CSE in the News—2025 archive
December 2025
TikTok’s mental health ‘rabbit hole’? It’s not in your head.
That makes it difficult to know why mental health videos are stickier than other topics, says Stevie Chancellor, an engineering professor at the University of Minnesota who studies AI and its risks. Dec. 12: The Washington Post; Dec. 18: CHADD; Dec. 26: Newsy Today; The New Zealand Herald (4 as of Dec. 29 at 8:35 a.m.)
Minn. researchers launch smoke-sensing drones
Though the project has a way to go before it can be used for large-scale wildfires, the research represents a significant step toward using fully autonomous drone systems for emergency response and scientific research missions, said Jiarong Hong, professor at the University of Minnesota’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. Dec. 23: Columbian
A 3D Scaffold Helps Recreate the Human Bone Marrow Niche
“This is joining a pretty small contingent of models that exist to do something like this and adding a really important additional layer onto it, which is having a three-dimensional, bone-like scaffold to direct the differentiation and the self-organization of the different types of organoids,” said Grace Bushnell, a cancer biologist and engineer at the University of Minnesota who was not involved with the study. Dec. 19: The Scientist
Electrostatic Precipitator Prototype Shown Effective in Removing Pathogens from the Air in Swine Barns
In partnership with the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research and Pork Checkoff, researchers with Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Minnesota examined the effectiveness of a commercially available electrostatic precipitator prototype. Dec. 15: Farms.com
Two University of Minnesota faculty to be inducted into the National Academy of Inventors
The National Academy of Inventors has announced the selection of two Fellows from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities College of Science and Engineering: Nikolaos Papanikolopoulos and Shashank Priya. Dec. 11: UMN News
Here’s how to levitate something without magic
Magnetic levitation is not limited to magnetic metals, notes Eric Severson. He’s a mechanical engineer at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Diamagnetic materials also can accomplish this feat. Dec. 10: Science News Explores
Meet Caltech’s 2025 Distinguished Alumni
Donald Truhlar is now a Regents Professor and Distinguished University Teaching Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Minnesota. Dec. 3: Pasadena Now
Beaver Love: A new initiative aims to help beavers and people co-exist in harmony
“There is a growing awareness about beavers’ ecological role,” says Andy Riesgraf, a research at the University of Minnesota, St. Anthony Falls Laboratory. Dec. 3: Cottage Grove Journal
Six-million-year-old Antarctic ice offers glimpse into warmer era of Earth’s past
These isotopes were initially discovered and studied in the 1930s and 40s at the University of Minnesota by physicist and professor Al Nier in Tate Hall. Dec. 1: UMN News
November 2025
Will AI ever make big profits? Experts weigh in as bubble fears loom
The scale of investment also places pressure on AI companies to deliver major profits within a limited timeframe, since the current level of financing cannot continue into perpetuity, Andrew Odlyzko, an emeritus University of Minnesota mathematics professor who focuses on financial bubbles, told ABC News. Nov. 28: ABC News; Nov. 29: MSN; Newsbreak; (25 as of Dec. 1 at 9:55 a.m.)
Intelligent Aerial Robotics to Transform Wildfire Smoke Analysis
According to senior author Jiarong Hong, professor in the University of Minnesota’s Department of Mechanical Engineering: “A key step is understanding the composition of smoke particles and how they disperse. Smaller particles can travel farther and stay suspended longer, impacting regions far from the original fire.” Nov. 28: Highways Today
Waymo is coming to Minneapolis. But can the self-driving taxi navigate winter weather?
MPR News guest host Chris Farrell spoke to Raj Rajamani, an autonomous vehicle expert at the University of Minnesota and Frank Douma, who researches autonomous vehicle policy at the University of Minnesota. Nov. 24: MPR News
Century-old catalysis puzzle cracked by measuring a fraction of an electron
“Measuring fractions of an electron at these incredibly small scales provides the clearest view yet of the behavior of molecules on catalysts,” said Justin Hopkins, University of Minnesota chemical engineering Ph.D. student and lead author of the research study. Nov. 21: WDC News 6; Science Daily; Nov. 22: News Directory3; Nov. 23: Today News 24; NBIC+; (4 as of Nov. 24 at 8:30 a.m.)
New light-activated method revolutionizes creation of drug building blocks
"The tool for building molecules using an aryne intermediate hasn't changed since 1983. We took this opportunity to break open this field so that it can be used by the entire chemistry and materials community, rather than just in niche applications." Courtney Roberts, senior author of the study and University of Minnesota Department of Chemistry associate professor who holds the 3M Alumni." Nov. 21: News Medical Life Sciences
Johnson Stewart talks water funding with Minnetrista counci
Johnson Stewart, a civil engineer, University of Minnesota professor, and member of the Senate Capital Investment Committee, said she is deeply engaged with local infrastructure issues. Nov. 19: Laker Pioneer
Fix for aging Arkansas prison wastewater plant years behind schedule
Tim LaPara, a professor of civil, environmental and geo-engineering at the University of Minnesota who researches wastewater treatment, said wastewater plants have a lifespan of 10 to 25 years before they need to be replaced or upgraded. Nov. 18: Arkansas Times; Yahoo! News; News From The States; Little Rock Public Radio; (4 as of Nov. 20 at 8:15 a.m.)
Investigating a New, More Efficient Path From Corn-to-Energy
Paul Dauenhauer, a University of Minnesota Professor of Chemical Engineering, asks, what if there were a process that could utilize 100 percent of the corn glucose polymers to make fuel? Nov. 12: Farms.com; Nov. 14: Biomass Magazine; Ethanol Producer Magazine; Nov. 15: Greenleaf; (4 as of Nov. 15 at 8:30 a.m.)
Transforming a technical space—and its occupants
For example, College of Science and Engineering professors Robert “Bob” Pepin and Rama Murthy studied samples of moon rock collected by Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin in 1969. Nov. 12: UMN News
The University of Minnesota’s Fraser Hall reopens with a shiny new façade featuring Linetec’s Copper Anodize finish and EFCO curtain wall
“There’s a shiny, new building in Minneapolis overlooking the banks of the Mississippi River that is more than just beautiful,” announced the University of Minnesota’s CSE website. “The new Undergraduate Chemistry Teaching Laboratories in Fraser Hall will transform the way chemistry is taught at the University of Minnesota and fuel the state and nation’s high-tech workforce.” Nov. 10: Lintec; Nov. 13: Tradeline; (2 as of Nov. 14 at 8:30 a.m.)
