Science
Archived Stories
The Scientist: Phil Krasicky
October 21st, 2009For Phillip Krasicky, physics, science education is about one thing: demonstration. In the basement of Rockefeller Hall, Krasicky’s office is filled with fascinating objects. A piece of metal foil floats in the air, while a holograph of a shark hovers in a frame. Read More
Inside Ithaca's EcoVillage
October 21st, 2009They are not hippie communes. They are not even about “living off the grid.” Largely unknown and misinterpreted, ecovillages are communities striving to “integrate a supportive social environment with a low impact way of life” according to the Global Ecovillage Network. Read More
Bioneers Conference Combines Sustainability and Civil Rights
October 21st, 2009In discussions of sustainability, the environment often takes center stage while issues of social equity and economic sustainability are either relegated to the background or are not present at all. The Bioneers Conference — held from Oct. 16 to Oct. 18 on the Ithaca College campus — made inquiries into a more sustainable future from five perspectives: sustainable economy, our clean energy future, fortifying our food sheds, earth stewardship and health and well-being. Read More
NPR’s Science Friday Broadcasts Live from Bailey Hall
October 14th, 2009While most students were packing up in preparation for Fall Break, 1,000 ticket-holders joined National Public Radio’s Ira Flatow in Bailey auditorium for a live broadcast of Science Friday to millions of listeners across hundreds of NPR affiliate stations. Science Friday is a weekly science talk radio program entering its 19th year of hosting expert panel discussions and listener call-ins on current issues in science, nature and technology. Read More
Future of Food Uncertain, Experts Say
October 14th, 2009Food is the body’s source of energy and nutrients, without which the human body would cease to function. Most Americans are reminded of this fact three times a day, thanks to the extensively evolved agricultural system that has developed since our transition from hunter-gatherer ways 10,000 years ago. However, the delicate state of the environment leaves the future of food production uncertain, particularly for developing nations. Read More
The Scientist: James Cutting
October 14th, 2009Art and film are everywhere. But how does the brain really perceive art and cinema? Prof. James Cutting, psychology, has been working on this question for over two decades. His research in perception ranges from optics to depth perception to cinema. Read More
NASA Mission To Search for Water on the Moon
October 7th, 2009The Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) will crash into the moon on Friday morning, destroying itself in search of water in the form of ice on the surface of the moon. Four minutes after the Centaur upper stage rocket will hit the Cabeus A crater at 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 9, the Shepherding Spacecraft will make impact. The Centaur will create a plume possibly containing ice that may be visible to some areas on Earth. By traveling through the plume, the Shepherding Spacecraft will be able to analyze the material that was sent flying off of the moon. Read More
Fifth Annual Insectapalooza Celebrates the Wide World of Bugs
October 7th, 2009Eager to create a fascinating event for the entire family, Cornell’s department of entomology held its fifth annual Insectapalooza Insect Fair this Saturday, celebrating the diversity of insects, while showcasing current research in entomology. Attractions included the “Live Butterfly House,” where children held and played with butterflies, and the “Cockroach Races,” where kids watched the popular pests race through tubes towards a finish line. While Insectapalooza was designed to be child-friendly, the fair was more than just fun and games. In addition to stimulating junior’s interest in entomology, Insectapalooza sought to share valuable findings in the field with adults. Read More
Auto Industry Revs Up Green Product Line
October 7th, 2009In a volatile oil market, automobile producers are scrambling to gain an edge on their competitors using technology considered purely futuristic until recently. Mike Schweizer and Rasheq Zarif of Mercedes Benz USA, LLC, gave a lecture during the energy seminar series for engineers last Friday on recent progress in the field of sustainable transportation. According to Zarif, the purpose of Mercedes’ intensive $1.7 billion research project has been to “accelerate the paradigm shift” between fuel-based and cleaner technologies. Read More
For fuel cell innovator Francis DiSalvo, the real breakthrough is getting students interested in chemistry
October 7th, 2009Sooner or later, most Cornell students find themselves in a chemistry course, sometimes against their best wishes. It’s not easy to teach Chemistry to a uninterested audience, but one professor is well known for making the most of the endeavor by interjecting a little bit of fun. Dr. Frank DiSalvo is the John A. Newman Professor of Physical Science and has been a member Cornell’s faculty for over 30 years. He’s well known by his students for taking what he calls “commercial breaks” and blowing stuff up in class. Read More