NSF's public investment in science, engineering, education and technology
helps to create knowledge and sustain prosperity. Read here about the Internet,
microbursts, Web browsers, extrasolar planets, and more... a panoply of discoveries
and innovations that began with NSF support.
![Illustration showing advanced chips](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/adv_tech_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
In Industrial Manufacturing, Efficiency Falls as Technology Advances A comprehensive study of old and new manufacturing processes, from machining metal to making carbon nanofibers, shows that the more advanced technologies are less efficient in their use of energy and materials per kilogram of output Released
May 1, 2009
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of the MIT battery material.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/li_battery1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Improved Lithium Ion Battery Technology Could Fast-Charge Electric Vehicles, Boost Acceleration "Beltway" coating on cathode eases ions' way into crystalline tunnels Released
April 22, 2009
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Eight thumbnail images and 2008 in Review](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/2008_review_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
2008: Year in Review A look back at some of the NSF-supported advances and activities that made news last year Released
March 13, 2009
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photomicrograph of biocompatible, bioactive glass.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/glass1_l1.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Reflecting on the Many Uses of Glass The director of NSF's International Materials Institute for New Functionality in Glass at Lehigh University focuses on glass research and exciting students from underrepresented groups about glass science and engineering Released
February 20, 2009
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of water coming out of a faucet.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/clean_water_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Clean Water for a Crowded, Contaminated World Revolutionary purification techniques address impending global water crisis Released
February 2, 2009
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Illustration of heads with brains.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/synthetic_brain1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Synthetic Brains Researchers study the feasibility of brains made from carbon nanotubes Released
January 27, 2009
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Illustration depicting the relative sizes of the sun and Earth.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/solar_conversion1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Cheaper Plastic Solar Cells in the Works South Dakota State University’s Diane Hinkens describes her work in an interdisciplinary research collaboration that is trying to design, synthesize and eventually fabricate a more efficient and less costly solar cell Released
January 13, 2009
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of Raul Cal modeling the cool laser eye-protecting glasses used during the experiments.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/turbine1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Lab Tests Show Wind Turbine's Air Flow Researcher describes NSF-supported wind tunnel experiments that mimic atmospheric airflow around wind turbines to advance our understanding of real wind farm conditions Released
November 25, 2008
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of Ayusman Sen's laboratory team in 2008.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/nanorods1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Nanoparticles Taught to Swim NSF-supported research team at Penn State creates nanoscale motors powered by catalytic reactions that convert chemical energy into motion Released
November 20, 2008
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Three-dimensional reconstructions of magnetic resonance images of the rat gastro-intestinal tract.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/gut1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Gut Reaction: Digestion Revealed in 3-D James Brasseur and his multidisciplinary team image the dynamic mixing of fluids and nutrient exchange in the human digestive system Released
October 17, 2008
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of a gecko, which has a unique ability to scamper across shear surfaces and vertical walls.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/gecko_adhesive1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
How to Make Adhesive as Good as a Gecko Materials scientist Ali Dhinojwala and his team use nanotechnology to develop adhesive tapes that stick better than a gecko’s foot Released
October 16, 2008
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of professors and graduate students.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/japan1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Students Give High Marks to First U.S.-Japan Glass Science School Meeting brings U.S. university students and researchers together with their Japanese counterparts to talk about new developments and potential collaborations in glass research Released
August 21, 2008
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Spiral raises the level of abstraction for complete automation without sacrifices in performance.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/spiral_approach_rev_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Teaching Computers How to Write Fast Software Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University develop a framework to replace the human programmer in high performance numerical library development Released
August 8, 2008
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Illustration of a bioparticle (left) ready to bind antigens (yellow) from tumor cells.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/antigen_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Natural Bio-Army Trained to Fight Cancer Bioengineer Tarek Fahmy and colleagues are engineering new nanoscopic and microscopic biomaterials to stimulate the body’s production of killer T-cells to fight infectious diseases Released
August 8, 2008
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![John Chmiola holds an electrochemical capacitor's electrode.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/chmiola_electrode_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Supercapacitors Could Be Key to a Green Energy Future John Chmiola, a doctoral student at Drexel University, is doing groundbreaking work on supercapacitors Released
July 30, 2008
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of Todd McDevitt pointing to an aggregate of embryonic stem cells with blue-stained nuclei.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/stem_cells1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Stem Cell Research Goes Beyond Biology Todd McDevitt tells how engineering can help us understand stem cell differentiation and develop approaches to realize the potential of stem cells for regenerative therapies Released
July 17, 2008
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of Professor Israel Wachs with the combined Raman-Infrared spectrometer/microscope.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/nanocatalysis2_l1.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Scientist Explores Invisible Environmental Helpers Researcher uses his expertise in catalysis to impact major environmental issues Released
April 25, 2008
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![2007 In Review](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/2007_review_text_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
2007: Year in Review A look back at some of the NSF-supported advances and activities reported last year Released
January 30, 2008
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Eric Weeks and shaving cream with squishy physics spelled in black letters](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/weeks_squishy42_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
The Science of All Things Squishy NSF-funded Emory researcher shares the excitement of cutting-edge physics phenomena with kids of all ages Released
August 16, 2007
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Illustration of computer screen and sensor embedded in a bridge span.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/page03future01_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Life Can Be a Strain From enormous mining trucks to human knee implants, sensor technology is teaching us when enough is enough Released
February 21, 2007
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![2006 in Review](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/2006inreview_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
2006: Year in Review A look back at some of the NSF-supported activities highlighted last year Released
January 9, 2007
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Electrons hitting an iron-carbide filled carbon nanotube cause it to contract and extrude material.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/nano_l1.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Nanotubes Not for Toothpaste . . . Yet Researchers Squeeze Even Rock-Hard Materials Through Minuscule Carbon Tubes Released
July 25, 2006
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![With strong magnetic fields and cold temperatures, magnetic order in barium-copper silicate emerges.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/haze_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Purple Haze Ancient pigment reveals secrets about unusual state of matter Released
July 11, 2006
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Vesicle membranes that collapse when cooled may someday deliver minute payloads of medicines.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/pills_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Micro Pills Could Deliver Drugs on Demand Temperature-sensitive capsules release chemicals at tightly controlled rates Released
March 27, 2006
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![This thumbprint appeared after researchers sprayed it with a super glue.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/print1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
From Fingerprints to Fiberprints Forensic technique leads to new method for creating nanofibers Released
February 15, 2006
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Destruction in Istanbul, Turkey, following the August 17, 1999, Izmet earthquake](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/turkey1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Istanbul Overdue for Earthquake Retrofit Researchers present concerns to Turkish Prime Minister Released
January 5, 2006
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![The challenge is to assign each grant application to the appropriate reviewers.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/ProposalReview_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Computer Program Streamlines Complex Work Scheduling Chemical engineers develop an algorithm that could transform scheduling Released
December 6, 2005
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![This illustration compares the artificial cochlea to its mammalian counterpart.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/cochlea_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
New Sensor Based on Human Organ Is No Tin Ear Precision micromachining yields life-size, precise, artificial cochlea Released
November 3, 2005
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Remains of steel lockers and beds lie amidst other debris from the Celtiksuyu Boarding School.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/damagedschool_l1.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Earthquake Study Suggests Simple Building Fixes Can Save Lives Code enforcement may have prevented dozens of deaths in Turkish temblor Released
October 13, 2005
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![The new nanofountain probe produced these patterns; features are as thin as 40 nanometers](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/pen1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
The World’s Smallest Fountain Pen? New microscope tips use capillary action to print patterns tens of nanometers across Released
October 5, 2005
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090506071155im_/http://www.nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Page: Previous |