Archive for the ‘Physical/Natural Science’ Category

Computing the Future

October 16, 2005 - Filed under: Physical/Natural Science, Technology | Tagged: , ,

There are no crystal balls visible upon entering Dr. William “Bill” Butler’s University of Alabama office. Yet, theoretical predictions this physicist made in a scientific paper published in 2001 have been verified experimentally and may be key in development of the next generation of computer memory and hard drives.

Building a Better Plastic

September 3, 2005 - Filed under: Environmental, Physical/Natural Science | Tagged: ,

An effort led by a University of Alabama chemist has demonstrated a new way to dissolve and use cellulose – found in the cell walls of trees and other plants – in producing environmentally friendly materials that UA researchers say have potential for the automotive, packaging and textile industries.

Aiming High… and Deep

August 15, 2005 - Filed under: Physical/Natural Science | Tagged:

A University of Alabama engineering professor and his student team are researching ways to improve projectiles’ ability to penetrate sand, soil and other targets in an effort to assist American troops.

Protection in a Protein

June 10, 2005 - Filed under: Health, Physical/Natural Science | Tagged: , ,

University of Alabama researchers have demonstrated that a specific protein protects against the loss of the brain neurons whose demise leads to Parkinson's disease, a central nervous system disorder estimated to affect more than 1 million Americans.

Seizing the Data

Science magazine, arguably the world's premier research journal for scientists, recently highlighted a University of Alabama undergraduate student's efforts in constructing an online database on the genetics of epilepsy.

Microarrays Grant Mega Insight

April 11, 2005 - Filed under: Environmental, Physical/Natural Science | Tagged:

Growing fruits and vegetables is big business in Chile. Dr. Katrina Ramonell is interested in the tiny science of microarrays — a technology enabling researchers to study thousands of genes simultaneously. Combining the two in an international class Ramonell recently taught could have large implications for the South American country's crop industry.

Letter from the Vice President

December 16, 2004 - Filed under: Physical/Natural Science, Social Science | Tagged:

In 2004, The University of Alabama launched a new phase in the growth of its research programs. Setting the goal of creating a campuswide culture of excellence in scholarly activity, the University has embarked on a program to transform UA into one of the top 50 research institutions of higher education in the nation.

Up, Up and Away!

November 1, 2004 - Filed under: Environmental, Physical/Natural Science | Tagged:

University of Alabama engineering researchers can now be seen high in the sky. After many years of analyzing air-quality on the ground, UA is the second university in the country operating a Sky Arrow airplane investigating global climate change causes and impacts.

Underground Weather Reports

October 19, 2004 - Filed under: Environmental, Physical/Natural Science | Tagged: ,

One of Alabama's popular spots under the ground is helping University of Alabama scientists understand more about global warming on top of the ground.

Innovative Classes and Research Give UA Chemistry Professor Two Achievement Awards

September 29, 2004 - Filed under: Physical/Natural Science | Tagged:

A University of Alabama chemistry class will explore different bacteria, including ones that eat sulfur and rock, through funding supplied by a National Science Foundation Award. Dr. Kevin Redding, associate professor of chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences, recently was awarded the NSF CAREER Award and the Robin Hill Award for his groundbreaking photosynthesis research.