Aerial Drones Get Schooled in Navigation by Moths
BU researchers observed how moths navigate forests to improve control programs for autonomous aerial drones By Kerry Benson Originally featured on The Brink A rather unusual situation recently unfolded inside a laboratory—moths playing a “video game,” flitting their wings as they navigated through a virtual forest displayed on a projector screen. Each of the moths’ […]
Sustainable Adhesives of the Future Won’t Stick Around
Most adhesives today are made of plastic, but BU chemists hope a new biodegradable alternative will provide a more environmentally friendly option.
Xin Zhang Elected to National Academy of Inventors
Professor Xin Zhang is being recognized for her pioneering work in the field of metamaterials by the National Academy of Inventors, which has recently elected her a fellow.
Former ECE Professor Anton Mavretic Mourned
Professor Anton “Tony” Mavretic (ECE), a gifted faculty member in the College of Engineering and research associate with Boston University’s Center for Space Physics, died on November 21 at the age of 84.
Mavretic came to BU in 1979 and joined the full-time faculty as an associate professor in 1980. During his time with the department, he taught courses such as Modern Active Circuit Design, Analog VLSI Design, and Electronics I and II.
“We were a nascent department back then, and Tony shepherded our electronics department through the early years,” recalled Professor Mark Horenstein (ECE). “I recall that one of his students often referred to him as ‘the God of electronics,’ and he knew his stuff. I learned a lot from just working with him.”
Speeding Up MRI Scans to Save Lives
BU researchers design an “intelligent” magnetic metamaterial that could make MRI more affordable and accessible By Art Jahnke | Via The Brink Boston University researchers have developed a new, “intelligent” metamaterial—which costs less than 10 bucks to build—that could revolutionize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), making the entire MRI process faster, safer, and more accessible to […]
Master’s in Robotics & Autonomous Systems Launched
New degree designed to prepare engineers for a connected society Recognizing the increasing demand spurred by the extraordinary growth of robotics, autonomous systems, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things, the College of Engineering is expanding its advanced offerings in the field by launching a Master of Science in Robotics and Autonomous Systems […]
2019 University Lecture: Muhammad Zaman Will Address the Global Refugee Crisis
Last year alone, more than 70 million people were displaced by war, persecution, and other causes, the highest level in nearly 70 years, according to the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees. Muhammad Zaman wants passionately to find ways to reverse the trend and alleviate the suffering of refugees.
A Picture-Perfect Look at How Electrical Activity Travels through the Brain
Brain cells function using rapid electrical impulses, a process that underlies our thoughts, behavior, and perception of the world. Yet, for a long time, it’s been challenging for scientists to see exactly how individual neurons work together in larger circuits.
Now, a new technique reported in Nature finally gives the clearest picture ever of brain cell activity. Using a voltage-sensing molecule that fluorescently lights up when brain cells are electrically active, researchers at Boston University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have shown that they can see the activity of many more individual neurons than before as they fire inside the brains of mice.
A Picture-Perfect Look at How Electrical Activity Travels through the Brain
New imaging technique developed by BU, MIT researchers can detect more individual brain cells firing in the brain than ever before By Anne Trafton Brain cells function using rapid electrical impulses, a process that underlies our thoughts, behavior, and perception of the world. Yet, for a long time, it’s been challenging for scientists to see […]
Three BU Research Teams Win First Kilachand Fund Awards
$100 million fund will continue to honor cutting-edge researchers in life sciences and engineering By Chuck Leddy Originally featured on The Brink In 2018, BU trustee Rajen Kilachand (Questrom’74, Hon.’14) made the largest gift in Boston University’s history: $115 million. From that gift, $100 million established an endowment, the Rajen Kilachand Fund for Integrated Life […]