Amid AI boom, U of M computer science majors shift focus
Loren Terveen is a professor and the head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. He joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to share his perspective and what he’s hearing from students. Nov. 10: MPR News
Repairing Spinal Cord Injuries with 3D-Printed Scaffolds
Instead, the former University of Minnesota (UMN) mechanical engineering postdoctoral researcher, who now works at Intel Corporation, is making strides on new therapies to treat human spinal cord injuries. Nov. 10: ASME
Engineering Defects Could Transform the Future of Nanomaterials
“These extended defects are exciting because they span the entire material but occupy a very small volume,” said Andre Mkhoyan, a professor in the University of Minnesota Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and senior author of the study. Nov. 9: NBIC+; Nov. 27: ASM International; (2 as of Dec. 1 at 10:00 a.m.)
Defunct Pennsylvania oil and gas wells may leak methane, metals into water
Both methanogens and methanotrophs create issues for their surroundings, according to first and corresponding author Samuel Shaheen, an NSF postdoctoral fellow at the University of Minnesota. Nov. 7: EurekAlert; Phys.org; MSN; Technology Networks; (3 as of Nov. 10 at 8:30 a.m.)
Let there be light-activated arynes
Illuminating new research offers chemists a simple and mild method for making arynes—a challenging type of strained molecule. Using a new precursor activated by blue light, researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities led by Courtney Roberts were able to access elusive aryne intermediates (Nature 2025, DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09830-1). The precursors are straightforward to make and relatively easy to diversify, so chemists can more easily use them to create complex molecules. Nov. 5: C&EN
Engineering Defects Could Transform the Future of Nanomaterials
“These extended defects are exciting because they span the entire material but occupy a very small volume,” said Andre Mkhoyan, a professor in the University of Minnesota Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and senior author of the study. Nov. 5: Semiconductor Digest; Newsbreak; EurekAlert!; Newswise; Phys.org; Technology Networks; Nov.6: Rutab (Translated from Russian); (6 as of Nov. 6 at 8:55 a.m.)
Researchers Weigh the Use of AI for Mental Health
Hatbots’ shortcomings as therapists are largely due to the fact that they weren’t meant to be used for therapy; they were trained on data from social media, Wikipedia, and other sources that aren’t necessarily in line with best practices when it comes to mental health. And tech companies are beginning to realize that they’re ill-equipped to handle these problems, said Stevie Chancellor, a computer scientist at the University of Minnesota. Nov. 4: Undark; Nov. 7: The Good Men Project; (2 as of Nov. 10 at 8:30 a.m.)
U of M researchers launch smoke-sensing drones that one day could fight wildfires
The research represents a significant step toward using fully autonomous drone systems for emergency response and scientific research missions, said Jiarong Hong, professor at the University of Minnesota’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. Nov. 2: Star Tribune; Merced Sun-Star; The Spokesman-Review; The State; The Charlotte Observer; Belleville News-Democrat; Idaho Statesman; The Telegraph; The Olympian; The Wichita Eagle; The Bellingham Herald; Tri-City Herald; Bradenton Herald; The Sacramento Bee; Fort Worth Star-Telegram; The Kansas City Star; The Fresno Bee; Miami Herald; The News Tribune; Centre Daily Times; Lexington Herald Leader; The Island Packet; Nov. 3: DroneXL; Techxplore; Nov. 15: Fire Rescue 1; (24 as of Nov. 4 at 8:25 a.m.)
October 2025
Talking deer collisions with University of Minnesota
Raphael Stern and Ron Moen with the University of Minnesota Center for Transportation studies discuss how deer collisions affect Minnesota drivers and how we can all stay safer as the seasons change. Oct. 27: UMN News; Oct. 29: Mesabi Tribune; Oct. 30: Isanti-Chisago County Star; (3 as of Oct. 31 at 8:40 a.m.)
Rosemount, St. Thomas receive state funding for tech projects
A partnership between the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering and North Wind, the facility will be used to advance the United States’ supersonic ground testing, modeling and simulation capabilities, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Oct. 22: The Twin Cities Buzz, Twin Cities Pioneer Press, St. Paul Pioneer Press, (3 as of Oct. 23 at 8:30 a.m.)
Robot drone designed by University of Minnesota students aims to scare deer away from crops
A team of computer science and mechanical engineering students from the University of Minnesota won the Small Farm Technology award at the Farm Robotics Challenge , a national competition for college-level student teams tackling real-world agricultural problems using advanced robotics. Oct. 21: Post Bulletin, WN.com, West Central Tribune, Park Rapids Enterprise, DL Online, Wadena Pioneer Journal, Alliance Grain Co., Prairie Central, Dorans Farmers, AG Week, Bemidji Pioneer, The Globe, Inforum, Echo Journal, The Dickinson Press, News Center, Brainerd Dispatch, Perham Focus, (18 as of Oct. 22 at 8:40 a.m.)
What happens when the AI bubble bursts?
“The dotcom bubble did not involve very much real investment,” explains Andrew Odlyzko, Professor Emeritus of the School of Mathematics at the University of Minnesota. Oct. 16: Transformer
Nobel Prize in Chemistry Awarded to Architects of Metal-Organic Frameworks
Substances based on metal-organic frameworks are “some of the highest porosity solids that exist on our planet,” said Theresa Reineke, a chemist at the University of Minnesota who worked on her Ph.D. with Dr. Yaghi. Oct. 8: The New York Times; Scientific American; (2 as of Oct. 9 at 8:40 a.m.)
Student team wins award at Farm Robotics Challenge
A team of computer science and mechanical engineering students from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities won the 2025 Excellence in Small Farm Technology award at the Farm Robotics Challenge, a national competition for college-level student teams tackling real-world agricultural problems using advanced robotics. Oct. 7: UMN News; Oct. 8: Building Enclosure; Farms.com; (3 as of Oct. 9 at 8:40 a.m.)
Researchers Test New Method for Iron Production
"Overcoming the technical challenges of this research was one of the most difficult experiments we've done," said Peter Bruggeman, a senior author on the paper and University of Minnesota Distinguished McKnight University Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Oct. 1: Technology Networks
Heavier rains due to climate change causing more landslide, rockfalls
Phil Larson, Minnesota State University earth science director and earth systems laboratory co-director, and Andrew Wickert, professor at the University of Minnesota’s St. Anthony Falls Laboratory and Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, are re-mapping areas where landslides have occurred in the Minnesota River Valley. Oct. 1: Mankato Free Press
Machine learning helps density functional theory model molecules accurately
“The trials performed so far are preliminary, but promising,” says Donald Truhlar, a computational chemist at the University of Minnesota who was not involved in the research. Oct. 1: C&En
Energy researchers discover fraction of an electron that drives catalysis
A team of researchers from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities College of Science and Engineering and the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering has discovered and measured the fraction of an electron that makes catalytic manufacturing possible. Oct. 1: Phys.org; Newswise; Tiisys (Translated from Japanese); Oct. 3: NBIC+; Oct. 7: Digitpatrox; Oct. 8: News Net Daily; Focus.pl (Translated from Polish); (7 as of Oct. 9 at 8:45 a.m.)
