Research on the tools that support teaching and learning. Covers AI tutoring, critical-thinking tools, language learning, prevention games, and student engagement.
This year's winners include C. Jeffrey Brinker, Claire M. Fraser, Bruce T. Goodwin, Keith O. Hodgson, Saul Perlmutter, Benjamin D. Santer, and Paul J. Turinsky for their groundbreaking work in materials research, genome analysis, nuclear physics, environmental science, and more.
Dr. Rory Cooper's groundbreaking work on wheelchair design and technology has improved the lives of veterans with service-connected disabilities. His contributions include streamlined wheelchairs, accessibility guidelines, and electric-powered wheelchair expansion.
Researchers have developed a new technique for embedding data in images without causing distortion. Authorized recipients can extract the embedded message while recovering the original image intact. This technology has significant applications in authenticating images, detecting changes, and encoding information about the image itself.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is leading a global effort to develop revolutionary materials and systems for safely and economically purifying water. Researchers will focus on improving disinfection and desalination processes, removing trace contaminants, and eliminating foulants that clog filters.
A five-year initiative led by Partnership for Biodiversity Informatics will enhance researchers' global access to data and information. The project aims to locate relevant data sets, utilize distributed computational services, and exercise new analysis methods.
Virginia Tech and ICSRC used Internet2 technology to create a live virtual classroom environment where students from Seattle interacted with teachers on the east and west coast. The ThinkQuest conference explored emerging technologies and educational ideas, with participants debating future possibilities for K-12 audiences.
A new virtual clinic, developed by Dartmouth Medical School, aims to improve understanding of genetic testing and services among non-geneticists. The program uses interactive multimedia and expert simulations to train healthcare providers on genetics in clinical practice, working with labs and genetic counselors.
The article discusses the future of coatings technology, which dates back over 20,000 years, and highlights key challenges to be addressed. Dr. Robert R. Matheson Jr., a DuPont scientist, identifies issues such as reducing environmental footprint and improving biological, mechanical, and transport longevity in soft coatings.
Researchers used carbon-dating technology to confirm the authenticity of the Vinland Map, dating it to approximately 1434 A.D. The map, if authentic, is believed to be the first known cartographic representation of North America. Its date would establish the history of European knowledge of the lands bordering the western Atlantic Ocean.
A Syracuse University study found that the LSTA generated an average of 17% increase in new funding for libraries from state and non-governmental sources. This increase held even when adjusted for a strong economy, demonstrating the positive impact of federal spending on revenue.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed a new type of nanofilter that can selectively separate proteins and DNA molecules based on their size. The filter uses electrostatic screening to 'open' or 'close' pores, allowing for controlled separation of similar-sized proteins.
A new project at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is using an innovative 'soap opera' format to teach Spanish to health professionals. The program, called "A su salud!", combines language development and cultural awareness with health content focusing on Spanish-speaking immigrants.
Georgia Tech will focus on aeropropulsion and power technologies, bridging technology gaps for revolutionary engine components. The institute aims to develop innovative propulsion and power technologies, enabling NASA and industry to produce more efficient engines.
The Ohio University team, dubbed the 'Robobcats,' has developed soccer-playing robots that employ artificial intelligence to devise play strategies. The technology also has practical applications in disaster response and space exploration.
Researchers at Advanced Cell Technology successfully transplanted cloned tissues into animals without rejection. The study's findings suggest that nuclear transplantation could provide a limitless supply of immune-compatible cells and organs for regenerative therapies, tackling one of the major challenges in transplantation medicine.
Continental Airlines used operations research to generate globally optimal crew recovery solutions, recovering from terrorist attacks and inclement weather with tens of millions of dollars in benefits. The airline's partner CALEB Technologies Corp. developed the CrewSolver decision support system.
CU Pharmaceuticals and Chemical Signatures win with innovative approaches to pharmaceuticals and life sciences. The two companies will receive funding to develop their ideas.
Jawahar C. Parekh, a New Jersey researcher, has developed an ozone-safe antiperspirant that provides better protection at lower application levels and has a longer shelf life. The new propellant reduces the formation of hazardous air pollutants when reacting with the antiperspirant's active ingredient.
Brown, a renowned chemist and educator, has been recognized for her efforts to promote diversity in the chemical workplace. Through various initiatives, she has acted as a mentor and role model for underrepresented groups, serving on committees and participating in programs that encourage STEM education.
