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Source: Novosibirsk State University –

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Novosibirsk State University is developing lightweight, aesthetically pleasing, and functional cosmetic overlays for leg and thigh prostheses. The project received 1 million rubles in funding from the federal Student Startup competition.

The idea for the project came about in research group of biomechanics and medical engineering(headed by Vladimir Sergeevich Serdyukov), which is based at the Mathematical Center in Akademgorodok and Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies of NSU is engaged in the development of new solutions and technologies, including digital ones, in the field of limb prosthetics and rehabilitation of amputees.

"By working with rehabilitation centers, we discovered that people with amputations want to disguise the medical appearance of their prosthetics, and existing solutions don't fully address this need—they're either too expensive, offer a limited selection of designs, or are difficult to access in Russia," said Yegor Nikolenko, a third-year student at the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics (FMM) and laboratory assistant at the NSU Institute of Mechanics and Mathematics (IMMT), describing the project's origins.

Currently, 3D printing is typically used to manufacture overlays. The key technological advantage of the solution proposed at NSU is its use of polyurethane casting in molds with a relief. This technology allows for faster and more cost-effective production compared to 3D printing, which positively impacts the final cost of the product. Polyurethane also offers other important advantages: it is affordable, wear-resistant, hypoallergenic, and lightweight.

Another important point: most manufacturers of similar polyurethane foam pads only offer options in a standard nude color scheme. These are designed to follow the anatomical contours of the shin and mimic the natural appearance of the leg. Colored options are also available, but they are typically made of plastic.

Work on the project began at the end of last academic year. The team currently consists of four people: third-year students at the Faculty of Mathematics and Mechanics of NSU, Yegor Nikolenko, Sofia Valieva, and Tatyana Shashkina, and a master's student at the Faculty of Mathematics and Mechanics of NSU, Danil Tishchenko. Material samples have already been purchased for strength and wear resistance testing, and work has begun on the technical concept and design of the models. The team is also actively testing materials, practicing the technology for attaching the onlay to the prosthesis, and mastering 3D modeling software.

The technological process for manufacturing onlays includes the following steps: creating a 3D model with a unique relief; producing a prototype mold on a 3D printer; casting liquid polyurethane into the mold with pigment of the desired color; polymerization; and developing a universal attachment system for the prosthesis. This simple and easily scalable technology allows for quick and cost-effective design changes.

"Our product solves two main problems. Firstly, aesthetics and psychology—visually disguising the mechanical structure and, most importantly, providing the user with a tool for self-expression through the choice of designs and colors. This reduces stigma and increases psychological comfort, allowing the prosthesis to be perceived as part of personal style rather than a medical device. This is relevant given the growing demand for customization and improving the quality of life for people with prosthetics. Secondly, it addresses functionality, meaning protecting the expensive prosthesis from external influences," added Yegor Nikolenko.

Within a year, the project will result in the creation of full-size prototypes that have been tested by patients at the Novosibirsk branch of the Moscow Prosthetic and Orthopaedic Enterprise and the Orthos Scientific and Educational Center. The developers hope that their product will be in demand both by end users—people with lower leg or femur amputations—and by orthopedic and prosthetic clinics and rehabilitation centers.

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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Novosibirsk State University and the largest grid company in the Sovetsky District of Novosibirsk, the Federal State Unitary Enterprise "Energy and Water Supply Management," have signed a cooperation agreement.

"We are interested in the dynamic development of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise UEV, and therefore are ready to support joint projects, including those within the NSU Center for Artificial Intelligence. This organization has recently undergone positive changes, and it is very important for us that UEV continues to operate at the same dynamic pace," commented NSU Rector and RAS Academician Mikhail Fedoruk.

"In the first stage, we will build a heat supply model for a specific heating district, which will allow us, firstly, to monitor and manage the parameters of the centralized heating system, and secondly, to predict the occurrence of various non-standard situations," said Alexander Lyulko, Director of the NSU Center for Artificial Intelligence.

The model, using sensors already installed in the experimental area, will clearly and accurately identify emerging leaks in real time, reducing detection and response time. Precise parameters of current consumption will allow for the regulation of heat supply, ensuring the required temperature in all users' spaces while avoiding unnecessary costs.

Energy is a fairly conservative industry, and the cost of error can be very high, as it involves supplying heat and water to thousands of residents of apartment buildings. Therefore, the initial phase will involve developing a model for a single heating district. If this pilot project is successful, FSUE UEV is prepared to quickly scale it up to other parts of its infrastructure.

"This is a very important project for us. Following its implementation, we plan to digitalize our networks as much as possible, which will allow us to make decisions more quickly, reduce the time it takes to resolve emergency situations, and significantly improve the efficiency of our services. Overall, we will have a more objective picture of the state of our systems, which will allow us to better plan and execute our work," emphasized Dmitry Burdenko, Director of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise UEV.

Recently, the university and the science city of Koltsovo launched a similar project to create a system for monitoring the condition of heating networks and predicting potential accidents and heat leaks, also integrating it with a digital assistant.

The successful implementation of such pilot projects at the Koltsovo and Akademgorodok sites will allow us to discuss the future replication of this approach.

"Virtually every municipality in our country faces similar challenges, and, of course, solutions that have already been tested elsewhere will generate significantly greater interest. The Center is now entering a phase where we are moving from theoretical work to creating concrete digital products and services based on this research, embracing the use of artificial intelligence in urban management and the construction industry. As a reminder, the practical application of our developments was one of the key conditions for opening the Center," concluded Alexander Lyulko.

