Georgia Tech All Research News News

Georgia Tech Creates School of City and Regional Planning

Teri Nagel — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Georgia Tech has announced the creation of the School of City and Regional Planning with responsibilities including a Master of City and Regional Planning degree program, a Ph.D. concentration in City and Regional Planning, and research aimed at advancing the practice of urban planning in Georgia, the U.S. and across the globe.

Petascale Tools Could Provide Deeper Insight into Genomic Evolution

Abby Vogel — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Research recently funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 aims to develop computational tools that will utilize next-generation petascale computers to understand genomic evolution.

Device Enables World's First Voluntary Gorilla Blood Pressure Reading

Abby Vogel — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Zoo Atlanta recently became the first zoological institution in the world to obtain voluntary blood pressure readings from a gorilla. This was made possible by the Gorilla Tough Cuff developed by Georgia Tech students.

Researchers Work to Improve Mobile Device & Cellular Network Security

Abby Vogel — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Georgia Tech computer science faculty members recently received a National Science Foundation grant to develop tools that improve the security of mobile devices and the telecommunications networks on which they operate.

Community Education & Planning Cut Death Toll in Samoa Tsunami

John Toon — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Community-based education and awareness programs minimized the death toll from the recent Samoan tsunami, though there are still ways to improve the warning and evacuation process, according to a team of researchers that traveled to Samoa last month.

eStadium Application Brings Multimedia Sports Features to Smartphones

Don Fernandez — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Professor Ed Coyle, director of the Arbutus Center for the Integration of Research and Education, is unveiling a new application that allows fans sitting in the stands of an athletic event to access video replays, up-to-the-second statistics, player bios, play-by-play analysis and a wealth of other information designed to enhance the thrill of the game.

Modified Enzyme and Delivery System Enable Spinal Cord Regeneration

Abby Vogel — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Researchers have improved an enzyme that degrades dense scar tissue that forms when the central nervous system is damaged -- and developed a new system to deliver it, ultimately enabling spinal cord regeneration.

Nanostructures on Optical Fiber Produce "Hidden" Photovoltaic Cells

John Toon — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Converting sunlight to electricity might no longer mean large panels of photovoltaic cells atop flat surfaces like roofs.

When a City Gets Too Smart ?

David Terraso — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

David Jimison, Ph.D. candidate in the Digital Media program at the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts, is exhibiting "Too Smart City" at The Urban Center in Manhattan. The exhibit asks the question, "what happens when technology runs amok?"

Tech Continues Evolving Into Chip Hub With Intersil Acquisition

Don Fernandez — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Atlanta’s evolution into a major hub for mixed-signal chip design continues as Intersil Corporation, a world leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance analog and mixed signal semiconductors, has acquired Quellan Inc., a privately held technology leader in the design of high-performance analog signal processing technology.

Nina Sawczuk Joins ATDC as Assistant Director for Biosciences

John Toon — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Veteran biosciences entrepreneur Nina Sawczuk has joined Georgia Tech’s Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) as assistant director for biosciences. In this role, she will support the commercialization of bioscience innovation throughout the state of Georgia.

Improved Electric Propulsion Could Boost Satellite Lifetimes

John Toon — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have won a $6.5 million grant to develop improved components that will boost the efficiency of electric propulsion systems used to control the positions of satellites and planetary probes.

Georgia Tech Wins NSF Award for Next-Gen Supercomputing

David Terraso — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Georgia Institute of Technology announced its receipt of a five-year, $12 million Track 2 award from the National Science Foundation to develop and deploy an innovative and experimental high-performance computing (HPC) system.

Dr. Robert Guldberg Named New IBB Director

Don Fernandez — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

After the completion of a nationwide search, Dr. Robert Guldberg has been named the new director of The Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB) at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

New Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience Director Named

Robert Nesmith — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Mechanical Engineering Professor Robert Guldberg has been named the new director of the Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience.

Study Suggests Patent Challenges Reduce Drug Innovation and Output

Abby Vogel — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The recent surge in Paragraph IV patent challenges is decreasing the incentives for pharmaceutical innovation and contributing to productivity and revenue declines in the pharmaceutical industry, according to a new study in Science.

Tech Joins the Center for Sustainable Engineering

Michael Hagearty — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A federally funded center dedicated to raising awareness and improving education of sustainable engineering practices now counts Georgia Tech among its members.