Researchers have found that highly connected proteins are unlikely to interact with each other, a phenomenon that helps reduce interference and increase stability in protein networks. This discovery was made possible by computer modeling of protein interactions in yeast cells, which revealed an
The University of Washington has been awarded a $16 million National Science Foundation grant to establish a center for materials and devices in information technology research. The center will receive funding over five years, with the potential for more than twice that amount over 10 years.
Researchers at UMass Amherst used computer simulations to predict that microwaves can be used to separate chemicals in sponge-like solids, leading to energy-efficient technologies. The study found that it is possible to maintain two chemicals at different temperatures using microwave radiation.
The Dynamic Brain Atlas project utilizes Grid technology to create customized brain atlases from hundreds of images. This allows radiologists to identify subtle brain abnormalities and improve diagnoses for psychiatric conditions and dementias.
The study found that a love of problem solving and challenge, as well as support from men and teachers, were key factors in women's career choices. Non-traditional degrees and on-the-job training also played a role in women's access to IT jobs.
The new center will identify and track special outreach efforts by libraries nationwide, merging IU's medical informatics strengths with geographic information systems technology. It aims to provide a unique database for researchers to pinpoint health outreach activities.
Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new resistive memory technology that can store information even when power is turned off, potentially replacing current RAM and hard drive technologies. This technology could enable faster processing and high-speed data transfer for multimedia and broadband applications.
A Minneapolis chemist has won a national award for his work on separating molecules using membranes, which can improve efficiency in distillation processes. His unique approach has also been applied to separate oxygen from water, as demonstrated by an experiment with a dog named Muggins.
Recent research in social informatics reveals that information and communication technologies often have unintended outcomes, such as harming group communications and exacerbating social differences. The studies highlighted the need for frameworks to expose value conflicts embedded in ICT design, but these are not widely practiced.
The University of Washington has established a new center to combat deadly microbial pathogens, which threaten human health worldwide. Researchers will focus on developing treatments and vaccines for diseases caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, pathogenic protozoa, and other infectious agents.
Arthur Buikema, a Fulbright fellow, developed two new courses in Environmental Science and Health at the National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe. He introduced alternative teaching strategies and integrated technology into education, giving students handouts instead of traditional lecture notes due to limited resources.
A new method for producing ultraviolet (UV) light has been patented by Rutgers researchers, providing a more energy-efficient source with higher power and lower maintenance. The technology has broad industrial and commercial applications in the semiconductor, printing, and lighting industries.
Nanosphere has developed ultra-sensitive and specific DNA detection technology using electrical conductivity measurements facilitated by gold nanoparticle probes. This breakthrough can simplify traditional analysis procedures, reducing costs and increasing the speed of hand-held molecular testing devices.
Researchers developed a new method to wind coils from fragile conductor, using an insulating layer folded lengthways around the tape to prevent discharges. The new superconducting transformer is compact and light, making it attractive for use in trains and large town centres.
Glacial geologists and wildlife biologists in Alaska study dendrochronology and Stellar Sea Lion eating patterns using satellite and Internet2 technology. The research is made available to 4th-9th graders in Virginia through a distance learning experiment, enhancing STEM education and making it more accessible for rural students.
The application of military technologies and increased fishing effort have led to the depletion of marine species, with new technologies revealing previously inaccessible areas. To avoid extinction, experts emphasize the need for establishing networks of marine reserves to provide safe havens and protect habitats.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a technique to resynchronize internet video, preventing lost frames and protecting intellectual property rights. The method uses digital watermarking to verify the authenticity of videos, which can be crucial in applications such as surveillance and law enforcement.
The Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize recognizes the groundbreaking work of Dr. Avram Hershko and Dr. Alexander Varshavsky on the ubiquitin system, which regulates protein balance in cells. Their research has far-reaching implications for understanding cellular processes and diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers have developed a new technology-driven approach to improving sea-going investigations using high-speed wireless networking. The system will enable scientists on land to analyze data immediately and provide feedback to ships at sea, reducing costs and increasing data quality.
Researchers have developed a way to synthesize ciguatoxin, the toxin responsible for seafood poisoning, which will enable scientists to better understand its effects on humans and prepare toxin-fighting antibodies. The breakthrough could lead to more efficient methods for detecting infected fish before they reach the market.
The University of Oklahoma College of Engineering has received a $500k NSF grant to improve customer relationship management (CRM) and supply chain management. The research aims to increase the accuracy and speed of due date promises, resulting in significant impacts on companies' revenues, operating expenses, and customer satisfaction.
