Spotted on Informal Science/Association of Science-Technology Centers listserve
Karen http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/science_innovation/ Science of Innovation: Advanced Manufacturing (video series) 2016 | NSF - National Science Foundation >From 3-D bioprinting that could one day generate heart tissue to origami-inspired structures built for medicine and space exploration, a new set of educational videos continues an exploration begun three years ago inside the creative process that leads to innovation. View this on Nsf > <http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/science_innovation/> The new "Science of Innovation" videos feature the inventions of six trailblazing scientists and engineers from around the country, including: "*3-D Bioprinting*" -- Adam Feinberg of Carnegie Mellon University has created a technique that expands the use of 3-D printing technology and could one day allow researchers to print heart tissue. "*Origami Structures*" -- Origami is the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. To engineer Mary Frecker of Pennsylvania State University, it is the future for designing tools that could be used in fields such as medicine and space exploration. "*Friction-Stir Welding*" -- Welding has long been used to join pieces of metal together. At the University of North Texas, Rajiv Mishra is using a form of welding in a new technology that can improve metal's strength, toughness, and other properties. It could bring new opportunities to the automotive and aircraft industries. "*Motion Controller for Virtual Reality*" -- William Provancher of Tactical Haptics has developed a device that combines the sense of touch with technology. Called the "reactive grip," it allows the user to experience the virtual world in a whole new way. "*Micro-Fabrication for Cochlear Implants*" -- Angelique Johnson is the CEO of MEMStim, a company innovating how electrode arrays in cochlear implants are manufactured. Using automated micro-fabrication, instead of costly hand-made manufacturing, Johnson is able to lower the cost of production, allowing more people in need of implants to afford them. "*Using Viruses to Make Batteries*" -- While most people see viruses as harmful, MIT's Angela Belcher sees the future of energy. Belcher uses viruses engineered in her laboratory to form nano-scale wires for tiny batteries that could eventually be used to produce a wide range of electronics at a lower cost. More information at: Press release: Video: Six new stories debut in 'Science of Innovation' series | NSF - National Science Foundation <http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=137685&WT.mc_id=USNSF_51&WT.mc_ev=click> Video link: Science of Innovation: Advanced Manufacturing (video series) 2016 | NSF - National Science Foundation <http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/science_innovation/> Wendy Hancock Manager, Professional Development and Exhibition Services Association of Science-Technology Centers Washington DC (202) 783-7200 x117 whanc...@astc.org Karen Reeds, co-ringleader, Princeton Public Library Origami Group. Affiliate of Origami USA, http://origamiusa.org/ We usually meet 2nd Wednesday of the month, 6:30-8pm, 3rd floor. Free! We provide paper! All welcome! (Kids under 8, please bring a grown-up.) Princeton Public Library info: 609.924.9529 http://princetonlibrary.org/ Celebrating 10 years of folding together in Princeton! Our next meeting: Wednesday, March 8, 6:30-8:00pm