Science

The Scientist: Abraham Stroock

Eugene Choi  —  Sep 1, 2010

Prof. Stroock, chemical and biomolecular engineering, replicates the behavior of plants in his laboratory, where he studies the fundamental properties of water under negative pressure.

Synchrotron Detects Black Carbon

Maria Minsker  —  Sep 1, 2010

Last week, Prof. Karen Heymann, crop and soil sciences, presented her research on black carbon, one of the "dirtiest" specimen on Earth. Her research utilized the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source to detect and characterize this substance, which plays a role in soil and climate change.

Oil Ship Captain Leads Clean Earth Initiative

Tajwar Mazhar  —  Sep 1, 2010

Capt. D. C. Anderson (ret.) a former captain in the oil industry, visited the university last Friday to discuss the role of the BP oil leak within the overarching theme of climate change, and he talked about his plans for a "Planet Earth Ship," a vessel that would travel the globe, highlighting the top news from every harbor.

Mann Library Becomes 'Site' of Sustainability

Maria Minsker  —  Aug 25, 2010

Faculty in the Architecture and Horticulture departments joined forces to inform their students about sustainability and to involve them in The Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES), a program aimed at creating sustainable landscapes in any surrounding. 

The Scientist: Joseph A. Burns

A. Drew Muscente  —  Aug 25, 2010

According to Prof. Joseph A. Burns, astronomy is the oldest science. So, when the distinguished scientific journal Nature asked him to chronicle the great history of astronomy in less than 4000 words, he knowingly embarked upon a difficult task.

The Scientist: James Lassoie

Maria Minsker  —  May 5, 2010

Prof. James Lassoie, natural resources, embraces his role as a teacher, and his outreach to students spans the globe.

Discovery Channel Names Alumnus as Host

A. Drew Muscente  —  May 5, 2010

Cornell’s alumni comprise a long list of television personalities. From Carl Sagan and Spencer Wells to Bill Nye, these personalities transformed modern scientific knowledge into entertaining, informative television. The newest member in this group finds himself answering life’s greatest questions.

Ag Day '10 Generates Cow-estions

Katerina Athanasiou  —  May 5, 2010

The spring, 2010 edition of Ag Day featured a girl in corn ear costume, a pulled pork barbeque and tons of cow-estions.  The bi-annual event featured student groups and farming programs, educating the general public about modern agriculture.

Scientists Debate 'Free Will'

Tajwar Mazhar  —  May 5, 2010

The famous theorists of philosophy spent centuries examining the realities and constraints of human free will. But as scientific research continues to explore the subject through evolution and genetics, new knowledge challenges these traditional views of human free will. 

GM Official Talks Engine Innovation

Brendan Hammond  —  Apr 28, 2010

Last Thursday, Dan Hancock, Vice President of Global Power-train Engineering at General Motors, drove to the university in a prototype automobile, and gave a lecture in Olin Hall about developmental propulsion technologies from the automobile manufacturer, General Motors. 

Hancock described three developmental programs: gas-efficient, hybrid and electric cars.