New Vehicle Concept Would Protect Crews from Roadside Bombs

John Toon — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A new crew survivability concept that would build military vehicles around a protected personnel compartment and use a sacrificial “blast wedge” to absorb energy from improvised explosive devices could improve safety for the occupants of future light armored patrol vehicles.

New Protocols Will Test Effects of RFID Systems on Medical Devices

Abby Vogel — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) recently began developing testing protocols for RFID technology in the health care setting. The researchers will test whether radio frequency-emitting devices cause any negative effects on the medical devices.

New Material Could Expand Applications for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

John Toon — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A new ceramic material described in this week’s issue of the journal Science could help expand the applications for solid oxide fuel cells – devices that generate electricity directly from a wide range of liquid or gaseous fuels without the need to separate hydrogen.

Zombies vs. Robots at Le Flash 2009

David Terraso — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Carl DiSalvo, assistant professor of Digital Media in Georgia Tech's Ivan Allen College, and David Holstius are debuting their work We Are Survival Machines at Le Flash 2009 on October 2.

Conference Launches Initiative to Shape Georgia\'s Role in Future Media

John Toon — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The FutureMedia Initiative will kick off October 15 with a day-long conference aimed at encouraging dialogue about what Georgia needs to do to create an open innovation ecosystem for developing media of the future.

Radiation-Hardened Microelectronics Could Reduce Spacecraft Weight

John Toon — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Researchers are developing new ways to harden microelectronics for space applications using silicon-germanium, an alloy that is intrinsically resistant to space-particle bombardment.

Study Shows Atlanta Kills Off Start-Up Companies

David Terraso — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Atlanta is poised to become the nation’s poster child for how to kill off a burgeoning industry. A new study by professors at Georgia Tech reveals that the city’s reputation as a high technology center masks a decade of erosion.

Motorola Veteran Joins Georgia Tech to Head FutureMedia Initiative

John Toon — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Renu Kulkarni, formerly vice president for technology partnerships at the Motorola Corp., has been named to head Georgia Tech's new FutureMedia Initiative.

Smart Trash concept could reinvent recycling with a cash incentive

Don Fernandez — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT

“Smart Trash,” an approach developed by Prof. Valerie Thomas has caught the attention of major corporations and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Smart Trash systems not only provide sustainable and productive ways for discarding items, but also can redefine the relationship people have with their garbage.

Friction Differences Offer New Means for Manipulating Nanotubes

John Toon — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Publishing in the journal Nature Materials, researchers report measuring different friction forces when a carbon nanotube slides along its axis compared to when it slides perpendicular to its axis. The observation could provide a new tool for assembling and sorting nanotubes.

Can Video Game Testing Spark Interest in Computing Among Black Youth?

David Terraso — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Glitch introduces teenaged African American boys to the gaming industry as game testers for companies such as Electronic Arts, Game Tap and Cartoon Network. Researchers are finding that more than half of the game testers are now interested in furthering their education in computer science.

Tornado Threat Increases as Gulf Hurricanes Get Larger

David Terraso — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Tornadoes that occur from hurricanes moving inland from the Gulf Coast are increasing in frequency, according to researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology. This increase seems to reflect the increase in size and frequency among large hurricanes that make landfall from the Gulf of Mexico.

Nano Research Has Strong Multidisciplinary Roots, Study Shows

John Toon — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Research reported in the journal Nature Nanotechnology found that nanoscience and nanotechnology are highly multidisciplinary -- but not much more so than other modern disciplines that also draw on multiple areas of science and technology.

GTRI Develops New Technologies to Secure Cargo Containers

John Toon — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) demonstrated two cargo container security systems at a recent event sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Systems Biology Reveals Diversity in Key Environmental Cleanup Microbe

Abby Vogel — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Researchers analyzed the gene sequences, proteins expressed and physiology of 10 strains of bioremediation microbes called Shewanella. Results showed surprising diversity not seen using traditional microbiology approaches.

City of Savannah Reduces Energy Consumption in Buildings

John Toon — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Georgia Tech has helped reduce energy consumption in historic buildings operated by the city of Savannah. The effort involved energy audits and a series of recommendations.

Research Serves as Basis for Art Exhibit

Robert Nesmith — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Georgia Tech ISyE Associate Professor Valerie Thomas research assists Minnesota artist Susan Armington with her Talking Suitcases art project.

