A News Digest summary. Read the entire newsletter online here.

US manufacturing surges to a 3-year high in February. The manufacturing industry expanded more than expect\ed last month, as the ISM's purchasing manager's index reached its highest point since December 2014. While the industry is experiencing growth, much of it is domestic as the strong dollar deters growth in exports. 
Akin Oyedele | Business Insider | 03.01.2017

In latest Boeing job cuts, about 1800 union workers take buyouts. The short term outlook for 2017 for the company seems grim and the company may be looking to cut their employment numbers further. 
Dominic Gates | Seattle Times | 03.02.2017

U.S. private payrolls surge on gains in construction, manufacturing. US job growth in the private sector recorded its biggest increase in over a year in February in part due to manufacturing hiring. Manufacturing employment increased by 32,000 jobs which has been consistent with the expansion of the industry in the recent past. 
Lucia Mutikani  | Reuters | 03.08.2017

Lightweight Goes Beyond the Low-Hanging Fruit. Researchers at Ohio State University are studying "civilized explosive welding", which is used to weld dissimilar materials to each other. Ideally, this would allow for vehicles that are lighter weight, as lighter materials could be used in place of heavier ones where the weight isn't necessary. 
Bill Koenig | Advanced Manufacturing | 03.02.2017

Study shows that inhaling a common manufacturing material could inadvertently injure the brain. Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have discovered that inhalation of carbon nanotubes can cause inflammation in the brain. The results of this research may end up affecting policy relating to worker safety and may even save lives.
Leah Small | Medicalxpress.com | 03.08.2017

STEM Education is about Hands-on Experience. E.J. Daige is the Dean of Robotics and Manufacturing at Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis. During his interview, he speaks about practical applications in higher education, new approaches and new materials in the industry, the outlook for new graduates, and industry disruptions. 
Jeff Kerns | Machine Design | 03.07.2017