens were submitted for study: four large jaw fragments and one almost complete lower jaw. Some specimens contain only deciduous teeth, clearly belonging to individuals who had not yet reached the age of tooth replacement. In others, partially erupted permanent and partially worn deciduous teeth are visible. In one of these, a permanent tooth can be seen almost displacing a deciduous tooth. In the most complete jaw, one can see how the bone tissue was torn to expose the formed permanent molar. This process is less noticeable in the other specimens.

"Computer tomography images will allow us to see the formation of permanent teeth and the displacement of deciduous teeth within the jaw body. This will allow us to more accurately assess the sequence in which these processes occurred, allowing us to compare them with similar processes in living rhinoceroses. This will allow us to estimate the size of permanent teeth that have not yet erupted and to determine how woolly rhinoceros calves may have differed in size not only from adults but also from other calves of similar ages," explained Dmitry Malikov.

The geological age of the studied samples ranges significantly—from 120,000 to 15,000 years ago. They were discovered in the southern Krasnoyarsk Krai, the Altai Krai, and the Irkutsk Region. These findings formed the basis for the research work of Dmitry Malikov and his colleague, paleontologist, PhD in Geographical Sciences, and research fellow at the Laboratory of Mesozoic and Cenozoic Geology at the Institute of the Earth's Crust SB RAS, Alexey Klementyev, who provided several samples for CT scanning.

A remarkable specimen was found in the bed of the Likhachev Stream near the village of Ust-Kozlukha in the Krasnoshchyokovsky District of the Altai Territory in June 2021.

"A series of studies has established that the age stages of the woolly rhinoceros are similar to those of modern white and black rhinoceroses, allowing us to determine the individual age of fossil remains. Their teeth also erupt in the same order and at approximately the same time. This suggests that this individual was three years old at the time of its death. Around this age, modern rhinoceroses are separated from their mothers when their next offspring are born. This calf was likely not ready for independent life. Perhaps the young animal lacked the experience to survive its first winter on its own," explained Dmitry Malikov.

As Ulyana Krechetova, a CT scanner operator at the NSU Laboratory of Mathematics and Physics, explained, the samples were scanned using a standard dental mode, which is typically used for similar studies of living specimens. However, additional adjustments were required because the samples being examined are larger and more dense than living tissue.

"Computer tomography is indispensable in such studies, when it is necessary to study the internal structure of a sample without destroying it. The NSU Laboratory of Paleontological Research has conducted numerous studies of paleontological specimens, and we continue to accumulate experience in this field. The images we obtain will be interpreted and studied in detail, with results planned for this year. They may reveal previously unknown information about the ecology, evolution, and developmental characteristics of these representatives of Siberia's ancient fauna. For our laboratory's researchers, studying such unusual objects is a scientific endeavor in itself, aimed at determining the optimal working conditions for such specimens. Our research will continue with the creation of three-dimensional models. We will explore solutions to enhance the clarity of the data obtained and facilitate its use by paleontologists," said Vladimir Kanygin, Head of the NSU Laboratory of Paleontological Research.

According to Dmitry Malikov, research into the remains of prehistoric fauna can contribute to the preservation of modern biological diversity.

"Currently, most large mammals, including rhinoceroses, are endangered. This further complicates the work of scientists, as some types of research require the capture of an animal for scientific purposes and in-depth study in a laboratory. Naturally, in such cases, the animal is permanently removed from the wild. However, for endangered species, the loss of even one individual is quite significant for the population, so such studies are conducted extremely rarely. Studying fossil specimens and comparing them with their living relatives could be a solution to this problem," said Dmitry Malikov.

Last year, the Laboratory of Nuclear and Innovative Medicine of the Physics Faculty of NSU conducted tomographic scanning of defective mammoth tusksAnd bone remains of ancient horses.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Source: Novosibirsk State University –

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A prototype system that will collect and combine signals obtained from the human body using electromyography (EMG) and electroencephalography (EEG) and, based on these signals, recognize what movement the person wants to perform is being developed by master's students. Faculty of Information Technology of Novosibirsk State University (FIT NSU) Alexander Sartakov and Pavel Bortnikov, under the scientific supervision of Ivan Brak, a leading analyst at the Inzhevika Scientific and Technical Design Laboratory and a candidate of biological sciences, are working on their development. Their development is recognized as making control of a prosthetic hand more natural, faster, more intuitive, and closer to that of one's own hand compared to existing high-tech bionic devices.

