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Thursday, May 13 2010

News

Iowa State engineers design power structures that help keep the lights on

Iowa State University engineers are developing new and improved poles to carry electricity across the countryside. They say the new structures -- which can bend and deflect an extreme load -- would be cheaper, easier to install, more secure and more resistant to cascading failures. That means better electrical service for everybody.

News release.

Meredith business development director Dave Kurns to receive Schwartz Award

Dave Kurns, a 1982 ISU journalism graduate and director of business development for Meredith Corp., Des Moines, will receive the James W. Schwartz Award for Distinguished Service to Journalism and Communication from ISU's Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication during a homecoming ceremony Oct. 29.

Wanted for Ignite Ames: computer pros, entrepreneurs or ‘just big geeks (like us)’

The fourth Ignite Ames networking event for creative and tech-minded people will be 7 to 11 p.m. May 13 at the Iowa State University Research Park Rotunda. The event is free and open to people 18 and older. Registration information is here.

Brain’s master switch is verified by Iowa State University researcher

The protein that has long been suspected by scientists of being the master switch allowing brains to function has now been verified by Iowa State University researcher Yeon-Kyun Shin. The professor of biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology has shown that the protein called synaptotagmin1 (Syt1) is the sole trigger for the release of neurotransmitters in the brain.

News release.

Iowa State researcher uses Wii Remotes™ to teach lessons in computer engineering

Tom Daniels, an Iowa State University assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, has figured out how to use Wii Remotes as a teaching tool in introductory computer engineering courses. He said the game controllers are a great way to teach students to collect and process data.
News release.

Victor Shang-Yi Lin, 1966-2010

Victor Lin of Iowa State University and the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory died May 4 after a brief illness. He had been an Iowa State professor of chemistry since 1999 and an Ames Laboratory scientist since 2001. A public memorial service will be at 4 p.m. May 14 in Room 1148 of the Gerdin Business Building.
Read about Lin's work to improve biodiesel production here.
And read more about Lin's Ames Laboratory career here.

ISU researcher, local company collaborate for new, faster salmonella detection

Byron Brehm-Stecher, an Iowa State University assistant professor of food science and human nutrition, wants to replace the current system of salmonella detection with a new approach that can provide DNA sequencing-like results in hours rather than days. He is using technology available through an Ames, Iowa, company, Advanced Analytical Technologies, Inc., that is providing advanced biomedical instruments and reagents for the research.

News release.