CSE in the news–2013 archive

December 2013

Look for less, not more, traffic in the future
Civil engineering professor David Levinson talks about a reversal of traffic trend that has lasted through most of the lifetimes of every living American. Dec. 30: Washington Examiner

U of M Expert: There will be more security breaches
Electrical and computer engineering professor Massoud Amin discusses the data breach at Target stores and cyber and infrastructure security. Dec. 20: KARE; Dec. 22: KARE; Dec. 27: KARE

10 pop-culture robots that shaped the future
Physics professor James Kakalios notes that scientific research and science fiction both begin with the same two words "What if?" Dec. 19: CNN

The CNN 10: Ideas
Civil engineering professor David Levinson believes partially automated cars could be hitting the market by the end of the decade. Dec. 18: CNN

Find black holes in space from the comfort of your couch
University astronomers are involved with an international group of researchers who have launched a new "citizen science" project--called Radio Galaxy Zoo--that allows anyone to become a cosmic explorer. Dec. 18: Phys.Org; Women Citizen; Zee News; Geekosystem; The Australian; Truth Dive; Dec. 19: Malaysia Sun; Earth Sky; Gaianews (Italy); Authint Mail; MenaFN; Newstrack India

SISCA asks students to innovate using sustainable solutions
Two CSE graduate students are the winners of the grand prize in the 2013 SISCA competition, for their idea of a renewable fuel-enabled free piston. Dec. 16: USA Today

Minnesota business leaders offer expertise for new U of M program
CSE is among the three departments overseeing the new program that will help Minnesota business leaders assist science, technology, engineering, and math students in developing new technologies and products. Dec. 16: Twin Cities Business

Smart grids could fix decrepit US power grid
Electrical and computer engineering professor Massoud Amin says a self-healing grid can reduce power outages, minimize their length, detect abnormal signals, and isolate disturbances to eliminate or at least minimize their impact on the larger system. Dec. 16: Yahoo! News Canada

Crossword puzzle rules are puzzling
Biomedical engineering professor Victor Barocas and chemistry professor George Barany, both veteran puzzle creators, comment on the elaborate set of rules that must be followed to create a crossword puzzle. Dec. 14: Star Tribune; Dec. 16: Star Tribune

Generating electricity may utilize otherwise unwanted carbon dioxide
Post-doctoral earth sciences researcher Jimmy Randolph worked with a team that designed a novel geothermal power plant that would sequester large amounts of carbon dioxide underground as part of its operations. Dec. 13: Red Orbit; Dec. 16: Earth Techling

Just how cold is Minnesota?
Chemistry professor Chris Cramer teaches a class on thermodynamics, studying the thermodynamic temperature of matter. Dec. 12: KSTP

Wicked smart: 5 questions with U of M Ph.D. and Wikipedian Aaron Halfaker
Computer science and engineering Ph.D. student Aaron Halfaker discusses his research into social science and information systems. Dec. 11: Tech{dot}MN

Student engineers make robots, learn the industry
CSE students displayed robots they created in the Introduction to Engineering class at the annual Robot Show. Dec. 10: Minnesota Daily; Dec. 18: MinnPost

The U of M shows off its safety culture
The University is involved with the Dow Chemical Company in the company's safety partnership to improve university laboratory safety. Dec. 10: Central Science

Physics Force performs at Minneapolis Convention Center
The 'Physics Circus' show mixes demonstrations and slapstick humor demonstrating to students that math and science can be fun. Dec. 9: KSTP; Dec. 10: Daily Nebraskan; Dec. 12: KSTP; KSTP

Good question: how does salt melt ice?
Chemistry professor Chris Cramer answers the question how does salt melt ice. Salt lowers the freezing point of water when it is dissolved into the water surrounding the ice. Dec. 4: WCCO

CSE students light up campus
This dazzling light show is designed by students, with more than 100,000 LED lights set to music composed and performed by University of Minnesota students. Dec. 2: KSTP; Dec. 5: Minnesota Daily; Pioneer Press; Dec. 6: KSTP

Polar Geospatial Center releases new application with high-res satellite imagery
The University's Polar Geospatial Center has produced high-resolution imagery and maps of the Antarctic and Arctic in unprecendented detail. Dec. 2: Directions Magazine

Nanotechnology building complete
U of M researchers are beginning to move in to the newly finished Physics and Nanotechnology Building. Ron Poling, School of Physics and Astronomy head, said the building will staff about 27 professors and 125 graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and staff members. Dec. 2: Minnesota Daily

November 2013

U student's flight to NASA
Computer science and engineering senior Johanna Lucht developed a collision-avoidance mobile application while working as a summer intern at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center in Edwards, Calif. Nov. 26: Minnesota Daily

U of M simulator replicates tornadic winds
A wind tunnel at the Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics lab can simulate wind speeds up to 100 miles per hour. Nov. 19: KARE

Is the Smart Grid secure, safe, and private?
Electrical and computer engineering professor Massoud Amin addresses concerns related to the Smart Grid's cybersecurity, health impacts, and consumer privacy. Nov. 18: The Institute

Researchers discover breakthrough technique that could make electronics smaller and better: surprising low-tech tool -- Scotch Tape -- was key
An international group of researchers from the University of Minnesota have discovered groundbreaking technique in manufacturing nanostructures that has the potential to make electrical and optical devices small and better than ever before. Nov. 17: News Fix

Math, science enthusiasts heading to 'U'
The Math and Science Family Fun Fair Saturday, Nov. 16, is an event for families with kids of all ages with interactive hands-on exhibits. Nov. 13: WCCO; Nov. 14: Pioneer Press; Nov. 16: KMSP

U of M spin-off Ninja Metrics raises $2.8M
Computer science and engineering professor Jaideep Srivastava's spin-off company, Ninja Metrics, has closed on $2.8 million in funding. The startup company makes software that analyzes gamer behavior. Nov. 12: Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal

Minn. man's cave collection is his hobby, passion
Earth sciences professor E. Calvin Alexander Jr. discusses John Ackerman's private cave collection, "Minnesota Cave Preserve." Nov. 7: WCCO

To get around town, some cities take a step back in time
Civil engineering professor David Levinson says that cities are better served by upgrading their bus service instead of investing in streetcar lines. Nov. 7: National Public Radio