Technology Review Names Tech Professor Top Innovator

David Terraso — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Andrea Thomaz, an assistant professor in interactive computing at the Georgia Institute of Technology, has been recognized by Technology Review magazine as one of the world’s top innovators under the age of 35.

Georgia Tech Students Head to Italy for Dual Master?s Program

Don Fernandez — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A total of eight Georgia Tech students will study in Italy and Germany this fall as part of the ATLANTIS dual master’s programs in either Electrical and Computer Engineering or Computer Science with three top European universities: the Politecnico di Torino, the University of Trento and the Technical University of Munich.

Bio-enabled Technique Produces Nanoparticle Composites

John Toon — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Using thin films of silk as templates, researchers have incorporated inorganic nanoparticles that join with the silk to form strong and flexible composite structures that have unusual optical and mechanical properties.

Cancer Biomarker Identification Software Tools Earn Certification

Abby Vogel — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Two new software programs that improve the process of identifying cancer biomarkers from gene expression data earned silver-level compatibility certification from the the National Cancer Institute’s cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid, also known as caBIG.

FalconView Mapping Software Goes Open Source

Abby Vogel — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT

GTRI has released an open-source version of its popular FalconView software. The program displays topographical maps, aeronautical charts, satellite images and other maps, along with overlay tools that can be displayed on any map background.

MRI Simulation of Blood Flow Helps Plan Child?s Delicate Heart Surgery

Abby Vogel — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Researchers at Georgia Tech, collaborating with pediatric cardiologists and surgeons at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, developed a tool for virtual surgery that allows heart surgeons to view the predicted effects of different surgical approaches.

Teaching Young Artists to Design Robots

David Terraso — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Carl DiSalvo and Jonathan Lukens at Georgia Tech are working with Youth Art Connection and the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta to teach middle school and high school students interested in the arts and humanities how they can use their skills to create innovative uses of technology, not just build the technology.

Graphene Shows High Current Capacity & Thermal Conductivity

John Toon — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Recent research into the properties of graphene nanoribbons provides two new reasons for using the material as interconnects in future computer chips.

Breaking Down, Building Up

Robert Nesmith — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Prosthetic and Orthotic Component Clearinghouse, or POCC (pronounced “pahk-see”), in Decatur takes in used or unwanted prosthetic pieces to break down the devices into their component parts, which are available at a reduced fee to physicians and prosthetics technicians traveling to international clinics.

Scientists Unlock Optical & Chemical Secrets of Jeweled Beetles

John Toon — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A small green beetle may have some interesting lessons to teach scientists about optics and liquid crystals -- complex mechanisms the insect uses to create a shell so strikingly beautiful that for centuries it was used in jewelry.

Strategic Energy Institute Announces Funding Awards

Robert Nesmith — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Through its annual seed funding for innovation in energy research, Tech’s Strategic Energy Institute (SEI) has chosen four proposals in the Creating Energy Options (CEO) program. The Office of the Senior Vice Provost for Research and Innovation provides the funding.

Scientists Assess Flooding and Damage from 2008 Myanmar Cyclone

John Toon — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

In the July 2009 issue of the journal Nature Geoscience, researchers report on a field survey done to assess flooding and damage in the nation of Myanmar from the 2008 cyclone that killed an estimated 138,000 people.

Study Reveals Sandfish Tucks Legs to Slither Like Snake Through Sand

Abby Vogel — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

In the first thorough examination of subsurface sandfish locomotion, researchers found that the small lizards place their limbs against their sides and create a wave motion like snakes to propel themselves through granular media.

Korean Government And Georgia Tech Form Historic Partnership

John Toon — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A team of Georgia Tech faculty has formed a historic partnership with the Korean government, industry, and universities to develop a single platform where multiple multimedia functions can take place.

Heat-Transfer Material Could Allow More Powerful Radar Electronics

John Toon — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Researchers at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) are developing a novel material for transferring heat away from ultra-high-power defense electronics. The exotic material is a composite of diamond and copper.

Stephen Fleming Chosen to Head Enterprise Innovation Institute

John Toon — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Stephen Fleming has been named vice provost of Georgia Tech's Enterprise Innovation Institute, the nation's largest and most comprehensive university-based program of assistance to business and industry.

Clinical Trial Shows That Quadriplegics Can Use Tongue Drive System

Abby Vogel — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

An assistive technology that enables individuals to maneuver a powered wheelchair or control a mouse cursor using simple tongue movements can be operated by individuals with high-level spinal cord injuries, according to the results of a recently completed clinical trial.