Steel production could get a makeover: Study captures real-time iron formation at the nanoscale
"We developed a new technique that allows us to monitor plasma-material interactions at the nanometer scale, which has never been done before," said Jae Hyun Nam, first author on the paper and a Ph.D. student in the University of Minnesota Department of Mechanical Engineering. Oct. 1: AOL; Yahoo! News Malaysia; Yahoo! News; (3 as of Oct. 2 at 8:30 a.m.)
September 2025
Steel production could get a makeover: Study captures real-time iron formation at the nanoscale
"We developed a new technique that allows us to monitor plasma-material interactions at the nanometer scale, which has never been done before," said Jae Hyun Nam, first author on the paper and a Ph.D. student in the University of Minnesota Department of Mechanical Engineering. Sept. 29: Phys.org; Newswise; EurekAlert; Innoreports; Nano Werk; Highways Today; Sept. 30: NBIC+; Oct. 1: Technology Networks; (8 as of Oct. 28 at 9:10 a.m.)
3D-printed skin stretches, bleeds like the real thing
“This approach opens the door to creating more realistic training models for surgery, which could ultimately improve medical outcomes,” University of Minnesota Department of Mechanical Engineering Ph.D graduate and paper first author Adarsh Somayaji said in a statement. Sept. 24: UMN News: Medical Xpress; ScienceBlog; Sept. 25: Popular Science; News Medical Life Sciences; Newswise; VoxelMatters; 3D Ruck; Hoodline Minneapolis; Sept. 26: Axios Twin Cities, News Gram; Interesting Engineering; 3D Natives; Sept. 27: Archynetys; 740 The Fan; KFGO; Newsylist; MSN; Newsbreak; Sept. 30: Brobible; Oct. 12 Technology Org; Oct. 15 3D Printing Industry; Oct. 18 3dprint.com; (23 as of Oct. 27 at 9:05 a.m.)
Created robots that destroys ultrasound carcinoma
Nikos Papanikolopoulos, Professor of Robotics at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota. Mr. Papanikolopoulos points out robotics and artificial intelligence can change our lives for the better, while sending the message that it should “To use technologies to increase people’s mental and physical well-being.” Sept. 17: News Bulletin 247
Scalable Aerial Vision System Could Enhance Environmental Monitoring and Hazard Response
“This approach allows for high-resolution data collection across large areas—at a lower cost than satellite-based tools,” explains Nikil Krishnakumar, a graduate research assistant with the Minnesota Robotics Institute at the University of Minnesota and first author of the paper. Sept. 16: Vision Systems Design
Heavier rains due to climate change causing more landslides and rockfalls in Minnesota
Phil Larson, Minnesota State University, Mankato earth science director and earth systems laboratory co-director, and Andrew Wickert, professor at the University of Minnesota’s St. Anthony Falls Laboratory and Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, are re-mapping areas where landslides have occurred in the Minnesota River Valley. Sept. 15: Brainerd Dispatch; Park Rapids Enterprise; Detroit Lakes Tribune; Pine Journal; Wadena Pioneer Journal; Perham Focus; The Bemidji Pioneer; Worthington Daily Globe; Pine and Lakes Echo Journal; Post-Bulletin; West Central Tribune; InForum; (12 as of Sept. 16 at 9:00 a.m.)
Medical Polymers Front and Center at MD&M Minneapolis
The impact of multifunctional macromolecules on applications in the biological space is the starting point of a presentation by Theresa M. Reineke, the Prager Endowed Chair in Macromolecular Science and a Distinguished McKnight University Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Minnesota. Sept. 11: Plastics Today
“Alien Aurora” – Scientists Spot Never-Before-Seen Plasma Waves in Jupiter’s Polar Lights
“The James Webb Space Telescope has given us some infrared images of the aurora, but Juno is the first spacecraft in a polar orbit around Jupiter,” said Ali Sulaiman, an assistant professor in the University of Minnesota School of Physics and Astronomy. Sept. 4: Scitech Daily; Digitpatrox; Sept. 5: World Today News; Daily Galaxy; Archyde; Sept. 6: MSN; MSN Ireland; (7 as of Sept. 8 at 8:30 a.m.)
Satish Dhawan (Indian aerospace engineer and space scientist)
Dhawan obtained a master’s degree in aerospace engineering at the University of Minnesota (1947). Upon returning to India, Dhawan joined IISc in Bangalore, focused on building the necessary infrastructure for conducting and consolidating experimental fluid dynamics research. It was under his initiative that, at IISc, India built its first high-speed aerodynamics and boundary layer laboratories. Sept. 3: Britannica
3D printing advances offer hope for spinal cord injury recovery
For the first time, a research team at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities demonstrated a groundbreaking process that combines 3D printing, stem cell biology, and lab-grown tissues for spinal cord injury recovery, informs the university’s College of Science & Engineering. Sept. 2: YouTube; Sept. 3: News.am; Sept. 4: Yahoo! News; Interesting Engineering; News Break; Newsy Today; Scitech Daily; Digitpatrox; UNN; Sept. 6: Healthandme; Sept. 14: WDCTV; Popular Science; Sept. 17: U.S. News; Time News; (84 as of Sept. 18 at 8:55 a.m.)
AI-Equipped Aerial Robots Help to Track and Model Wildfire Smoke
“A key step is understanding the composition of smoke particles and how they disperse,” said Jiarong Hong, a professor in the University of Minnesota’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and senior author on the paper. “Smaller particles can travel farther and stay suspended longer, impacting regions far from the original fire.” Sept. 2: Newswise; Bioengineer.org; Interesting Engineering; Maldankon; Technology Networks; Design and Development Today; IEN; IMPO; Manufacturing.net; Manufacturing Business Technology; TechXplore; Sept. 3: Air Quality; The AI Insider; Hackster.io; Cybernews; Sept. 8: Epikairo (translated from Greek); Itech-News (translated from Greek); Tech Gear (translated from Greek); Sustainability Times; Sept. 13: AOL; The Bright Side; Yahoo! News; Sept. 16: Vision Systems Design; (23 as of Sept. 30 at 1:15 p.m.)