— Most modern commercial prosthetics are controlled quite simply: a user tenses one or two forearm muscles, and the prosthesis responds to these actions according to a predetermined pattern. Essentially, this isn't a full-fledged "movement, like a natural arm," but rather a switching of modes through muscle contraction and relaxation. However, the human body generates much more information about movement intention than is used in such systems. Currently, real-world devices utilize only a small portion of the rich signal generated by muscles, neural activity, and limb movements. They operate by reading electrical impulses (EMG signals) generated by tensing the antagonist muscles of the remaining arm. This is typically done using two channels: one sensor reads limb flexion, and the other reads extension. We want to increase the number of channels and explore options for capturing other data from the human body using EEG. We believe this is important, since the very idea of performing a particular movement originates in the human brain. In any case, the more channels involved in signal transmission, the more data will be received and the more opportunities for interpreting it will appear, said Alexander Sartakov.

The young scientists intend to utilize 6 to 18 channels transmitting signals from the prosthetic user's hand. This will take into account not only the tension of certain antagonist muscles but also its strength (intensity), which will affect the device's actions: for example, partial flexion or extension of the fingers will be possible, as desired by the user. Currently, due to the limited range of data received from a small number of sensors, most only allow full actions—flexion or extension—but when more data is available, the device will be able to interpret it more diversely and broadly, and prostheses will gain new capabilities—they, as "artificial limbs," will be able to assume intermediate states.

The use of sensors that read brain signals using EEG will also contribute to the improvement of bionic prostheses.

"We reviewed existing studies on the correlation between signals generated in the brain and limb movement, since the initial intention for movement originates in the central nervous system. Scientists have identified a direct correlation between the impulse and the movement of a specific body part. A complete picture of movement intention was obtained. Knowing this, we can calculate the impulse in the user's brain directed, for example, to move one finger of a prosthetic hand. We based our further research on this," explained Pavel Bortnikov.

Capturing signals using both methods and converting them into movement will expand the capabilities of the system being developed by young scientists. Using EMG, the signal from the arm muscles will be read after it has passed through the body from the brain, while EEG will allow the signal to be "read" directly from the brain instantly—even before it reaches the muscle in the limb. Commercial bionic hand prostheses rarely use EEG. Over the past ten years, few studies have been conducted to interpret the data obtained using this method, but in those cases, signals from the brain were captured using chips implanted in the user's head. The user could control the movement of a three-axis bionic prosthesis placed on a tabletop using thought alone.

"By supplementing the system with surface sensors installed on the same limb, the accuracy of signal interpretation will dramatically improve. Our goal was to create prosthetics that not only functioned like a real hand but were also comfortable. It was important that the entire sensor system be lightweight and user-friendly, with no wires entangling the user's body, as movement signals would be read from the user's head. This was a challenging task, as the sensor array would be bulky. We needed to make it lightweight and easy to use. Therefore, from an engineering perspective, we explored the possibility of wirelessly transmitting signals from the sensors to the prosthesis with minimal latency. Ultimately, we decided to create individual modules that would wirelessly transmit data to a computing module," said Alexander Sartakov.

The developers envision a device for recording EEG readings, consisting of a cap containing dry electrodes. Another set of sensors, for recording EMG signals directly from the limb muscles, will be attached to a tightly fitting elastic fabric that fits around the arm like a wide bracelet. These two components of the signal-reading system will collect information and transmit it to a computing module. It is assumed that the computing module in the current concept could be a device capable of processing neural networks at a sufficiently high speed. The creators of the device are considering the possibility of integrating this computing unit into a smartphone.

From there, the final control signal will be sent to the prosthesis itself. As with existing systems, the new development will operate using pre-defined algorithms, but it should now be more precise and functional due to the greater volume of information collected by the sensors.

The project is currently in the feasibility study phase. Young researchers have interpreted and analyzed open-source data from the internet and are now planning to collect as many signals as possible from a real person, then combine them in a specific way. Signal processing and noise removal sequences have been selected, and a basic RL neural network has been written for this purpose.

The creators of the new signal reading system face a major challenge: adapting it to urban environments. Laboratory conditions are ideal for signal reading because they avoid noise and interference. In open spaces, extraneous sounds and signals, including those from nearby areas, are added. Even noise from clothing can affect signal interpretation.