New Type of El Ni

David Terraso — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A new study, in the journal Science, suggests that the form of El Niño may be changing potentially causing not only a greater number of hurricanes than in average years, but also a greater chance of hurricanes making landfall.

GTRI Team Tackles an Urgent Aircraft Defense Upgrade

John Toon — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

When the U.S. Air Force found that one of its key combat aircraft needed more protection from an enemy missile threat, a multidisciplinary team from the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) went into action.

Statistical Technique Improves Precision of Nanotechnology Data

John Toon — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A new statistical analysis technique that identifies and removes systematic bias, noise and equipment-based artifacts from experimental data could lead to more precise and reliable measurement of nanomaterials and nanostructures likely to have future industrial applications.

CDC Art Show Exhibits \'Consequential Matters\'

David Terraso — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Ivan Allen College assistant professor Carl DiSalvo and doctoral candidate Jonathan Lukens show their piece, "Smog is Democratic" in the CDC's art show "Consequential Matters" through September 11, 2009.

Programming Tools Allow Use of Video Game Processors for Defense Needs

Abby Vogel — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Georgia Tech researchers are developing programming tools to enable engineers in the defense industry to utilize the processing power of GPUs without having to learn the complicated programming language required to use them directly.

Athens Manufacturer Goes Lean, Green with Georgia Tech Assistance

John Toon — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Georgia Tech assistance helped an Athens manufacturer of electrical distribution transformers and solar water heaters reduce its energy and water consumption while streamlining production.

Sluggish Economy Ignites Enrollment At Georgia Tech-Lorraine

Don Fernandez — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The perilous state of the economy—and the resulting lack of opportunities for students—is proving to be a boon to Georgia Tech-Lorraine (GTL).

Center for Innovative Cardiovascular Technologies Announced

Don Fernandez — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Georgia Institute of Technology’s College of Engineering has announced the formation of the Center for Innovative Cardiovascular Technologies. Dr. Ajit Yoganathan, Wallace H. Coulter Distinguished Chair in Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University, will serve as the center’s founding director.

Celebrate Bloomsday with Performance Twitter

David Terraso — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Ian Bogost recreates the "Wandering Rocks" chapter from James Joyce's Ulysses on Bloomsday, June 16.

Georgia Tech Played a Key Role in NCR\'s Relocation to Georgia

John Toon — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Georgia Tech played a significant role in one of Georgia’s largest economic development successes -- the move of Fortune 500 corporation NCR to Georgia. The company will be looking to Georgia Tech as a source of engineering talent and as a partner in development of future innovations.

Cancer: The Cost of Being Smarter Than Chimps?

David Terraso — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A study suggests that humans cognitively superior brains means more instances of cancer compared to chimpanzees.

Study Reveals How Snakes Slither on Flat Terrain

Abby Vogel — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Snakes use both friction generated by their scales and redistribution of their weight to slither along flat surfaces, researchers at New York University and the Georgia Institute of Technology have found.

Graphene May Have Advantages Over Copper for Future IC Interconnects

John Toon — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Georgia Tech researchers have experimentally demonstrated the potential for another application of graphene: replacing copper for interconnects in future generations of integrated circuits.

Improved Techniques Will Help Control Heat in Large Data Centers

John Toon — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Approximately a third of the electricity consumed by large data centers doesn’t power the computer servers that conduct online transactions or serve Web pages. Instead, that electricity must be used for cooling the servers, a demand that continues to grow.

Tech a Founding Partner in Sustainability \'Mission\'

Robert Nesmith — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Georgia Tech becomes a founding member of Mission Zero, an online community of people, businesses and organizations working toward reducing their environmental impact.

New Center Aims to Improve Recovery of Soldiers with Severe Injuries

Abby Vogel — Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The new Georgia Tech Center for Advanced Bioengineering for Soldier Survivability is working to quickly move tools that are clinically valuable, safe and effective from laboratories to use in military trauma centers.

New Center Will Support Growth Of Medical Device, Technology Industry

Don Fernandez — Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Four of Georgia’s leading research and health care organizations have joined together to create a new innovation center that will accelerate the development and commercialization of next-generation medical devices and medical technology. The first of its kind in the Southeast, the Global Center for Medical Innovation (GCMI) will include a comprehensive medical device prototyping center.

