The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) received 397 U.S. patents in 2010, the most of any research institute in the world, according to an annual corporate ranking released by IFI Patent Intelligence. ITRI has received a steadily growing number of U.S. patents in recent years, going from 229 in 2007 to 286 in 2008. ITRI filed 2,330 international patent applications last year and was awarded a record high 1,308 patents. The institute hopes not only to obtain more patents in the future but also to enhance the quality of its inventions, it said. Scientists (incl from Taiwan) are conducting tests in Europe in preparation for the launch of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS), the first large acceptance particle detector designed to operate in space. The Production of the AMS components was a joint effort, with France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, China, the US and Taiwan making significant contributions. Academia Sinica, the Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology (CSIST), National Central University (NCU), National Cheng Kung University, National Chiao Tung University, and the National Space Program Office (NSPO) are part of the Taiwanese effort. Most of the detector’s electronic equipment was manufactured at the CSIST.Its main computer and trigger system were jointly designed, manufactured and tested by Academia Sinica, NCU, CSIST and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The CSIST and NSPO were responsible for thermal modeling and analysis, and the Aerospace Industrial Development Corp produced the AMS ground support equipment and cooling panels.

Highlights of major news from the scientific world in Taiwan in February 2010 :
The government increases budget for lithium battery development – the National Space Organization switches the critical sensor module in its satellite program from CCD system to CMOS – the Science Council plans expanded ocean research – the Institute of Nuclear Energy Research introduced a new touch-screen making machine – local study proves relation between tobacco and lung cancer – Researchers found enzyme structure of mint scent – the Atomic Energy Council developed new applications of plasma overlay technology (ridding of the cadmium contamination problem) – Researchers made diabetes breakthrough – the potential for commercialization of fuel cells in Taiwan, etc.

The National Science Council will expand the scope of Taiwan’s involvement in the EU’s 7th Framework Program (FP7). The expansion includes the creation of another 8 National Contact Points that would each be responsible for different fields of research, including the environment and security. EU trade officials said Taiwan’s involvement in the program was indispensable on critical research into global health and climate issues.

Highlights of major news from the scientific world in Taiwan in January 2010:
The National Taiwan University opened Asia’s first animal cancer research center – Taiwan produced the first foal with cryoinsemination – A study into the functioning of specific messenger RNA (mRNA) in per sperm cells was published – the National Taiwan University Hospital announced a breakthrough in embryo screening – Researchers made important contributions to new plant varieties and the processing of crops into a variety of products, including cosmetics – Researchers found that green tea intake might reduce the chances of getting lung cancer – ITRI teams up with Universal Cement in flexible electronics – the Ministry of Economic Affairs will invest more in safe lithium battery technology – A research group discovered a new treatment method for influenza A (H1N1).