News
New mathematical model can more effectively track epidemics
March 25, 2020
A new mathematical model developed by Princeton and Carnegie Mellon researchers improves tracking of epidemics by accounting for mutations in diseases. Now, the researchers are working to apply their model to allow leaders to evaluate the effects of countermeasures to epidemics before they deploy them.
Mechanical forces shape bacterial biofilms’ puzzling patterns
March 20, 2020
Belying their slimy natures, the sticky patches of bacteria called biofilms often form intricate, starburst-like patterns as they grow. Researchers at Princeton University have combined expertise in molecular biology, mechanical engineering and mathematical modeling to unravel the physical processes underlying these curious crinkles.
Water-balloon physics is high-impact science
March 19, 2020
Water balloons may seem like a trivial matter. A toy for mischievous kids in summer. But for scientists, the behavior of balls of liquid wrapped in a thin elastic membrane is critical to everything from understanding blood cells to fighting fires.
Food systems are fodder for curbing cities’ environmental impacts
March 13, 2020
Focusing on urbanization as a key driver of environmental change in the 21st century, researchers at Princeton University have created a framework to understand and compare cities’ food systems and their effects on climate change, water use and land use. The research will allow planners to estimate the impact of a city’s food system and evaluate policy actions.
Geneticists pump the brakes on DNA, revealing key developmental process
March 05, 2020
Researchers at Princeton University have revealed the inner workings of a gene repression mechanism in fruit fly embryos, adding insight to the study of human diseases.
How a chemist and a quantum engineer solved a 50-year-old puzzle — with help from the Princeton Catalysis Initiative
March 05, 2020
At the inaugural symposium of the Princeton Catalysis Initiative, Nathalie de Leon gave a research “flash talk” — an 8-minute introduction to her lab’s work — and along with sharing her team’s successes, she mentioned a longstanding problem.
Thawani, graduate student who blends disparate fields for health research, wins Weintraub Award
March 04, 2020
Akanksha Thawani, an explorer of cells' structural foundations, has received a Harold M. Weintraub Graduate Student Award from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
Engineering students recognize excellence with annual teaching awards
February 24, 2020
Engineering student organizations celebrated the beneficial influence that faculty members and graduate teaching assistants have had on students’ lives and academic careers at the annual School of Engineering and Applied Science Excellence in Teaching Awards.
Student projects use computing to ensure technology serves society
February 20, 2020
At the Center for Information Technology Policy, graduate student projects demonstrate an emphasis "not just on coding and technology, but on the effect of technology on society as a whole and the impact it can have on your everyday life."
Clifford Brangwynne, pioneer of cell biology, awarded Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences
February 19, 2020
Bioengineer Clifford Brangwynne, a pioneer in the soft-matter physics of cells, has been awarded the 2020 Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences.