A new study by researchers at the University of Minnesota’s St. Anthony Falls Lab shows that beneath the water’s surface, factors such as boat propeller thrust and size of waves can impact delicate lakebed ecosystems. The researchers tested seven recreational powerboats commonly used in Minnesota’s lakes and rivers based on their two most-used settings.
For all motorized boats, simply being careful about where you steer your boat and avoiding shallow spots can make a huge difference." —Jeff Marr, coauthor & alumnus (Civil Engineering '96, MS '99)
Physics and astronomy researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery by observing and analyzing the first new type of plasma wave in Jupiter’s aurora. This research helps us understand “alien aurora” on other planets, which in turn teaches us more about how Earth’s magnetic field protects us from the sun’s harmful radiation.
A team of chemists have created a modern tool to make the process of creating pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals faster, cost-effective, and energy-efficient. Previously, researchers would have to add chemical additives to their reactions for activation, leading to a lot of waste. The new method eliminates these additives by using low-energy blue light, the kind found in everyday aquarium lights, as the activator. A patent is pending for this technique.
University of Minnesota engineers are partnering with Mayo Clinic on groundbreaking research focused on improving indoor air quality and safety in healthcare settings. University researchers will be involved in designing biosensors to monitor emergency room air for aerosols such as viruses, bacteria, mold, and allergens. Once validated, the system will undergo real-world testing and could lay the foundation for future indoor air quality standards and public health policies.
Don’t replace your therapist with artificial intelligence (AI) quite yet. A first-of-its-kind study involving computer science researchers exposes the dangerous flaws in using AI chatbots for mental health support. The researchers evaluated these AI systems against clinical standards for therapists. Their findings included dangerous responses by AI to crisis situations, widespread discrimination, a clear human-AI gap, and inappropriate clinical responses.
Mechanical engineering researchers have successfully 3D printed lifelike human skin and organs that even have the ability to “bleed.” The tissue structures can be used to improve medical training for surgeons and doctors. The researchers will now focus on expanding the new technology to create a variety of shapes for mimicking other organs, developing bionic organs, and incorporating more advanced materials that respond to common surgical tools.
A team of computer science and mechanical engineering students have developed an autonomous drone system, called FarmGuard, that helps farmers detect deer and deters them from eating the crops. This crop-loss prevention strategy specifically targets the needs of small, sustainable farms. The student team won the 2025 Excellence in Small Farm Technology award at the Farm Robotics Challenge, a national competition for college-level students.
University of Minnesota researchers have identified a new approach that could change the way Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is treated. Globally, about 20,000 children are diagnosed with DMD each year. Currently, there is no cure. The researchers developed a new type of therapy using a “bottlebrush polymer,” a highly branched synthetic molecule designed to protect muscle cell membranes from damage. This method was shown to be about 150,000 times more effective than existing treatments at restoring muscle function.
Image credit: University of Minnesota Medical School
Identifying faster and more controllable catalysts is a core goal of the multi-trillion-dollar fuels, chemicals, and materials industries. Now, a team of researchers from the University of Minnesota has discovered and measured the fraction of an electron that makes catalytic manufacturing possible. This discovery provides insight for designing new breakthrough catalytic materials.
Image credit: Center for Programmable Energy Catalysis
Using a swarm of autonomous drones equipped with AI, engineering researchers are able to create a 3D reconstruction of wildfire smoke plumes and improve the analysis of flow patterns. Unlike traditional drones, these aerial robots can identify smoke and navigate through it to collect data. The cost-effective technology has potential beyond wildfires. It could be adapted for sandstorms, volcanic eruptions, and other airborne hazards. The team’s next goal is to translate the research into practical tools for early fire detection and mitigation.