"It's impossible to statically separate a signal from extraneous noise and interference in order to interpret it. Therefore, to eliminate unwanted elements, we plan to use mathematical extraction. Rather than taking a pure signal, we transform the "contaminated" signal into a numerical array using specific methods and then feed it into a neural network. RL is a reinforcement learning model that can adjust weights during operation to better interpret the data in a specific environment. We've done this for both sensors reading signals from the upper limb muscles and for reading signals coming from the brain," explained Alexander Sartakov.

It will take two to three years to create a prototype system, but initially, the young researchers need to determine whether it is suitable for use in open areas, rather than in laboratory conditions. If the results are positive, collaboration is planned with the Russian cybermedical company Motorika, which specializes in the creation of general-purpose prosthetics. It was this company that initiated this project.

Material prepared by: Elena Panfilo, NSU press service

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Source: Novosibirsk State University –

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A meeting of the Council of Vice-Rectors for Youth Policy and Educational Activities of Universities of the Novosibirsk Region was held at NSU on March 18. The meeting discussed current issues of volunteer work, military-patriotic education, and the development of youth entrepreneurship.

In his welcoming address, NSU Rector and Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Dmitry Pyshny noted that youth policy has recently become increasingly important, acquiring national significance. Vice-rectors for youth policy and educational activities are at the forefront of student engagement. Universities in the Novosibirsk region have accumulated extensive experience in this area.

"You are now becoming not only the organizers of the educational process, but also the force that determines youth engagement policy. For this work to be effective, it's important to view young people not as objects of influence, but as full partners, engaging the active student body in your work. It will be much easier for them to work with their peers than for older generations, because they understand what we might not expect, and they are the ones who will be able to find the right words and the right approaches to their peers," Dmitry Pyshny told the vice-rectors.

Svetlana Korolkova, Deputy Head of the Youth Policy Department of the Novosibirsk Region (NSO), spoke to those present about current youth policy challenges. She explained how volunteer and volunteer activity is analyzed on the platform. Dobro.rfCurrently, 17 Novosibirsk region universities are registered on the platform. Their activity on the platform is assessed based on three key indicators: the number of events organized, the number of volunteers involved, and the number of hours volunteered. Svetlana Korolkova noted that the platform is currently imperfect, as it does not allow for a comprehensive analysis of university activities in this area, and assessing only three key indicators is insufficient.

She also emphasized that achieving high results in the development of volunteer and volunteer activities by universities is difficult without building effective channels: no matter how active the volunteer corps is, achieving high efficiency without the participation of department heads is problematic.

Svetlana Korolkova proposed that the vice-rectors focus their efforts on developing student tourism. The first introductory webinar was held in March of this year, attended by nine universities in the Novosibirsk region. It was noted that the strongest tourism clubs are organized at Novosibirsk State University and Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University. A proposal was made to organize an inter-university event as part of this effort. The next webinar will take place in the coming days. The information presented during this training session will help those interested in starting a student tourism club from scratch.

In her speech, Svetlana Korolkova mentioned the large-scale project "Yunost.art Art Residency," which received support from the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh) as part of the national project "Youth and Children." It was made possible by the region's victory in the All-Russian competition for comprehensive youth policy development programs, "Region for the Young." This offsite event will be held from April 18 to 22 at the Oleg Koshevoy Educational Park. Young people aged 18 to 35 are welcome to participate. The program will cover several areas: theater, music, fine arts, architecture, photography, video, and art management. The best projects emerging from this session will receive comprehensive resource support for their further implementation. Applications will be accepted until April 5, and NSU students are invited to participate in this creative event.

Tatyana Lukina, Vice Rector for Youth Policy and Educational Work at Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University, discussed tools for developing volunteerism at a higher education institution. She believes that successful development of the volunteer movement at the university requires creating a supportive environment where everyone feels part of a team. This can be achieved by holding events that foster connections between volunteers and create a comfortable working atmosphere. It's crucial to establish a clear organizational structure and formulate clear rules. It's crucial to provide volunteers with a variety of job openings and opportunities so they can choose a direction that matches their interests and skills. Young people should also be provided with opportunities to participate in regional and national projects and build a system of support and recognition. Developing leadership and initiative also contributes to the effectiveness of this work.

Elena Vovk, Vice Rector for Youth Policy at the Siberian University of Consumer Cooperatives, shared her experience organizing a military-patriotic club. The "Bars" military-patriotic club opened at the university last November, but its cadets have achieved remarkable results in such a short time thanks to their participation in a number of military-patriotic and military-sports events at both the city and interuniversity levels.

