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.
![A scanning electron micrograph of fungus Nodulisporium sp.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/nodulisporium_l.jpg) |
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Harnessing Plant-Invading Fungi for Fuel As gas prices rise around the world, researchers are seeking a potential solution from endophytic fungi Released
January 8, 2013
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of biodegradable packaging material, made from mushroom and agricultural waste.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/ecovative1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Eco-friendly Company Introduces Nature’s Packing Peanuts Mushroom mycelium is an alternative to plastics and foams Released
December 11, 2012
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Illustration showing how liquid crystal molecules become images in the Boogie Board eWriter.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/boogieboard2_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
How Liquid Crystal Displays Work in an eWriter The Boogie Board eWriter developed by Kent Displays Inc. as an alternative to paper products Released
December 3, 2012
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of student Keith Berry in the chemistry lab](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/studentresearch_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
A Student's Road to Research NSF's Research Experiences for Undergraduates program is a pathway to a career in science and engineering Released
November 13, 2012
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of curve-crease sculpture called Green Balance, created by Erik and Martin Demaine.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/green_balance_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Computer Scientist Turned Artist CAREER awardee studies geometric folding algorithms Released
October 25, 2012
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Image of colloidal beads, bright dots, assembled on a liquid droplet forming a 3-D curved structure.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/spherozome_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Self-healing Curved Crystals Scientists discover novel method of removing defects by bending, twisting, flexing materials Released
September 30, 2012
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of a student observing patterns of flowering and pollinators.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/citizen_scientists1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Novel Answer to That Perennial "Earth Day" Question: "What Can I Do to Help?" Groups of citizen scientists are making pivotal contributions to research on the Earth, its place in the universe and other natural phenomena Released
April 19, 2012
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Students use the PhET Wave Interference simulation.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/phet1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
PhET Simulations Provide Interactive Learning Tools The PhET project, which was founded by Nobel Laureate Carl Wieman, offers simulations where students can simulate experiments and more Released
January 25, 2012
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![George Huber poses with a vial of green gasoline compounds.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/gas1_l1.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Green Gasoline Comes Closer to Fueling Your Car Researchers have discovered how to make gasoline from sawdust and other plant materials Released
August 18, 2011
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![University of Michigan engineering researcher Brent Gillespie uses a prototype of a device.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/thoughtsaction1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Technology May Soon Turn Thoughts Into Action NSF funds research to develop potentially life-changing technology for millions of prosthetic-dependent people Released
July 27, 2011
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Optical micrograph showing an array of graphene transistors prepared on silicon carbide.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/graphene1_l1.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Miracle Material Two-dimensional graphene may lead to faster electronics, stronger spacecraft and much more Released
May 19, 2011
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Top: Scenes From the Life of Saint John the Baptist, Bottom: Cross section of paint layers.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/art_organic1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
What Lies Beneath? Understanding Art Using Science Scientists are using antibody-based techniques to identify and study the organic compounds used in paintings Released
March 30, 2011
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Image of a Greek vase.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/iconic_pottery1_l1.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Deciphering the Elements of Iconic Pottery What do cutting-edge research into future space travel and the investigation of ancient ceramic pots have in common? More than you'd think. Released
March 28, 2011
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of a coastal outcrop exposure of Late Ordovician Ellis Bay Formation.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/mass_extinction_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Relationship Found Between Ancient Climate Change and Mass Extinction Researchers use a ground-breaking technique that reveals a relationship between cooler temperatures and Earth's second largest mass extinction, which occurred about 450 million years ago Released
February 17, 2011
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of Michelle Meighan feeding a kangaroo during her summer in Tasmania.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/meighan_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
The Tasmanian Devil in the Wastewater Arizona State University grad student Michelle Meighan on her experiences in Tasmania as a participant in NSF’s East Asia and Pacific Summer Institutes program Released
February 3, 2011
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo showing marshmallows representing hairy spheres connected with plastic coffee stirrers.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/soft_polymer_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Exotic Discovery Made in Soft Polymer Novel nanostructure pattern never seen in a plastic material Released
January 3, 2011
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![Photo of a banded garden spider waiting for prey to become entangled in its web.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/spider_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Scientists Untangle Spider Web Stickiness Studying spider silk, NSF-supported researchers learn about the properties of this sticky material, and their findings could lead to new bio-adhesives and glues that work under water Released
December 3, 2010
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![Kavli Prize logo](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/kavli_prize_l.jpg) |
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Three NSF-Funded Scientists Among Recipients of $3 Million Kavli Prize Among the latest winners of the Kavli Prize are three scientists who have received NSF funding over the past several years Released
November 28, 2010
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![Illustration of sulfur dioxide molecules forming weak bonds with water molecules.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/water_dance1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
The Water Dance A myriad of methods for watching water molecules in motion advances critical understanding of biology, chemistry and climate science Released
November 28, 2010
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of Georgia Tech chemist Nicholas Hud in his laboratory.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/molec_midwife1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
How Did Life Begin? Georgia Tech professor Nicholas Hud and his students discover new evidence advancing the theory that certain small molecules may have acted as "molecular midwives" to help the first RNA and DNA molecules to form Released
July 30, 2010
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Illustration showing H. pylori liquefying stomach mucin to cross over to the epithelium cells.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/h_pylori_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
How Bacteria Get Past Our Defenses Research team uncovers how the bacterium that causes ulcers travels through the sticky gels of stomach mucus Released
November 4, 2009
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of Anna Kornfeld Simpson with her robot](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/auto_robot1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
High School Student Develops Chemical-detecting Robot California senior describes how she developed a mobile, autonomous robot, spending time in the lab of an NSF-supported researcher, and she shares what it was like to win at the state science fair competition Released
October 6, 2009
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of Charles Sykes and two graduate students using a scanning tunneling microscope.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/nanomotor1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Chemist Aims to Turn Molecules Into Motors Charles Sykes and his team use scanning tunneling microscopes to study novel molecular motors and rotors Released
July 22, 2009
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Graphical representation of seven test molecule structures.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/algorithm_gpu1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Video Game Technology and Science? Chemists use the computer technology behind today’s video games to rapidly calculate the structure of molecules Released
July 15, 2009
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Illustration showing scanning tunneling microscopy and angle-resolved photo-electron spectroscopy.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/pseudogap_l1.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Exploring High-temperature Superconductivity and the Pseudogap Research using two complimentary techniques increases understanding of superconductor materials Released
June 15, 2009
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of JILA's strontium atomic clock.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/atomic_clock_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Coping With Unusual Atomic Collisions Makes an Atomic Clock More Accurate Researchers have figured out how to nullify collision effects and make the clock still more precise Released
May 20, 2009
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Photo of the MIT battery material.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/li_battery1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://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
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Cross-sectional view of a cadmium telluride thin film on glass via a scanning electron microscope.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/nano_film1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
Making Nanoscale Solar Cells in China Graduate student Meghan Schulz talks about conducting research and engaging in cultural exchanges during an international internship in Shanghai Released
April 7, 2009
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Eight thumbnail images and 2008 in Review](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/2008_review_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/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/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
![Image showing the red and blue letters retrieved from a data cube.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/smallest_letters1_l.jpg) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
New Record for World's Smallest Letters Stanford University breaks record set in 1991, promises denser information storage Released
March 10, 2009
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130217102657im_/http://nsf.gov/images/x.gif) |
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