NSU has developed a new environmentally friendly building material.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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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An open lecture on biolaw issues was held at Novosibirsk State University.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

NSU hosted an open lecture by Oleg Grin, PhD in Law, Director of the Scientific and Educational Center for Legal Support of Bioeconomics and Genetic Technologies at the Kutafin Moscow State Law University (MSLU), and Head of the Department of Medical Law. The lecture focused on issues of biolaw.

The Kutafin Moscow State Law Institute is a leading educational institution in Russia. Recently, the university has been developing new areas of law (beyond the civil-criminal paradigm), implementing models of advanced jurisprudence, and working in areas where legal norms have not yet been established (for example, cyberlaw, nanolaw, and environmental law).

This is not the first time Oleg Grin has participated in NSU events. He previously served as an expert at the roundtable discussion "The Role of NSU as a World-Class Campus in the Implementation of National Projects in Biotechnology, Medicine, and Pharmaceutics," which was held as part of the Technoprom-2025 international technological development forum.

"New areas of legal support are crucial for the Institute, as the rapid translation of our scientists' and developers' achievements into practical applications is crucial for the implementation of projects under the Priority 2030 and Creation of a Network of Modern Campuses programs," commented Professor Yulia Samoylova, Director of the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies (IMMT) at NSU.

A lecture for students and young scientists on biolaw issues is an important step in furthering interactions between doctors, researchers, and lawyers and developing the medicine of the future.

"We've planned a series of events and educational projects as part of the professional development program," explained Irina Sergeeva, head of the Center for Postgraduate Medical Education at the NSU Institute of Medical and Technical Medicine.

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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The Faculty of Information Technology is 25 years old!

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

In June 2000, it was organized Faculty of Information Technology, NSU, which is currently among the top faculties in Russia and trains leading specialists who successfully work at the intersection of computer science and physics, biology, geology, geophysics, chemistry, medicine, economics, banking and business, and modern high-tech industries, participating in the creation of cutting-edge software products and the modeling of processes and phenomena.

Next week marks the start of Programmer's Week, dedicated to the faculty's 25th anniversary. It includes a wide range of events, including hackathons, quizzes, a research and practice conference, and an Olympiad. Here's a brief overview of the festivities.

September 26 – September 30

True Engineering's 5-Day Hackathon

This isn't just a competition—it's a five-day opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of cutting-edge AI technologies and try your hand at creating your own AI assistant based on real-world cases.

Participants will have two cases to choose from, five days of intensive work, working with popular AI models, feedback from True Engineering experts, and employment opportunities for the winners.

Eligible participants: backend developers, ML engineers, data processing and analysis specialists, aspiring frontend developers, and mobile app developers.

Register

Format: Opening and closing events will take place offline at NSU; development and work will be online.

Venue: Rector’s office building (Pirogov, 1), room 212.

October 1

YADRO Laboratory Hackathon

A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the team development of a real end-to-end solution.

Participants will work with a team to create embedded software for devices, a robust backend, and an attractive frontend. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience integrating hardware and software, writing services, and creating interfaces.

Details on website

Venue: SHIFT Laboratory at NSU and corridor of Block 1 of the NSU academic building.

October 2

Scientific and practical conference "Technological sovereignty begins with us"

The conference will bring together students, faculty, researchers, and partners to discuss current challenges and prospects in the field of domestic IT technologies and scientific and technological development.

The program includes: – Presentations and discussions from leading experts. – Topics of technological independence, AI, and infrastructure solutions. – Exchange of experience and a fresh look at the development of high technology in Russia.

Speakers include representatives of high-tech companies such as CFT, SberTech, SoftLab-NSK, Data East, Exposoft, and others.

Venue: NSU flow auditorium building (Pirogov, 3), room 214.

Time: 09:00—16:30.

A quiz from SKB Kontur on IT, mathematics, and more

Kontur is a product ecosystem used by every third business in Russia. Kontur employs 12,000 people—strong experts who strive for professional growth and develop the environment around them.

The quiz program includes: – questions about IT technologies and more; – math puzzles and logic problems; – team competition – gather your friends and break into the game to the max! – prizes from Kontur – the top 3 teams will receive!

You can register by link

Venue: Creative Student Space (Flow Auditorium Building, Pirogova, 3).

Time: 18:00—20:00.

October 3

Ceremonial events to mark the "Initiation of Freshmen"

Venue: NSU flow auditorium building (Pirogov, 3), room 214.