Studying abroad can be difficult for CSE students
The international programs office is working to increase the number of CSE students who study abroad. Nov. 7: Minnesota Daily

Protecting our passwords, and our sanity
Computer science and engineering professor Joe Konstan comments on the use of passwords. Nov. 6: Star Tribune

The 'Self-Healing' power grid
Electrical and computer engineering professor Massoud Amin defines a "self-healing" grid that has real-time monitoring and reaction, problem anticipation, and rapid isolation. Nov. 4: The Institute; Nov. 5: Live Science; Nov. 6: Kauno diena (Lithuanian); Nov. 11: The Gazette

October 2013

U research-based startups honored
Earth sciences associate professor Martin Saar led a study on a new type of geothermal energy that harnesses carbon dioxide stored underground to generate electricity. Heat Mining Company of Rapid City, S.D., bought the energy technology and refocused its business around the University-created research. Oct. 31:  Minnesota Daily

University research toughens up plastic
Chemistry professor Andreas Stein and chemical engineering and materials science professor Christ Macosko are researching a method to strengthen plastics and are seeking to refine the process for industry use. Oct. 29: Minnesota Daily

U of M first to install ultrafast electron microscope
The University of Minnesota will be the first in the world to install a new state-of-the-art FEI Tecnai™ Femto ultrafast electron microscope (UEM). Oct. 29: Wall Street Journal; Virtual-Strategy Magazine; Nanotechnology Now; 4-Traders; Oct. 30: CIOL; Azom; Oct. 31: The Oregonian

Hurricane Sandy in hindsight
Electrical and computer engineering professor Massoud Amin discusses what can be done to avoid such widespread outages in the future and prevent the ravages of another superstorm. Oct. 28: National Geographic; Oct. 29: FierceSmartGrid

Japanese company's office could be big deal
Toray Industries, Inc. will have an employee on campus in hopes of creating a lasting medical devices partnership. Oct. 24: Minnesota Daily

Lab staff hope for updates
The Board of Regents approved the University's 2014 Capital Request on Oct. 11, which asks for nearly $233 million to fund improvements to Tate Laboratory of Physics and five other campus building and renovation projects. Oct. 23: Minnesota Daily

Firm buys U's new energy technology
Earth sciences associate professor Martin Saar developed a new energy technology that removes carbon dioxide from the air while generating electricity. Oct. 22: Minnesota Daily; Oct. 31: Minnesota Daily

Scientists in Minneapolis test turbines that get power from river and tidal flows
St. Anthony Falls Laboratory director Fotis Sotiropoulos is leading research that helps a New York company test its submerged turbines that generate power from river and tidal flows. Oct. 19: Star Tribune

LGBT scientists find varying acceptance in academia, industry
Chemistry associate professor R. Lee Penn discussed challenges from being in the science fields of academia as a member of the LGBT community. Oct. 17: Minnesota Daily

More e-learning, but low interest
Students and faculty are divided about the value of e-learning. Biomedical engineering professor David Odde said he never had a problem with communication in the several online classes he's taught. Oct. 15: Minnesota Daily

Researchers discover new approach to improve personalized cancer treatments
Computer science and engineering assistant professor Chad Myers, in conjunction with other researchers, has shown that a new method for targeting mutated cells could create a major breakthrough in personalized medicine approach to treat cancer. Oct. 14: HealthCanal; Oct. 15: Web Wire; Red Orbit; Medical Express; Science Daily

Experts: more I-94 lanes is not best congestion fix
Civil engineering adjunct assistant professor John Hourdos said that adding new lanes is out of vogue with transportation planners since it rarely proves to reduce congestion. Oct. 13: KSTP

Next for U of M geothermal effort: pilot plant
A startup company will use technology developed at the University to produce electricity from geothermal and otherwise wasted energy. Oct. 11: Finance & Commerce; Oct. 22: Minnesota Daily

Jurisdictional overload
Civil engineering professor David Levinson discusses the layers of government involved in the roads operations business. Oct. 10: Streets MN

U researchers involved in studies leading to Nobel Prize in Physics
University researchers were involved in research and technology development that provided evidence which led to the Nobel Prize in Physics award to Peter Higgs and Francois Englert. Oct. 8: Minnesota Daily; KWWL

To ID galaxies, U asks public for help
University researchers collaborated with an international research team to classify and catalog the galaxies using a website called Galaxy Zoo. Oct. 7: Minnesota Daily

From Minnesota to the moon
On the centenary of University alumnus Robert Gilruth's birth, a 1935 aerospace engineering and mechanics graduate, AirSpace Minnesota recalls his impact. Oct. 7: Star Tribune

U students win national sustainability leadership award
University students won national recognition for their work in informing policy makers regarding environmental concerns. Oct. 7: Morris Sun Tribune

Modernizing the Grid
Electrical and computer engineering professor Massoud Amin discusses the economic and employment opportunities of upgrading the power grid. Oct. 7: The Institute; Oct. 21: The Institute

New shape-shifting metals discovered
Aerospace engineering and mechanics professor Richard James discovered a new shape-changing metal crystal called "martensite." The crystal has two different arrangements of atoms, switching seamlessly between them. Oct. 3: Nature; Oct. 4: BBC

Smart Grid explained
Electrical and computer engineering professor Massoud Amin discusses the need to upgrade the power system. Oct. 2: The Institute

Still outnumbered, women strive to tap into tech industry
Computer science and engineering professor Maria Gini is one of three women profiled, notes that she was the only woman on the department faculty for years. Oct. 1: Star Tribune

University pushes science in facilities request
STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math are areas University officials are focusing on in the request for funding from the Legislature. Projects include the mechanical engineering building and Tate Laboratory of Physics. Oct. 1: Minnesota Public Radio; KSTP; MinnPost; Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal; Finance & Commerce; Minnesota Public Radio blog; Finance & Commerce (subscribe); Oct. 2: Star Tribune; Oct. 11: KSTP; Pioneer Press; Star Tribune; Oct. 14: Minnesota Daily; Oct. 23: Finance & Commerce

September 2013

U researchers look at future of biofuels
Bioproducts and biosystems engineering assistant professor Jason Hill was part of a team that analyzed energy use predictions from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy and the Department of Agriculture, focusing on the expected production of different biofuels. Sept. 30: Minnesota Daily

