Grant to fund answers about St. Johns River
A two-year study is underway to collect data on ichthyoplankton in the St. Johns River, aiming to predict vulnerability to water withdrawals and environmental changes.
Florida Institute of Technology
Controversial theory of Alzheimer's origin funded
Researchers led by Dr. Shaohua Xu propose a new theory on the origin of Alzheimer's Disease, suggesting that abnormal tau protein molecules form tangled fibers that accumulate and kill brain cells. The three-step process involves spherical clusters, linear chains, and uniform filaments.
Researcher models effects of suicide bombing: results of crowd configurations
A virtual simulation study by Florida Institute of Technology doctoral student Zeeshan-ul-hassan Usmani reveals that circular crowd formations lead to high injury rates, while vertical rows provide the safest positioning. The findings may have implications for emergency response and counter-terrorism activities.
NASA funds Florida Tech associate professor for extragalactic research
Florida Tech associate professor Eric Perlman has received $490,400 in funding from NASA's Long-term Space Astrophysics grant program to study jets and their impact on cosmic rays. His work will access the Hubble Space Telescope and Chandra X-ray Observatory to further understanding of jet dynamics and emissions.
Palau's coral reefs show differential habitat recovery following the 1998 bleaching event
Researchers found that recovery rates increased over time, with sheltered bay areas supporting recovery of outer-reef sites. Effective local management practices may aid reef recovery, suggesting a promising sign for other regions.
Florida Tech explores microalgae for biofuel
Researchers are testing optimal conditions for microalgae growth in outdoor settings to optimize large-volume cultures for biofuel production. The warm Florida climate makes large-scale production a possibility, and the process has potential to remove carbon dioxide from the air.
River-shelf interactions during spring floods in the coastal Beaufort Sea
Researchers collected river water and sediment samples from Alaskan rivers during spring floods to study interactions with the coastal Beaufort Sea. The study found variations in river composition and flow, as well as under-ice mixing with sea ice and seawater.
Research grant funds studies of climate change and reef ecosystems
A researcher at Florida Institute of Technology has received a $62,000 World Wildlife Fund grant to investigate the relationships between water quality and coral resilience in South Florida's reef ecosystems. The goal is to develop a tool that can inform decision-making and enhance adaptive management options.
Florida Tech professor receives grant for sensing technology and robotics
Dr. Charles Bostater's grant will develop an interdisciplinary curriculum focusing on remote sensing systems and robotic platforms, including detection of unexploded ordnance and humanitarian de-mining in marine environments. Selected students from US and European universities will receive stipends to travel to international institutions.
Florida Tech earns two grants for continuing, new hurricane model work
Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) has received two grants to continue and develop a new hurricane model. The first grant is $220,000 from the Florida Department of Financial Affairs Office of Insurance Regulation to predict hurricane insurance losses for commercial buildings. The team will also maintain an existing enginee...
Lightning research sparks $420,000 grant
Joseph Dwyer is studying the phenomenon of runaway breakdown in lightning, which creates high-energy electrons that make x-rays. His research aims to understand how lightning works and could lead to new discoveries.
Psychologist increases preschooler compliance in study
A three-step prompting procedure, implemented consistently, significantly improves preschool child compliance. Instructors using the method report improved results when following a consistent approach, with children responding to instructions more effectively.
Professor earns carbon sequestration research grant
A Florida Institute of Technology professor has earned a $177,000 grant over three years to investigate the historic carbon balance of Andean vegetation and soils. The researchers will use fossil pollen and charcoal evidence from lake sediments to reconstruct past changes in vegetation and determine fire.
Faculty member earns $300,000 grant for hurricane damage research
Florida Tech associate professor Dr. Jean-Paul Pinelli has received a $300,000 National Science Foundation grant to develop a wireless sensor network monitoring wind impacts on structures. The three-year research project will provide full-scale data on wind-induced structural stress during hurricanes.
$478,000 grant funds Florida Tech undergraduate astronomy research
The National Science Foundation and Department of Defense partner to provide funding for Florida Tech's Summer Astronomy Research Program (SARA). Undergraduate students from across the country participate in a nine-week research program, working with faculty mentors and presenting their findings.
Faculty member earns $360,000 grant for high energy physics research
A Florida Institute of Technology faculty member has received a $360,000 grant to explore the origin of mass through high-energy physics research. The grant supports the CMS project, a massive particle detector experiment at CERN's Large Hadron Collider.
Florida Tech receives $119,000-plus National Science Foundation grant
Florida Institute of Technology is developing an interactive tutoring system to improve student competency in statistics and problem-solving skills. The software will be available in English and Spanish versions to reach a more diverse audience.
Florida Tech funding increases for Alzheimer's care technology
Researchers at Florida Tech are developing ICT-based care systems to promote social connections and aging-in-place for caregivers. The project uses PocketPCs and Web interfaces to bridge time and space barriers.
Florida Tech, FSRI receive $1.3 million federal grant for space research
A new federal grant will support joint faculty appointments, biomedical projects, and research collaborations between Florida Tech, FSRI, and other universities and companies. The funding aims to develop countermeasures for radiation exposure and other health issues associated with long-duration space missions.