August 2025
Lake bottoms suffer when wakesurf boats rev up, study finds
The University of Minnesota’s Saint Anthony Falls Lab has been studying this, and lab Researcher Andy Riesgraf said in certain situations, their new findings show significant disturbance to the lake bottom. Aug. 25: Minot Daily News
3D-printed scaffold process offers hope for spinal cord injury recovery
For the first time, a research team at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities demonstrated a process that combines 3D printing, stem cell biology, and lab-grown tissues for spinal cord injury recovery. In addition to Han and Parr, the team included Hyunjun Kim and Michael McAlpine from the University of Minnesota Department of Mechanical Engineering. Aug. 22: Medibio (Translated from Japanese); Aug. 25: MSN; Newswise; Scienmag; Bioengineer.org; Maldankon; Newswise; MSN; News Medical; Industrial News; Medical Design & Development; Engineering.com; Medical Xpress; Aug. 26: WDCTV; WDC News6; Science Daily; Today News 24; World Today News; Archyde; Archynetys; 3DPrintr; Aug. 27: Technology Networks; 3D Printing Industry; Aug. 28: Time News; Securities.io; Quicknews; Aug. 30: Good News Network; (27 as of Sept. 2 at 8:55 a.m.)
How AI Chatbots Would possibly possibly possibly additionally Be Fueling Psychotic Episodes
Stevie Chancellor, a computer scientist on the University of Minnesota, who works on human-AI interplay and was now not inquisitive relating to the preprint paper, says that agreeableness is the fundamental contributor by manner of the construct of LLMs that’s contributing to this upward thrust in AI-fueled delusional pondering. Aug. 24: The Sundarban; Yahoo! News; MSNBCTV; BYTESEU; Scientific American; Today Headline; Aug. 25: AInvest; Aug. 26: MSN; Yahoo! News Malaysia; Futurism; (10 as of Aug. 27 at 8:30 a.m.)
Some Gut Microbes Sequester PFAS Internally
“These chemicals are really, really hard to break down because that [carbon-fluorine] bond is so strong,” said Matt Simcik, an environmental chemist who studies PFAS and other pollutants at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Aug. 20: The Scientist
Hands-on astrophysics: The University of Minnesota brings space closer
The study of the evolution of the universe, dark matter, and the origins of the elements is a daunting task, one to which the Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics (MIfA) at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is dedicated. Aug. 20: It-Boltwise (Translated from German)
Do Early School Start Times Discourage Active Transportation?
In a study funded by MnDOT, a research team led by Center for Transportation Studies scholar Michael Levin, associate professor in the University of Minnesota’s Department of Civil, Environmental and Geo-Engineering, set out to test whether parental concerns about early start times were supported by actual evidence. Aug. 19: Streets.mn
Alien Aurora: Researchers Discover New Plasma Wave in Jupiter’s Aurora
“The James Webb Space Telescope has given us some infrared images of the aurora, but Juno is the first spacecraft in a polar orbit around Jupiter,” said Ali Sulaiman, an assistant professor in the University of Minnesota School of Physics and Astronomy. Aug. 8: SOTT; Aug. 19: Newswise; Scienmag; Today Headline; Aug 20: Nano Werk; Aug. 24: Maldankon; MSN; Aug. 25: Daily Galaxy; Europe Says; Inkl; Space.com; Yahoo! News; MSNBCTV; MSN; News Flash; Newz9; International Business Weekly; International Business Times; Aug. 26: 3Printr; USA News Hub; MSN Ireland; Aug. 28: Orbital Today; Aug. 30: World Today News; (22 as of Sept. 2 at 8:55 a.m.)
University of Minnesota student-led solar vehicle team races ‘down under’ in Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
The University of Minnesota student-led Solar Vehicle Project team will compete in the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge starting Aug. 24 in Darwin, Australia. Teams will then race approximately 1,900 miles south to Adelaide where the competition will end on Aug. 29. Aug. 15: UMN News
20-year-old idea increases the efficiency of AI by 1,000 times
Omitting this step, which is also considered a bottleneck between memory and logical processes, therefore has an enormous impact. And this is exactly where an idea from 2003 comes into play, which was developed at the University of Minnesota back then. Aug. 9: NotebookCheck
A history-lover's guide to the market panic over AI
ANDREW Odlyzko, a professor of mathematics at the University of Minnesota, has a side hustle: he has become one of the world’s foremost experts on the history of speculative bubbles. Aug. 9: Business Times
How to Make an Effective 4-Year College Plan
"It seems silly at the beginning, because four years seem so far away, but it does go fast," says Amy Gunter, director of academic advising for the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities. Aug. 7: U.S. News
Can COVID-19 and the flu reactivate cancer cells?
For example, Grace Bushnell, a biomedical engineer at the University of Minnesota, said the study's model did not match the clinical reality for most patients with breast cancer since they usually undergo surgery to remove their tumors. Aug. 4: Advisory
New Study: Powerboats Can Impact Lakes Below the Surface
“For all motorized boats, simply being careful about where you steer your boat and avoiding shallow spots can make a huge difference,” said Jeff Marr, co-author on the study and associate director of engineering and facilities at the St. Anthony Falls Lab in the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering. Aug. 4: Newswise
New method to steer electricity in atom-thin metals may revolutionize devices
“We solved this problem by carefully designing ultra-thin metal layers that interact with light in new ways—something you don’t see in the thicker version of this material,” said Bharat Jalan, senior author of the study and the Shell Chair Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. June 16: ScienceBlog; Aug. 4: Nanowerk; Newswise; Scienmag; Phys.org; August 5: Europe Says; Immo-invest; Euro Says; Aug. 6: NBIC+ (7 as of Aug. 5 at 8:30 a.m.)
July 2025
Seattle’s sizzling beef prices change how some buy, consume meat
Laird studies computer science at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis and lives in the Twin Cities during the school year. When he came back for the summer, he noticed the increase in grocery prices, calling them “a lot” in Seattle. July 31: Seattle Times
New Treatment for Tinnitus Can Give Relief to Those Who Suffer From Ringing in the Ears
“I wasn’t surprised by these real-world study results,” says coauthor Hubert Lim, a professor of biomedical engineering and otolaryngology at the University of Minnesota. Lim has been studying bimodal neurostimulation for 20 years; he is the chief scientific officer of Neuromod Devices and is an officer in two other start-ups. July 30: AARP
Do Lower Speed Limits Reduce Car Crashes? No One In SF Looked Until Now
University of Minnesota engineer Gary Davis directed a study of 28 two-way, two-lane roads in the town. The study only looked at traffic speed, not collisions. Davis wrote that these findings were consistent with similarly modest results from the United Kingdom (Bristol) and North America (Montreal, Edmonton, and Boston). July 29: The Frisc
How powerboats impact lakes below the surface
“For all motorized boats, simply being careful about where you steer your boat and avoiding shallow spots can make a huge difference,” said Jeff Marr, co-author on the study and associate director of engineering and facilities at the St. Anthony Falls Lab in the College of Science and Engineering. July 29: UMN News & Events; MPR News; Austin Daily Herald; Washington Daily Globe; Inforum; KARE11; July 30: Fox6 News Milwaukee; StarTribune; July 31: StarTribune; Phys.org; Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ; Oshkosh Northwestern; Aug. 3: Karmactive; Aug. 4: Newswise; EurekAlert; WPR Aug. 5: NewsChannel9; Innovations Report; Aug. 7: FOX9/KMSP; Yahoo News; Isanti-Chisago County Star; Aug. 8 Outdoor News; Aug. 10: FOX 13 Tampa; Aug. 11: Outdoor Life; Survival Situation; Aug. 14: Yahoo News; Aug. 20: Alexandria Echo Press (27 as of August 20 at 4:00 p.m.)