The university expects to receive the first results of its collaboration with the Koltsovo municipal service providers and the Federal State Unitary Enterprise UEV in the near future.

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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The third annual PhysFest science festival took place at NSU's main building. It was organized by students and young scientists. Faculty of Physics of NSUThe main goal of the event was to popularize physics among schoolchildren and young people. A popular science lecture, unique demonstrations, master classes, interactive exhibitions, and a PhysQuest, which awarded a gift from the organizers, were all part of the big physics day at NSU. Around 600 guests from the city, the surrounding region, and nearby areas visited the university that day to gain a closer understanding of the fascinating world of science.

"Physics is an absolutely remarkable science; it allows our entire civilization to exist, develop, and navigate the various dangers that lie in its path. Physics also contains ironclad laws that have been tested in countless ways. The most important things in our lives are loved ones we can rely on and trust, and I hope that physics will become a similarly familiar field of study for you," Vladimir Blinov, Dean of the Physics Department at NSU, greeted the participants.

This is the third PhysFest for Mikhail Ognev, a first-year student at the NSU Physics Department. He has been attending the festival since its inception: previously as a guest, and this year as a volunteer and department representative.

"From early childhood, I wanted to become an inventor and contribute to society. I first learned about the university when I attended a physics olympiad in 7th grade. My teacher said that NSU produces very special and versatile talent. It seemed surreal to me at the time; I never thought I'd ever be a Physics Faculty student. My teacher also knew I loved physics. It was she who once advised me to attend PhysFest. The first time I attended, I was particularly impressed by Evgeny Ivanovich Palchikov's physics demonstrations," Mikhail Ognev recalled.

At a meeting with leading scientists and experts in various fields of physics, Elena Starostina, a researcher at the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics SB RAS and a senior lecturer in the Department of General Physics at the Physics Department of Novosibirsk State University, gave a lecture on radiation, which penetrates all substances and permeates all areas of science, revealing its potential.

PhysFest's tradition is physics demonstrations, and each year the set of experiments varies. This year, Professor Evgeny Palchikov demonstrated an underwater explosion, the first X-ray machine, and a vortex gun. Some audience members even had the opportunity to try firing one themselves.

"Physics, chemistry, and biology are natural sciences because they surround us and exist in nature. However, their laws were invented by humans to predict the results of experiments before they were conducted. Without such predictions, it's impossible to create a car or a washing machine by trial and error. Models developed by physicists allow for precise predictions, which often prove correct and help, for example, in the development of an airplane engine. Importantly, physical models are interesting and valuable precisely when they allow them to predict new events that have not yet occurred. Our goal is to inspire young people to study physics. Personally, I can say that young people are interested in this science, and year after year they come to the festival and subsequently enroll in our physics department," said Evgeny Palchikov.

In October, as part of PhysFest, young researchers will take tours of the G. I. Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics and the S. A. Khristianovich Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, and will also participate in the PhysFest Olympiad.

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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Stanford University's updated 2024 World's Top 2% Scientists ranking includes 13 Novosibirsk State University scientists (full-time and part-time employees who indicate their affiliation with NSU in their publications). The ranking annually analyzes their citation impact and scientific activity to identify the most influential researchers in their fields.

The ranking represents the top 2% of the world's most cited scientists according to the Scopus/Elsevier core. The composite c-score indicator takes into account the total number of citations, the h-index, the hm-index adjusted for co-authorship, and the order of co-authors. The ranking was compiled without taking into account self-citations and was based on standardized indicators for each field of science.

Citation impact was assessed across 22 research areas and 174 sections according to the standard Science-Metrix classification. The work of millions of researchers worldwide was analyzed; the ranking contains a list of over 230,000 scientists. Impact indicators were calculated for the scientist's entire career and for the past year. Many NSU part-time researchers are listed in the ranking as employees of SB RAS institutes; therefore, the NSU list could have been significantly broader.

The 2024 ranking for the entire career of a scientist included (as representatives of NSU):

Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Evgenievich Bondar (ranking position 55645, h=137)

Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Viktor Sergeevich Fadin (85813, h=43)

Candidate of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences Inna Yuryevna Safonova (103141, h=39)

Doctor of Chemical Sciences Nina Pavlovna Gritsan (140135, h=41)

Candidate of Chemical Sciences Valery Anatolyevich Drebushchak (183029, h=27)

Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Sergei Mikhailovich Kobtsev (185063, h=33)

Doctor of Technical Sciences Boris Yakovlevich Ryabko (198418, h=18)

Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Evgeny Anatolyevich Chinnov (229872, h=19)

The 2024 ranking for the last year included NSU scientists:

Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Evgenievich Bondar (75433)

Candidate of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences Inna Yuryevna Safonova (81272)

Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Sergei Mikhailovich Kobtsev (137508)

Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Viktor Sergeevich Fadin (160114)

Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Georgy Ivanovich Lazorenko (168833, h=21)

Candidate of Chemical Sciences Valery Anatolyevich Drebushchak (175640)

Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Valery Yakovlevich Rudyak (192143, h=29)

Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Dmitry Vladimirovich Churkin (213402, h=39)

Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Alexander Vladimirovich Dostovalov (233554, h=25)

Doctor of Biological Sciences Mikhail Georgievich Sergeev (235200, h=10)

The first two positions from NSU in the ranking for the entire career of a scientist are occupied by former deans Faculty of Physics of NSU Alexander Evgenievich Bondar (2010–2020) and Viktor Sergeevich Fadin (1993–1998).

