News
Machine learning reveals role of culture in shaping meanings of words
August 14, 2020
According to a machine learning analysis of dozens of languages conducted at Princeton University, the meaning of words does not necessarily refer to an intrinsic, essential constant. Instead, it is significantly shaped by culture, history and geography.
New tools catch and release cellular targets at the flip of a light switch
August 13, 2020
A Princeton team has developed a class of light-switchable, highly adaptable molecular tools with new capabilities to control cellular activities. The antibody-like proteins, called OptoBinders, have potential applications including protein purification, the improved production of biofuels, and new types of targeted cancer therapies.
Water, drought and flooding: A half-century at the environmental forefront
August 07, 2020
For a half-century, Princeton faculty members have been tackling critical environmental problems involving water, contributing to cleaning up watersheds and informing policies to plan for water scarcity and flooding around the globe.
Russakovsky recognized for fighting bias and advancing diversity in AI research
August 04, 2020
Olga Russakovsky, an assistant professor of computer science, has been recognized with two early-career awards from organizations that promote diversity in technical fields. The awards honor her contributions in research, education and outreach.
Senior thesis: Naomi Cohen-Shields explores who benefits as China cleans its air
July 23, 2020
After months of researching and analyzing China’s notorious air pollution for her Princeton senior thesis, Naomi Cohen-Shields stepped off a plane in Beijing in December 2019 to a shockingly clear sky. Her gaze fell across the unencumbered skyline of the city where the term “airpocalypse” had been coined in 2013 to describe the thick, toxic smog that enveloped China’s capital and most of the eastern half of the country.
Brangwynne named 2020 Blavatnik National Awards Laureate
July 22, 2020
Clifford Brangwynne, a biophysical engineer who transformed the way scientists see cell biology, has won the 2020 Blavatnik National Award in Life Sciences.
From lab to ambulance, training pays off for EMT volunteer
July 16, 2020
Eric Mills volunteers for the Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad, an independent, non-profit 110-member group of emergency medical technicians serving the Princeton area. He’s one of numerous members of the Princeton University community, mainly staff and students, who volunteer their time with area rescue crews.
Princeton Engineering faculty members receive grants for COVID-19 research from C3.ai Digital Transformation Institute
June 29, 2020
The C3.ai Digital Transformation Institute has awarded $5.4 million to 26 projects to accelerate artificial intelligence research to mitigate COVID-19 and future pandemics. Princeton Engineering faculty recipients include H. Vincent Poor and Mengdi Wang.
Researchers use electric fields to herd cells like flocks of sheep
June 24, 2020
Princeton researchers have created a device that can herd groups of cells like sheep, precisely directing the cells’ movements by manipulating electric fields to mimic those found in the body during healing. The technique opens new possibilities for tissue engineering, including approaches to promote wound healing, repair blood vessels or sculpt tissues.
New radar lets cars spot hazards around corners
June 24, 2020
Using radar commonly deployed to track speeders and fastballs, researchers have developed an automated system that will allow cars to peer around corners and spot oncoming traffic and pedestrians.