Boasting over 1,700 full-time faculty members across eight colleges and an alumni network of 250,000 alumni worldwide, Colorado State University continually fosters scientific endeavors and innovation.
This atmosphere has helped foster the creation of various patents and inventions, born both on CSU’s campus by faculty and research staff. Ranking No. 91 nationally on the list of top universities granted patents by the National Academy of Inventors and generating $3.58 million in licensing revenue in 2024 alone, CSU’s dedication to technology research has certainly yielded results. Here are six recent patents granted over the past year and their inventors.
1. Identification of herbicide-resistant genes in Palmer Amaranth
Palmer Amaranth is an invasive weed present across North America that often appears in corn, cotton and soybean fields. Growing 6 to 10 feet tall at a rate of 2 inches per day, this invasive species is resistant to herbicides, a trait that’s cause was previously unidentified.
Associate professor of agricultural biology Todd Gaines, along with his co-investigators Marcelo Rodrigues Alves de Figueiredo and Anita Kuepper, used RNA sequencing to analyze resistant populations of the weed. In doing so, they were able to identify a key gene responsible for herbicide resistance. This discovery will allow for improved Palmer Amaranth management, improve economic outcomes for agricultural producers and increase sustainable crop production.
2. Fatigue, fracture resistant hydrogels
Hydrogels are constructed from polymer chains that form three-dimensional structures, capable of absorbing a significant volume of liquid or fluid. The substance’s high water content and soft structure allows it to closely resemble living tissues. Despite these advantages, developed hydrogel systems are often faced with significant plastic deformation under repeated force and tension…