Alexander Evgenievich Bondar is a renowned specialist in high-energy and elementary particle physics, having made significant contributions to the development of experimental methods. He proposed and successfully implemented a spectrometer at the VEPP-4M with unique energy resolution for recording scattered electrons, and developed a method for creating electromagnetic calorimeters based on cesium iodide crystals.

Viktor Sergeevich Fadin is a leading specialist in theoretical physics. He studied a number of quantum electrodynamic processes experimentally observed in colliding electron-positron beams and discovered and investigated the coherence effect in the emission of soft gluons in quantum chromodynamics.

Inna Yuryevna Safonova is a renowned expert in geotectonics, geochemistry, and geochronology. Her research focuses on the geology and tectonics of the Central Asian Fold Belt, the evolution of ancient oceans and mantle magmatism, isotope geochronology, and the geochemistry and isotopy of oceanic, island-arc, and intraplate igneous rocks.

Nina Pavlovna Gritsan is a leading specialist in the field of studying the mechanisms of photochemical transformations of organic compounds using experimental spectroscopic methods and theoretical quantum chemical calculations.

Valery Anatolyevich Drebushchak – Associate Professor of the Department of Solid State Chemistry Faculty of Natural Sciences of NSU, a specialist in the field of thermal analysis in solid state chemistry.

Sergey Mikhailovich Kobtsev is the head of the Department of Laser Physics and Innovative Technologies at NSU and an expert in photonics, fiber optics, and nonlinear optics. He is an honorary member and distinguished reviewer of the International Optical Society (OSA).

Boris Yakovlevich Ryabko's research interests lie in applied mathematics, information theory, cryptography, and mathematical biology. He is one of the world's leading experts in information theory.

Evgeny Anatolyevich Chinnov is a specialist in the field of heat exchange processes, two-phase flows, film flows, micro- and nanostructured surfaces.

Over the past five years, the scale of NSU's in-house research activities has grown to a level comparable to its educational activities, and science and research are now the university's second core activity. One indicator confirming this is the high publication activity of NSU scientists. Thus, by the end of 2024, more than 1,760 publications had been published in SCOPUS journals, more than 1,300 in Web of Science, and more than 1,970 in the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI). Moreover, the share of publications in the most prestigious and highly ranked scientific journals (Q1 and Q2 SCOPUS) was approximately 60%. The number of citations in SCOPUS reached almost 2,000. Importantly, since 2018, the number of NSU's own publications (without co-authorship with employees of SB RAS research institutes) has increased by 30%, and now they account for approximately 20% of the total number of publications with NSU participation. The inclusion of 13 NSU researchers on the list of the world's most highly cited scientists demonstrates that NSU is working in cutting-edge areas and at a high international level, commented NSU Rector and RAS Academician Mikhail Fedoruk.

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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Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

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A team of researchers from NSU has created a new environmentally friendly building material that could potentially replace traditional cement. The first prototypes are already ready, and plans call for industrial production of the new material. The project, led by a graduate student, Faculty of Geology and Geophysics Stepan Denisov, a professor at NSU's Department of Geology and Geophysics, "Development of a Single-Component Binding Material Based on Industrial Ash and Slag Waste," won the federal Student Startup competition. The amount of support provided for the coming year will amount to 1 million rubles.

The project is unique in that the new building material is made entirely from industrial waste, specifically coal ash—the residue generated by the combustion of solid fuels (coal, peat, and oil shale) in thermal power plants, boiler houses, and other industrial installations. Thus, waste that had accumulated in landfills for years, polluting the environment, is transformed into a useful, high-quality construction product.

"The project's idea arose at the intersection of two major issues. First, there's the waste problem: Russia has accumulated approximately 2 billion tons of ash and slag waste alone, and it's growing by 60 million tons every year. Only a small portion—about 15%—is recycled. These waste dumps occupy vast areas. Second, there's the environmental issue of the cement industry: conventional cement production is a highly energy-intensive process, accounting for approximately 8% of all global CO₂ emissions. Our project addresses both issues simultaneously: recycling waste and simultaneously creating a "green" alternative to cement, reducing the carbon footprint," explained Stepan Denisov.

Work on the project began over a year ago and is being conducted at the NSU Climate Center. The scientific director, responsible for the overall development and also a member of the startup team, is Georgy Lazarenko, PhD, Director of the NSU Climate Center. The startup team also includes Matvey Trutnev, a master's student at the Faculty of Geology and Geophysics, Dmitry Goryainov, a PhD student at the Faculty of Geology and Geophysics, and Yakov Ermolov, PhD, in Engineering.

A laboratory technology has now been developed, and the first prototypes of the material have been produced. The technology consists of ash and slag, crushed into powder, mixed with special activators. Then, when mixed with water, a chemical reaction—geopolymerization—is initiated. The result is a durable stone with properties similar to cement, but with its own advantages.

Preliminary tests of samples have already been conducted, the results of which have shown that in terms of such indicators as strength and water absorption, the new material fully complies with the stated requirements.

"In terms of strength (50 MPa), it is comparable to high-grade M500 cements, and its frost resistance can reach 300 cycles. Furthermore, the product has low water absorption (less than 5%), while most competitors' rates range from 5% to 18%. Furthermore, it offers flexible setting times—from 5 minutes to 7 hours—covering both quick repairs and standard construction needs. At the same time, its cost is among the lowest on the market, competing with standard M300-M400 Portland cements while offering the quality and properties of significantly more expensive specialized materials," added Stepan Denisov.