Satish Kumar Selected as AIChE’s Schowalter Lecturer for 2025
Satish Kumar, Distinguished McKnight University Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at the University of Minnesota, has been chosen to present the American Institute of Chemical Engineers’ (AIChE’s) William R. Schowalter Lecture at the 2025 AIChE Annual Meeting — set for November 2–6 in Boston, Massachusetts. July 28: AIChE; July 30: ENGtechnica (2 as of July 30 at 8:30 a.m.)
2025’s Best Cities for Rain Gardens
Research Manager – St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, College of Science & Engineering, University of Minnesota, Andy Erickson, PhD, P.E., says that rain gardens help with storm water management and pollution reduction by capturing stormwater runoff and infiltrating it into the ground, which mimics the natural water cycle that occurred before we created our urban landscapes.July 22: Lawn Love
Your Smartwatch Could Carry a Hidden Health Risk
"Like most PFAS, the potential public health effects are still under investigation, but PFHxA is likely among the PFAS species that can accumulate in biological and environmental systems, including the human body," Christy Haynes, a professor of chemistry at the University of Minnesota, told Newsweek. July 21: Newsweek; DNYUZ (2 as of July 21 at 8:35 a.m.)
$360M Cargill-backed corn plant in Iowa makes eco spandex element for athleisure wear
“The real idea here is, how do you economically convert biomass into molecules that are sourced from fossil fuels?” said Marc Hillmyer, director of the Center for Sustainable Polymers at the University of Minnesota. July 21: Star Tribune; Albert Lea Tribune; La Crosse Tribune; (3 as of July 22 at 8:35 a.m.)
Quantum computing
Head-Marsden is a researcher at the University of Minnesota working at the forefront of quantum information science and chemistry. Her work investigates how quantum systems behave in real-world, “noisy” environments, where interference from heat, light, and other sources often disrupts calculations. July 20: The Norwood Post
GIST - University of Minnesota: world's first confirmation of 'Ultra-Fast Interaction Control' of light and electrons
At the University of Minnesota, Professor Bharat Jalan’s research team from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science was in charge of the growth of ruthenium oxide thin films. July 18: Opli
Researchers Demonstrate a New Material to Reduce Power Consumption of Electronics
“Ni₄W reduces power usage for writing data, potentially cutting energy use in electronics significantly,” said Jian-Ping Wang, a senior author on the paper and a Distinguished McKnight Professor and Robert F. Hartmann Chair in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. July 18: News Wise; Semiconductor Digest; Technology Networks; Innoreports; Phys.org July 20: Science Daily; WDCTV; News Directory3; Quantum Zeitgeist; July 21: Time News; Today News 24; Digitpatrox; July 22: SciTechDaily; July 23 ITC; July 25 The Brighter Side (14 as of August 12 at 9:55 a.m.)
Smart Brain-Zapping Implants Could Revolutionize Parkinson’s Treatment
“If you round up ten people with depression,” says Alik Widge, a psychiatrist and biomedical engineer at the University of Minnesota. July 16: Scientific American; MSNBCTV; Yahoo News!; Today Headline (4 as of July 17 at 8:45 a.m.)
Spin-Wave Networks: The Next Leap in Efficient AI Computing
Last summer, researchers from the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering, meanwhile, showed a new technology4 called computational random-access memory (CRAM) that can potentially cut AI energy use by 1,000 times. July 14: Securities.IO
Minneapolis rain gardens were built to reduce water pollution. Research shows they’re making it worse.
“We didn’t expect the compost, what’s in the rain garden media mix itself, to actually increase how much phosphorus comes out,” said Andy Erickson, the stormwater research manager at the University of Minnesota’s St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, which is helping the city research potential solutions. July 12: Star Tribune; All for Gardening; (2 as of July 14 at 8:35 a.m.)
New app shares physician’s rounding queue with families and nurses
Developing the software became possible when he took his idea to University of Minnesota colleague John Satori, PhD, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering. July 11: Today's Hospitalist
Rivers choose their path based on erosion, a discovery that could transform flood planning and restoration
It was while working on one of these tank experiments at the University of Minnesota's St. Anthony Falls Laboratory that Chadwick got the inspiration for this study. While examining multi-channel rivers in the lab, he noticed that they were constantly widening and splitting. July 10: EurekAlert; PreventionWeb; July 11: MSN; Phys.org; Raw News; Noozhawk; July 14: Technology Networks; Earth.com (8 as of July 16 at 2:40 p.m.)
AI chatbots are not safe replacements for therapists, research says
"Our experiments show that these chatbots are not safe replacements for therapists. They don't provide high-quality therapeutic support, based on what we know is good therapy," said Stevie Chancellor, an assistant professor in the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Department of Computer Science and Engineering and co-author of the study. July 8: News Medical; NewsWise; Medical Press; Today Headline; FirstWord HealthTech; July 9: UNILAD; Global Health Newswire; July 10: Innoreports; July 13: AInvest; July 14: autogpt; India Today; July 15: FastCompany; BetaNews; TechCrunch; July 21: MSN; July 22: Gadget; (15 as of July 29 at 10:30 a.m.)
June 2025
Next-Gen Brain Implants Offer New Hope for Depression
So, which site is best? The answer likely depends on the specific symptoms and underlying brain circuits unique to each individual, says Alik Widge, a psychiatrist and biomedical engineer at the University of Minnesota, in Minneapolis. June 30: MSN; IEEE Spectrum; ( 2 as of JUly 1 at 9:45 a.m.)
Aerospace testing site planned for Rosemount's UMore Park
The complex will be used for aerospace research in partnership with the University of Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering, primarily to support the U.S. Department of Defense.“Our vision for the Minnesota Aerospace Complex on this 60-acre site is research, development and testing,” said North Wind representative David Meier at a Rosemount Planning Commission meeting in January. June 26: Sun This Week
Murray State Develops Patented Technology To Improve Plastic Recycling
Support for the research was provided by the National Science Foundation-sponsored Center for Sustainable Polymers at the University of Minnesota, and was completed in collaboration with Dr. Christopher Ellison, professor of chemical engineering and materials science at the University of Minnesota. June 19: Scrap Monster; WN.com; June 20: The Lane Report; June 21: Byteseu; Europe Says (5 as of June 23 at 8:20 a.m.)