3 Twin Cities women talk tech
Computer science and engineering professor Maria Gini discusses her career in computer robotics. Sept. 30: Star Tribune

The Drive: study cites commuter behavior for congestion on I-35W
Civil engineering program director John Hourdos' recent study shows that drivers are largely ignoring the Smart Lane technology intended to spread out traffic and reduce collisions. Sept. 29: Star Tribune

U alum and CSE professor use phones for chemistry
Chemistry associate professor Lee Penn and alumnus Eric Kehoe developed a technique that evaluates a liquid's concentration by taking a photo with a smartphone. Sept. 25: Minnesota Daily

Modernizing the grid
Electrical and computer engineering professor Massoud Amin discusses the smart grid in the months following Hurricane Sandy. Sept. 25: The Institute

Citizen scientists catalog more than 300,000 nearby galaxies
University of Minnesota researchers led an international team to produce an enormous catalog of more than 300,000 galaxies. More than 83,000 citizen scientists participated in the project. Galaxy Zoo 2 is the second phase of a crowdsourcing effort to categorize galaxies in our universe. Sept. 23: Science Codex; SpaceRef; Science 2.0; National Science Foundation; Scientific Computing; Opli.net; Sept. 24: Business Standard; The Hindu; The Daily Galaxy; Red Orbit; Science World Report; Nanowerk; ANI News; Headlines & Global News; Zee News; Times of India; Science Daily; Motherboard; Global Post; Science 360; Science Recorder; The Verge; Pentagon Post; Franchise Herald; Christian Science Monitor; UPI; Tendencias (Spanish); Media INAF (Italy); Hirado (Hungary); Prime News Agency (Russia); Design & Trend; Alaska Dispatch; International Business Times; Design & Trend; Sept. 25: Space Daily; InFuture (Russia); ALT1040 (Spain); ZN,UA; Science Recorder; CNET Australia; Austrian Tribune; Nature World News; Crowdsourcing Network; Pentagon Post; DVICE; Space Reporter; Huffington Post; Sept. 26: National Monitor; Sept. 27: Radio Free Europe; EFE Futuro (Spanish)

Edina-based company selling 'throwbots' to police, military
Based on technology developed at the U, ReconRobotics, sells 'throwbots' used by police and military in unsafe conditions. Sept. 23: WCCO

U faculty help build sustainable home
Five University faculty members, from the College of Science and Engineering, the College of Design, and the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, worked with Amaris Custom Homes to help with design and construction. Sept. 17: Minnesota Daily

University receives grant for marine energy research, workforce development in NYC
St. Anthony Falls Laboratory received a $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to launch a new collaborative project to advance research, innovation, and training in marine and hydrokinetic technology. Sept. 9: Altenergymag; Sept. 11: Renewable Energy World; Sept. 18: Minnesota Daily

U develops research plan
U of M researchers face financial insecurity since the federal budget cuts started last March. Mostafa Kaveh, associate dean for research and planning, said the budget cuts haven't affected CSE yet. Sept. 9: Minnesota Daily

New low-temperature chemical reaction explained
Chemistry professor Donald Truhlar is co-author of a paper explaining an unusual reaction, never fully understood, that is important to fuel combustion, atmospheric chemistry, and biochemistry. Sept. 4: MIT News

Smart grid consumer benefits
Electrical and computer engineering professor Massoud Amin discusses what the smart grid is, how it will benefit customers, and what a self-healing smart grid is. Sept. 4: IEEE Smartgrid

Breakthrough could make electronics smaller and better: surprising low-tech tool -- Scotch Tape -- was key
An international group of researchers from the University of Minnesota have discovered groundbreaking technique in manufacturing nanostructures that has the potential to make electrical and optical devices small and better than ever before. Sept. 3: Science Daily; e!ScienceNews;Opli; Phys.org; ACM TechNews; Sept. 4: R&D Mag; AZNano; The Engineer; Kopalnia Wiedzy (Poland); Novus; ANI News; NyTeknik; Tom's Hardware

August 2013

U of M, Mayo feeling federal budget cuts
Aerospace engineering and mechanics professor Gary Balas was one of many U of M faculty whose research grants from the federal government were cut when Congress failed to reach a budget deal this spring. Aug. 30: Minnesota Public Radio

Professor Chris Cramer on his MOOC experience
Chemistry professor and CSE Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Christopher Cramer discusses his experience teaching a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on statistical thermodynamics. Aug. 20: Chemjobber

10 years later: could an epic blackout happen again?
Electrical and computer engineering professor Massoud Amin notes that even through there have been post-blackout improvements, there is always a risk of major blackout due to natural disasters, human error or other factors. Aug. 12: RepublicanAmerican; Aug. 15: Fox Business

B-school startups: bringing MyRain to India
Electrical engineering graduate student, Sri Latha Ganti, and other University students created MyRain, a company that sells drip irrigation kits to farmers in India. Aug. 14: Bloomberg Businessweek

Back to the future with metro streetcar proposals
Civil engineering professor David Levinson discussed whether investment in streetcars, cheaper than light rail and more conducive to economic development than buses, are worth the costs. Aug. 12: Minnesota Public Radio

Energy: the smart-grid solution
Electrical and computer engineering professor Massoud Amin outlines how the United States should make its electricity infrastructure self-healing to avoid massive power failures. Aug. 8: Access Minnesota; Aug. 12: RepublicanAmerican; Aug. 13: Huffington Post; Aug. 14: WBEZ; National Public Radio

Q&A with Nobel Laureate Saul Perlmutter
Physicist Saul Perlmutter, Berkeley, 2011 Nobel Prize for Physics winner, studies data collected from a type of supernova that explodes with uniform brightness, allowing scientsits to determine its distance from Earth. Aug. 7: Symmetry

Scientists compete in first physics slam on ice
Six scientists battled in a Minnesota hockey arena to be named the best physics entertainer. Aug. 5: Symmetry

Novel technology for producing 'electronic ink' may lead to inexpensive, durable electronics and solar cells
University engineers discover a novel technology for producing 'electronic ink' overcoming technical hurdles in the quest for inexpensive, durable electronics and solar cells made with non-toxic chemicals. Aug. 1: Printed Electronics World; Pune Mirror; Daily Fusion; Aug. 2: Clean Technica; Aug. 5: Renew Economy