Similar materials to this material currently available on the market are so-called geopolymer binders, which are produced both in Russia and abroad. However, the key advantages of the material developed at NSU are its price and environmental friendliness, achieved through the use of 100% ash as a raw material and complete waste recycling.

The development will find application in various construction sectors—anywhere cement is used—for floor screeds, bricklaying, plastering, building block production, etc. Potential users include large industrial enterprises addressing waste disposal issues, as well as construction companies and individuals seeking a more affordable and environmentally friendly material.

The funds the team receives from the Student Startup competition will be used to conduct further, more in-depth testing of samples against all construction standards (frost resistance, corrosion resistance, etc.), purchase the necessary reagents and materials, patent the design, and manufacture the first batch of prototypes in commercial packaging (5, 10, and 25 kg bags). Future plans include launching industrial production of the construction mixture and processing up to 100,000 tons of ash and slag per year.

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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Artem Zavadko, a master's student at the NSU Advanced Engineering School, is developing a mobile system for searching for residual oil reserves, which are a crucial reserve for increasing oil production in Russia. A prototype of the device is already ready, and over the next year it will be modified, software for processing and interpreting the data will be developed, and testing will begin—first at geophysical testing sites and then at operating fields. The project was one of the winners of the federal "Student Startup" competition from the Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises and received a grant of 1 million rubles.

The system operates using near-field transient electromagnetic sounding (NFEES). This inductive pulsed electrical exploration technology relies on studying the transient field generated by changes in source current. During the survey, a transmitter and receiver loop are placed on the earth's surface. The transmitter loop pulses the current, creating a transient field or secondary currents propagating deep into the section, while the receiver loop records this signal. Using the contrasting electrical conductivity of rocks, information can be obtained on the reservoir properties and composition of formations. The obtained data is processed and interpreted, and then used to construct 2D and 3D section models. The advantages of this method over other geophysical methods include its relative low cost, the ability to obtain detailed depth sections, and high productivity.

Increasing oil recovery is a key objective in the later stages of field development. Seismic-based monitoring is an effective tool for optimizing production systems and monitoring fluid movement within the reservoir. However, seismic exploration costs can reach hundreds of millions of rubles, is time-consuming, and requires highly complex data processing and subsequent interpretation. For this reason, seismic exploration is more suitable for exploring new fields. When assessing the presence and volume of residual oil in reservoirs—that is, oil remaining in reservoirs after the field has been depleted—electrical prospecting is more suitable. Experts estimate that residual oil reserves in Russia could reach 40-60 billion tons.

"Our system is mobile, and we use a high-precision method based on near-field transient electromagnetic sounding. We plan to improve the existing prototype device, conduct testing at a geophysical site, and develop simplified data processing software. This system will allow us to pinpoint the location of residual oil traps with a high degree of accuracy. Similar mobile systems are not yet available on the Russian market," explained Artem Zavadko.

Artem Zavadko began working on the project two years ago as part of his thesis under the supervision of researcher Evgeny Valerievich Krupnov. A prototype has now been created, consisting of transmitter and receiver coils, a current meter, and a current switch. For now, the system operates using off-the-shelf software.

The system will operate as follows: a generator loop that generates a transient field will be mounted on the chassis of an all-terrain vehicle. A receiver will be located behind the generator, recording the received signal. After recording the secondary currents, they will undergo primary processing—cleaning them of interference; then, secondary data processing and interpretation will take place.

"The signals obtained after measurements contain information about the structure of the geological section due to the contrast in the medium's electrical conductivity. It is known that oil does not conduct electricity, while water-saturated rocks and formation fluids with high mineralization have low electrical resistivity. With proper data processing and integration of well data, the accuracy of interpretation can exceed 80%. Survey depths range from 500 to 1,500 meters, depending on the signal source's power and the section's electrical conductivity," explained Artem Zavadko.

Funds from the grant are planned to be used to refine the prototype to increase the depth of research. Extensive testing of the system will also be conducted at geophysical sites, and further improvements will be made based on the results. Simultaneously, simplified software will be developed in C, and a desktop version of the application will be created. Following successful completion of these tests, trials are planned for real fields.

The project will result in the creation of a mobile near-field transient electromagnetic sounding system, which will enable the acquisition of reliable, verified data. This data will be used to construct models identifying the location of residual oil reserves within strata. This development can also be used to search for ore minerals. The system will be used primarily by Russian geological exploration and service companies working with organizations in the fuel and energy sector.

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 new research project, "Development of a Diagnostic System for Assessing Ceramide Profiles to Detect Risks of Obesity Phenotype Development," has been launched at the NSU Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies. The project is being implemented with the support of the "Priority 2030" strategic academic leadership program. The work will be conducted using the infrastructure of the new NSU campus, which is being built as part of the national "Youth and Children" project.

Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by excess fat deposition in the body. According to experts at the World Health Organization, obesity is the non-communicable pandemic of the 21st century. The latest data from the World Obesity Federation indicate that, if current trends continue, at least 2.7 billion adults (approximately 38% of the global population) will be overweight by 2025. Of these, 177 million will be diagnosed with severe obesity, requiring medical attention.