New Center Supports Growth of the Medical Device Industry

John Toon — Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Graphene Yields Secrets to its Extraordinary Properties

John Toon — Sat, 16 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Applying innovative measurement techniques, researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have directly measured the unusual energy spectrum of graphene, a technologically promising, two-dimensional form of carbon.

New Testing Facility Is Helping Improve Land Mine Detection Equipment

Abby Vogel — Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Researchers at Georgia Tech have built a test facility to evaluate and enhance sensors designed to detect buried land mines. The automated system measures the response of electromagnetic induction sensors against land mines buried at many possible angles.

McMurray Tapped to Lead GTRI?s Food Processing Technology Division

Abby Vogel — Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Gary McMurray, a long-time research engineer with the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), has been appointed chief of GTRI’s Food Processing Technology Division, succeeding Craig Wyvill, who retired in April.

Study Reveals What Companies Should Do to Recover from Product Recalls

Abby Vogel — Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A study examining more than 500 toy recalls between 1988 and 2007 suggests ways that firms can minimize the business impact of a recall.

President's Keynote Highlights GTRI's 75th Anniversary Symposium

John Toon — Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) and its applied-research emphasis are vital to Georgia Tech's mission, and the current support and collaboration between GTRI and the university's academic units will continue to grow, President G.P. "Bud" Peterson said recently.

Flu Vaccine Given in Microneedle Patches Proves Effective in Mice

John Toon — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Flu vaccine delivered through skin patches containing microneedles has proven just as effective at preventing influenza in mice as intramuscular, hypodermic flu immunization.

Students Make Atari Games Look Like Atari Again

David Terraso — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Ian Bogost's students re-create visual artifacts of old TV video games for the flat-screen age.

Marcus Nanotechnology Building Formally Dedicated

Don Fernandez — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Three years after breaking ground, Georgia Tech is set to dedicate the Marcus Nanotechnology Building, one of the most ambitious and expensive projects in the Institute’s history. The ceremony will be held on Friday, April 24, at 3 p.m. The 190,000-square-foot complex poises Georgia Tech to be a global hub for nanotechnology research and development while igniting an environment that could potentially transform both local and state economies.

Predrag Cvitanović Tapped for Humboldt Award

David Terraso — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Physics Professor and Glen P. Robinson Chair Predrag Cvitanović is the recipient of a 2009 Alexander von Humboldt Award for his body of work in chaos and turbulence theory.

New Technique Analyzes Seaweed Chemical Defenses

John Toon — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A new analytical technique is helping scientists learn how organisms as simple as seaweed can mount complex chemical defenses to protect themselves from microbial threats such as fungus.

Microsoft, Georgia Electronic Design Center Begin Alliance

Don Fernandez — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Georgia Electronic Design Center (GEDC), the Georgia Research Alliance (GRA), the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GEcDev) and Microsoft Research announced a two-year research alliance focused on RF-DNA, a novel technology for radio-frequency identification (RFID). The alliance was kicked off at GEDC

Sun Dial Uses Mobile Phones to Alert Muslims to Prayer

David Terraso — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a mobile application known as Sun Dial, which alerts Muslim users when it's time to perform the five daily prayers known as salat.

Researchers Develop New Way to See Single RNA Molecules in Live Cells

Abby Vogel — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Biomedical engineers have developed a new type of probe that allows them to visualize single RNA molecules within live cells more easily than existing methods. The tool will help scientists learn more about how RNA operates within living cells.

Groundbreaking Research Begins for Pancreatic and Lung Cancers

David Terraso — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Georgia Tech and Saint Joseph

Georgia Electronic Design Center To Hold Industry Research Review

Don Fernandez — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The Georgia Electronic Design Center (GEDC) will hold its semi-annual Industry Review in its Technology Square headquarters on April 8 from 8:50 a.m. to 3 p.m..

Georgia Tech Powers Southeasts First Solar Cell Manufacturer

John Toon — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Using technology developed at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Suniva Inc. has become the first solar cell manufacturer in the Southeast. The company is making high-efficiency crystalline-silicon photovoltaic cells at a 73,000-square-foot facility in Norcross, north of Atlanta.

Game Studies Download 2009: Top 10 Big Ideas in Gaming

David Terraso — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Thursday at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, game studies researchers presented their list of the top 10 most unexpected findings for video game designers over the past year.

Georgia Tech Ensemble Mixes Contemporary Music with Film and Theatrics

Matthew Nagel — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Sonic Generator will give a free concert combining masterful skill with mind-expanding modes of performance at the Woodruff Arts Center Monday evening at 8 p.m. Using innovative technologies, the group will connect music with film and visual theatrics to create compelling live experiences.

