America.gov-Innovation: Science

Egyptian American Wins Highest U.S. Science Honor

Daniel Gorelick — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:29:58 -0400

Mostafa El-Sayed receives the National Medal of Science, the nation’s highest science award, for work on small compounds known as nanomaterials. “We're proud to honor a new generation of people who have strived for excellence, people whose discoveries have changed America and the world,” President Bush says.

Norway-U.S. Cooperation Fuels Million-Dollar Kavli Prizes

Chris Brodie — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:07:06 -0400

Seven researchers from Japan, Sweden, the United States and the United Kingdom receive the inaugural Kavli Prizes for advances in astrophysics, nanoscience and neuroscience at a ceremony in Oslo, Norway. Norwegian-born Fred Kavli, now a U.S. citizen, founded the million-dollar awards.

Nanotechnology Promises Benefits, Poses Questions

Paul Levitan — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:13:37 -0400

In 2007, more then $60 billion in products incorporating nanotechnology -- devices of microscopic size -- were sold. According to estimates, the amount may grow to $2.6 trillion by 2014. The rapid growth of nanotechnology underscores important ethical and safety concerns associated with the new industry.

Nanotechnology Seen as Next Frontier of Innovation

Domenick DiPasquale — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 18:40:11 -0400

The amazing potential of nanotechnology, the scientific process of creating materials and products that are molecular or even atomic in size, promises to revolutionize life in the future. Read excerpts from “It Really Is A Small, Small World,” an article on nanotechnology published in the eJournalUSA The Next New Thing.

Innovations for a Healthier You

Amor Safi — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 11:49:50 -0400

Device for Disabled Converts Brain Signals into Spoken Words

Louise Fenner — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 12:07:03 -0400

Two young inventors are perfecting a device that gives back the power of speech to people who suffer from diseases or disabilities that have taken away their ability to talk. The device, called the Audeo, translates thoughts -- or, more precisely, brain signals sent to the vocal cords -- into synthesized speech. Using the same technology, inventors Michael Callahan and Thomas Coleman also have created a mechanized wheelchair that moves, turns and stops in response to intercepted brain signals.

Music Therapy Helps People with Disabilities

Carolee Walker — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 16:14:11 -0400

Some stroke victims who have lost the ability to speak fluently often are able to sing, says a leading music therapist. But even when you have the beat, it is hard to play music if you cannot move. Innovations in music technology are making it possible for people with severe physical disabilities to play and compose music, and to speak again.

Rural Nicaraguan Areas Are Model for Electrification System

Jeffrey Thomas — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:41:45 -0400

For many who live in rural areas, basic levels of education, public health and economic development are not feasible because of a lack of electricity. But in Nicaragua, a U.S.-based nonprofit company, blueEnergy, is developing a model for low-cost, sustainable electrification of remote communities that can be replicated around the world.

Visually Impaired Students Study Math Using Innovative Software

Jeffrey Thomas — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 13:46:49 -0400

Until recently, blind and visually impaired students found it extremely difficult to study certain subjects and pursue careers in science and technology because they could not see graphs and other visual representations. But now, a team at NASA has created easy-to-use software that allows students to graph equations, interact with the data and understand it all through text, tones and spoken language.

Scientists, Engineers Receive Highest U.S. Science Honors

Cheryl Pellerin — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 16:21:32 -0400

Twenty-seven scientists and engineers and three corporations receive presidential National Medals of Science and Technology, the United States’ highest honors in science. Their discoveries have led to treatments for HIV/AIDS, refinements of the Big Bang theory of the universe, development of the cell phone and much more.

Renewable Energy Powers Local Economies in South America

Kathryn McConnell — Thu, 31 May 2007 18:54:14 -0400

Green Empowerment, a U.S.-based nonprofit group, partners with other groups and communities around the world to implement small-scale renewable, nonpolluting energy projects in remote areas far from national electric grids.