Time: 14:30—17:55.

October 4

Yadro Lab Day

Summing up and closing the YADRO Lab Hackathon.

Venue: Creative Student Space (Flow Auditorium Building, Pirogova, 3).

Time: 09:30—17:30.

T-Bank's Quiz for Students

These are dynamic rounds about technology and IT, no boring questions.

To participate, you need to assemble a team and register(each participant must register individually).

You can register alone – the organizers will select a team on site.

Venue: Creative Student Space (Flow Auditorium Building, Pirogova, 3).

Time: 18:00—20:00.

October 5

XXVI Open All-Siberian Programming Olympiad named after I.V. Pottosin. Online tour.

This is the largest IT event in Russia, which annually brings together approximately 1,000 students and schoolchildren representing several dozen universities and schools from various cities across the country.

Student and school teams are invited to participate in the Olympiad.

Information about the Olympiad is presented on the website

The online tour will take place on October 5, 2025 at 10:00 Moscow time.

The in-person round will take place on November 2–4, 2025.

To participate in the Olympiad, you must register in the NSUts automated testing system: HTTPS: //olimpik. HSU.RU/nsets-nogin

All questions can be addressed to the Olympiad Information Secretary: VSO_Potosin@nsu.ru.

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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NSU students took part in the 10th All-Russian Occupational Safety Week at Sirius

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Students Institute of Intelligent Robotics Alexey Spirkin and Polina Novikova of Novosibirsk State University attended Youth Day as part of the 10th All-Russian Occupational Safety and Health Week (VNOT-2025), held at the Sirius Educational Center. The event brought together young professionals from across the country and participated in a program filled with competitions, workshops, and games on workplace safety.

"By going to Sirius, we set ourselves the goal of providing maximum coverage for our university's student events and demonstrating that safety in any work activity is a pressing issue supported at the state level. We hope that by next year, thanks to our outreach efforts, there will be students among NSU who will be able to share their perspectives with the entire country," said Alexey Spirkin, a third-year student at the NSU Institute of Industrial Research.

The Youth Day program included interactive tracks at the booths of major employers and participating companies. Among the interesting projects highlighted by the students was the SberMedII booth, featuring a cutting-edge disease risk detector based on a patient's face using photoplethysmography—a technology capable of diagnosing a variety of health parameters using a camera. Participants also appreciated the helpful interactive session by Technoavia, dedicated to personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety regulations.

At the event, NSU students seized the opportunity to discuss practices for developing artificial intelligence training programs with Netology speakers and discover new ideas for development.

The day concluded with a vibrant closing ceremony featuring a concert by Angelica Agurbash and a prize drawing.

"We thank the NSU Career Development Center and the NSU Youth Policy Office for such a wonderful and unforgettable experience! It was a great honor for us to represent our home university," Alexey concluded.

The trip to Sirius was a valuable social experience for NSU students, allowing them not only to learn about the latest innovations in occupational safety but also to represent the university at a large-scale federal event.

Material prepared by: Ekaterina Mukovozchik, 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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A series of events, "Metamorphoses of Culture," was held at NSU.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

From September 1st to 25th, Novosibirsk State University and the House of Scientists in Akademgorodok hosted the ninth annual "Metamorphoses of Culture" event, organized by the Department of History, Culture, and Arts. Humanitarian Institute (GI) NSU.

Each year, the organizers come up with a new theme for the event, one that will be relatable to many and encompass a broad range of history. This year, "Metamorphoses of Culture" focused on the era of Alexander Pushkin.

"At our event, we're discussing the Pushkin era, covering literature, education, criticism, and much more. Pushkin is a timeless classic! And we strive to adapt to modern realities and present information in a vibrant and engaging way. For example, we had a lecture by Maria Sergeevna Berendeyeva, where we discussed Pushkin's portrayal in cinema. A great many films have been based on his works, and how many are dedicated to him! We held a closing lecture-concert, "Music against the backdrop of the era: A.S. Pushkin and M.I. Glinka." Maria Aleksandrovna Timofeeva delivered the lecture and simultaneously played the piano, performing works by Glinka, a contemporary of Pushkin," commented Victoria Vybornova, PhD in History and assistant professor in the Department of History, Culture, and Arts at the Novosibirsk State University Institute of History.