Georgia Tech Begins Creating New Ph.D. for Returning GIs

David Terraso — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Georgia Tech announces the development of an interdisciplinary Ph.D. to help returning GIs capitalize on the skills and military experience they

Researchers Develop Flow Sensors Based on Blind Fish Hair Structures

Abby Vogel — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The fish species Astyanax fasciatus cannot see, but their unique technique for sensing the movement of water around them with gel-covered hairs that extend from their bodies may inspire a new generation of sensors that perform better than active sonar.

Self-Cleaning, Low-Reflectivity Surface Could Improve PV Cells

John Toon — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Using two different types of chemical etching to create features at both the micron and nanometer size scales, researchers at the Georgia Institute of Tecnology have developed a surface treatment that could boost the light absorption of silicon photovoltaic cells in two complementary ways.

Researchers Identify Genes for Thiostrepton, a Powerful Antibiotic

John Toon — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Researchers have identified the genetic machinery responsible for synthesizing thiostrepton, a powerful antibiotic produced by certain bacteria. The drug is effective against the dangerous MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci.

New Technique Used to Profile Anthrax Genome

David Terraso — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Scientists at Georgia Tech have used a new approach, known as RNA-Seq, to profile the gene expression of the bacterium that causes anthrax. Their study marks the first time any bacterial transcriptome has been comprehensively defined.

Ten Companies Team with Georgia Tech to Form 100G Consortium

John Toon — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Ten companies have joined forces with the Georgia Institute of Technology to establish the Georgia Tech 100G Optical Networking Consortium, which is believed to be the first academic-industrial consortium of its kind in the world.

Student-designed device provides new way to track calorie burning

Don Fernandez — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT

A group of Georgia Tech students has crafted a device that allows individuals to constantly compute the amount of calories they burn

Georgia Tech Announces Winners Guthman Musical Instrument Competition

Matthew Nagel — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Georgia Tech's Center for Music Technology announced Jaime Oliver's Silent Drum won first place in first Guthman Musical Instrument Competition. The competition, supported by the philanthropic family of Tech alum Richard Guthman, showcased new uses of technology to enhance participation in music performance and music creation.

Older Adults Control Emotions More Easily than Young Adults

Abby Vogel — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

A research study found that regulating emotions

Designing the Worlds First Purpose-Built Law Enforcement Vehicle

John Toon — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Georgia Tech Research Institute

New Instrument Could Detect Hidden Aviation Hazards

John Toon — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

While radar and other existing systems typically warn aircraft pilots of potential weather hazards during flight, they do not detect all possible atmospheric dangers. Researchers at the Georgia Tech Research Institute are testing a new approach that could provide a better warning.

Georgia Tech Joins Industry Alliance to Help Build the Mobile Internet

Don Fernandez — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

True mobile Internet capability for wireless devices

Georgia Tech researcher receives prestigious Sloan Research Fellowship

Don Fernandez — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

Georgia Tech

Nanogenerators Produce Electricity from Running Rodents

John Toon — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

Could hamsters help solve the world

Georgia Tech Celebrates Excellence in Engineering

Lisa Grovenstein — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Georgia Institute of Technology celebrates National Engineers Week February 15-21 followed by Georgia Engineers Week February 22-28. With the largest engineering program in the nation, Georgia Tech has remained a leader in the discipline. U.S. News & World Report ranked both Georgia Tech

Creating New Ways for Audiences to Participate in Performance

Matthew Nagel — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

Music Professor Jason Freeman created Piano Etudes, a Web-based application that allows audiences to participate in the composition process.

Reducing CO2 Emissions Through Smart Growth and Technology

Matthew Nagel — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

A Georgia Tech City and Regional Planning study on climate change, published February 10, 2009 online by Environmental Science and Technology, shows that

American and Chinese Universities Announce Groundbreaking Joint Ph.D.

Don Fernandez — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

Two highly respected biomedical engineering programs in the United States and China are breaking new ground in international academia as they begin to enroll the inaugural class of a new joint Ph.D. program.

Ian Bogost Discusses His Latest Book, Racing the Beam

David Terraso — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

Ian Bogost talks about his latest book, Racing the Beam about the Atari Video Computer System.

Biologists Find Gene Network That Gave Rise to First Tooth

David Terraso — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

Scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology have identified a set of genes that they believe was responsible for forming the first teeth in vertebrates.

