
University of Rochester previews new data visualization lab
The new VISTA Collaboratory, located in the Carlson Science and Engineering Library, completes a high performance supercomputing system on a massive scale and is one of only a handful of similar labs in the U.S. The display consists of an array of 24 monitors, is 20 feet wide and 8 feet tall, and has a resolution approaching that of IMAX theaters.

Trapping light: a long lifetime in a very small place
Physicists have created a silicon nanocavity that allows light to be trapped 10 times longer than in other similarly-sized optical cavities. Nanocavities are key components of nanophotonics circuits.

Protein anchors help keep embryonic development “just right”
Findings on the cellular-level regulation of proteins called histones by lipid droplets, or “fat depots,” shines light on chromosome production – and possible manipulation of that process.

Better tissue healing with disappearing hydrogels
When stem cells are used to regenerate bone tissue, many wind up migrating away from the repair site, which disrupts the healing process. A new technique keeps the stem cells in place, resulting in faster and better tissue regeneration.

CEIS awarded grant to fund national photonics roadmap
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded $500,000 to the Center for Emerging and Innovative Sciences to lead the development of a national roadmap for photonics.

Experiment on earth demonstrates effect observed in space
Streaming jets of high-speed matter produce some of the most stunning objects seen in space. an experiment by French and American researchers using extremely high-powered lasers offers experimental verification of one proposed mechanism for creating them.

Biologist Vera Gorbunova to lead 5-year project on longevity
A $9.5 million grant from the National Institute on Aging will support research into the factors responsible for longevity in various species of long-lived rodents, with the goal of developing treatments to improve the aging process in people.

Progress made in developing nanoscale electronics
How can you reliably control the current that flows from one electrode to another in a circuit that is the width of a single molecule? The key, according to assistant professor of chemical engineering Alexander Shestopalov, is adding a second, inert layer of molecules.

Andes mountains formed by ‘growth spurts’
Scientists have long been trying to understand how the Andes and other broad, high-elevation mountain ranges were formed. New research by Carmala Garzione, professor of earth and environmental sciences, provides an explanation.

CompSci students help singers voice their vowels
Voice students who want to perfect their vowel vocalizations can get help from a new simple, free application, developed by a group of computer science students, called “Vowel Shapes.”