However, the effectiveness of therapeutic approaches is limited, and the risk of relapse is quite high. Obesity is currently understood to be complex and results from the interaction of multiple factors (heredity, environment, behavior, etc.). Therefore, the treatment and prevention of obesity should focus on personalized predictive methods that can prevent the development of the obesity phenotype (the combination of external and internal signs, properties, and characteristics of the body). From this perspective, the study of the human lipidome (the complex of all lipids in cells, which provides comprehensive information on the body's health using mass spectrometry and bioinformatics) is of particular scientific interest.

"Recent research has focused on the role of lipids in the development of the obesity phenotype, which likely plays a key role in the prevention and treatment of obesity. Lipidome analysis has demonstrated not only the diversity of lipids in various biological tissues but also revealed complex relationships with obesity and its complications. As the obesity epidemic continues to spread and the incidence of obesity-related metabolic diseases increases, there is a need to find new diagnostic markers and targets for therapeutic intervention to change the current situation. This is the focus of the research project 'Development of a diagnostic system for assessing ceramide profiles to detect risks of developing the obesity phenotype,'" said Daria Podchinenova, Deputy Director of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, about the goals of the new project. Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies (IMMT) NSU.

This approach holds promise for the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases and the discovery of new therapeutic strategies and molecules. Currently, no similar diagnostic systems exist in Russia.

"Our research team has already obtained data showing that certain combinations of ceramides (lipid molecules involved in the regulation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism) have high diagnostic value for the development of the obesity phenotype. These methods need to be adapted for use in routine clinical practice," added Daria Podchinenova, project manager.

The research project is being implemented jointly with the Siberian State Medical University of the Russian Ministry of Health. The project team will include staff from NSU's Institute of Medical Technologies, graduate students, and undergraduate students.

"Developing the diagnostic system may take some time, but the first prototype is planned for 2026. It will include a ceramide detection system and a bioinformatics module that assesses the risk of developing an obesity phenotype," explained Yulia Samoylova, professor and director of the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies at NSU. "This is especially important for the implementation of technological leadership projects planned as part of the federal project 'Creating a Network of Modern Campuses.'"

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The results of the joint competition “X -ray, synchrotron, neutron methods for solving the problems of materials science” were summed up. This competition was organized by the Novosibirsk State University and the Siberian Department as part of the implementation of the research program (project) “Scientific justification and creation of infrastructure based on the use of synchrotron radiation for the diagnosis of functional and gradient materials”. It was attended by 29 projects in several relevant scientific areas, in particular, new and adapted methods for diagnosing the structure of the phase composition of functional-gradic materials, as well as materials obtained by the method of electron-beam additive production using synchrotron radiation, including the time of the study of the evolution of structural-phase composition and monitoring high -speed impulse impact. Also, the submitted projects touched on the hardware and technical equipment of experimental stations on the existing synchrotron infrastructure (stage) for their further adaptation on the source of the generation 4+ (TsKP SKIF). Also in youth projects, the results of comprehensive studies of the structure and properties of structural materials, metals, alloys obtained by the method of electron-beam additive production using synchrotron radiation were presented. Some works were devoted to the development of software, new approaches and algorithms for processing experimental data obtained using synchrotron radiation.

Projects were evaluated on a ten-point scale. Leading specialists from the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, research institutes, and the Siberian Ring Photon Source Center for Collective Use evaluated the competition entries and assigned scores. The competition committee was chaired by Academician Vasily Fomin, Deputy Chairman of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Scientific Director of the S. A. Khristianovich Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics. Based on the number of points earned, 12 projects by 13 authors were selected. The top six winners received a one-time financial award of 180,000 rubles, while those finishing in 7th through 12th place received 120,000 rubles each.

The diplomas were presented to the competition winners at a meeting of the Presidium of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Presenting the diplomas to the winners, SB RAS Chairman Academician Valentin Parmon expressed his hope that their work would be put into practice and, on behalf of the entire Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, congratulated the young scientists on their victory. Academician Vasily Fomin explained that the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences won a major grant, which NSU is also participating in. He clarified that the project's terms of reference stipulate that NSU will regularly hold competitions for young scientists for three years. Vasily Fomin also emphasized the importance of the current competition, the theme of which was related to their involvement in future work at the SKIF Collective Use Center.

"The winning projects primarily focus on the development of various diagnostic methods using X-ray and synchrotron radiation, as well as some materials research using these methods. This competition was organized by the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Novosibirsk State University (NSU) primarily to support the training of personnel for the SKIF Center for Collective Use, which will be launched in the near future. Accordingly, we need specialists proficient in research methods for various objects and capable of proposing new tasks for SKIF," commented Sergei Tsybulya, Deputy Dean of the NSU Faculty of Physics and Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences.

The following projects received one-time financial support in the amount of 180,000 rubles:

"Development and validation of a methodology for in-situ X-ray diagnostics of the thermal stability of metal-ceramic composites with time resolution." Project author: Ilya Gertsel;

"Development of a diffraction technique for studying functionally graded materials based on nickel alloys." Project author: Alexander Gorkusha;

"Development of an optical scheme for the SKIF Center for Collective Use's "Monocrystal" station for in situ and operando X-ray structural analysis with high spatial and temporal resolution." Project author: Grigory Zhdankin;

"Calculations of key parameters of the generating structure and design of an IR radiation output channel for the IR-diagnostics station project of the SKIF synchrotron source." Project author: Nikita Tashkeev;

"Study of the shock-wave compressibility of polytetrafluoroethylene using synchrotron radiation." Project author: Artur Asylkaev;

"Development of a Methodology for Studying the Internal Structure and Destruction Mechanisms of a Filled Polymer Composite Using Synchrotron Radiation." Project authors: Stanislav Lukin and Anastasia Iskova.