"The club's main focus is law enforcement. This is not surprising, as our university's law faculty is the largest, and the largest number of students are enrolled in the Law Enforcement program," said Elena Vovk.

Vyacheslav Gorchakov, curator of the federal youth entrepreneurship development program "I'm in Business" in the Novosibirsk Region, spoke about the implementation of the federal youth entrepreneurship development program at Novosibirsk universities. This program aims to create and nurture a new generation of leaders, mentors, and individuals who will create projects and develop businesses within the region.

"Seventy-two regions of the Russian Federation are participating in the program, with the Novosibirsk Region being a key one. The importance of our large-scale project is demonstrated by the fact that 47% of young people under 25 want to become entrepreneurs, but only 27% positively assess the opportunities for self-fulfillment in their region," explained Vyacheslav Gorchakov.

He also discussed the program's implementation logic, key events, and educational tracks for Season 9, which includes a four-week module for project team mentors, an educational entrepreneurship game at universities, an eight-week training module within the federal "I'm in Business" program, and other activities aimed at developing entrepreneurial skills and creating successful commercial projects.

Vice-Rector for youth policy and educational work of NSU Olga Yakovleva invited the International Friendship Clubs of Novosibirsk universities to participate in the annual International Youth Forum "Interweek," which will be held at NSU in late April 2026.

"The forum's events, held during the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, are aimed at fostering youth in the spirit of interethnic friendship, as well as fostering dialogue and mutual understanding. Possible formats for participation include organizing an interactive platform in the tent city and participating in the concert program on the International Arbat, as well as university sports teams participating in the InterGames Student Sports Festival," explained Olga Yakovleva.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Source: Novosibirsk State University –

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Employees Center for Artificial Intelligence of Novosibirsk State University (CAI NSU) Received a state registration certificate for a mathematical model of a heating network designed to analyze and optimize the operation of heating systems. The new tool will enable more accurate predictions of emergency situations in infrastructure operation, reduce energy losses, and improve the efficiency of utility system management.

The development is a so-called model heating network—a digital object that can be used to test various calculation and control algorithms without risking real-world assets. This model is not tied to a specific city, but reproduces the key characteristics of real-world heating systems.

"This is a kind of virtual testing ground where we test various approaches to calculating and analyzing heating networks. It allows us to study processes that are difficult or expensive to investigate in real-world conditions, as well as conduct initial testing of the solutions our developers are developing," explained Alexander Dekterev, head of the Krasnoyarsk branch of the Institute of Thermophysics SB RAS and senior researcher at the NSU Center for Innovative Research.

Furthermore, using this model network, scientists create extensive databases reflecting the system's behavior under various scenarios—from changing weather conditions or network loads to various emergency situations. This data is then used to train neural networks, which can then quickly predict the state of the heating network and offer optimal solutions to operators.

"As we know, before using a neural network on real utility infrastructure facilities, where it can quickly assess how the system is changing and the consequences of such changes for both the heat supplier and the consumer, it needs to be trained. Our model network is well suited to this task, as it has sufficient databases of both normal operating conditions and emergency scenarios," Dekterev noted.

We previously reported that the NSU Artificial Intelligence Center, in collaboration with the Federal State Unitary Enterprise "Department of Energy and Water Supply," is implementing a project to digitalize the heating system in the Sovetsky District of Novosibirsk. As part of this project, a digital model of a specific network section is being created (Figure 2), which will enable real-time monitoring of operating parameters, leak detection, and prediction of potential accidents.

Such solutions are particularly in demand in the housing and utilities sector, where deteriorating infrastructure is coupled with the need for uninterrupted supply to consumers. The use of digital models and artificial intelligence algorithms allows not only for faster response to emergency situations but also for proactive prevention, reducing repair and maintenance costs.

The patent awarded marks an important milestone in the NSU Center for Information Technologies' work in this area: the creation of a universal model for developing methods for analyzing and managing utility infrastructure. The next step will be the development of digital twins for specific heating networks, taking into account their individual characteristics.