Researchers Learn Why Robots Get Stuck in the Sand

John Toon — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

A new study takes what may be the first detailed look at the problem of robot locomotion on granular surfaces. Among the study

Researchers Monitor Driving Behavior to Improve Highway Efficiency

John Toon — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

Randall Guensler, a professor in the Georgia Tech School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, studies transportation efficiency in metropolitan areas. His goal: to find ways of improving traffic flow by maximizing the use of existing highways.

Optimizing Routes and Resources for Trucking Companies

Abby Vogel — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

Researchers in Georgia Tech's Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering are developing models to help optimize driver and equipment scheduling, shipment planning, load consolidation and routing for trucking companies.

Research Helps Protect Against Lightning Damage

John Toon — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

Firing bolts of lightning at expensive electrical equipment is all in a day

College of Management Financial Analysis Lab Releases Latest Report

Matthew Nagel — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

In the latest report from the Georgia Tech Financial Analysis Lab, located in the College of Management, Professor Charles Mulford warns of increased tax payment risks to capital-intensive companies.

Researchers See Complex Atomic Choreography as Crystals Melt

John Toon — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

Conga lines of atoms wend their way through a crystal, their numbers growing as more and more atoms join the migration. The worm-like lines of atoms randomly converge, forming tangles that evolve into droplets of liquid that signal the beginning of the complicated process known as melting.

New Technique Predicts Breast Cancer Chemotherapy Effectiveness

Abby Vogel — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

Researchers have developed a technique for determining the “leakiness” of tumor blood vessels using a simple digital mammography unit. The quantification of “leakiness” is closely correlated to the ability of a chemotherapy agent to enter the tumor, allowing the researchers to predict the agent’s therapeutic efficacy.

Georgia Cancer Coalition Selects Georgia Tech Scientist

Don Fernandez — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Georgia Cancer Coalition has announced the recipients of the 2009 Cancer Research Awards, made possible by Georgians who contribute to the Georgia Cancer Research Fund on their state income tax returns. Michelle Dawson, Ph.D., assistant professor at the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, is one of the eight recipients. She will receive $50,000 for her research into the development of specialized cells designed as gene delivery vehicles to target and treat breast cancer.

Aeroacoustics Research Could Quiet Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

John Toon — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

Engineers at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) are helping to protect unmanned aerial vehicles by learning how to control their acoustic emissions.

New Wireless Standard Promises Ultra-Fast Media Applications

John Toon — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

Ultra-high-speed wireless connectivity

Continuous Descent: Saving Fuel and Reducing Noise for Airliners

John Toon — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

Flight testing has taken place in Atlanta for a new

Students Launch Audiball, an Xbox Community Game

David Terraso — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

Most students like to play video games, but Georgia Tech students Holden Link, Cory Johnson and Ian Guthridge have built and are selling their own. Their game, Audiball, was launched during the first week of Xbox Community Games in November.

Uzi Landman Honored with Humboldt Award

David Terraso — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

Uzi Landman, professor of physics at the Georgia Institute of Technology, is the recipient of a Humboldt Research Award for Senior U.S. Scientists. He will accept the award in June 2009 at the annual meeting of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, to be held in Berlin.

Two Georgia Tech Faculty Honored by the White House

David Terraso — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

Kim Cobb, assistant professor in Georgia Tech

AAAS and Georgia Tech Announce 2008 Fellows

Don Fernandez — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

Three Georgia Tech professors have received the award of American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellow for 2008. Election as a Fellow is an honor bestowed upon AAAS members by their peers.

New Class of Fluorescent Dyes Detects Reactive Oxygen Species

Abby Vogel — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

Researchers have created a new family of fluorescent probes called hydrocyanines that can be used to detect and measure the presence of reactive oxygen species -- superoxide and the hydroxide radical -- in cells, tissue and, for the first time, in vivo.

Initiative Helps Rural Georgia Hospitals Improve Performance

John Toon — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

Seven rural Georgia hospitals will participate in a new initiative designed to help increase their capacity to serve patients, improve the quality of their services and reduce costs.

Georgia Tech and CDC Work to Improve Safety of Blood Supply

David Terraso — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

The Georgia Tech College of Computing, working in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has developed a Web-based tool for tracking blood safety. The tool is expected to help developing countries improve the adequacy and safety of their national blood supplies through better monitoring and evaluation.

