Researchers using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope and Gemini Observatory study a distant icy object, Centaur 450P/LONEOS, as it awakens and releases gas and dust, behavior more commonly associated with comets. The study provides new insight into how centaurs evolve into active comets as they migrate inward through the solar system.
Assistant Professor Haonan Ling is exploring virtual solutions to biomanufacturing for the Genesis Mission, which aims to strengthen America's energy industry and national security. The project could significantly accelerate the development and deployment of sustainable biomanufacturing for fuels and chemicals.
A new VR project from San José State University and New Media Learning aims to improve public education, information engagement, and learning using immersive technologies. The project will establish a Unity-based testbed integrated with the National Science Foundation's Virtual Experience Research Accelerator.
A large-scale remote VR study has been launched to understand cybersickness, leveraging the Virtual Experience Research Accelerator (VERA) platform. The study aims to improve VR accessibility and comfort for all users, with preliminary findings suggesting individual differences in how quickly and severely participants experience symptoms.
Alain Berinstain leads the consortium uniting eight universities to accelerate space-related research, innovation, and workforce development. Researchers focus on practical technologies and using space for Earth's benefit, including studies of human health in space.
Researchers at UCF-led excavation in Kurdistan region of Iraq discover substantial group of cuneiform administrative tablets and evidence of large-scale destruction, mass graves, and citywide fortifications. The findings provide a clear archaeological record of siege warfare and urban life during the Middle Bronze Age.
Researchers at UCF used human-on-a-chip technology to study how genetic mutations associated with familial Alzheimer's affect movement. They found that motor deficits may be an early indication of Alzheimer's disease, which could help delay central nervous system symptoms.
The breakthrough enables complex states of light to be used in quantum computing, reducing imperfections and increasing scalability. This achievement paves the way for innovations in medicine, materials science, data management, and security.
A recent study co-authored by UCF Assistant Professor of Biology Robert Fitak reveals that the 1990s translocation of Texas pumas improved the Florida panther's genetic health while preserving its unique ancestry. The study found increased genetic variation, retention of unique traits, and a decrease in harmful mutations.
Researchers found that mangrove populations have nearly tripled in areas with oysters, leading to significant acidification of oyster reef sediment. Oyster shell dissolution could impact reef viability and services like filtration and storm surge reduction.
A team of UCF researchers is pioneering a new nanocoating to passively mitigate the effects of lunar dust, protect equipment and extend future lunar missions. The goal is to understand how lunar dust interacts with surfaces and design surface properties that repel the dust.
Researchers at UCF used a combination of emerging technologies to evaluate the safety of concrete bridges. By combining infrared thermography, high-definition imaging and neural network analysis, they can quickly identify defects and prioritize repairs.
Researchers have developed a new technique called electro-optic sampling that uses ultrashort laser pulses to probe electric fields in crystals. This allows for the accurate capture of molecular spectra and detection of faint signals, providing profound insights into quantum physics.
UCF students created an AI system, AIMS, to track surgical staples during robotic surgeries, reducing waste and improving sustainability. The technology was developed as part of the college's Senior Design capstone course and has been successfully tested in operating rooms at Orlando Health.
Researchers analyzed Trans-Neptunian Objects using the James Webb Space Telescope, finding two distinct groups with varying surface ice methanol presence. The discovery sheds light on the formation and evolution of these distant icy worlds, revealing insights into the solar system's origins and potentially habitable exoplanets.
The partnership aims to develop cutting-edge training programs, pioneer medical research, and enhance response capabilities in high-risk environments. UCF is creating a new space medicine curriculum involving students from various disciplines.
Researchers at UCF aim to create mobile robotic assistants that offer easier control and a better robot-human interface. The project, supported by a $600,000 grant, will focus on testing and user feedback, with initial trials conducted with students and adults with upper body paralysis.
Relativity Networks develops patent-pending HCF cable that transmits data nearly 50% faster than conventional glass fiber, expanding data center geographical optionality. UCF's College of Optics and Photonics supports the innovation through industry partnerships and research collaborations.
Researchers tracked 131 juvenile sea turtles and found they may be active swimmers during their early life stage, challenging existing hypotheses. The study provides important data for assessing risks from human activity and informing conservation efforts.
The open-source AI model analyzes medical images, generates detailed reports, and answers clinical questions to streamline diagnostics and improve accuracy. BiomedGPT aims to democratize healthcare and reduce disparities amongst patients by providing easily accessible data to bolster underserved hospitals.
The UCF-led PARTNERS consortium aims to train a new generation of nuclear engineers and scientists, providing a talent pipeline for the NNSA. The $5 million grant will support students from underrepresented communities, providing research opportunities and internships at national labs.
Researchers have uncovered clay tablets with ancient cuneiform writing, game boards, and large structural remains at the ancient Mesopotamian site of Kurd Qaburstan in Iraq. The study sheds new light on literacy, urban development, and social inequality in this Middle Bronze Age city.
Researchers will focus on novel non-plastic materials used for oyster reef restoration, evaluating their impact on surrounding marine habitats. The project aims to find solutions that bring the natural environment back after degradation from storms or human impact.
NASA has partnered with Firefly Aerospace to deliver UCF's Lunar Vulkan Imaging and Spectroscopy Explorer (Lunar-VISE) payload to the Moon's Gruithuisen Domes. The mission aims to investigate the mysterious silica-rich volcanic features and gather data on lunar regolith for future exploration.
Researchers at the University of Central Florida used the James Webb Space Telescope to analyze trans-Neptunian objects, revealing a clearer picture of how the outer solar system formed and evolved. The study found three distinct compositional groups among TNOs, shaped by ice retention lines that existed in the era when the solar syste...