According to the developers, in addition to the joint project with FSUE UEV, a similar project is expected to launch this year with the participation of the Novosibirsk mayor's office. The technology could potentially be scaled up to other cities. This will improve the reliability of heat supply, reduce energy losses, and make urban infrastructure management more efficient.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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From March 16 to 20, Senior Research Fellow NTI Center for New Functional Materials (CNFM) of NSU Sergey Chupin and Denis Kozlov, Director of the NSU Center for Scientific Physics and Mathematics, visited Kaliningrad and the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University (IKBFU), where they conducted research and discussed the prospects for the industrial implementation of MWCNT-containing materials with Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University Rector Maxim Demin and Pavel Pogrebnyakov, Director of the innovative enterprise Ampertex.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are a unique allotrope of carbon. Even small additions of this substance to a wide variety of materials can impart new, unique properties. NSU's Center for Scientific Physics and Mathematics is developing methods for introducing MWCNTs into materials and studying how this changes their properties.

"Our university's new campus plans to significantly expand research in polymer, composite, and functional nanomaterials, as well as in chemical power sources using MWCNTs. Therefore, our collaboration with NSU is important to us," said Maxim Demin during a tour of the IKBFU campus under construction.

Pavel Pogrebnyakov noted that his company, Ampertex, which produces unique products based on polymer conductive threads with carbon nano-additives, is interested in the prospects of using MWCNTs as such nano-additives.

"Following the visit, we plan to sign a consortium agreement between NSU and the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University in the field of 'Modeling Technologies and Development of New Functional Materials with Predetermined Properties,' as well as conduct research and development work jointly with Ampertex," commented Denis Kozlov.

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At Novosibirsk State University, for the first time, two teachers of the Jurisprudence program Faculty of Economics (EF) Ekaterina Shekhtman and Mikhail Morozov were awarded the title of "Industrial Associate Professor at NSU." This title is awarded to specialists with extensive experience in the real sector of the economy, who actively participate in the educational process and help develop practice-oriented education at the university.

Ekaterina Shekhtman is a senior lecturer at the NSU Faculty of Economics, a patent attorney for the Russian Federation and the Eurasian Patent Office, and a specialist with over 20 years of experience in intellectual property. She graduated from the NSU Faculty of Economics with a degree in jurisprudence and also earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Turin, Italy.

Today, Ekaterina Lvovna heads the Shekhtman law firm and represents clients in court, including the Intellectual Property Court and the Patent Dispute Chamber. Her clients include major Russian companies such as Sibirsky Gurman, TION, BKS, and others. She is also actively involved in the development of legal education: she teaches at Novosibirsk State University, co-authored an online course on intellectual property, and is involved in the implementation of a master's program related to the legal protection of intellectual property.

Mikhail Morozov is a recognized expert in Russia in the field of arbitration procedural law and alternative dispute resolution. He has served as an arbitrator for over 25 years, and has handled over 2,500 cases.

He is the founder and director of the ANO "Center for Arbitration Proceedings," one of the oldest arbitration courts in Russia, and the creator of the "National Arbitration Chamber" association, which unites arbitration courts across the country. Under his leadership, innovative approaches to dispute resolution were introduced, including the use of online tools, and the center itself is among the largest in terms of the number of cases handled.

Mikhail Morozov participated in the development of arbitration legislation, is the author of over 60 scientific papers, and regularly speaks at national and international conferences. He has received several awards, including the title of "Honored Lawyer of the Novosibirsk Region."

He actively shares his practical expertise with NSU students:

"I've always tried to impart abstract knowledge to students, rather than engage them in solving specific, sometimes complex, problems, demonstrating how to apply the acquired knowledge in practice," notes Mikhail Morozov. "This makes the lessons engaging, and they develop an understanding that even unusual problems can be solved."

According to him, the award of the title of Industrial Associate Professor reflects the university's approach:

“This is a recognition that NSU is focused on practice, not on the transfer of ‘bare’ knowledge.

Speaking about the training of future lawyers, he emphasizes the importance of independent thinking:

"The most important thing at the learning stage is to learn to think. For example, you can't rely entirely on artificial intelligence: it's important to first solve the problem yourself, and only then use AI to check it."

Today, in his opinion, the legal profession is changing rapidly:

On the one hand, specialization is increasing, but on the other, generalists are always in demand. Furthermore, competition is growing not only among lawyers but also with AI, so it's important to constantly evolve.

Mikhail Morozov has worked at NSU's Faculty of Economics for over 25 years, teaching courses on civil law and arbitration proceedings, developing curricula, and preparing students for professional competitions, where NSU teams regularly win prizes.

The award of the title "Industrial Associate Professor of NSU" emphasizes the importance of integrating practical experience into the educational process and strengthens the university's connection with the professional community.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Scientists from the NSU Climate Center studied the forest productivity of the foothill subtaiga forests of Western Siberia. The study revealed that the grass layer in these ecosystems plays a more significant role than previously thought, suggesting that the grass cover can act as an additional, significant and effective reservoir of carbon accumulation.