July 2013

Daedalus - U of M's new solar racing car readies for 2013 World Solar Challenge Race
The Solar Vehicle Project, a University student group, has created a new Cruiser-class solar racing car, the Daedalus. They will race in the 1,864-mile race across the Australian Outback in October. July 31: Clean Technica

Novel technology for producing 'electronic ink' may lead to inexpensive, durable electronics and solar cells
University engineers discover a novel technology for producing 'electronic ink' overcoming technical hurdles in the quest for inexpensive, durable electronics and solar cells made with non-toxic chemicals. July 30: Science Daily; Nanotechnology Now; R&D Magazine; Phys.org; Opli; July 31: Techfragments; Nanowerk; Science Blog; Azonano; Truthdive; ECN Magazine; PCB 007; Science360

Scientists look to next decades in U.S. particle physics
600 particle physicists came together on the University of Minnesota's Minneapolis campus. They will enumerate the field's most pressing scientific questions and contemplate the experiments needed to answer them. July 29: Symmetry

U of M Physics Slam on Ice
On Friday, August 2 six top physicists compete for your vote in a Physics Slam at the University. Contestants will give 10-minute presentations of their work and will be judged by an applause meter. July 29: Pioneer Press; July 31: Star Tribune

University encouraging flipped classes for fall
Chemistry professor and CSE Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Christopher Cramer is part of the University's push to increase eLearning initiatives. Cramer taught a flipped course last year. July 24: Minnesota Daily

White House reveals the stuff superheroes are made of
Physics professor James Kakalios ensures that his students find physics interesting by incorporating the study of the physics of superheroes. July 19: The Washington Post

As NY sizzles, Con Ed sets record-high peak for electric usage
Electrical and computer engineering professor Massoud Amin discusses New York's power grid and how it compares to other grids around the country. July 19: WNYC; July 24: Bensonhurst Bean

U of M unveils solar car built to compete Down Under
U of M student group Solar Vehicle Team unveiled its car, Daedalus, designed to compete in the World Solar Challenge, an 1,800 mile race across the Australian outback, scheduled to take place this October. July 18: KSTP; WCCO; KAAL; KSTC; July 19: WCCO Radio; July 24: Star Tribune; July 25: KTTC

U of M conducts bridge research near New Ulm
Civil engineering associate professor Carol Shield is working on a project that is testing the strength of a bridge built in the 1980s near New Ulm, by applying approximately 100,000 pounds of force. July 18: KEYC

Colleges -- including U of M and St. Cloud St. -- fighting back at cyberattacks
Electrical and computer engineering professor Massoud Amin discusses the increase of cyberattacks by hackers on universities across the country. July 18: Star Tribune; July 19: Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal

Researching collaboration for a better world: John T. Riedl (1962-2013)
John Riedl, a professor in the University of Minnesota's Department of Computer Science and Engineering and world-renowned expert in the field of recommender systems, died on July 15, 2013 after a three-year battle with cancer. He was 51. July 18: Wikimedia; July 28: Star Tribune

New regents profs plan future research
Chemistry and chemical engineering and materials science tenured professor Tim Lodge was just named a University Regents Professor. July 10: Minnesota Daily

Teething troubles at huge telescope
Astrophysics professor Charles Woodward notes that the number of peer-reviewed publications coming from the Large Binocular Telescope's has barely risen. July 10: Nature

Energy: the smart-grid solution
Electrical and computer engineering professor Massoud Amin outlines how the United States should make its electricity infrastructure self-healing to avoid massive power failures. July 3: The Takeaway; July 9: National Geographic; July 10: Nature; Popular Mechanics; July 11: Popular Mechanics; July 12: Science Friday; July 13: WNYC; July 14: Access Minnesota

University faculty: MOOCs have made us rethink learning
The University is underway with its first wave of the U's free Massive Open Online Courses. Chemistry professor Christopher Cramer is teaching "Statistical Molecular Thermodynamics." July 3: Minnesota Public Radio; July 5: Minnesota Public Radio

June 2013

Tight budgets put the squeeze on promising medical research
Biomedical engineering associate professor Jonathan Sachs discusses the effects of the sequestration on federal funding for basic research. June 24: Star Tribune

First four-quark particle may have been spotted
Physics professor and department head Ronald Poling confirmed solid evidence of an unconventional particle; an exotic subatomic particle which could be the first amalgamation of more than three quarks. June 21: ScienceNews

Farmer finds rare meteorite on field near Arlington
Earth sciences professor Calvin Alexander discusses an iron meteorite found in a southern Minnesota field, and confirmed that this rare meteorite is 4.6 billion years old, roughly the same age as our sun. June 20: Star Tribune; June 21: KTIV; KFOR

Fluid power university profiles: University of Minnesota
The University's Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power collaborates with fluid power programs at six other universities across the country. The laboratory was founded in 1999 and is currently focused on the design of new pumps and valves, and on the development of human-friendly hydraulic systems, such as teleoperated hydraulic machines and human power amplifiers. June 14: Mobile Hydraulic TIPS

IBM continues global job trimming: impact on Rochester unclear
Thomas Misa, director of the University of Minnesota’s computer industry history project, the Charles Babbage Institute, comments on the possible job cuts at IBM. June 13: Star Tribune

Detour: Rerouting our way of thinking in traffic
Civil engineering professor David Levinson studies traffic patterns and people's behavior when routes are changed. June 12: Star Tribune

What it's like to teach a MOOC
Chemistry professor Christopher Cramer is one of five University professors teaching free massive online open courses (MOOC) and discusses the process. June 7: Minnesota Public Radio

Innovative medical design and virtual prototyping tool may reduce clinical trial burden
The University's Medical Devices Center offers a virtual prototyping device that can reduce the clinical trial burden that companies have. June 5: MD+DI online