Report: Minnesota’s leading banks increased their lending to fossil fuel companies last year
Tim Smith, a professor at the University of Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering who focuses on corporate sustainability issues, said that banks likely backed away from their climate pledges in response to the changing political climate. June 18: Star Tribune
Magnetic Surprise Could Spark a Revolution in Quantum Tech
“Our work shows that RuO2 is not just metallic at the atomic scale—it’s the most metallic material we’ve observed in any oxide, rivaling even elemental metals and 2D materials, second only to graphene,” explained Bharat Jalan, lead researcher and holder of the Shell Chair at the University of Minnesota’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. June 18: Highways Today
A first-of-its-kind app is making hospital rounds easier
With his hair salon text message in mind, Pitt set out to make an app that would tell patients and families their place in the rounds queue. He connected with John Sartori, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering. June 17: UMN News
Innovative Material Enhances Technology Speed and Efficiency
Bharat Jalan, a professor of chemical engineering and materials science at the University of Minnesota and senior author of the study, emphasized the uniqueness of the finding: “At the atomic scale, RuO₂ reveals itself as one of the most metallic materials we have ever observed in an oxide system, maintaining conductivity levels that rival elemental metals and even graphene, which is widely regarded as the ultimate 2D metal.” June 16: Scienmag; Newswire; MSN; Phys.org; Nanowerk; (5 as of June 17 at 9:00 a.m.)
Quantum Annealing Accelerates Neural Network Training and Improves Scaling
A team led by Hao Zhang and Alex Kamenev at the University of Minnesota, and affiliated with the William I. Fine Theoretical Physics Institute, detail in their work, ‘How to Train Your Dragon: Quantum Neural Networks’, a method utilising quantum annealing platforms to efficiently train classical neural networks. June 9: Quantum Zeitgeist; June 10: Memesita; (2 as of June 13 at 8:50 a.m.)
The Longest Home Run in Twins History
Harmon Killebrew hit the longest home run in Twins history on Jun. 3, 1967—a prodigious 522-foot blast off 40-year-old Angels pitcher Lew Burdette. Tom Mee phoned a University of Minnesota physics professor to recalculate the actual distance the home run would have traveled if Metropolitan Stadium hadn’t gotten in the way. June 6: Twins Daily
Curiosity opens the door to a career in information technology
Deanna Liapis is part of an elite group of students—just 13 percent of applicants globally—who have achieved the prestigious title of AWS Cloud Captain. With support from Amazon Web Services (AWS), Cloud Captains are student leaders who guide and manage their campus “cloud clubs.” June 6: University of Minnesota
Attorney General Ellison appoints members of Task Force on Future of Minnesota's Water
Attorney General Ellison announced the appointments he has made to the Advisory Task Force on Future of Minnesota's Water that he formed on March 31, 2025. The task force includes Professor Harvey Thorleifson from the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. June 6: Red Lake Nation News
ZMHS Physics Class Visits the Nanotechnology Center at the U of M
The ZMHS Physics class visited the Nanotechnology Center (Minnesota Nano Center) at the University of Minnesota in April. On the visit they used a University laboratory to do a photolithography lab, and to tour the Center's clean room where nanoscience research is done. June 5: Mazeppa-Zumbro Falls Messenger
ARPA-E awards $37.3M for disruptive thermal storage innovations, materials
Last week Eileen reported on ARPA-E’s new awards in rare-earth alternative technologies. This week I thought I would take a look at APRA-E’s $37.3 million initiative to find a disruptive thermal storage technology(ies), an effort cleverly called HEATS (high energy advanced thermal storage), all of which seem to have a novel material at their cores. June 5: The American Ceramic Society
Mammoth bones returned to county
The reason it was in the Winnebago newspaper was because the bones were on display in the window of the Andrews and Hendall’s hardware store in Winnebago, before they were taken to the Twin Cities by a geology professor from the University of Minnesota named George Thiel. June 1 Faribault County Register
May 2025
2025 ASMS Research Award Winner: An Interview with Varun Gadkari
This year, one of the Research Award winners was Varun Gadkari of the University of Minnesota. Gadkari is an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Minnesota. May 29: LCGC International
Breakthrough Process Purifies Ethylene for Plastics
PhD candidate Matt Jacob, lead author of the Science paper detailing the research, explains this chemical looping approach offers two key advantages: eliminating explosive hydrocarbon-oxygen mixtures and precisely controlling oxidant reactivity. May 28: Our Mechanical Center
Caltech’s 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients Celebrated
Donald Truhlar (PhD ’70), Regents Professor and Distinguished University Teaching Professor at the University of Minnesota, is honored for his breakthroughs in theoretical and computational chemistry research. May 21: Pasadena Now
Walter H. Brattain, the Experimentalist Who Helped Build the Transistor
He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. While there, he studied under John Van Vleck and took some of the earliest quantum mechanics courses available in the United States. May 14: All About Circuits
Talking road construction with University of Minnesota
Raphael Stern, a scholar in the Center for Transportation Studies and civil engineering assistant professor in the College of Science and Engineering on the Twin Cities campus, talks about what to expect during construction season. May 12: UMN TC; May 13: Hoodline; May 15: Isanti-Chisago County Star; (3 as of May 16 at 10:05 a.m.)
World’s first male contraceptive implant has finally been invented but there’s a catch
"A safe and effective male pill will provide more options to couples for birth control," said Gunda Georg, chemist and pharmacist at the University of Minnesota. May 9: Lad Bible; England Times; Mirror; Mirror Online; (4 as of May 12 at 8:20 a.m.)
North Dakota, Minnesota students enter 2025 Farm Robotics Challenge
Under advisor Maria Gini, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor, College of Science & Engineering, the University of Minnesota team “FarmGuard” entered an autonomous drone system that helps farmers identify and deter deer. May 2: Farm & Ranch
April 2025
Neuromod’s tinnitus treatment system validated by real-world analyses
Co-authored by Emily McMahan, audiologist at the Alaska Hearing and Tinnitus Center (AHTC); and Professor Hubert Lim, professor of biomedical engineering and otolaryngology at the University of Minnesota and published in the journal Nature Communications Medicine, the authors analysed the results of 220 patients treated with Lenire at AHTC who had moderate or worse tinnitus. Apr. 28: Medical Device Network; UR All News; ( 2 as of Apr. 29 at 9:05 a.m.)
China-born scientist Jian-Ping Wang forged a rare-earth-free magnet. Will it help the West?
While working in his lab at the University of Minnesota more than a decade ago, materials scientist Jian-Ping Wang achieved a world first. Born and educated in China, Wang spent decades studying magnetism, first earning his PhD at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, then pioneering research in Singapore before joining academia in the United States. Apr. 25: myNEWS
A student innovation eliminates invasive pests
“The tricky thing about it is, there’s really not a lot of solutions for residential growers outside of do-it-yourself,” says Aditya Prabhu, who recently graduated from the University of Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering. Apr. 23: Morning Ag Clips
Researchers say stress affects your decisions behind the wheel
“This one was clear that when you were a little more flustered, the driving was definitely bad,” said Turuna Seecharan, an assistant professor in the engineering department of the University of Minnesota Duluth. Apr. 18: Keen Esentinel; Apr. 28: The Star (2 as of Apr. 29 at 9:10 a.m.)
