The UCF project, Project CENTRAL, aims to enhance collaboration between special education and school psychology using research-based practices. Scholars will receive enhanced education and preparation in a two-year program, addressing the state's critical shortage of high-quality professionals.
Researchers found that global wave models can vary in their estimates of extreme wave heights by up to 20 feet, which can lead to underprotected areas during extreme events. The study emphasizes the need for considering multiple models and modern observational data to better assess offshore and coastal risks.
The UCF-developed battery uses saltwater as an electrolyte, eliminating volatile solvents and overcoming limitations of previous aqueous batteries. The novel design allows for fast charging in just three minutes and increased stability, making it a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Researchers at the University of Central Florida have created a technology that converts radio frequency signals into direct current electricity, reducing the need for batteries in wireless systems. This innovation can help promote a more sustainable future by harnessing ambient energy from radio waves.
University of Central Florida researchers have discovered a method that uses microwaves to melt lunar soil, coupled with beneficiation technology, may be the best option for building safe and economical lunar landing pads. This approach could increase microwave absorption by up to 80% using magnetic fields, making it more energy-effici...
UCF researchers are developing a wearable, wireless health monitor to track physiological response to heat stress in firefighters. The device aims to identify correlations between heat stress and skin thermal activity for the first time, providing insight into the link between heat stress and serious medical issues.
A UCF researcher is studying the potential long-term effects of COVID-19 on people with diabetes, including how it can advance their risk for heart disease and other complications. Dr. Singla believes that COVID-19 can alter a person's genetic makeup, leading to enhanced proliferation of disease.
A recent study by UCF Associate Professor Varadraj Gurupur created an algorithm to predict and measure the incompleteness of electronic health records. The analysis found that missing information is a significant issue, with varying levels of incompleteness per year and no clear pattern of where it occurs.
A team of UCF faculty will develop REACH hubs that provide critical services like cooling and broadband internet after disasters. The hubs will also serve as hazard-preparedness and STEM education centers.
A new study of 25 comets has found strong evidence that comet outgassing could be the source of the chemical composition of the early solar system. The research, led by Olga Harrington Pinto, measured the ratio of water, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide gases from comets to test predictions of solar system formation and evolution.
A University of Central Florida researcher is leading a $1.25 million project to map and manipulate materials at the nanoscale. The research aims to unlock new capabilities of materials at the nanoscale, potentially leading to new catalysts and compounds applicable in quantum science, renewable energy, life sciences and sustainability.
A University of Central Florida researcher has received NASA funding to further develop a novel rocket engine system that could revolutionize space travel by improving engine efficiency and reducing costs. The project focuses on rotating detonation rocket engines, which use high-energy explosions to produce more energy with less fuel.
Researchers at UCF's COSMOS Lab developed a method to create strong bricks from lunar regolith using 3D printing and binder jet technology. The bricks can withstand extreme space environments and are suitable for constructing off-world structures, paving the way for sustainable space construction.
The study includes 191 asteroids' radar cross sections and Doppler-frequency broadening, offering clues to asteroids' spin periods and sizes. The research also discovered two metal-rich near-Earth asteroids and five possible enstatite-rich asteroids, shedding new light on the formation and evolution of the solar system.
UCF researchers have designed a cerium oxide nanoparticle to protect bones against radiation damage from cancer therapy. The treatment also improves bone regeneration and kills cancer cells, reducing the risk of bone fractures and tissue damage.
Researchers developed an AI-based screening method that models drug and target protein interactions using natural language processing techniques. The technique achieved high accuracy in identifying promising drug candidates, which can accelerate the exploration of new medicines and repurpose existing ones.
A team of UCF researchers has developed a nanomaterial-based disinfectant that can kill several serious viruses, including SARS and Zika. The disinfectant uses white light activation to regenerate its antiviral properties, making it effective in minimizing surface-to-surface spread of viruses.
A new study by the University of Central Florida reveals that workers in countries with greater income inequality are more likely to perceive robots and artificial intelligence as job threats. This association was found despite the potential benefits of these technologies to improve work and increase flexibility.
A new study found nearly half of Florida panther mutations originated from Texas and Central American pumas, bringing both good and bad genetic material. Researchers emphasize the need to monitor genetic health due to potential risks, especially with small population sizes. Genetic screening for future introductions may be necessary.
UCF researchers have developed a new liquid biopsy technique that uses the chaperonin complex to detect circulating cancer cells in blood, providing a clearer indication of spreading cancer. This method has the potential to help identify cancer earlier and give patients more treatment options.
A study published in ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction found that individuals who read text in a font better suited to their needs experienced a significant increase in reading speed, with an average gain of 35%. The research highlights the importance of personalization in improving reading efficiency and comprehension.
The team at Arecibo Observatory successfully captured data on the mysterious asteroid 2019 OK, revealing it was a fast-rotating C-type or S-type asteroid with a diameter of .04 to .08 miles. The findings provide insights into asteroid composition and rotation rates, which can help inform deflection techniques to protect the planet.
The device can instantly recognize what it sees, like automatic descriptions of pictures taken by a camera or phone, and outperforms the eye in the number of wavelengths it can see. It's uniqueness comes from its ability to integrate three different operations into one, making it many times faster than current technology.
A University of Central Florida researcher has been awarded $800,000 by the US Department of Energy to investigate elusive chemical compounds known as Criegee intermediates. The research aims to develop more efficient low emission fuel architectures and engine technologies to reduce combustion's impact on the environment.
A team of researchers has developed a novel photonic emulator that reveals the intricacies of light behavior in non-Hermitian optical systems. The findings suggest that the topology of energy surfaces plays a crucial role in determining light behavior, leading to novel mechanisms for light manipulation and technological advancements.