Researchers test first brain-controlled robotic helicopter
Biomedical engineering professor Bin He released new technology that allows control of external mechanical devices with non-invasive computer interphase technology. June 4: BBC; KSTP; Pioneer Press; London Telegraph; KAAL; NBC; KSTC; CTV; Scientific American; Yahoo News; TechNews Daily; June 5: MSN; MSN News-UK; UPI; CBS; Science Daily; Science Codex; Science 360; Mother Nature Network; Popular Mechanics; Examiner; USNews; UK Daily Mail; IEEE Spectrum; New Scientist; CNET; Minnesota Public Radio; Popular Science; Smithsonian; Nature; Gawker; Geeks are Sexy; Daily Caller; TechHive; National Post; US News-Health; Metro UK; CNET Australia; WebProNews; Silicon Republic; The Raw Story; Opposing Views; Mother Board; Imassera; Headlines & Global News; Science a GoGo; El Confidencial; La Razon; Nanowerk; The Week; Sunday World; Slash Gear; Zee News; Science World Report; ANI News; Product Design & Development; Mashable; Txchnologist; Nature World; Able; Euronews; The Register; Ammon; June 6: euronews; News-Medical Net; RedOrbit; Bioscience Technology; R&D Mag; Discovery News; Huffington Post; Star Tribune; Twin Cities Business; ScienceBlog; EarthSky blog; TopNews New Zealand; Science Recorder; Pune Mirror; Scientific Computing; Guns; DVICE; DrJaysLive; What's Next CNN; MNO (Hungary); WOUB; Laboratory Equipment; ThomasNet News; Neurogadget; io9; El Pais; El Colombiano; Healthline; Slate; Bayou Buzz; Medical News Today; WSJ; City Pages; Dr. Jays; Gizmodo; Global News; Healthline; June 7: Science Omega; CNN; Le Figaro; Kurzweil; Relevant Magazine; The Minneapolis Egotist; June 8: Gizmag; June 9: Digital Journal; LeccoNotizie; El Referente; Neowin; 8bitfuture; June 10: New York Times; Today's Medical Developments; La Verdad; Le Huffington Post; ABC Tecnologia; The Blazoned Press; Vodafone Lab; Zoom News; Nova Next; June 11: The Takeaway; Money (Poland); Student News; Zocalo Saltillo; Yenicag; Gizmodo India; June 12: Public Radio International; TechBeat; June 14: WXYZ

U of M gives first look at Medical Devices Center
The U is opening a new state-of-the-art medical devices laboratory. The 8,000-square-foot facility was specifically built for designing, building, and testing new medical devices. June 3: WCCO; Star Tribune; June 4: KARE; KSTP; KSTC; Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal; June 5: ASEE First Bell (subscription); June 17: Elsevier Business Intelligence

May 2013

New Medical Devices Center at U to have open house
The U is opening a new state-of-the-art medical devices laboratory. The 8,000-square-foot facility was specifically built for designing, building, and testing new medical devices. May 30: Star Tribune (blog); Star Tribune; Bloomberg Businessweek

Finance & Commerce names Top Projects of 2012
The NOvA Far Detector Building in Ash River Falls and the Lind Hall First Floor Renovation project were named in the top ten Finance & Commerce Top Projects of 2012. May 29: Finance & Commerce

What's it take to make a MOOC? Hundreds of hours, no pay
Chemistry professor Christopher Cramer is one of the five University professors volunteering hundreds of hours to teach free massive online open courses (MOOC) this summer. May 29: Minnesota Daily; May 31: MinnPost

NTSB says Wash. bridge collapse is a wake-up call
Civil engineering professor Arturo Schultz discussed the collapse of an Interstate highway bridge in northern Washington. May 24: Yahoo News; May 26: USA Today

Deadly landslide raises questions about bluff's safety
Earth sciences professor Harvey Thorleifson is working with other geologists and engineers to determine what exactly caused the landslide that killed two children in a St. Paul park. May 22: Minnesota Public Radio; May 23: UPI; Pioneer Press; Oakland Press; Saratogian; May 24: Minnesota Public Radio; Macomb Daily; Oakland County Daily Tribune

The Smart Grid - bringing utility electricity delivery into the 21st century
Electrical and computer engineering professor Massoud Amin discusses the United State's inefficient, century-old, electrical grid, and its vulnerability to cascading breakdowns due to both natural and manmade events. May 20: Infrastructure Show (listen to podcast)

Scientific research? We built that!
Physics and astronomy professor James Kakalios writes about the potential harm that may be caused by sequestration cuts to agencies that support scientific research. May 16: The Hill Blog; May 20: MinnPost

Anatomy of an ice shove: an uncommon phenomenon
Earth sciences professor Harvey Thorleifson comments on shoreline damage from ice piling, caused by sustained high winds and free-floating pieces of ice. May 14: Winnipeg Free Press

Researchers work to speed wait times at traffic lights
SMART Signal technology, developed by researchers at the U of M, has been enhanced with plug-and-play technology that makes it extremely simple and much more cost-effective to deploy. May 14: KSTP

Graphene? Wonder material is potential Next Big Thing in technology
2010 Nobel Prize co-winner in physics, Andre Geim, spoke at the University about the discovery of graphene, a transparent, yet superb conductor of heat and electricity, considered to be a new wonder material. May 2: Pioneer Press

Pushing the limits
All of the CSE undergraduate majors have grown, said associate dean for undergraduate programs, Paul Strykowski. Chemical engineering and materials science department head Frank Bates and assistant professor Aditya Bhan discuss the department's heavy demand, and space constraints. May 2: Minnesota Daily

University may share grade averages by major
Earth sciences professor and Faculty Consultative Committee chair Sally Kohlstedt led the committee that recommended posting average program grades online. May 2: Minnesota Daily

Pinterest could be new tool for businesses
University researchers used statistical data to help understand the motivations behind Pinterest activity, the roles gender plays among users and the factors that distinguish Pinterest from other popular social networking sites. May 1: Digital Trends; May 3: Brafton; May 8: Minnesota Daily

April 2013

University poised for major role in Obama brain initiative
Biomedical engineering assistant professor Jonathon Sachs worked on a complex, multiyear project to map the brain. April 30: Star Tribune

What drives activity on Pinterest?
University researchers used statistical data to help understand the motivations behind Pinterest activity, the roles gender plays among users and the factors that distinguish Pinterest from other popular social networking sites. April 23: Nation Science Foundation; Science Daily; Newswise; Science Codex; April 24: Castleford; News Track India; ZeeNews; redOrbit; The Conversation; The Times of India; Business News Daily; TruthDive