Waymo expansion to Twin Cities could be years away
Waymo uses cameras that struggle to detect lane markers when they're covered in snow, according to University of Minnesota mechanical engineering professor Rajesh Rajamani, who has been researching the topic and using the technology on a U-owned autonomous vehicle. Apr. 17: MSN; Axios; Apr. 24 KSOO-AM/FM(3 as of Apr. 28 at 12:05 p.m.)
UMN researchers developing cell therapy to combat Alzheimer’s disease
The cell therapy uses adult stem cells to get rid of cells in the brain that lead to inflammation, which further the progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms, said Beau Webber, an assistant professor of hematology and oncology in the University’s medical school. The project is a collaboration between the Medical School and the College of Science and Engineering. Apr. 13: MN Daily
Steel Bridge Task Force Announces Collins as Recipient of 2022 Robert J. Dexter Memorial Award Lecture
The program was instituted in 2005 in memory of Robert J. Dexter, an Associate Professor of civil engineering at the University of Minnesota, who was an internationally recognized expert on steel fracture and fatigue problems in bridges. Apr. 13: Midwest Contractor
Do you sweat while you drive? UMD researchers say stress affects your decisions behind the wheel.
“This one was clear that when you were a little more flustered, the driving was definitely bad,” said Turuna Seecharan, an assistant professor in the engineering department of the University of Minnesota Duluth. Apr. 10: MSN, Star Tribune; Apr. 17: ArcaMax; The Sacramento Bee; Tri-City Herald; The Modesto Bee; The State; Idaho Statesman; The Olympian; Merced Sun-Star; Belleville News Democrat; The Telegraph; The Kansas City Star; The Herald; The Tribune; The News & Observer; The Union Democrat; (17 as of Apr. 18 at 8:50 a.m.)
I was investigating PFAS. Then a doctor told me to put it in my eyes.
Half of the chemical is a repeated chain of carbon-fluorine bonds. Bill Arnold, an environmental chemist at the University of Minnesota, said Miebo reminded him of PFAS firefighting foam. Apr. 9: Star Tribune; La Crosse Tribune (2 as of Apr. 11 at 8:40 a.m.)
Breakthrough for MALE birth control pill: Scientists begin testing hormone-free tablet in men - after it proved 99% effective in mice
Scientists at the University of Minnesota, in collaboration with Columbia University and San Francisco-based firm YourChoice Therapeutics, have initiated human trials for YCT-529, a hormone-free contraceptive tablet designed specifically for men. 'A safe and effective male pill will provide more options to couples for birth control,' said Gunda Georg, chemist and pharmacist at the University of Minnesota. Apr. 7: Daily Mail; 98.3 Talk Radio; News Finale; Capital City Daily; Inter News Cast; Yahoo! News; MSN; (623 as of Apr. 9 at 8:50 a.m.)
These recycling techniques could help keep clothes out of landfills
Previously used fibers also aren’t always accepted by textile mills, said Abigail Clarke-Sather, an associate professor of mechanical and industrial engineering at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Apr. 5: Washington Post; The New Zealand Herald (2 as of Apr. 7 at 8:55 a.m.)
Chasing impossible: MIT-DFCI Center for Glioblastoma Systems Biology hosts inaugural Glioblastoma Tumor Microenvironment Symposium
Through their efforts, University of Minnesota Biological Engineering Professor David Odde and his team were able to develop a model that demonstrated how glioblastoma cells move by using molecular clutches to “stick” to the surface of the brain and pull the main body of the cell where it needs to go. Apr. 3: The Tech
Episode 239: Toxic Trails of Neonicotinoids — Neonics in the Water
Dr. Bill Arnold from the University of Minnesota explains how and why he researches the presence of neonicotinoids in fresh water. Apr. 2: The Wandering Naturalist
March 2025
Chemical Looping Prevents Poisoned Catalyst
According to Matt Jacob, a University of Minnesota chemical engineering PhD candidate and first author of a paper in Science describing the work, chemical looping has two main advantages over other approaches. March 31: Chemical Processing
Researching for use of waste minerals as pollutant filters
David Saftner, University of Minnesota Duluth Civil Engineering professor, was principal investigator on the phase two project with Mei Cai and Matt Aro as Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) co-leads. March 27: Hometown Focus
These Mathematical Equations Are Slashing America’s Electric Bills
“We did not start the work thinking about producing more efficient LEDs,” says Mayboroda, a professor at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis and at ETH Zurich. “But once you discover a powerful concept in mathematics, you can go and apply it everywhere.” March 24: Simons Foundation
A spectacular celestial event: Nova explosion in Northern Crown constellation expected within 18 months
Leading an international research effort related to this occurrence is Sumner Starrfield, Regents Professor of astrophysics at Arizona State University, in collaboration with Maitrayee Bose at ASU and astronomers from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. March 21: Arizona State University
Talking potholes with University of Minnesota
Manik Barman, an associate professor in the Swenson College of Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota Duluth and a scholar with the Center for Transportation Studies, discusses what causes potholes, the work that goes into fixing them and how drivers can stay safe on uneven roads. March 14: Hometown Focus; UMN; March 20: Isanti-Chisago County Star; (3 as of Mar. 21 at 9:00 a.m.)
University of Minnesota Receives $3.8 Million Grant to Advance Cell Therapy Research for Alzheimer’s Disease
In addition to its laboratory applications, the broader implications of this research highlight the collaborative synergy between the University’s Medical School and the College of Science and Engineering. Dr. Jonathan Sachs, a professor in the College, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. March 14: Scienmag; EurekAlert!; Bioengineer.org; News Medical; (4 as of Mar. 17 at 8:35 a.m.)
February 2025
Inception of Low-Power Electronics with New Material Property
Scientists at Penn State have harnessed a unique property called incipient ferroelectricity to create a new type of computer memory that could revolutionize how electronic devices work, such as using much less energy and operating in extreme environments like outer space. University of Minnesota, co-authors of the study include Sooho Choo, Shivasheesh Varshney, Jay Shah, K. Andre Mkhoyan and Bharat Jalan. Feb. 26: EurekAlert!; Scienmag; Feb. 27: Innoreports; Feb. 28: Today News 24; Feb. 28: SciTech Daily; Mar. 13: Newswise; (6 as of Mar. 14 at 2:15 p.m.)