The following projects received one-time support in the amount of 120,000 rubles:

"A digital twin of a confocal X-ray microscope." Project author: Artem Sklyarov;

"In situ diffraction study of the reduction process of a mixed MnCu oxide catalyst." Project author: Valeria Konovalova;

“Optical diagram of the station “RFA-Geology” of the SKIF Center for Collective Use.” The author of the project is Yuri Khomyakov;

"The Effect of Temperature Gradient on the Structural and Phase Composition of Inconel 939 during Selective Laser Melting." Project Author: Arseniy Kolpakov;

"Study of the parameters of inhomogeneities and their influence on the sensitivity of energetic materials using microtomography." Project author: Nikolai Khlebanovsky;

"Prototype of a digital twin of the adjustable front-end mask of the SKIF Center for Collective Use." Project author: Dmitry Shakirov.

The competition winners briefly described their projects:

Grigory Zhdankin:

My project is dedicated to the design and calculation of the second-stage optical station at the SKIF "Monocrystal" Center for Collective Use. As its author, I needed to understand which combination of optical elements is optimal for generating a synchrotron radiation beam of the required size and intensity. Its key objective is to study molecular crystals using X-ray diffraction analysis under high pressure and low temperature conditions. Such studies are important for identifying the relationship between the structure of the substance being studied and its properties. Understanding this process will enable the development of new and improved drugs, as different polymorphic modifications have different properties that are important for the pharmaceutical industry. Photocrystallographic experiments under high pressure and low temperature conditions are also important for the creation of molecular switches. Winning this competition will help me realize my project.

Dmitry Shakirov:

The novelty of our project to create a digital twin of the adjustable mask at the SKIF Center for Collective Use lies in the fact that the entire facility (SKIF), including its components, is unique equipment, and digital twins of such equipment do not currently exist. The digital twin of the adjustable mask will be part of a comprehensive digital twin of the entire SKIF Center for Collective Use, which is being developed at the Institute of Computational Mathematics and Mathematical Geophysics (ICM&MG) SB RAS. The digital twin will significantly reduce the cost of servicing the facility and enable personnel training without damaging the physical product. The digital twin will enable virtual experiments and determine the performance of the facility in various situations, including emergency situations. The primary objective of achieving our project's stated goal is the creation and training of a neural network, which will serve as the basis for the digital twin of the adjustable mask. We decided to use a neural network to enable the simulation of virtual experiments in real time.

Stanislav Lukin:

The project I presented involves preparing samples of a particulate-filled polymer composite and conducting preliminary studies of their mechanical properties, taking into account the interfacial layer at the interface between the matrix and filler particles. Based on the results of this study, a preliminary design for an experiment at the synchrotron radiation source will be developed for in-situ investigation of the failure mechanisms and internal structure changes in the prepared samples under uniaxial tension. Further implementation of the experiment at the synchrotron radiation source will allow us to characterize changes in the properties of particulate-filled polymer composites under mechanical loading, and, consequently, changes in the properties of parts made from these materials during their use.

Artur Asylkaev:

— As part of the SKIF Center for Collective Use project, Station 1-3 "Fast Processes" will be installed by the end of 2025 to study phenomena such as the propagation of shock or detonation waves in a medium. Therefore, it is important to develop a method using synchrotron radiation to study the shock-wave compressibility of inert materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Given the widespread use of inert materials (including in aircraft construction), it is essential to study their response to ultra-high pressures (which can be achieved using explosives). The practical significance of my work lies in determining the density dynamics of PTFE under high shock-wave loads, since synchrotron radiation, unlike traditional methods, allows us to determine the process dynamics.

Alexander Gorkusha:

My project is devoted to developing a diffraction technique for studying functionally graded materials based on nickel alloys. Its novelty lies in adapting a traditional X-ray analysis approach to specific objects—relief samples with uneven surfaces, where classical approaches often produce significant errors. The project's importance lies in creating a laboratory technique that will enable highly accurate determination of crystal lattice parameters and quantitative phase analysis, which is critical for the development and testing of new materials.

Ilya Gertsel:

Thermal stability is a fundamental property that determines the reliability and durability of materials in various industries. My method, using synchrotron radiation, allows for experiments that closely approximate the operating conditions of materials (temporally resolved thermal loading of materials). This allows us to determine the operating temperature range of real products before they are put into service. Currently, both the experimental methodology itself and the software for data processing are underdeveloped; these issues will be addressed in the future as part of the project.

I am very pleased to have won this competition, as it now provides the opportunity to develop the proposed methods using the unique SKIF facility.

Yuri Khomyakov:

— The title of my project is "Optical Design of the RFA-Geology Station at the SKIF Collective Use Center." The second-stage RFA-Geology station is currently the only planned station at the SKIF Collective Use Center with a high-field shifter (8 T) as an insertion device. It is expected to operate in the energy range of ~40-120 keV with SR beam transverse dimensions from ~10 μm to ~10 cm. The station will implement the following methods: energy-dispersive diffraction, microdiffraction, micro-XRF (including in a confocal configuration), and computed tomography.

The deep penetration of hard X-rays with photon energies of approximately 100 keV opens up broad prospects for geological research, including the study of natural materials, enabling non-destructive analysis of dense macroscopic samples (minerals, melts) containing significant concentrations of high-atomic-number elements. Such samples include, for example, mantle xenoliths (including diamond-bearing ones), as well as fragments of alkaline rock complexes associated with deposits of rare and rare-earth metals.