Lightning research sparks new discovery
Researchers have found that high-voltage sparks can produce x-ray bursts, similar to those observed during lightning. This discovery opens the door for studying the poorly understood phenomenon of runaway breakdown in a lab setting.
$1.3 million NIH grant awarded to Florida Tech chemistry professor
Rokach's research focuses on designing and synthesizing radio- and photo-affinity ligand molecules to bind to the disease-causing enzyme, which contributes to asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis. The grant will support his work on identifying the structure of the enzyme.
Florida Tech receives $430,000 from NASA for lunar oxygen project
Researchers at Florida Tech are developing a method to produce oxygen on the moon using the FFC Cambridge process, which could significantly reduce costs and masses of rocket fuel. Locally produced oxygen would be crucial for achieving affordable human robotic programs to explore the solar system.
Florida Tech scientist earns $1.7 million NSF grant
A Florida Tech scientist has received a $1.7 million NSF grant to develop an integrated science teaching enhancement partnership, which will help design and pilot learning modules linking earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics
New grant to study infertility
A new NIH grant will investigate the molecules that direct activation of eggs during fertilization, with the ultimate goal of applying this knowledge to infertility and contraception. The grant will also fund summer work for researchers and equipment for the study.
Powering the future
The Florida Institute of Technology has launched a hydrogen fuel cell research center with a focus on developing new mainstream energy sources. The center, which brings together faculty from various colleges, aims to pool expertise and solve complex problems in the field.
Dr. John Deaton designs for peace
Dr. John Deaton, a renowned human factors specialist, has developedVECTOR, an interactive video game to teach cultural skills for U.S. peacekeepers. The game simulates real-life scenarios, enabling trainees to learn appropriate behavior in diverse situations.
$411,000 grant to fund robot-replacing technology
Researchers will create mechanical systems with one or two motors to accomplish tasks currently done by robots. The goal is to provide a cheaper and lower maintenance alternative for assembly line designers.
U.S. Rep. Dave Weldon, Florida Tech announce new hydrogen fuel center
The center will focus on research methods for creating a hydrogen economy, including production, safety, and performance enhancements. Florida Tech aims to contribute to the nation's transition away from dependence on Middle Eastern oil.
Florida Tech scientist sees lightning like Superman
Researchers use X-ray detectors and rocket-triggered lightning to study lightning's complexities. They found that lightning flickers in X-rays at 10,000 times the speed of visible light, with X-ray energies extending up to twice those of a chest X-ray.
Century may bring unprecedented climate change to southern hemisphere
Researchers discovered a possible reason for biodiversity in the Andes by comparing North and South American warming over millennia. The region's gradual warming may explain less extinction and increased susceptibility to global warming.
Florida Tech grant funds hacker attack models
Researchers at Florida Institute of Technology are developing new models to understand hacker tactics, with the goal of creating defensive techniques against cyber attacks. The project aims to break the cycle of cat and mouse games between hackers and defenders.
Thunderstorm research shocks conventional theories
Scientists have searched for large electric fields in thunderstorms without success. Dwyer's new theory shows that the atmosphere can only hold a certain sized electric field, stunted by gamma-rays and positrons. The triggering mechanism of lightning remains a mystery.
Grant promotes marine ornamental fish aquaculture
The Florida Sea Grant is supporting research to develop more efficient methods for raising marine ornamental fish, such as angelfish and anemonefish. This focus on sustainable aquaculture aims to reduce the industry's impact on coral reefs and promote environmentally friendly practices.
Ghost crab fossils haunt area beaches
Fossilized ghost crabs, up to 110,000 years-old, have been found on area beaches in central Florida. The rare discovery suggests that beach erosion, possibly caused by the construction of Port Canaveral, has exposed fossils that were previously hidden by dunes.
Researcher to locate lung tumors with lasers
Researcher Dr. Mitra has developed an optical tomography method to locate lung tumors using short-pulse lasers. The technique yields physiological information with higher resolution and a safer system than traditional methods.
Research shows little effect from Arctic offshore oil drilling
A recent study by Florida Tech researchers found minimal environmental impact from offshore oil drilling in the Arctic. The team discovered that freshwater runoff into the ocean is trapped by a layer of ice, preventing it from mixing with saltwater.
Interdisciplinary coral bleaching research funded
Researchers will develop mathematical models to better understand coral bleaching and predict future changes. Localized warming of the world's oceans is causing thermal stress on coral reefs, leading to mass bleaching and ecosystem decline.
Faculty earns $330,000 for particle physics research
Florida Institute of Technology scientist receives three-year grant to study high-energy proton-proton collisions and fundamental questions of nature. The grant is part of the CMS experiment at CERN, a large international collaboration involving over 1,850 scientists from 34 countries.
Heading into difficulty?
Recent soccer heading practices have been found to lead to weaker neurocognitive performance, including decline in cognitive function, verbal learning difficulties, and reduced attention span. Research suggests that even short-term heading may pose a risk factor for long-term brain damage.
NASA grant to Florida Tech supports Space Shuttle safety
A NASA grant is supporting a two-year study at Florida Tech to develop algorithms that can learn from historical data and detect potential problems with a space shuttle component. The research aims to improve the efficiency of monitoring systems, reducing the time and effort required to extract knowledge from experts.