Five Huskers Earn CAREER Awards

With support from the National Science Foundation’s Faculty EarlyCareer Development Program, Nebraska researchers are unlockingRNA’s mysteries, advancing commutative algebra, improving drone performance, revolutionizing nanomaterials and studying magma’s composition. In 2021, five outstanding pre-tenure faculty members earned these prestigious awards, totaling $3.2 million. Background photo by Volodymyr Tverdokhlib/Shutterstock. Unraveling RNA’s Secrets Despite RNA’s starring role in… Continue reading Five Huskers Earn CAREER Awards

Investigating Ecological Impacts on a National Scale

North Loup River at sunrise. Photo by Danita Delimont/Shutterstock.

Burning fossil fuels, fertilizing crops and lawns, developing urban areas and other human activities are increasing environmental concentrations of essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous. All organisms need these elements to survive, but an imbalance alters water quality, biodiversity and evolution. To equip researchers and policymakers to study, predict and manage this ever-changing… Continue reading Investigating Ecological Impacts on a National Scale

Penguin Hemoglobin Evolved to Meet Oxygen Demands

Penguins at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo

Penguins are deep divers that can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes, giving them time to hunt for dinner. This ability is thanks, in part, to their distinctive hemoglobin, the body’s oxygen courier that travels via the bloodstream. Nebraska biologists uncovered hemoglobin’s evolutionary trick that turned penguins into underwater specialists. Jay Storz, Willa… Continue reading Penguin Hemoglobin Evolved to Meet Oxygen Demands

Linking Sexual Stigma and Dating Violence

Katie Edwards

Intimate partner violence, which includes physical, sexual and psychological abuse, carries enormous costs, including physical and psychological distress and increased school dropout rates. Sexual minorities experience higher rates of intimate partner violence than heterosexual people. One explanation for this pattern is sexual stigma: negative attitudes and discrimination from individuals and institutions. This external stress can… Continue reading Linking Sexual Stigma and Dating Violence

Nanoscale Facility Supports Academic, Industry Scientists

The university continues to build on its expertise and leadership in nanoscience and nanotechnology with renewed funding for the Nebraska Nanoscale Facility. The facility was established in 2015 with a grant from the National Science Foundation. The latest $3.5 million NSF grant ensures its continuation through at least 2025. It’s one of 16 centers created… Continue reading Nanoscale Facility Supports Academic, Industry Scientists

Advancing the Second Quantum Revolution

Christian Binek

First came advances in materials science and technology. Now emergent quantum materials and technologies are ushering in another wave of innovation. These developments could radically shift capabilities for information technology, medical technology and cryptography, which could enhance security measures in defense and banking. A five-year, $20 million award from the National Science Foundation’s Established Program… Continue reading Advancing the Second Quantum Revolution