The combination of hard X-ray methods available at the RFA-Geology station will enable visualization of the internal structure of rock samples and the spatial distribution of mineral phases, identification of individual minerals, including new ones, and determination of the relative orientation of crystalline grains. Furthermore, the station will be used to study the structure and physical properties of mantle matter, determine fundamental constants and PVT equations of state for crystalline substances, liquids, and fluids, and study the kinetics of chemical reactions in situ at high pressures and temperatures.

The objective of this study is to develop a coordinated X-ray optical design for the RFA-Geologiya station for the use of SR in the hard band. The study will address the following objectives: substantiated selection and optimization of the insertion device; selection of the optical design; matching of the X-ray optics to the source; description of the station's hardware and technology; and X-ray optical calculations.

The research results will be incorporated into the conceptual design of the RFA-Geology station, which will serve as the basis for developing technical documentation and manufacturing unique scientific equipment.

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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Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Mikhail Maslov, an engineer at the Vega Observatory at Novosibirsk State University, captured this image of Comet C/2025 A6 Lemmon, which is currently only visible through amateur telescopes early in the morning. It will be one of the most striking astronomical events of the fall: its peak brightness will occur in late October and early November.

The comet was discovered relatively recently: on January 3, 2025, at the Mount Lemmon Observatory (USA), hence its name. It is a long-period comet: its orbital period is currently 1,369 years. Its perihelion (the comet's closest orbital distance to the Sun) is November 8, 2025, at a perihelion distance of 0.53 astronomical units.

"Brightness estimates for this comet have now been revised upward: in late October – early November, a brightness of approximately magnitude 4 is expected; previously, magnitude 6 was expected. This comet's brightening, ahead of the initial baseline forecast, was expected, as this is not the comet's first pass near the Sun, meaning, as astronomers say, it is not 'dynamically new.' In such comets, the most volatile substances from the surface of the nucleus have already largely evaporated during previous returns. Therefore, such comets, as they approach the Sun, exhibit a comparatively low brightness for their size (since the most volatile substances are relatively few in number). Then, closer to the Sun, when the more refractory components of the nucleus, such as water ice, begin to melt and evaporate, they increase their brightness quite sharply," explained Mikhail Maslov.

The comet was photographed around 4 a.m. on September 19, approximately 70 km from Novosibirsk, using a telescope with a focal length of 854 mm and an aperture of 2.8 f/2.0. The total shooting time was 31 minutes. The weather conditions were favorable: despite the presence of clouds, they nevertheless passed by and did not obscure the comet.

Another comet that will be observable from Russia this fall is C/2025 K1 ATLAS. This comet's brightness has also been revised upwards; in October-November, it is expected to reach magnitude 7 or 8 (previously, it was predicted to reach magnitude 9 or 10). It will be visible in amateur telescopes.

"The discovery of another bright autumn comet, C/2025 R2 SWAN, was recently officially announced. It's currently near its peak brightness—magnitude 7—but it's not yet visible at our latitudes. It will become visible around October 5-10, and by the end of the month and into November, it will be at a good altitude, although its brightness is waning," said Mikhail Maslov.

NSU astronomers advise astrophotographers to prepare in advance for the exciting autumn events.

"As they approach the Sun, comets' tails typically become more extended, and this tail may split into ionic (bluish-green gas) and dust (yellowish-white) components. Astrophotographers will have the opportunity to capture these beautiful hues of comet tails with their cameras," added Alfiya Nesterenko, head of the Vega Observatory at NSU.

Photo: Mikhail Maslov, engineer at the Vega Observatory at NSU

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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Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in understanding fundamental boiling processes Faculty of Physics of Novosibirsk State University and the S.S. Kutateladze Institute of Thermophysics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, working as part of one of the research teams of the large-scale international project RUBI (Reference mUltiscale Boiling Investigation). For the first time, they observed the growth of an individual bubble during liquid boiling in zero-gravity conditions on the ISS, described it, and created numerical models of its growth. In doing so, the researchers made significant advances in understanding fundamental boiling processes. Two articles presenting a detailed analysis of these unique experiments have been published in leading international journals: first article, second articleThis research was supported by the Russian Science Foundation under grants No. 21-79-10357 and 19-19-00695.

This large-scale international project was implemented aboard the ISS by an international scientific team under the auspices of the European Space Agency. To study individual vapor bubbles nucleating on a superheated substrate, the Reference Multiscale Boiling Investigation (RUBI) facility was built and delivered to the ISS. Conducting this experiment on Earth was impossible because gravity on our planet masks key physical mechanisms—bubbles quickly break away and are carried away by the Archimedes force, and natural convection significantly influences temperature distribution in liquids. Thanks to zero gravity, the ISS became an ideal "laboratory," allowing the bubbles to remain on the heater and grow to sizes unusual for terrestrial conditions. It provides a particularly suitable environment for studying individual vapor bubbles nucleating on a superheated substrate and the mechanisms involved. This was the first such experiment with a single vapor bubble on an artificial vapor center under carefully controlled conditions on the ISS, where the bubble grows to large sizes without detachment and in the absence of natural convection.