Physicists Question Microsoft’s Quantum Claim
Scientists are responding to Microsoft’s announcement with caution, in part because the quest for topological qubits and the “Majorana” particles that underpin them has a history of bold pronouncements that later were pulled back, said Vlad Pribiag, a quantum device physicist at the University of Minnesota who wasn’t involved with the work Feb. 21: The Wall Street Journal; Feb. 22: MSN; (2 as of Feb. 24 at 9:00 a.m.)
As helium prices balloon, hopes rise that northeast Minnesota has big deposit of the gas
At the University of Minnesota, several labs use liquid helium to cool magnets in various devices. Physics professor Paul Kroll said his department uses about a thousand liters a month, at a cost of about $20 per liter. Feb. 20: MPR News
Selective Combustion Provides Energy-Efficient Alternative to Remove Pollutants From Industrial Processes
“No one else has shown that you could combust one hydrocarbon present in low concentrations, in mixtures with others,” said Aditya Bhan, a Distinguished McKnight University Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and lead investigator on the paper. Feb. 18: CSE; Newswise; Phys.Org; Science Daily; Bioengineer.Org; Scienmag; EurekAlert; Feb. 19: The Engineer; Today News 24; AZO Materials; MSN; Feb. 21: Lab+Life Scientist; Feb. 22: SciTech Daily; (13 as of Mar. 4 at 8:55 a.m.)
Tuskegee Airman Joseph White was among those who ‘believed we could fly’
He earned a Ph.D in physics at the University of Minnesota while working in environmental testing at Remington Rand. Dr. White returned to the south to teach high school math, physics and chemistry in Chattanooga and later returned to Nashville where he taught science at Pearl High School, now Pearl-Cohn High School, and introduced the state’s first electronics program in 1959. Feb. 17: Williamson Herald
Two University of Minnesota professors elected to the National Academy of Engineering for 2025
Arthur Erdman is a professor in the College of Science and Engineering and director of the Earl E. Bakken Medical Devices Center. While Roger Ruan is a professor with dual appointments in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and College of Science and Engineering. Feb. 12: UMN
UMN study strives to tackle Mississippi’s plastic debris
A new study from the University of Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering (CSE) found it can use sensors to detect and remove plastic debris from the Mississippi River, according to a press release from CSE. Feb. 7: MN Daily; Apr. 22 WCCO; Apr. 23 Patch
Breaking down the science behind rock salt
When rock salt is used on our sidewalks and roads, there is science happening at the molecular level. Dr. Xavier Prat-Resina is an associate professor of chemistry at the University of Minnesota, at the Rochester branch. He said ions or molecules with positive and negative charges make the science possible. Feb. 7: KTTC; Feb. 8: Newz9; (2 as of Feb. 10 at 9:25 a.m.)
Low-temperature plasma science and engineering enable a broad range of societal transformations
Peter Bruggeman, a Mechanical Engineering professor at the University of Minnesota, shares insights on low-temperature plasmas (LTPs) and their significant impact. Feb. 2: Newz9; Feb. 6: Innovation News Network; Feb. 7: Nuadox; (3 as of Feb. 10 at 9:25 a.m.)
Meet Kumar Avizeet Transforming Healthcare Through AI and Innovation
Kumar Avizeet is a Senior Manager Software Engineering at Optum Services Inc., where he plays a crucial role in developing advanced healthcare technology solutions for next generation. His academic journey includes a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science from India, and he is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Management of Technology (MS-MOT) at the University of Minnesota. Feb. 4: TechBullion
UMN Computer Science professor wins Presidential Award
University of Minnesota Professor Maria Gini was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring after 40 years in the Computer Science Department. She was the first woman in the department. Feb. 3: MN Daily; Feb. 5: KSTP; (2 as of Feb. 6 at 8:21 a.m.)
January 2025
Quantum Milestones, 1923: Photons Are Real
Compton’s experiments represented a fundamental “turning point in physics,” says historian Roger Stuewer of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, author of a book on Compton’s work. Jan. 27: Physics
Are Marvel Movies More Realistic Than We Realize? Insights from a Physicist
According to Jim Kakalios, a physicist and professor at the University of Minnesota, some of the gadgets and inventions showcased in these films are more plausible than one might think. Jan. 26: News Textarea
Scientists Discovered Astounding New Capabilities Hidden In Stacks of High-Tech Materials
In 1920, American physicist Joseph Valasek discovered ferroelectricity as a graduate student at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. More than a century (and some 20,000 research papers) later, these materials still have the capacity to surprise. Jan. 17: Yahoo! Tech; AOL; Jan. 18: MSN; (3 as of Jan. 21 at 8:30 a.m.)
50 years of hair-raising fun and science at the Bakken Museum
As a child, Bakken spent his time building and taking apart different electronic devices. When he saw the movie version of “Frankenstein,” he knew he wanted to pursue a career in electrical engineering, which he studied at the University of Minnesota. Jan. 17: MPR News
University of Minnesota scientist receives nation’s highest award for science and mathematics mentors
This week, the White House honored University of Minnesota Professor Maria Gini with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. Gini is one of only 25 individuals from across the country to receive the nation’s highest award for science and mathematics mentors. Jan. 16: UMN; Jan. 19: Hoodline; (2 as of Jan. 21 at 8:20 a.m.)
Use of PFAS-tainted sludge as fertilizer raises cancer risk on farms, EPA says
“What’s surprising is it took (EPA) so long to recognize it,” said Matt Simcik, a professor of environmental chemistry at the University of Minnesota. Jan. 16: ArcaMax; The Minnesota Star Tribune; Jan. 19: The Columbian; (3 as of Jan. 21 at 8:20 a.m.)
Are Two Disciplines Better Than One? The Push for Integrated Majors
Mats Heimdahl, who heads the University of Minnesota’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering, says boosting the number of female computer scientists is one of the key reasons his department is partaking in the new project. Jan. 13: Inside Higher Ed
Hermantown grad on her way to becoming an engineer and enjoying solar vehicle project
Ella Seboe has always loved math and physics and problem solving. The 2022 Hermantown grad is now a junior at the University of Minnesota, majoring in mechanical engineering. She’s also the Director of Engineering on the Solar Vehicle Project, and they are finishing up modifications on the car that will compete in Australia this summer. The team took second in 2023. Jan. 10: WDIO
MIT affiliates awarded 2024 National Medals of Science, Technology
Richard Lawrence Edwards ’76, a professor at the University of Minnesota, received a National Medal of Science for his work in geochemistry. Jan. 3: MIT News; MyScience; Jan. 5: Banking Finance; Forbes: Jan. 6: UMN News; USA News Hub; KAALTV; Scientific American; Jan. 7: HST MIT; Hoodline; WN; Twin Cities Pioneer Press; Yahoo! News; Pune Media; MSN; (15 as of January 9 at 11:25 a.m.)