Alfred Crosby, UMass Amherst – New Adhesive Technology
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The animal kingdom is a frequent inspiration for engineers. Dr. Alfred Crosby, a professor of polymer science at The University of Massachusetts Amherst, has helped to create a super-sticky adhesive modeled after the feet of a gecko. Dr. Alfred Crosby…
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Bruce Logan, Penn State – Spit Power
Chemists at Penn State University and Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University have discovered that small medical testers—things like glucose and ovulation sensors—could soon be powered by your own saliva. – Vocativ.com (4.22.2014) This sounds like science fiction, but Bruce Logan, a…
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Jeffrey Fortin, Emmanuel College – Historical Identity Theft
Identity theft usually brings to mind thoughts of stolen credit cards or misappropriated bank accounts. But, Jeffrey Fortin, assistant professor of history at Emmanuel College, will tell us about an intriguing example of historical identity theft dating back to the…
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Michael Jenkins, University of Scranton – Fighting Crime with Data
We’re living in the era of “Big Data” and it’s vital to adapt with the changing technological trends or risk falling behind. Dr. Michael Jenkins, an assistant professor of criminal justice at The University of Scranton, analyzes the role Big…
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Jason Silverman, Winthrop University – Abraham Lincoln & Immigration
Lately, the topic of immigration is in the news every single day. In today’s Academic Minute, we turn to history as Jason Silverman of Winthrop University discusses Abraham Lincoln’s stances on the subject. A specialist in the history of the…
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Allison Redlich, University at Albany – Mental Health Courts
“There is consistent evidence that MHCs reduce arrests and number of days in jail, however the mechanisms by which MHCs produce these reductions are entirely unclear,” said Redlich. “One presumption held by MHCs is that untreated mental illness causes criminal…
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James Hanna, Virginia Tech – The Physics of Whirling Dervishes
Scientific inspiration sometimes comes from strange places. James Hanna, professor of mechanics at Virginia Tech, is studying the physics of whirling dervishes. James Hanna is a mechanician interested in the dynamics of very flexible structures, such as ropes, chains, flags,…
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Douglas Kerr, University of Hong Kong – Modern Insights on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Viewing Sherlock Holmes and his creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle through a modern lens opens up some very interesting interpretations. In today’s Academic Minute, Douglas Kerr, professor of English and dean of the faculty of arts at the University of…
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Jack Ridge, Tufts University – Geologic Time
The Earth is a few billion years old and a lot has transpired during that time. Dr. Jack Ridge, professor and chair of the Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences at Tufts University, is working to more precisely understand geologic…
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Steve Gimbel featured on The Best of Our Knowledge
As always, host Bob Barrett selects an Academic Minute to air during The Best of Our Knowledge. Each week this program examines some of the issues unique to college campuses, looks at the latest research, and invites commentary from experts…