Structures

Researchers develop shape-changing smart material

By Tina Hilding, Voiland College of Engineering & Architecture PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University researchers have developed a unique, multifunctional smart material that can change shape from heat or light and assemble and disassemble itself. They have filed a provisional patent on the work.

Researchers improve biosensors to detect E. coli

By Erik Gomez, Voiland College of Engineering & Architecture intern PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University researchers have developed a portable biosensor that makes it easier to detect harmful bacteria.

Retired NASA Apollo engineer receives WSU alumni award

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Cline W. Frasier, a retired NASA engineer and manager of two family farms in Washington, was honored May 4 with the Washington State University Alumni Association’s Alumni Achievement Award in recognition of his contributions to transportation safety, including in U.S. manned spacecraft, and his support of WSU scholarships.

NASA funds student’s study of fueling space exploration

By Michelle Fredrickson, Voiland College of Engineering & Architecture PULLMAN, Wash. – When mechanical engineering student Carl Bunge was 3 years old, his brother and sister convinced him he was an alien born from an egg his parents found in a field.

Ancient glass-glued walls studied for nuke waste solutions

By Tina Hilding, Voiland College of Engineering & Architecture PULLMAN, Wash. – The modern challenge of nuclear waste storage and disposal has researchers at Washington State University looking back at ancient materials from around the world.

Research improves conductive plastic for health, energy

By Will Ferguson, College of Arts & Sciences PULLMAN, Wash. – Biological implants that communicate with the brain to control paralyzed limbs or provide vision to the blind are one step closer to reality thanks to research by Brian Collins, an assistant professor of physics at Washington State University.

Key improvement made in solar cell voltage technology

By Tina Hilding, Voiland College of Engineering & Architecture PULLMAN, Wash. – A critical milestone in solar cell fabrication will help pave the way for solar energy to directly compete with electricity generated by conventional energy sources.

NASA grant to improve fluid flow in outer space

By Michelle Fredrickson, Voiland College of Engineering & Architecture intern PULLMAN, Wash. – Future astronauts may boldly go farther than ever before, thanks to research at Washington State University recently funded by NASA to study fluids in space.

Natural protein cage would improve cancer drug delivery

By Tina Hilding, Voiland College of Engineering & Architecture PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University researchers have developed a unique, tiny protein cage to deliver nasty chemotherapy chemicals directly to cancer cells. Direct delivery could improve treatment and lessen what can be horrendous side effects from toxic drugs.