A recent study found that social media is a powerful tool for cities to communicate and collect information during emergencies. The research analyzed data from 23 Florida counties and their use of social media during Hurricane Irma, finding that many counties struggled with managing multiple social media accounts and correcting bad inf...
The University of Central Florida researchers created bimorphic topological insulators that enable secure transport of light packets with minimal losses. These materials could lead to faster and more energy-efficient photonic computers and one day, quantum computing.
Researchers studied aerodynamics of bird perching maneuvers to understand the mechanisms that enhance lift and improve landing stability. They found that swept-wing motion stabilizes leading-edge vortex, leading to better landings in birds and potentially in aircraft.
A new online tool, HazardAware, provides disaster readiness reports for 13.3 million addresses in 196 counties along the Gulf of Mexico, including all of Florida. The tool assesses a property's resilience to hazards such as hurricanes and flooding, and offers customized mitigation information to reduce future hazard loss.
Researchers are developing a project to improve team cognition for future space missions. The project will examine how decreases in cognition cascade to the team level and impact performance. It aims to develop training and technologies, such as AI-based assistants, to counteract potential decreases in team performance.
Researchers at UCF create brain-like devices that enable AI to function independently, allowing technology like robots and voice assistants to operate in remote areas or space. The devices use parallelism and in-memory computing, similar to the brain, for AI and unsupervised learning.
The UCF-developed real-time blood monitor uses an optical fiber to assess blood status and can be inserted directly into heart-lung machines or catheters without withdrawing blood from patients. This device has been shown to save doctors critical time during life-or-death operations, particularly in surgeries on infants.
Researchers at UCF have identified 116 new gene variants in sea turtles that may protect them from a tumor-causing disease. The discovery sheds light on the role of MHC class I alleles in potentially safeguarding sea turtles against fibropapillomatosis.
The study analyzed tide gauge observations along coastlines in Europe and found that changes in storm surges have altered the likelihood of extreme sea-level events. While some areas see an increase in extreme flooding, others see a decrease, with human-induced climate change partly to blame.
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is working with the US Air Force to develop a system that uses commercial rockets to transport cargo quickly and efficiently. The project aims to determine the viability of this method for disaster relief and global shipping, with the goal of delivering 100 tons of goods within one hour. UCF rese...
Three University of Central Florida researchers have been awarded multi-million-dollar projects by the US Department of Defense to advance hypersonic propulsion and improve semiconductor performance. The projects will focus on developing new technologies for ultra-fast intercontinental travel and making space travel more economical.
A study found that parents who frequently share photos of their children on social media tend to have more permissive and confident parenting styles. They also engage their children with social media at younger ages, raising concerns about privacy and safety.
A national research study led by UCF physicians found that using inhaled corticosteroids significantly reduced severe asthma symptoms among Black and Latinx patients. The new guidelines resulted in improved asthma control, better quality of life, and fewer hospitalizations.
The researchers developed a power suit made of a layered carbon composite material that works as an energy-storing supercapacitor-battery hybrid device. This material could increase an electric car's range by 25% and boost its power, giving it the extra push it needs to go from zero to 60 mph in 3 seconds.
A UCF-led team has created a self-powered injection jet shunt that uses the heart's energy to alleviate internal pressure caused by Fontan circulation. The device shows promise in reducing mortality rates for babies born with one functioning heart ventricle.
A new $1 million project at UCF aims to understand how raindrops interact with hypersonic shock waves. Researchers will use computer simulations and experiments to predict conditions for safe hypersonic travel. The knowledge gained could prevent damage and improve rocket launch accuracy.
A UCF researcher is leading a $1.5 million DARPA project to develop a highly sensitive infrared imaging system that can enhance night vision, space exploration, and healthcare diagnostics. The system will use graphene-based nano-antennas to collect light, enhancing infrared absorption by over 30 times.
Researchers at the University of Central Florida found that face masks can reduce airborne pathogens' travel distance by more than half, suggesting they can effectively prevent airborne diseases. The study's findings could aid in managing responses to pandemics like COVID-19.
A UCF researcher is developing nanotechnology to detect and mitigate emerging animal-borne infectious diseases. Her team aims to create an active material that will change color in the presence of pathogens, significantly reducing the work involved in mosquito trapping and analysis.
A team from UCF created an optical oscilloscope that can measure the electric field of light, allowing for faster data transmission in fiber optic communications. The device converts light oscillations into electrical signals at speeds of up to gigahertz frequencies.
The University of Central Florida researchers have developed an alcohol-based power source for cars and other technology that uses less fuel and produces fewer emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels. The ethanol fuel cell has achieved a maximum power density and operation time of over 5,900 hours, making it a promising alternat...
A study suggests the IAU's current definition of a planet is flawed and rooted in folklore and astrology. Researchers propose a new definition focused on a planet's geological activity, clearing its own orbit to be the largest gravitational force.
Researchers have developed a device that detects viruses in seconds from blood samples with 95% accuracy, significantly improving over current rapid tests. The optical sensor uses nanotechnology to accurately identify viruses, making it a promising technology for early treatment and virus detection.
Researchers found that individuals who evaluate investments at a time that conflicts with their natural internal clock tend to make poor choices, resulting in potential losses. The study suggests that matching one's circadian rhythm with investment timing can lead to more successful outcomes.
The University of Central Florida has received a $1.5 million U.S. Department of Defense award to develop high-performance fuels for hypersonic propulsion. The project aims to create new solid fuels that can provide wider flammability limits and longer range while constraining volume.