National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation: From This...that! Basic Research to Bridge Sensors
Mehdi Kalantari Khandani at the University of Maryland has created a sensor system that constantly monitors different types of stresses on bridge structures and, when it detects anything unusual, alerts those who need to know. [4:00]
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation: Square Bubbles Shop of Physics
A demonstration of how to create square bubbles using a frame made with plastic straws. [3:29]
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation: When Nature Strikes: Tsunamis
Scientists at Oregon State University study the behavior of tsunamis and how they are formed so they can help people to be better prepared for them. [5:59]
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation: Science of Innovation: Bionic Limbs
A robotics engineer explains his work developing exoskeletons to enable people with paralysis to walk again. [5:22]
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation: Science of Innovation: Self Driving Cars
Looks at the self-driving cars being developed by Google. [5:54]
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation: When Nature Strikes: Wildfires
Wildfires can burn thousands of acres, devastate communities, and sometimes even claim lives. Janice Coen at the National Center for Atmospheric Research is studying how weather and fire interact in order to develop a wildfire prediction...
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation: The Road to the New Energy Economy: Wind Energy
The National Science Foundation and Discover Magazine hosted a congressional briefing series examining what steps must be taken to ensure clean, abundant wind, solar, biomass and geothermal energy for America's future. [40:53]
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation: Green Revolution: Discover
As scientific researchers explore cave formations, learn how science and engineering have resulted in advancements that have changed our lives dramatically. Now more than ever, the boundaries between science, technology, and engineering...
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation: Mysteries of the Brain: Evolving Brain
Researchers are studying transparent zebra fish larvae to understand the neural circuitry of the human brain. [4:55]
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation: How Reliable Is Eyewitness Testimony?
Eyewitness testimony is often thought of as solid evidence in criminal cases, but researchers including Iowa State University's Gary Wells have found that our memories aren't as reliable as we think. Sometimes, we can even build false...
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation: Mysteries of the Brain: Brain States and Consciousness
A neurobiologist and a mathematician are studying the fruit fly to learn more about how cells communicate during sleep. [4:45]
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation: Openf Mri Allows Neuroscientists to Share Brain Research Data
Describes a project out of Stanford University where medical researchers will be able to securely share and access fMRI brain scans on a global scale. This sharing of information will do much to advance the progress of brain research....
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation: When Nature Strikes: Earthquakes
John Vidale and his team at the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network are monitoring ground motion across Washington State and Oregon to prepare residents for one of the most powerful natural hazards on the planet--a magnitude 9 "megathrust"...
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation: When Nature Strikes: On the Front Lines
Natural disasters can bring death and destruction to communities in the United States and around the world, but they can also teach us about Earth's natural processes. [5:34]
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation: Mysteries of the Brain: Perceiving Brain
A neuroscientist studies how the brain processes information by examining fMRI brain images to see what areas of the brain are active with various stimuli. [4:53]
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation: Mysteries of the Brain: Building a Brain
The simple tadpole brain is being studied by a neuroscientist to better understand brain development and how information from the surrounding environment is processed. [5 min.]
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation: Giving Robots and Prostheses the Human Touch
Research engineers and students in the University of California, Los Angeles, Biomechatronics Lab are designing artificial limbs to be more sensational, with the emphasis on sensation. The team, led by mechanical engineer Veronica J....
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation: When Nature Strikes: Hurricanes
Hurricanes are one of nature's most powerful natural hazards. Jenni Evans of Pennsylvania State University and Jeff Donnelly of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution are studying how hurricanes form and what factors influence where and...
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation: When Nature Strikes: Volcanoes
Volcanoes are one of the most powerful natural hazards on Earth, but supervolcanoes are so large that they have the ability to alter the world's climate. [5.33]
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation: Mysteries of the Brain: Thinking Brain
A neuroscientist explains synaptic processes in the brain and how they enable learning and memory. [4:49]
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation: When Nature Strikes: Landslides
Landslides occur when material like debris, rock, and soil become dislodged from the earth and slide downward at speeds that can approach 100 miles per hour. David Montgomery at the University of Washington studies past and present...
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation: Hydraulic Fracturing: Using Scientific Methods to Judge Trade Offs
University of Colorado environmental engineer Joseph Ryan heads a team gathering data on the pros and cons of oil and natural gas development, including the use of hydraulic fracturing. [3:07]
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation: When Nature Strikes: Flash Floods
Flash floods can happen anywhere, but factors such as heavy precipitation, geography and soil conditions can put some areas at greater risk. Russ Schumacher at Colorado State University is studying these factors to make more accurate...
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation: Mysteries of the Brain: Emotional Brain
Researchers at Duke University are using virtual reality to study how the brain processes positive and negative emotions. [4:31]