Examining the credit hour
Earth sciences professor and Faculty Consultative Committee chair Sally Kohlstedt discusses credit hours, and competency-based models of online learning, versus seat time-based models. April 24: Minnesota Daily

My Crystal Palace exhibition
Mathematics professor Andrew Odlyzko compares the England of 1850 and the economy of today. April 22: The Street

CSE groups reach out to students
CSE has more than 40 student groups that participate in outreach to high school students, and over the past few years have made efforts to increase their outreach. April 17: Minnesota Daily

Science Quiz Bowl kicks off U of M's CSE Week
The 10th annual Science Quiz Bowl features more than 100 students competing for prizes, and kicks off the week-long CSE Week celebration. April 14: WCCO

For Minneapolis performance group, dance and science collide
Biomedical engineering professor David Odde collaborates with Carl Flink, director of a Twin Cities dance company called Black Label Movement, to create a dance representing molecular movement. April 11: Pioneer Press; April 17: Minnesota Daily; April 18: Medgadget; TEDMed

Next generation of lifesaving devices could come from conference at U of M
The 12th Design of Medical Devices Conference gathers the best and brightest minds to share information and develop new ideas. April 9: KSTP

Winners and losers as climate change hits Antarctica
University researchers found the population of a group of Adelie penguins on Beaufort Island in the Antarctic have significantly increased as nearby glaciers have receded. April 4: UPI; Eurekalert!; Phys.org; EarthSky; 3 News New Zealand; Stuff New Zealand; The Australian; World News Australia; ABC Radio Australia; Minnesota Daily; Science Media Centre; Science Daily; Science Codex; Red Orbit; Science World Report; Big Pond News; West Australian; Science Media Centre; News Talk ZB; The Inquistr; TVNZ; New Zealand Herald; April 5: Science Alert; Live Science; Discovery News; Science NBC News; Mother Nature News; Science 360; April 6: Jagran Josh; April 7: Tehran Times; April 8: Scientific American; Summit County Voice; Smithsonian; April 10: Grist; April 11: Environmental Research Web; Minnesota Public Radio

Study ranks Minneapolis-St. Paul #5 in accessibility to jobs by car in 2010
Civil engineering professor David Levinson led research that found there are two ways for cities to improve accessibility - by making transportation faster and more direct or by increasing the density of activities. April 4: Twin Cities Daily Planet; April 5: Minnesota Public Radio; April 9: National Review; April 15: DC Streets

'Magnetic Nanobots' topic of April Young Scientist Roundtable
Associate professor Bethanie Stadler, electrical and computer engineering, will discuss how nanobots can be used to improve everything from computers to health, at the Anoka-Hennepin Young Scientist Roundtable on April 15. April 12: KSTP

Robotics teams shine at U-hosted competition
Thousands of high school students packed the University's Williams and Mariucci arenas for the Minnesota Regional FIRST Robotics Competition last month. April 2: Belle Plaine Herald; April 3: Albert Lea Tribune

Bridge relics could find home at University
Civil engineering head Joseph Labuz said the University has accepted a proposal from the Minnesota Department of Transportation to keep a piece of the fallen I-35W bridge to create an installation that would be respectful of the tragedy that occurred. April 2: Minnesota Daily

March 2013

Yet-to-be-completed Minnesota physics lab records milestone
Physics professor Marvin Marshak announces the NOvA particle detector has recorded its first three-dimensional image of a subatomic particle. March 27: Symmetry Magazine; March 28: Phys.org; Duluth News Tribune; Engadget; March 30: Star Tribune; InForum; March 31: Minnesota Public Radio; Science World Report; WDAZ; Pioneer Press

University supercomputing gets a boost
Minnesota Supercomputing Institute installed a new storage system to keep up with the demand for big data management. March 28: Minnesota Daily

It's robot vs. robot at U-hosted robotics competition
Thousands of high school students are expected to pack the University's Williams and Mariucci arenas for the Minnesota Regional FIRST Robotics Competition Friday, March 29, and Saturday, March 30. March 18: St. Peter Herald; March 27: Albert Lea Tribune; March 28: KSTP; March 29: Pioneer Press; Minnesota Public Radio (photos);  Minnesota Public Radio; KARE; Crookston Daily Times

U of M to-do list: $44.3M for engineering building updates
The aging Mechanical Engineering building will be getting an update that includes replace obsolete systems, address building code issues, and make the building more accessible. March 14: Finance & Commerce

Sinkhole problems raising questions in Minnesota
Earth sciences professor Calvin Alexander is an expert on sinkholes, and notes that dozens, probably hundreds, of new sinkholes form every year. March 14: KSTP; KAAL; KSTC

Drone research being conducted at U of M
Research on the many uses of drone aircraft is being done at the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanic's Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle lab. March 12: KARE; March 13: NBC News; MyHighPlains; WCSH; WALB; March 19: KSN

UMC to celebrate women in STEM
Earth sciences professor Sally Kohlstedt will present March 27 at the University of Minnesota-Crookston's women in STEM celebration. March 11: Grand Forks Herald (subscription)

Startup Ascenix BioTechnologies to use University of Minnesota technology to make MMA from renewables
Research by University scientists helped startup company Ascenix BioTechnologies commercialize methods to synthesize chemicals from renewable feedstocks. March 6: Sustainable Planet

What's the most efficient way to shovel driveway snow?
Mathematics professor Larry Gray explained the challenges in answering the question of what is the most mathematically efficient method to shovel snow. March 5: WCCO

US power grid costs rise, but service slips
Electrical and computer engineering professor Massoud Amin discusses the increasing costs of repairs to America's aging power grid. March 5: Associated Press; myway; Miami Herald; Boston Herald; KSTP; March 8: Washington Post; Fox Business; March 10: GOP USA; March 13: SmartGrid News; Minnesota Daily

State ends purchase of products with triclosan
Gov. Mark Dayton has ordered all state agencies to stop buying products that contain the chemical compound triclosan. Civil engineering professor Bill Arnold led a study on triclosan, an antibacterial agent that winds up in waterways. March 4: Star Tribune; Minnesota Daily; WDAZ; Minnesota Public Radio; WDIO; St. Cloud Times; MinnPost; Fargo-Moorhead Forum; WDAY; Columbus Republic; KDLT; Duluth News Tribune; Brainerd Dispatch; March 5: Star Tribune; March 6: eNews Park Forest; March 7: Twin Cities Daily Planet; March 12: Minnesota Public Radio

