Research
http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/solidState/index.asp
Solid-state lighting technology (also known as light-emitting diodes or LEDs, organic light-emitting diodes or OLEDs, or light-emitting polymers) has a "bright future," according to this website from the Lighting Research Center (LRC). LRC researchers are doing their part in advancing the applications of LEDs for use in signals, electronic devices, and display lighting. The website discusses some of the benefits of solid-state lighting, such as lower energy consumption and reduced maintenance, and highlights recent developments in research. Visitors can learn more about LRC's research on solid-state lighting by browsing the Completed Research section, the Ongoing Project section, and the Publications section. From this website, visitors can also learn about educational opportunities offered by LRC and explore other areas of the Center's work. [VF]
The Computer Science Laboratory at SRI International "studies the logical foundations of scalable systems, that are beyond the scope of traditional testing or simulation, and builds and applies efficient high-level tools for rigorous mechanical analysis." These scalable systems include traditional computer hardware and software, as well as biological systems and nanoelectronics. The website provide a brief description of each of the lab's projects along with a list of recent publications, most of which are available to download free of charge. Other activities, such as workshops and journals, are also described. An interesting feature is the The Risks Digest, which is "a moderated digest" and includes postings on "risks to the public in computers and related systems." Visitors can browse The Risk Digest by date or search the archives. [VF]
http://www.math.bcit.ca/examples/index.shtml
The British Columbia Institute of Technology posts this page on how mathematics is used in technology. A table format allows visitors to explore the relationships between the different areas of mathematics (listed horizontally) and several areas of technology (listed vertically). The applications listed in the table are then linked to a topic area page with more specific examples of how mathematics is used in that area of technology. Examples include the use of Integral Calculus in Chemical Science and the use of Algebra and Geometry in Robotics. They note that the project is not yet completed, so check for more examples in the future. [VF]
Formula Finder is a website developed by a student who "thought it would be a nice challenge to design a website that could serve up Math formulae." The website consists of a search function that allows visitors "to enter formulae and then query it back." Using Math Markup Language (MML) and open source software, the website responds to queries with mathematical expressions, which are displayed in plain text and online resizing rather than as graphic (GIF) images. Visitors can also browse the full listing, submit additions to the list, or render the content MML based on presentation MML using the "test" function. The author projects that one day soon the technology will allow the Formula Finder to be easily accessible through PDAs or cell phones and "we will then have math anytime and anywhere." Note that some browsers may not support the formula display or you may need to acquire mathematical fonts for accurate displays. [VF]
http://www.oxygen.lcs.mit.edu/
MIT's Project Oxygen designs computer systems that are more "human-centered" than current systems that "have required us to interact with them on their terms, speaking their languages and manipulating their keyboards or mice." The project title alludes to the group's goal of "bringing abundant computation and communication, as pervasive and free as air, naturally into people's lives." This means developing a system that is pervasive, embedded, nomadic, adaptable, powerful, yet efficient, intentional, and eternal, according to the website These criteria are met using device, network, software, perceptual, and user technologies, all of which are described on the site. Several possible applications are presented in terms of hypothetical situations where this type of system would come in handy. Demonstration videos allow visitors to view a sampling of some of the technologies being tested by Project Oxygen researchers and their industry partners. [VF]
http://www.niar.twsu.edu/home.asp
The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University houses numerous laboratories conducting research and development, education, testing, certification, and technology transfer for the aviation industry. Current research includes Crashworthiness, Dynamic Seat Certification, Airframe Design and Analysis, Composites Material Testing, Aerodynamics Design and Testing, Human Factors, CAD/CAM Education, 3D Prototyping, and Aeroacoustics. The links from the main page list contact information for the different labs, but the sidebar link to Research Labs will take you to individual websites where some general information on the facilities, projects, and workshops are provided. The laboratory with the most information available online is the Aging Aircraft website. Also, the Wind Tunnel website includes a history and rich description of the tunnels used for research. [VF]
