Hello once again future Retrievers! With 2016 fast approaching I wanted to take a look at some of the research headlines from 2015. We encourage all of our students to participate in research during their years at UMBC. Without any further ado, here are my top 5 research headlines from 2015.
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Cameras Flashing – In recent news, UMBC unveiled its brand new
3D scanning room that utilizes 90 cameras to take over 900 images of an object. These images are then used to create a three dimensional model. One of the coolest features of the scanning room? The subject can be stationary or mobile. Read more here.
- Breathing Easy – A team of UMBC researchers have been working on a new, wearable device to help monitor environmental asthma triggers. The new device is aimed towards aiding children who are working to manage their asthma and help them prevent future attacks, reducing anxiety. Read more here.
- Mind the Gap – Researchers struck a breakthrough with regards to cell development and signaling this past June. A team of mathematicians and biologists found that the three dimensional structure off egg cells played a very important role in cell to cell signaling and how cells mature and develop. The article, found here, goes further into depth on the impact it could have on other fields, like cancer treatment.
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A Galaxy Far, Far Away – Two UMBC researches, in collaboration with a larger team, examined the interaction between particles from a black hole in a nearby galaxy. The team used over 25 years of data from the Hubble Telescope . The behavior of this particular black hole was not described before and is helping to better understand the rare phenomenon. While the full article was published in Nature a brief update can be found here.
I couldn’t resist a Star Wars reference here.
- Into the Fold – A team of UMBC researchers and students are working to better understand the packaging mechanism of HIV. This mechanism has eluded researchers for almost 30 years. The team is focusing on understanding a major mechanism that packages a folded protein before it is released to infect other cells. This new target holds promise for another method for antivirals to prevent and stop the infection’s spread. The article can be found here.
So there are five great highlights from UMBC’s research! On a side note to all of you students out there finishing up your semester, keep going and finish strong. Soon you get to relax and celebrate!
Last Star Wars gif, I swear.