The lecturers included leading scholars and distinguished teachers from scientific and educational institutions in Novosibirsk and Moscow. Anna and Marina Sidorov were invited speakers from the State Archives of the Russian Federation. They shared their insights into the process of publishing sources and the challenges they face when working with them. For example, the lecture "Benckendorff: A Portrait Against the Background of an Era" described how the military leader's diary and letters, written in various languages, were translated. The key to translation is not only to convey the beauty and style of the original but also to preserve the author's intended meaning.

"Today I gave a lecture on the image of Alexander Sergeevich in cinema. My professional interests are as a linguist, but I also study polycode texts, that is, texts that combine different sign systems. Wine is a prime example of such a polycode text, so I have some expertise in certain aspects of cinema. I'm very pleased to see so many people in the audience today. This means that Pushkin's work still holds interest; it attracts and excites people, which is wonderful," shared Maria Berendeyeva, PhD in Philology, Associate Professor in the Department of History of Culture and Arts, and Senior Researcher at the Heritage Research and Educational Center at the Novosibirsk State University Institute of Geography.

Schoolchildren from nearby schools, students, young researchers, teachers and university professors were able to attend the lectures.

"The main audience is, of course, philologists and historians, but it's also nice to see mathematicians, physicists, and economists. We have interested students from various departments, because Alexander Sergeevich is a classic. I recently conducted a seminar at the Institute of Intelligent Robotics at NSU, and one boy recited an excerpt from 'The Song of the Prophetic Oleg' to me. Despite everyone's different specialties, a love of poetry lives within us all," added Victoria Vybornova.

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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The first introductory meeting of participants in the "Promising Researchers in Biomedicine" personnel reserve program was held at NSU.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies Novosibirsk State University (IMMT NSU) held the first organizational meeting as part of the "Promising Researchers in Biomedicine" talent pool program. The event brought together approximately 30 young researchers—IMMT students, residents, and postgraduate students—as well as leading scientists and project mentors.

Yulia Samoylova, Director of the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies, opened the event by congratulating the program participants. Particular emphasis was placed on modern technological challenges and the personal development of specialists.

"The new program will help young scientists realize their research potential and move them closer to earning a PhD, which will ultimately provide promising talent for the rapidly developing institute," emphasized Yulia Samoylova.

Irina Sergeeva, Director of the Center for Postgraduate Medical Education at the Institute of Medical and Mathematical Technologies (IMMT) of NSU, made a strong impression. The topics of medical science development and artificial intelligence were touched upon. The researcher selects databases, AI training examples, and the required query, and this choice determines the outcome.

"The researcher remains a key figure in any case. Our researchers have a very high level of practical potential, and it is they who will be responsible for creating medical clinical guidelines in the future," Irina Sergeeva is confident. "Treatment according to clinical guidelines ≠ Creating clinical guidelines."

At the meeting, the program's strategic goals were announced, which go far beyond simply training personnel.

In her speech, Natalia Zhivtsova, Director of Organizational Development and Human Resources at NSU, emphasized that the program's main goal is to develop medical researchers, equipping them with the necessary competencies not only for publishing articles but also for full integration into the scientific community. Particular attention was paid to developing communication skills, as modern science, especially in biomedicine, is impossible without effective teamwork.

The program includes a number of educational modules supervised by leading NSU specialists who also participated in the meeting:

— Pavel Geidt will give a series of lectures on the methodology of scientific research, including the study of data analysis and biostatistics; — Sergey Kononov will devote lectures to scientometrics, the analysis of scientific activity, the selection of scientific publications, and much more.

Sofia Glushkova's planned training sessions, dedicated to developing "soft" skills, attracted particular attention.

The NSU Institute of Mathematics and Mechanics (IMMT) Human Resources Program is distinguished by its interdisciplinary approach, allowing participants to explore the intersections of various disciplines—from molecular biology to clinical practice. This approach is in demand in the scientific world today, as many significant discoveries are made at the intersection of different disciplines.

Egor Gild, the program director, summed up the event:

"This meeting made it clear that our program is not just a training course, but a comprehensive support system for young scientists, helping them acquire key competencies and skills for full immersion in the scientific community.

The project is being implemented within the framework of the federal program "Priority 2030" and is aimed at retaining talented young people at the university after graduation.

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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NSU is developing a mobile complex to search for residual oil reserves.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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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Novosibirsk State University will develop Russia's first diagnostic system to predict the development of obesity and its complications.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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.'"

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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12 NSU student projects won the youth project competition on the application of synchrotron methods in materials science.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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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An NSU astronomer captured comet C/2025 A6 Lemmon.

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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