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.
![Photo of the Seawall experiment in the Large Wave Flume at Oregon State University.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/tsunami1_l1.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Building Tsunami-resistant Cities Mary Beth Oshnack describes her undergraduate and graduate research to understand tsunami wave forces and improve building construction in hazard-prone coastal communities Released
October 20, 2009
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of JBEI Director Jay Keasling with Rajit Sapar in lab with a beaker of cellulose sludge.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/biofuel1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Microbe Metabolism Harnessed to Produce Fuel NSF-supported researchers use synthetic biology technology to engineer the next generation of biofuels Released
September 10, 2009
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of person with disabilities piloting a robotic mobility and manipulation system in kitchen.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/robotics1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Robotic Systems Help People With Disabilities Bioengineering and mechanical engineering professor Rory Cooper describes how rapid prototyping and robotics are providing promising solutions for those with severe manipulation and mobility challenges Released
August 21, 2009
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of Sudipta Seal holding a bottle containing billions of ultra-small, engineered nanoceria.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/nanoceria1_l2.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Nanoparticles Explored for Preventing Cell Damage Engineers investigate using nanoparticles both as a preventative and a treatment for disease Released
July 14, 2009
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of Ben Wen holding algae biodiesel that was produced using a new solid catalyst method.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/biodiesel1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Algae: A New Way to Make Biodiesel NSF small business grantee Ben Wen describes a new catalytic approach for algae biodiesel production that uses less work and energy, produces less waste, and makes a lot more fuel Released
June 24, 2009
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of Karen Smilowitz who helps nonprofit organizations streamline their work.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/ksmilowitz_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Libraries, Food Banks Benefit From Transportation Modeling NSF CAREER awardee Karen Smilowitz applies the art of operations research to find optimal solutions to problems in the nonprofit sector Released
June 10, 2009
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Illustration showing advanced chips](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/adv_tech_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://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
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo showing bright red-orange photoluminescence from porous silicon nanoparticles.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/safenano1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Safer Nano Cancer Detector Nanoparticle test in mice could pave the way for human uses Released
April 30, 2009
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Eight thumbnail images and 2008 in Review](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/2008_review_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://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
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of water coming out of a faucet.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/clean_water_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Clean Water for a Crowded, Contaminated World Revolutionary purification techniques address impending global water crisis Released
February 2, 2009
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://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/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/turbine1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://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
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of Ayusman Sen's laboratory team in 2008.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/nanorods1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://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
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of Jonathan Arnold and Heinz-Bernd Schuttler discussing their work on biological clocks.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/bio_clock1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
The Biological Clock's Incredible Influence Revealed University of Georgia researchers find that the number of genes under the control of the biological clock in bread mold is dramatically higher than previously reported Released
November 5, 2008
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of Afsaneh Rabiei who invented an ultra-strong and lightweight composite metal foam.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/metal_foam1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Foamy Invention Could Save Energy and Lives NSF CAREER awardee Afsaneh Rabiei's ultra-high-strength composite metal foam could revolutionize impact protection Released
October 29, 2008
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Three-dimensional reconstructions of magnetic resonance images of the rat gastro-intestinal tract.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/gut1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://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
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Illustration of a bioparticle (left) ready to bind antigens (yellow) from tumor cells.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/antigen_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://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
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://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/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/stem_cells1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://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
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of Professor Israel Wachs with the combined Raman-Infrared spectrometer/microscope.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/nanocatalysis2_l1.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://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
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![2007 In Review](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/2007_review_text_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://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
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of Shirley Ann Jackson and William Bialek](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/cellbio1_l1.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Top Scientists Promote Innovative, Multidisciplinary Global Problem-Solving Strategies Released
December 11, 2007
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![An artist's rendition of the proposed Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory design.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/dusel_2_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Team Selected for the Proposed Design of the Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory
Released
July 10, 2007
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Researchers have created bricks from fly ash that look and perform like normal bricks.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/various_bricks_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Follow the "Green" Brick Road?
Bricks made from coal-fired power plant waste pass safety test Released
May 22, 2007
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have grown the world's longest carbon nanotube arrays.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/nanotubes1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
The Longest Carbon Nanotubes You've Ever Seen
Crafted with breakthrough manufacturing technique, centimeter-long fibers are visible to the naked eye Released
May 10, 2007
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
!["NanoBucky" is a 3-D nanoscale model made from tiny, carbon nanofiber "hairs."](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/nano1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Getting a Feel for the Nano World
New models help introduce the blind to careers in nanoscale science and engineering Released
March 27, 2007
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Layers of silica nanorods look like shag carpet when viewed with a scanning electron microscope.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/psemmultilayer_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
New Coating Is Virtual Black Hole for Reflections
Non-reflecting material may help solar cells catch more of the Sun's rays Released
March 1, 2007
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Illustration of computer screen and sensor embedded in a bridge span.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/page03future01_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://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
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Graphic illustrating a corncob-derived carbon "sponge" that can store natural gas.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/carbon_biofuel_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
From Farm Waste to Fuel Tanks
Record-breaking methane storage system derived from corncobs may encourage mass-market natural gas automobiles Released
February 16, 2007
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Princeton REU student Claire Woo at work in the laboratory of Jay Benziger.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/Claire-Woo_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Hydrogen-Powered Lawnmowers?
New design could open door to small-scale fuel cells Released
January 22, 2007
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Researchers hold the polymer that is critical to their water filtration system.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/water_l1.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
You Still Can't Drink the Water, But Now You Can Touch It
Laboratory filtration system kills 100 percent of dangerous microbes in water taken from Hurricane Katrina disaster Released
January 9, 2007
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![2006 in Review](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/2006inreview_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://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
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20091025031635im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
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