Dance marathon grows in 3rd year
The third annual dance marathon raised $8,000, with a quarter of that amount donated by the College of Science and Engineering. March 4: Minnesota Daily

February 2013

Merit raises increase tension, some say
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Wayne Gladfelter comments on the University's merit-raise system that has created a rift among some faculty members. Feb. 27: Minnesota Daily

Fact checked: Spider-Man's web would be strong enough to stop train
Physics professor James Kakalios recently created an algorithm for cell regeneration that appeared in the "The Amazing Spider-Man." He served as a science consultant for the film, released last year. Feb. 25: NBC News

U of M gives snapshot of the Serengeti
University physics professor and Zooniverse co-founder Lucy Fortson's technology is now being used to analyze millions of photos taken of wildlife in the Serengeti. Feb. 25: KSTP

Tech Fest at The Works
The College of Science and Engineering is an event sponsor at the Tech Fest at The Works Museum. CSE students and faculty will display at the annual science outreach event. Feb. 21: KMSP; WCCO

15th Avenue railroad bridge rated 'poor'
Civil engineering professor emeritus Ted Galambos discussed the severe rust on the bridge which is causing deformation and buckling. Feb. 20: Minnesota Daily

With more total driver's licenses, women passing men on the roads
Civil engineering professor David Levinson comments on new research that shows more women than men have driver's licenses, which results in safer roads and less pollution. Feb. 20: Star Tribune

Navy develops power engineering curriculum with universities across U.S.
Professor of electrical and computer engineering Ned Mohan collaborates with Naval researchers on creating curriculum that will improve the nation's electrical energy studies. Feb. 19: Office of Naval Research; Feb. 25: Marine Link

Free online courses to be offered at University of Minnesota
Massive Open Online Courses, or MOOCs, are a growing trend in higher eduction. Chemistry professor Christopher Cramer will soon teach a MOOC: "Statistical Molecular Thermodynamics." Feb. 19: Minnesota Daily; Feb. 21: Minnesota Public Radio; Star Tribune; Pioneer Press; Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal; KARE; AHC Health Talk; Minnesota Daily; Fox 11; Fargo Valley News; Columbus Republic; WMTV; Feb. 22: WDIO; Walworth County Today; Feb. 23: Grand Forks Herald; Feb. 25: Minnesota Daily; Post Bulletin

Prospective faculty members audition
Associate dean for academic affairs Wayne Gladfelter and noted that CSE looks both at candidates' research and how well they can deliver clear lectures to an audience. Physics and astronomy head Ronald Poling said postdoctoral and graduate students lunched with candidates before being asked for their recommendation. Feb. 18: Minnesota Daily

U of M chemist seeks greater understanding of blood
Chemistry professor Christy Haynes studies blood chemistry. Her research on platelets led her to be named as one of the "Brilliant 10" by Popular Science magazine last year. Feb. 18: Minnesota Public Radio

Meteorites have hit Minnesota
U of M experts comment on the recent meteorite that hit Russia. Feb. 15: Pioneer Press; Feb 16: KARE; Feb. 18: KARE

Could your next doctor's visit by on the Kinect?
Computer science and engineering professor Nikolaos Papanikolopoulos is part of a research team exploring the use of Kinect to diagnose autism in children. Feb. 14: Popsci

Asteroid tracking close to Earth
Physics and astronomy professor Chick Woodward said that even though the asteroid will be within 17,000 miles of Earth, there is no chance for an impact. Professor Larry Rudnick also commented. Feb. 13: KTTC; Feb. 14: KSTP; KQRS

At Snapshot Serengeti, classifying Africa's animals
Physics and astronomy associate professor Lucy Fortson's research is used to have the "citizen scientists" where general public classify research photos. Feb. 12: The Daily Beast

Regents approve looser alcohol ad restrictions
At the February Regent's meeting CSE Dean Steven Crouch discussed this summer's relocation of the Engine Research Lab from the Mechanical Engineering building to the University's Reuse Center. Feb. 11: Minnesota Daily

CSE Dean elected to National Academy of Engineering
The National Academy of Engineering announced its class of 2013 members, and College of Science and Engineering dean Steven Crouch was among those chosen. Feb. 7: Minnesota Daily; myScience

A call for less salt in our roadways' diet
Civil engineering professor emeritus Heinz Stefan notes that rising concentrations of salt are likely to disrupt annual water dynamics in lakes, thereby affecting water quality and aquatic life. Feb. 7: Star Tribune

The U's cave diver
Geology graduate student Greg Brick has been exploring and categorizing the caves near Lake Pepin since 2004, and was the first to discover caves French explorers abandoned in the 1700s. Feb. 6: Minnesota Daily

U students 'Imagineer' their way to the finals
Two College of Science and Engineering and two College of Design students were chosen to participate as finalists in a competition to design a ride for Disney. Feb. 5: Minnesota Daily

Could a smart grid have prevented the Super Bowl blackout?
Electrical and computer engineering professor Massoud Amin said that problems with the power grid now cost the economy some $150 billion per year. Feb. 4: Washington Post; MSNBC; Feb. 5: NBC News; HuffPost Live

Down the drain and into our lakes
Civil engineering professor Bill Arnold led a study examining the widespread use of triclosan, an antibacterial agent that winds up in waterways. Feb. 1: Star Tribune; Feb. 23: Gulf Times

Resiliency portfolio standards: turning smart grids into strong grids
Electrical and computer engineering professor Massoud Amin noted the increase in U.S. power outages that affect 50,000 or more consumers. Feb. 1: Forbes; January/February issue: Intelligent Utility

January 2013

University researcher creates first artificial enzyme
Chemistry and CBS professor Gianluigi Veglia worked with other researchers to identify the structure of a new enzyme that could lead to new proteins, new enzymes, and new functions. Jan. 31: Minnesota Daily

A push to publicize graduates' earnings
Career Center for Science and Engineering director Mark Sorenson-Wagner says that job and earnings information are important recruitment tools. Jan. 31: Minnesota Daily

Energy policy: 2013 outlook
Electrical and computer engineering professor Massoud Amin sees environmental and energy security as the nexus of national and economic security. Jan. 28: Fierce Energy

