Improving energy conversion processes
Phys.org – Dec. 2
Renewable energy sources such as wind-powered generators can be more reliable and efficient by better controlling the process of getting electricity onto the power grid, according to a United States patent based on research by Dr. Shuhui Li, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at The University of Alabama. Li, with assistance from Dr. Tim Haskew, professor and head of the electrical engineering department, found in their research that wind turbines often stop sending electricity to the grid because of competing processes in converting electricity into a form usable for power distribution. The patent, granted in November to UA, claims an algorithm that when programmed into the turbine’s power electronics better controls the electric conversion. “There are two different control tasks that fight to control each other’s method,” Li said. “When you compete, it’s dangerous, and sometimes you compete wrong.”
Genome reveals secrets to Burmese python’s big appetite
Yahoo! – Dec. 2
The first full study of a snake’s genome has revealed the Burmese python to be one of the most evolutionarily advanced creatures on Earth, international researchers said Monday. The findings shed new light on how these southeast Asian natives have survived and thrived, and may offer new inroads to treating human diseases, said the report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences…Understanding how the snake’s body orchestrates such major changes in key organs could offer a new understanding of the mechanisms behind human conditions such as organ failure, ulcers, metabolic disorders and more, said co-author Stephen Secor. “With its genome in hand, we can now explore the many untapped molecular mechanisms it uses to dramatically increase metabolic rate, to shut down acid production, to improve intestinal function, and to rapidly increase the size of its heart, intestine, pancreas, liver, and kidneys,” said Secor, associate professor of biological sciences at the University of Alabama.
E! Science News – Dec. 2
For drivers around Christmastime, it’s not exactly tidings of comfort and joy
Washington Post – Dec. 2
Unless you’re expecting a gift certificate from an auto body shop for Christmas, turn off the radio, shut down your cellphone and focus on driving. Your fellow drivers are stressed out and evil-minded this joyous holiday season. Almost a third of drivers say they become more aggressive on the roadway when holiday stress takes hold. According to new studies, traffic accidents spike during the final days leading up to Christmas as frenzied shoppers add their urgency to the daily commute…This time of year, your fellow drivers are even worse… “The pressure of the holiday, the pressure of having to find something and running all over to find it and all of those things would tend to distract them,” said David Brown, a University of Alabama professor who has studied holiday traffic. “. . .Their mind is on other things, and the next thing you know they’re pulling out in front of somebody.”
The Connecticut Day – Dec. 2
University contributes to neutrino research
Crimson White – Dec. 3
After years of self-motivated particle and astrophysical research with IceCube, a neutrino-detecting telescope sealed in the ice of Antartica, researchers recently confirmed evidence of 28 events involving high-energy neutrinos from outside the galaxy. More than 250 researchers from more than 40 universities in countries all over the world, including from The University of Alabama, contributed to the IceCube Collaboration’s report published in Science magazine Nov. 22. The report received attention from newspapers across the country after it revealed the most recent data about high energy neutrinos from outside the galaxy. “We have the first detection of high energy neutrinos from out of the galaxy,” said Dawn Williams, UA IceCube calibrator and associate professor of physics.
Scottsboro boys officially pardoned
Crimson White – Dec. 3
In the moments right after Sheila Washington, founder and director of the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center, found out that her quest to pardon the last three Scottsboro Boys was successful, she said she was sad at first. “I looked around in the room, and I thought ‘Wow, no family here for the Scottsboro family,’” she said. “I got teary-eyed and sad and thought, ‘Maybe we did wait too long.’” Then, she said, a thought came to her mind that made her feel alright. “You are the family of the Scottsboro Boys,” she said she thought to herself…John Miller, assistant director of New College, helped spearhead the preparation of the petition that was submitted to the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. He also helped collect affidavits from Scottsboro experts. He said the work was a reminder that the work of academic institutions is not impractical or insulated. “As a public university, I think that we have an obligation to the state in which we operate to lend our skill sets to communities in ways that better the state, and I think that this is an example of that,” Miller said.
Bright Starr: Cherokee County native’s battle with cerebral palsy hasn’t slowed him down
Cherokee County Herald – Dec. 2
Sara Starr says her son AJ has been an Alabama football fan for as long as she can remember. She says his bedroom in Centre is an homage to the Crimson Tide, adorned with posters and trinkets he’s collected through the years. “He’s a hard-core Alabama fan,” she said. “Everybody knows what to get him for Christmas or his birthday. He’s very easy to shop for. If you get him anything with Alabama on it, he’d love it.” So, just how does AJ Starr describe his passion for the Crimson Tide? “I’ve been an Alabama fan since birth,” he says. “When they cut the umbilical cord, you bleed either crimson or blue, and I bleed crimson.”… After graduating from Cherokee County High School in 2010, Starr went to Gadsden State Community College for two years. Now, the 21-year-old’s path has taken him to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where he’s currently a business management major… Starr’s continuation of his education has brought him closer to the team he loves – more than even he could ever dream. One rainy afternoon last summer near the Tide’s practice facility, Starr was headed to the bus stop to get a ride back to his apartment. He didn’t make it in time, and the bus pulled off without him. It just so happened Tide senior quarterback AJ McCarron saw what had transpired. He pulled up beside Starr, rolled down his window, and asked him if he needed a ride…For Starr, it became more than just a simple ride home. McCarron sensed Starr’s passion for the Crimson Tide and helped get Starr a job on the football team’s equipment staff.
UA Telecommunication and Film class shoots comedy about zombies
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Dec. 3
The living dead are getting a chance in the Capstone, but don’t worry, they won’t get you. A University of Alabama telecommunication and film production class is shooting a zombie comedy pilot. The pilot, titled “Zom-Com” will tell the story of a group of zombie chasers who are working with various corporations to tag and study zombies. Students will have a chance to use their audio and visual skills, but also will learn about things like special-effects, makeup and social media campaigns for promotion.