Although traditional communication systems may falter, data can still transfer from phone to phone until it reaches an area with service. This is called a wireless ad-hoc network – one of Dr. Hui "Anita" Liu’s research interests. When there is no central server, how can we implement a network functionality? According to Liu, devices must cooperate to form this network. Each … [Read more...] about Getting your message across when systems fail
Wait, professor of biology, studies how plants respond to environmental variation. It’s been his focus for 20 years. "We learn about how fire, temperature and light affect physiological processes – like photosynthesis," said Wait. "And ultimately we can show how multiple factors affect not just this tree, but an entire forest or the whole ecosystem." Nanoparticles His … [Read more...] about Read the leaves: How plants respond to the world
Two players place their black or white stones on a 19 by 19 board to participate in an ancient board game, Go. It’s a strategy game, similar to chess. But for Dr. Xingping Sun, it’s more than a game: It’s been an inspiration for his research. “The simple rules of Go give rise to the most complicated board game, much like the evolution of modern mathematics from a few … [Read more...] about Keeping up with machines: Artificial intelligence in math
This root is not the only source of rotenone. It is found in plants in North and South America, southeast Asia, the southwest Pacific Islands and even southern Africa. Research has shown that when humans are exposed to rotenone through injection or inhalation, they develop tremors similar to those experienced by Parkinson’s patients. That’s why its use as a pesticide has … [Read more...] about Nature’s way of making chemicals
What comes to mind? Dr. Judith Meyer, a historical geographer, wants to know how you experience that landscape and why. "I study the sense of place: the meanings people give to the landscape and how those meanings influence our attitudes toward particular places, especially in terms of how we manage them," said Meyer, geography program coordinator in the department of … [Read more...] about A place for meaning
It’s abundant: Approximately 71 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, and 96.5 percent of it is in the oceans. The other 3.5 percent of the water supply fills lakes, streams, ponds and aquifers; forms icecaps and glaciers; and evaporates or exists inside lifeforms — like us. For a resource that is so in-demand, it’s important to consider how long it will … [Read more...] about Trouble under the surface
As a biology professor, Kim is interested in studying cellular processes that have the potential to one day better explain disease progression. Dynamin is a tie that binds his four studies together. Internal recycling In the body, some plasma membrane proteins are internalized via small sack-like vesicles formed at the plasma membrane. Then, they’re delivered to internal … [Read more...] about Protein packs a powerful punch in studies of cell processes
Enter mathematics Mathematically, such laws are expressed through differential equations or, more generally, dynamical systems. Dr. Shouchuan Hu, professor of mathematics at Missouri State University, has devoted his career to the study of differential equations, dynamical systems and nonlinear analysis. This area of mathematics largely asks theoretical questions. More … [Read more...] about Prove it: Math makes the world go ‘round
"When I told him I was coming back to teach at Missouri State, he said to make sure that the students understand what the industry is really about, because it is a challenging industry," said Hein. Hein took this advice to heart and early on was interested in how to improve her own teaching and abilities in the classroom. In 2008, she began developing a program review … [Read more...] about Five-star service starts with a better curriculum
One such species is the alligator snapping turtle which, after decades of population declines, has been petitioned for federal listing as an endangered species three times. The most recent petition is currently under review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These large turtles are of particular interest to Dr. Day Ligon, associate professor of biology at Missouri State … [Read more...] about A turtle’s tale of survival
Although she sees the beauty in the way they move and communicate, so much of their lives are hidden from the average hiker. Sometimes these animals are hiding from predators, while other times, they only seem hidden due to their small size and cryptic colors: Terrestrial and stream salamanders are only the size of an earthworm. So, to me, it’s incredible. I have to emphasize, … [Read more...] about She studies swimming and scampering species
Silver, known for antibacterial and anti-odor properties, may be in everything from athletic wear to cutting boards. Zinc oxide, which prevents sun damage, has been used in sunscreen and woven into fabric for clothing. Carpet may be treated with nanoscale materials that prevents it from absorbing spills. Carbon-based nanomaterials are found in cell phones and … [Read more...] about Small particles, big impact? Exploring how nanomaterials decompose
"I remember those very clearly, mostly for how boring they were," said Reed, professor of astronomy at Missouri State University. "You waited forever for them to have a two-minute video, which was horribly fuzzy." Despite the lack of entertainment he seemed to get from watching the landings, they were one of the first things he thought of when deciding what to study in … [Read more...] about That rings a bell: Professor studies stars’ vibrations using space telescope
Rebaza, professor of mathematics, teaches numerical analysis and applied mathematics at Missouri State. His recent research interests range from showing how your brain processes language to exploring a way to predict the spread of waterborne diseases. “The work we’re doing is important” Math professionals usually specialize in one of two areas. One is pure mathematics, which … [Read more...] about Solving real-world problems with high-level math
Science fiction writers from Issac Asimov to Roger Zelanzny have written about the coming age of robots and artificial intelligence for many years. Generations of viewers raised on “Star Trek,” “Star Wars” and even “The Jetsons” grew up expecting our world to be eventually populated by intelligent machines doing many of the mundane tasks for us. Believe it or not, two … [Read more...] about Fiction to fact: Researchers advancing artificial intelligence