Student Helps Bloggers Overcome Writers Block

David Terraso — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

Student Paul Stamatiou has created Skribit, a blog that helps other blogger's overcome writer's block. The site currently has more than 4,000 blogs using it and receives more than 4 million hits per month.

Dr. Vigor Yang to Chair Georgia Tech School of Aerospace Engineering

Don Fernandez — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

The Georgia Institute of Technology is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Vigor Yang as chair of the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, delivering a seasoned and accomplished researcher to lead the school to impressive new heights.

Physicists Set New Record for Quantum Memory Storage and Retrieval

John Toon — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

Physicists have taken a significant step toward creation of quantum networks by establishing a new record for the length of time that quantum information can be stored in and retrieved from an ensemble of very cold atoms.

Georgia Tech Hosts Congressional Infrastructure Briefing

Don Fernandez — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

From transportation systems to power grids, America

Georgia Tech Tests Mobile Alert System for Cell Phones

David Terraso — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

In the first field trial of its kind, Georgia Tech

Researchers discover strategy for predicting the immunity of vaccines

Don Fernandez — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

In the first study of its kind, researchers at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, have developed a multidisciplinary approach involving immunology, genomics and bioinformatics to predict the immunity of a vaccine without exposing individuals to infection. This approach addresses a long-standing challenge in the development of vaccines--that of only being able to determine immunity or effectiveness long after vaccination and, often, only after being exposed to infection.

Federal Government Plan Aims To Curb Metro Atlanta Traffic

Don Fernandez — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

The federal government is investing $110 million to support an innovative Georgia state plan to reduce traffic congestion in Metropolitan Atlanta, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters announced today.

Strong and Lightweight Material Provides New Use for Coal Ash

John Toon — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

Each year, coal-burning power plants, steel factories and similar facilities in the United States produce more than 125 million tons of waste, much of it fly ash and bottom ash left over from combustion. Mulalo Doyoyo has plans for that material.

Video Game Experts Converge on Georgia Tech for Living Game Worlds IV

David Terraso — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

Digital gaming luminaries will gather at Georgia Tech on December 1 and 2 for Living Game Worlds IV, a symposium featuring gaming pioneers such as Raph Koster, lead designer of Star Wars Galaxies, and Chris Klaus, founder of Kaneva.

Brain Reorganizes to Adjust for Loss of Vision

David Terraso — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

A new study from Georgia Tech shows that when patients with macular degeneration focus on using another part of their retina to compensate for their loss of central vision, their brain seems to compensate by reorganizing its neural connections.

Georgia Techs Kirk Bowman Named Professor of the Year

David Terraso — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

Kirk Bowman, associate professor at Georgia Tech, has been named the 2008 Georgia Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

Energy Production and Global Change Expert Joins Georgia Tech

David Terraso — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

Philippe Van Cappellen, Ph. D., an internationally renowned environmental geochemist, has joined the Georgia Institute of Technology as a Georgia Research Alliance (GRA) Eminent Scholar.

Georgia Tech Plays Key Role in Global Energy Management Standard

John Toon — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

Energy and sustainability experts at the Georgia Institute of Technology have taken a leadership role in the U.S. contribution to a 36-nation effort aimed at developing an international standard that would bring consistency to energy management systems worldwide.

Urban Sustainability Leader Joins Georgia Tech

Don Fernandez — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

John C. Crittenden, Ph.D., an accomplished expert in waste management, pollution prevention and sustainable and environmental engineering, will join the Georgia Institute of Technology as a Georgia Research Alliance (GRA) Eminent Scholar in Sustainable Systems. He is also slated to fill the Hightower Chair in Sustainable Systems pending Board of Regents approval.

Butera named 2008 Jefferson Science Fellow

Robert Nesmith — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

The U.S. Department of State has selected Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor Robert Butera as one of seven Jefferson Science Fellows for 2008

Innovative Firms Gain Widening Profit Advantage, Study Shows

John Toon — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

The profitability gap between companies that compete on the basis of innovative products or processes and firms that compete with a low-price advantage has more than doubled over the past three years, a new survey of Georgia manufacturers has found.

New Generator Produces AC Current by Stretching Zinc Oxide Wires

John Toon — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

Researchers have developed a new type of small-scale electric power generator able to produce alternating current through the cyclical stretching and releasing of zinc oxide wires encapsulated in a flexible plastic substrate with two ends bonded.

The Engineering of a Musical Instrument