Researchers discover surface chemistry unlike other centaurs on Chiron, with carbon dioxide and methane gases in its coma. The findings provide insight into the creation of our Solar System's origins and the unique processes producing Chiron's surface composition.
The Alliance of Hispanic-Serving Research Universities (HSRU) has received a $9.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to accelerate STEM education and research. The project, co-led by UCF and UTEP, aims to address the critical need for high-quality STEM talent in national defense.
A new technique for detecting long wave infrared photons of different wavelengths has been developed by UCF researchers. This method, based on a nanopatterned graphene, offers dynamic spectral tunability and ultrafast response times, surpassing existing cooled and uncooled detectors.
A UCF researcher is developing a thermochemical energy storage system to reserve solar energy for future use and contribute to the global transition to clean energy. The system uses chemical reactions to absorb or release heat, making it an advantageous way to store energy at high temperatures.
Researchers found that Florida panthers are not at increased risk for contracting chronic wasting disease from eating infected deer. The study provides relief to conservation efforts, as the disease has spread through North America's deer and elk populations.
A UCF researcher is working with PACCAR to create a hydrogen-based combustion engine for heavy-duty vehicles, aiming to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. The project aims to develop a cleaner alternative to diesel fuel, which is currently the dominant choice for commercial vehicles.
The University of Central Florida has established a new research lab to advance light-based technologies for disease prevention, detection, and treatment. The interdisciplinary lab will facilitate collaborations between physicians, scientists, and researchers from various fields, including biophotonics and biomedical sciences.
Researchers at UCF are developing a compact semiconductor light source that can disinfect rooms with UV-C light, suitable for defense and civilian use. The laser device aims to last up to 10,000 hours, overcoming its current short lifespan.
A new hemostatic sponge developed by UCF researchers can stop severe bleeding in under a minute, while also acting as an antibacterial agent. The liquid gel transforms into a spongelike foam upon exposure to the wound, applying pressure to restrict hemorrhage and promoting natural clotting.
UCF researchers have developed a unique 'barcode' technique to quickly identify chiral molecules based on their infrared fingerprints. This technology has the potential to speed up pharmaceutical and medical advancements by identifying enantiomers, which can have different effects in the body or chemical reactions.
Two UCF cancer researchers, Alicja Copik and Debbie Altomare, have received $100,000 grants from the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation to develop new treatments for breast cancer. They focus on enhancing natural killer cells to fight cancer and harnessing the body's immune system to create new therapies.
Researchers at UCF are developing materials that allow electricity to move through devices without creating heat, potentially transforming how technology is built and powered. If successful, this could lead to a long-term solution for humankind and the way we consume our natural resources.
Associate Professor Justine Tigno-Aranjuez received a $1 million NSF CAREER Award to study the impact of the NOD2 pathway on inflammation. Her research aims to understand how lipid mediators are produced and how they influence inflammation.
Researchers have developed an integrated optical sensor capable of detecting dopamine directly from unprocessed blood samples. This breakthrough enables low-cost and efficient screening tools for various neurological conditions and cancers.
A University of Central Florida researcher has developed a nature-inspired filtration and conversion system that extracts carbon dioxide gas from the atmosphere to create fuels and chemicals. The device mimics the lotus surface, capturing carbon dioxide with a microsurface comprised of a tin oxide film and fluorine layer.
UCF researchers George Atia and Yue Wang received a $1.2 million DARPA grant to develop AI-based technologies that can help autonomous systems adapt to unknown variables and overcome simulation-to-real gap issues.
UCF's STRONG-AI initiative aims to uplift bright, low-income undergraduate students in pursuing well-rounded AI education through faculty and peer mentorship and scholarship. The program has received over 150 applications and will select 10-15 students annually based on financial aid eligibility and academic success.
A UCF biologist has compiled a database of animal DNA to study the presence of magnetic bacteria, which may aid in navigation and conservation. The database contains hundreds of millions of genetic sequences showing the presence of various types of magnetic bacteria.
Researchers are working on improving the quality of high frequency wireless networks. Dr. Murat Yuksel is hoping to realize the dream of unimpeded communication at distances near and far. He is developing a smart wireless network system using machine learning, which can fine-tune the networks' efficacy.
Xiaohu Xia's research focuses on enhancing diagnostic efficacy of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing using specially tailored nickel-platinum nanoparticles. His goal is to improve disease detection accuracy by more than 300 times, enabling early diagnosis of cancers like prostate and colorectal cancer.
A research team led by UCF's Mário Nascimento De Prá and Noemí Pinilla-Alonso discovered carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide ices on 59 trans-Neptunian objects using the James Webb Space Telescope. The findings suggest that carbon dioxide was abundant in the protoplanetary disk, while the origin of carbon monoxide remains uncertain.
UCF assistant professors Li Fang and Fan Yao have been awarded the 2024 NSF Faculty Early Career Development program award for their research projects. Fang is studying photo-induced ultrafast electron-nuclear dynamics in molecules, while Yao is identifying lapses in computer processing security at the micro level.
A UCF researcher is developing algorithms to track space objects and predict their orbits, which will also aid in maritime domain awareness. The computational framework will enable spacecraft to operate autonomously without intervention from Earth.
A UCF student's study of 25 members of the Erigone family of primitive asteroids has provided context for further research into the solar system's history. The data analysis suggests that these asteroids carry traces of their origins and may have delivered water to Earth, with implications for future NASA missions.
The University of Central Florida is establishing itself as a leader in hypersonics and space propulsion research with substantial new funding from the US Department of Defense. The funding will support the construction of a hypersonic testing facility, flight experiments and further advancements of the technology.