CSE in the News — April 2025 archive

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