The boiling process is used in many industrial applications for matter and energy conversion devices. We can also observe it in nature—for example, in geothermal geysers or during volcanic eruptions. While a vast amount of scientific research has been conducted on boiling, scientists have focused on integral boiling parameters, which are crucial for engineering problems. The growth of an individual bubble can also be considered an elementary boiling process, so for a detailed study of boiling mechanisms, it is advisable to focus specifically on individual bubbles. This has never been done before in zero gravity due to the complexity of the process itself. The difficulty lies in the fact that the physics of boiling depends on many factors, and despite numerous long-term studies, a complete understanding of all multi-scale phenomena remains. Experiments in zero gravity conditions can shed light on these phenomena. In zero gravity, bubbles can grow in size without premature detachment. Thus, boiling phenomena can be observed on larger spatial and temporal scales with better resolution. At the same time, boiling in zero-gravity conditions is itself a subject of research that is important for space missions, explained Fyodor Ronshin, a senior lecturer at the NSU Physics Department.

Conditions close to weightlessness can also be achieved on Earth using short-term zero-gravity platforms. Initially, scientists used ground-based structures such as drop towers, then parabolic flights, and sounding rockets. However, these capabilities were clearly insufficient for studying bubble formation during liquid boiling, as zero-gravity conditions were created only for a few seconds or minutes. In this case, longer periods of time were required, achievable only on the International Space Station (ISS). It is here, thanks to the stable conditions of zero-gravity, that long-term experiments can be conducted. Zero-gravity provides a particularly suitable environment for studying individual vapor bubbles nucleating on a superheated substrate and the mechanisms involved.

"The specially designed RUBI setup was delivered to the ISS six years ago. The experiment continued until 2021, when it was returned to Earth. During this time, scientists from five international research teams were able to observe its progress from Earth, monitor instrument readings, and access data online. The results were discussed and analyzed weekly. The setup was a sealed cell. The working fluid was FC-72, a dielectric fluid used to cool electronics. It was housed inside the cell. The bubble growth dynamics were visualized using a high-speed black-and-white camera on the side and a high-speed infrared camera underneath. The setup was also equipped with a fluid circulation loop that generated the flow. It was possible to set the fluid temperature, pressure, heat flux on the heater, and the time between heater activation and the laser pulse that initiates bubble formation. All of this was necessary to cover the entire range of parameters for constructing models of the observed processes," explained Fyodor Ronshin.

A short (20 millisecond) laser pulse was used to form a single vapor bubble on an artificial nucleation site. The bubble then grows under the influence of Joule heating. This process occurs inside the cell. The setup was also equipped with microthermocouples, which could be placed at various locations within the chamber to determine the temperature distribution within the liquid. It was also possible to study the effect of shear flow, which could be used to remove bubbles. Furthermore, the chamber contained an electrode that generated an electric field, which could cause the bubble to detach from the substrate (analogous to Archimedes' force on Earth).

Our research currently focuses on the results of a single-bubble growth experiment, with particular attention to the effect of liquid subcooling (the difference between the saturation temperature and the liquid temperature). This allows us to better understand the dynamics of single vapor bubble growth in zero-gravity conditions, with particular attention to the role of dissolved (non-condensable) gases. The experimental results are confirmed by numerical simulations based on the developed model. Some observed phenomena, such as the absence of bubble collapse and the subsequent resumption of bubble growth, proved difficult to explain without the assumption of the presence of non-condensable gases, despite careful degassing of the working fluid. The model was appropriately modified to test this picture of the phenomenon, which included Marangoni thermocapillary convection induced by dissolved gases in the liquid. "We found that in our case, the presence of even a small amount of dissolved gases (~1%) after thorough degassing has a positive effect on heat transfer because the superheated liquid is distributed along the bubble, moving away from the heater toward the top of the bubble, and the bubble doesn't condense, but continues to evaporate and grow faster. This allows for more efficient heat transfer," explained Fyodor Ronshin.

As a result of experiments conducted aboard the International Space Station using the RUBI facility in conjunction with advanced numerical modeling, scientists modified the numerical model to account for noncondensable gases and thermocapillary effects, which was in good agreement with experimental observations. Accounting for these factors eliminated discrepancies between subcooling conditions. The researchers also concluded that the presence of noncondensable gases within a bubble significantly affects its survival and growth dynamics, ensuring bubble survival even under conditions of relatively high subcooling that would otherwise collapse pure vapor bubbles. They noted that thermocapillary convection, driven by temperature gradients along the bubble surface caused by the presence of noncondensable gases, enhances heat and mass transfer near the interface. This phenomenon promotes intensified evaporation at the base of the bubble and reduces the intensity of condensation at its apex, facilitating its stable growth.

"Under terrestrial conditions, the influence of dissolved gases in a liquid can be suppressed by natural convection. In zero gravity, this does not occur, and their manifestation generally has a positive effect on bubble growth. We have discovered that by varying the concentration of dissolved gases in a liquid, we can influence the processes of bubble formation and growth. Using this data, we will be able to predict bubble growth in liquids with any concentration of dissolved gases, including in space," concluded Fyodor Ronshin.

Studying bubble growth in zero-gravity conditions without external forces is only part of the research, which is now complete. However, the RUBI experiment was not limited to this. Now, scientists will explore it under more complex conditions—for example, under the influence of an electric field, using the bubble removal method, and under varying electric field intensities. According to Fyodor Ronshin, the data received from the ISS will be sufficient for at least another five years of work. The results obtained will have both fundamental significance for the physics of heat and mass transfer and boiling, as well as practical applications—they will enable the development of more efficient cooling systems for spacecraft and orbital stations, where boiling is a promising method for removing high heat fluxes in zero-gravity conditions.

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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