Robotics on a roll in Minnesota schools
CSE Dean Steven Crouch discussed the increase of incoming freshmen who have high school robotics team experience. The University hosts an annual robotics tournament. Jan. 27: Star Tribune

The many uses of big data
Computer science and engineering professor Jaideep Srivastava uses data mining and other techniques to analyze big data from social systems. Jan. 24: Twin Cities Business

Faculty carry the administrative research burden
Civil engineering professor Paige Novak discusses the increase in administrative duties taken on by many professors. Jan. 24: Minnesota Daily

Antibacterial agent used in common soaps found in increasing amounts in freshwater lakes
Civil engineering professor Bill Arnold directed a two-year research project studying lake sediments in search of triclosan and its derivatives. Jan. 22: UPI;  Phys.org; Eurekalert; Pioneer Press; WCCO; KARE; Minnesota Public Radio; Minnesota Public Radio-Daily Circuit; KSTP; San Francisco Chronicle; Minnesota Daily; KARE; Star Tribune; WDIO; Twin Cities Daily Planet; Duluth News Tribune; Grand Forks Herald; WHLT; In-Forum; The Republic; Equities; Cosmetics Design; Water Online; KMSP; Infection Control Today; Albany Times Union; Health Canal; Red Orbit; Wahpeton Daily News; La Voz Libre; WJON; Houston Chronicle; Seattle-Post Intelligence; UPI News Track; Therapeutics Daily; Individual.com; MinnPost; KARE; KSTP; Duluth News Tribune; Brainerd Daily Dispatch; KAAL; CT Post; Jan. 23: Minnesota Daily; Laboratory Equipment; KDAL; Azocleantech; Duluth News Tribune; Personal Liberty Digest; KDAL; Crookston Daily Times; Greener Ideal; Jan. 24: Minnesota Daily; Voice of America; Michigan Radio; Infection Control Today; Jan. 25: Catholic Online; Environmental Research Web; Earthweek; Jan. 27: Melodika; Jan. 28: American Rivers; Jan. 29: eNews Park Forest; Jan. 31: Water Online

New $28M center will develop computers of 2025
The University of Minnesota has been awarded a $28 million grant over five years to lead a new national research center focused on developing the next generation of microelectronics. About one-third of the grant will support research in Minnesota. Jan. 17: Wall Street Journal; Phys.org; Computer World; TECH{dot}MN; Solid State Technology; Pioneer Press; PC World; HPC Wire; Fort Mills Times; UC Riverside; Net PR News; Inside Indiana Business; PCB Design; Nanowerk; Virtual Strategy; CIO; Computer World; PE Hub; Solid State Technology; TechNews; Jan. 18: Minnesota Daily; Jan. 21: Azonano

Robotics Alley announces 'Robotics Day' at the Minnesota State Capitol
Government leaders and staffers will get a chance to meet some of Minnesota’s most fascinating robots on January 28 when Robotics Alley hosts “Minnesota Robotics Day” in the rotunda of the State Capitol. Jan. 17: Wall Street Journal; Business Wire; Robotics Tomorrow; HPC Wire; Auto Balla; Columbus Dispatch; Witty Sparks; Enhanced Online News; Jan. 27: Minnesota Public Radio;

FBI warns against Ransomware internet scam
Electrical and computer engineering professor Massoud Amin discusses a dangerous computer virus called Reveton ransomware, which imitates the FBI. Jan. 14: KSTP

Minneapolis broken water main was installed in 1891
Geology graduate student Greg Brick discussed the broken Minneapolis water main, originally installed in 1891, that dumped 14 million gallons of water into city streets. Jan. 11: KARE

U of M study aims to protect teen drivers
Mechanical engineering researchers are teaming with MnDOT to create a study that will track new drivers to find out what their most common mistakes are behind the wheel. Jan. 7: KAAL; Jan. 10: Waseca County News

Bodystorming: cell dynamics and dance
Biomedical engineering professor David Odde collaborated with Black Label Movement's artistic director Carl Fink to demonstrate how cell dynamics evolve using dance and movement. Jan. 7: KFAI; Golden Valley Patch

U of M 'Physics Circus' set for Minneapolis
The Physics Force will present the Physics Circus, its largest show of the year. The show is a mix of physics demonstrations and slapstick humor suitable for both adults and children. Jan. 5: The Republic; Pioneer Press; Marshall Independent; KSTP; St. Cloud Times; Jan. 7: WCCO; Minnesota Public Radio; KARE; Jan. 9: KMSP; Jan. 10: Pioneer Press

The secrets of Earth's history may be in its caves
Geology professor Larry Edwards is a pioneer in the use of cave formations to document ancient climate. Edwards' research is providing the scientific community with an increasingly precise time scale of precipitation patterns long ago. January issue: Smithsonian

Wikipedia is driving away newcomers, report says
Computer science and engineering research associate Aaron Halfaker led a team of computer scientists who found that old editors, impersonal rejection, and restrictive rules are driving newcomers away from the online encyclopedia Wikipedia. Jan. 3: WCSH; AZ Central; Jan. 4: The Mary Sue; Detroit Free Press; Canoe Technology; Jan. 5: ZeeNews; MyBroadBand; Hindu Business Times; Financial Express; Straits Times; Economic Times; Times of Oman; Daily News & Analysis; MetroNews Canada; Jan. 6: News 24; Rappler; Jan. 7: Nerd Reactor; Independent Online; Jan. 8: Mashable; Jan. 31: Minnesota Daily

Year's first meteor shower offers chance for wishes overnight
School of Physics and Astronomy Professor Terry Jones discusses the first meteor shower of the year, the Quadrantid Meteor Shower, where stars will "fall" every one to two minutes. Jan. 2: KSTP

Innovation: getting at the truth: civilian GPS position authentication system
Demoz Gebre-Egziabher, associate professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, studies the design of multi-sensor navigation and attitude determination systems for aerospace vehicles ranging from small unmanned aerial vehicles to Earth-orbiting satellites. Jan. 1: GPS World

Video game technology crossing from entertainment to health care
Computer science and engineering professor Nikolaos Papanikolopoulos is part of a research team that is using gaming technology as a platform for clinicians to spot behaviors linked with pediatric mental disorders. Winter Issue: Baylor Innovations