The University of Pennsylvania has launched TECH.21, a national technology lab focused on improving adult education and literacy. The initiative aims to provide near-term and long-range answers on the effectiveness of educational technologies, partnering with organizations across the US.
A new study simulates the Atlantic Ocean floor's movement over millions of years, predicting that it will plunge beneath the North American continent. The process is expected to take around three million years, triggered by water seeping into offshore rock and making it softer.
The center will provide cutting-edge instrumentation and theoretical expertise to researchers worldwide, focusing on biochemistry and molecular biology. Researchers will utilize state-of-the-art ESR spectrometers to study dynamic molecular processes and develop new methods for measuring distances in biomolecules.
A research team at the University of Ulster and Queen's University of Belfast has developed a mobile intelligent agent that finds the most reliable internet connection at the best price. The tool will negotiate quality connections in real-time, transparently and instantly.
The von Liebig Center will provide mentorship and commercialization services to UCSD inventors, awarding pre-seed funds to assess new discovery potential. The center will also support academic courses preparing engineering students for entrepreneurial environments.
The University of Maine will receive DuPont's papermaking technology, which aims to increase efficiency and environmental performance in paper mills. The school will conduct research to implement the technology at an industrial scale.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates Dean Nieusma and Elizabeth Press have been awarded prestigious Fulbright student grants. Nieusma will conduct an ethnographic study on technology design practices in Sri Lanka, while Press will work with at-risk students in the Dominican Republic through her 'Video Connections' project.
Two Cornell University researchers are working on separate projects to develop new devices that could lead to huge increases in data storage and processing speed. George Malliaras is investigating the electrical properties of individual molecules, while Robert Buhrman is studying spin manipulation and quantum manipulation.
Researchers are using new technology to measure coastal erosion in the UK, with a focus on the North Yorkshire coastline. They are creating highly accurate 3D computer models that detail when and where erosion is most likely to occur.
The new Phileas bus-tram system uses a magnetic reference system to guide the vehicle, allowing for precise navigation around bends and stops. The system enables the bus to travel at higher speeds while reducing construction costs and improving safety.
The Texas General Land Office and Texas A extM University are loaning the Navy two state-of-the-art buoys to monitor ocean currents and temperatures during the Ehime Maru salvage effort in the Pacific Ocean. The buoys will provide real-time data to support decision-making on how work should progress.
Lehigh University will partner with industry leaders to advance research and commercialization of optical technologies, including Lucent, Corning, and Sycamore Networks. The $1 million grant from the PA state will be used to develop a multi-institutional enterprise that aims to transform the regional economy.
The new center, led by Dr. Theodor Krauthammer, will focus on research and development of methods to ensure building safety under terrorist bomb threats. Penn State will collaborate with other institutions to provide training programs for engineers, architects, and others on using the new technology.
Case Western Reserve University senior Niuniu Ji has been awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship to pursue two-year honors studies in economics and management at Oxford University. The scholarship, established by British philanthropist Cecil Rhodes in 1902, recognizes high academic achievement and potential for leadership.
High-tech entrepreneur Michael J. Fitzpatrick and his wife, Patty, are donating $25 million each to establish new centers for advanced photonics at Stanford and Duke universities. The centers will attract top students and faculty, and facilitate industry partnerships to develop cutting-edge photonics technologies.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has awarded a $10.5 million grant to co-directors David E. Luzzi and Kambiz Pourrezaei, aiming to remaking the region as 'Nanotech Valley.' The Regional Nanotechnology Center will fund interdisciplinary research and promote collaboration between academia and local industries.
A new study by Georgia Tech finds that industrializing countries in Asia are catching up with the US in technology exports, thanks to an information-based economy. The US remains the leader but faces tougher competition, particularly from China and India.
The new Marshall Institute is a concept for delivering training to employees, based on a commitment to lifelong learning. It will feature a catalog of courses, an advisory council, and partnerships with industry and academia to keep employees abreast of the latest learning processes and technologies.
More than 400 information professionals gathered for the conference to explore topics such as web contact center software, virtual reference networks, and digital resources for agriculture. Keynote speakers Michael B. Eisenberg and Charles R. McClure presented on the role of digital reference librarians in online environments.
Dartmouth Medical School's Interactive Media Laboratory has been designated a national Center for Public Health Preparedness, focusing on applied communications technology and E-learning. The center aims to enhance public health readiness by developing cutting-edge interactive education and training programs.