Research at risk: Advancing ultrafast lasers for national defense

A Cornell Engineering team was on the cusp of significant progress developing an advanced laser useful for military and civilian applications, but a stop-work order prevented final experiments from proceeding.

Radar satellite will give new view of changes to Earth’s surface

NASA and the Indian Space Research Organization are launching a satellite that uses synthetic aperture radar – and Cornell expertise – to monitor nearly all the planet’s land- and ice-covered surfaces twice every 12 days.  

Shapeshifting liquid crystal can form emulsions, then change back

Cornell researchers have developed a two-phase liquid crystal system that can rapidly change – and hold – its shape, transforming from a transparent thin liquid film to an opaque emulsion, and then back again, all with a brief jolt of a high-frequency electric field.

For microbes in harsh environments, it’s survival of the meekest

Cornell researchers have found that peaceful microbes are more likely to thrive, and their more aggressive peers perish, if their environment is harsh or experiences violent disruptions.

Cornell–IBM collaboration advances quantum computing

The quantum computing revolution draws ever nearer, but the need for a computer that makes correctable errors continues to hold it back.

Partnership Helps Cornell Student Team Build a Winning Bridge

Cornell’s Steel Bridge Team excelled in the 2024 AISC competition with a 216-pound bridge that supported 2,500 pounds, placing first in lightness. Key to their success was access to the LASSP Student Machine Shop, where expert support and flexible hours enabled fast, high-quality fabrication and extra time for testing and refinement.

Around Cornell

Physicists take step toward a holy grail for electron spins

In a new study, researchers detail their novel approach for both detecting and controlling the motion of spins within antiferromagnets using 2D antiferromagnetic materials and tunnel junctions, which could lead to ultra-fast information transfer and communications at much higher frequencies. 

Research at risk: fast delivery of blood transfusions, supplies for troops

Cornell researchers have been building decision-support tools, optimization methods and artificial intelligence approaches to help the U.S. Navy and Marines quickly and effectively transport people and supplies – including blood for transfusions – in the event of an overseas conflict or humanitarian disaster.

Student-designed technology bound for space station

A pair of student-led projects that feature small, low-cost satellites and light sails are headed to the International Space Station for testing.