The background forest communities of the foothill subtaiga of Western Siberia, located on the right bank of the Ob River in the Novosibirsk Region, were studied. These forests are called hemiboreal or subtaiga: they differ from boreal (more northern) forests by their dense and multispecies grass cover, which can reach a height of 110 cm.

The research was conducted in two experimental forests: aspen and birch.

During the peak grass growth period, which occurs in the second half of July, the researchers cut all grass in the survey plots, sorted it by species, and dried it to a completely dry state. The species richness of vascular plants ranged from 45 to 60 species per 400 square meters, but their actual contribution to the biomass was unevenly distributed. The aboveground productivity of grass biomass is approximately 2.4 tons per hectare. Just two dominant plants—bracken fern (Pteridium pinetorum) and ground elder (Aegopodium podagraria)—account for approximately 80% of its total volume. Five additional plant species each contributed more than 1%. The remaining 30 species collectively account for no more than 6.7% of the biomass.

"The study revealed a number of important and largely unexpected patterns in the structure and functioning of birch and aspen forests. Despite noticeable differences in the external appearance of these communities, their grass layers were virtually identical in both species composition and mass. This grass layer pattern indicates ecosystem stability even when the dominant tree species changes," said Nikolai Lashchinsky, chief researcher at the Carbon Polygon research center, part of the NSU Climate Center.

The scientists paid particular attention to the ratio of phytomass between different layers. The mass of the annually regrowing herbaceous layer in these forests is comparable to, and in some cases exceeds, the mass of foliage in the tree canopies. Thus, the herbaceous layer represents a photosynthetically active layer, comparable in efficiency to the tree canopies.

"No less significant is the conclusion about the uniqueness of Siberian subtaiga forests. The productivity of their herbaceous layer significantly exceeds similar indicators in European broadleaf forests and is significantly higher than in boreal taiga forests. This allows us to consider the small-leaved forests of the Western Siberian subtaiga as unique forest ecosystems, with two equally active layers of photosynthetic activity—the tree stand and the herbage layer. This makes these forests extremely effective in sequestering atmospheric carbon and maintaining biodiversity," explained Nikolai Lashchinsky.

Material prepared by: Elena Panfilo, NSU press service

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Today, a delegation from St. Petersburg visited Novosibirsk State University. The visit was part of the Days of the Northern Capital program in the Novosibirsk Region. The delegation included Mikhail Mastin, Advisor for Resident and Investor Relations at ITMO Highpark JSC; Yuri Snisarenko, Director of the Foundation for the Support of Scientific, Technical, and Innovative Activities of St. Petersburg; Elena Khlestkina, Director of the Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources; and Galina Nasyrova, Head of the Department of Science Policy and Innovation in Science and Education at the Committee for Science and Higher Education of St. Petersburg.

The Days of St. Petersburg in the Novosibirsk Region are taking place from March 18 to 20. The event aims to exchange experiences in scientific and technological development and strengthen direct contacts between research and educational institutions in the two regions. On the first day, delegation members visited the Aerosoyuz Group of Companies, where they attended a presentation on precision farming systems and held a working meeting with Vice Governor Irina Manuilova.

The key event was the introduction to the scientific and educational complex of Novosibirsk State University. On the territory modern campus The guests visited the NSU lecture hall building and inspected the new scientific infrastructure facilities built within the framework of the national project "Youth and Children", as well as Demonstration center for new technologies in the field of artificial intelligence And scientific and educational center Evolution of the EarthIn addition, the guests learned about the history of the Novosibirsk Scientific Center and the founding of the university by visiting NSU History Museum.

The delegation members praised the university's infrastructure and noted that Novosibirsk State University's experience in integrating education, science, and innovation is of great interest to their St. Petersburg colleagues. They noted that the laboratories and shared-use centers they saw demonstrate an effective model for training personnel for knowledge-intensive industries, and joint projects in genetics, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence could be the next step in developing cooperation between universities in the two regions.

The three-day visit program includes a tour of the region's cutting-edge scientific infrastructure. In the coming days, the delegation will visit the SKIF Shared Use Center, a unique synchrotron radiation source, as well as the Novosibirsk Akademgorodok technology park (Akadempark), and the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. They will also be introduced to the achievements of innovative companies in the region.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.