Research
Model predicts growth of ‘Super Organism’ ant colonies
Assistant professor Chen Hou has developed a mathematical model that can predict the survival, growth and life span of ant colonies. According to Hou, smaller colonies — and the ants that inhabit them — tend to live faster, die younger and burn up more energy than larger colonies.
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Preventing cataracts
Using eye drops prepared with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA), Nuran Ercal is conducting research that could prevent or cure cataracts, macular degeneration and other degenerative eye disorders.
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How many engineers does it take to change an LED bulb?
A group of S&T researchers led by Suzanna Long, assistant professor of engineering management and systems engineering, is working with the Missouri Department of Transportation to measure the intensity of LED traffic lights. Light-emitting diodes or LEDs have replaced standard bulbs in many of the nation’s traffic lights. Even though they’re brighter than standard bulbs […]
Read More »Unwrapping mummy fascination
Public “unwrappings” of real mummified human remains — performed by both showmen and scientists as early as the 1600s — may have objectified exotic Egyptian artifacts. But they were also scientific investigations that revealed medical and historical information about ancient life, says Kathleen Sheppard, assistant professor of history and political science. Sheppard’s paper on 20th […]
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New approach to detect prostate cancer
Using a simple chemical reaction that makes metabolites in the urine samples of prostate cancer patients glow, senior chemistry student Casey Burton is helping find an easier method of testing for the disease than the conventional prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Burton’s method is also less costly and more accurate.
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An app for depression
People with symptoms of depression use the Internet differently than others. Read more about the research behind that finding and plans to create an app to trigger a diagnosis.
Read More »An oil against obesity
By affecting microorganisms in our bellies, an oil made from wild almond tree seeds could help our bodies fight obesity and diabetes, says Daniel Oerther, the John and Susan Mathes Chair of Environmental Engineering.
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Prehistoric rocks offer clues about climate change
For most of the past decade, Wan Yang has spent his summers camping and hiking in the Bogda Mountains in northwest China, collecting rock samples that predate dinosaurs by millions of years. His goal? To better understand the Earth’s climate history and gain clues about future climate change.
Read More »High-tech grave hunting
Using modern technology, a group of geological science and engineering researchers from S&T helped a Phelps County cemetery locate old grave sites dating back before the Civil War.
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First impressions form fast on the web
As more people use the Internet to search for information, a user’s first impressions of a website can determine whether that web surfer forms a favorable or unfavorable view of that organization, according to researchers at Missouri S&T.
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