Dielectrics are a broad class of materials that do not have significant electronic or ionic conduction. They are critical in many applications that require high voltage or controlled electromagnetic wave propagation. The fundamental properties of dielectric materials will be discussed along with example applications in hybrid electric vehicles and magnetic resonance imaging.
Modern smart-phones come equipped with sophisticated optics that can be used to record scientific phenomena. This talk provides an overview of how to extract scientific data from images recorded using smart-phone cameras and other sophisticated imaging devices. Applications including object shape/surface-topography analyses, understanding complex material phenomena, and using smart phones as visual aids will be discussed.
This talk shares a vision for sustainability at PSU, it explains what sustainability is in terms of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and how we plan to achieve them through collaborations across disciplines, colleges and campuses. We invite collaboration on experiential learning, transdisciplinary sustainability solutions, and creating "living labs" at the Sustainability Experience Center.
Paul Shrivastava | Sustainability Institute
Semipermeable membranes are used throughout the downstream purification of all biotherapeutics, e.g., monoclonal antibodies which have current sales in excess of $100 billion / year. This talk will provide a short overview of the key applications of membrane systems in bioprocessing with a specific focus on the use of membrane filtration for the removal of contaminating viruses. The ability of these membranes to provide highly selective separations is determined by their nanoscale pore structure – recent results from our laboratory using confocal microscopy and SEM provide new insights into the complex virus capture behavior of these porous membranes.
Individuals differ in the way they respond to infections, some struggle and suffer, while others are very good at fighting the infection. While genetic differences are important, other factors can contribute to generating highly infectious individuals. One of these factors is the presence of a second pathogen and the fact that hosts have now to deal with both infections. The outcome is not easily predictable and can affect the dynamics of infection.
Isabella Cattadori | Biology
The safety of our food supply relies on timely and accurate detection of microorganisms that can cause foodborne illness. Traditional microbiological methods frequently fail to distinguish closely related beneficial bacteria used as biocontrol agents from those that can cause infection. In such cases, use of genomics methods for accurate and precise identification, and prediction of pathogenic potential becomes invaluable.