Confirming Einstein’s theory of relativity

Finding a “chorus” of low-frequency gravitational waves, a team of astrophysicists has confirmed one of the main predictions of Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity. The discovery of these waves, after studying signals from 68 pulsars in the Milky Way, is a key to understanding how structures are formed in the cosmos.

Bringing the heat to fight cancer

Magnetic nanoparticles have shown anti-cancer potential for years. Now, Oregon State researchers have developed an advanced thermal decomposition method to make these particles hotter than ever before, improving their ability to weaken or destroy cancer cells. This breakthrough could lead to novel nanoparticles with high heating performance for treating cancer.

Designing smarter, more capable underwater vehicles

With $5.3 million in funding from the Office of Naval Research, Oregon State researchers are working to improve the intelligence and functionality of autonomous underwater vehicles. UAVs have multiple applications in underwater construction, marine exploration, ship maintenance and support for wave energy systems.

Modernizing zebrafish lab to benefit human health

Research using zebrafish can be easily applied to humans because they have similar developmental and genomic processes. A $7.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health will modernize Oregon State’s zebrafish lab, whose studies on human and environmental health have included the toxicity of sunscreens and the health impacts of 5G wireless networks.

Understanding the economics and geopolitics of fish migration

Climate change could lead fish stocks along the U.S. coast to migrate to Canadian or even Russian waters in 20 years. Through a $1.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense, Oregon State researchers will explore how to measure the movement of fisheries and the potential economic and geopolitical consequences

Developing climate-smart potatoes

Through a $50 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Oregon State is collaborating with potato farmers and Native American Tribes to test rotation crops, reduced tillage seedings and other climate-resilient practices. Such techniques could enhance soil health and reduce the carbon footprint of the Pacific Northwest’s $2.2 billion potato industry.

Advancing semiconductor technologies

Oregon State is leading a $1 million National Science Foundation project to advance semiconductor technologies in the Pacific Northwest. The project will complement the federal CHIPS and Science Act and related state legislation, with goals to accelerate domestic semiconductor production, drive transdisciplinary research, expand pathways to degrees and industry careers, and boost regional economies.

Warning of an unequivocal climate emergency

An international coalition of researchers has found that 16 of 35 vital signs that track climate change are at record extremes. Oregon State scientists, lead authors of the report, “World Scientists’ Warning of a Climate Emergency 2022,” share data on extreme heat, tree cover lost to fires and increasing fossil fuel consumption and advocate for science-based climate policy decisions.

Promoting microfluids and mass timber solutions

Oregon State is leading two federally designated Tech Hubs, one focused on microfluidic technology for semiconductors and the other focused on mass timber design and manufacturing. The Corvallis Mircofluids Tech Hub will establish global leadership in the development, scaling and commercialization of microfluids technology for use in semiconductor and electronics cooling. The Pacific Northwest Mass Timber Tech Hub will build on research, education and outreach by the TallWood Design Institute, a collaboration between Oregon State and the University of Oregon.

A better battery for storing renewable energy

Renewable power sources like wind and solar need large-scale battery arrays to store generated energy and supply the electric grid. Oregon State researchers have developed a new electrolyte for zinc metal batteries that increases their charging efficiency exponentially — making them a safe, efficient, economical and sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries

Cultivating the next generation of agriculture professionals

The OSU Extension Service will use a five-year, $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to coordinate youth programs to support the next generation of food and agriculture professionals. Programming will integrate racial justice and equity, a climate change curriculum that emphasizes sustainable agriculture and forestry, future career opportunities and more.

Investigating climate change impacts on marine life

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded Oregon State and its partners $4.2 million to uncover the stressors and impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems along the coast of Oregon, Washington and Northern California. Researchers will focus on Dungeness crab and krill — two species that play a critical role in ocean health, coastal and Tribal economies and the ocean’s food web.

Agilent acquires e-MSion

Agilent Technologies Inc. has acquired e-MSion, founded in 2015 by Oregon State scientists who developed the ExD cell. This innovative electron capture dissociation technology for mass spectrometry can help life science researchers more comprehensively characterize molecules of interest, accelerating the development of biopharma products to treat disease.

It takes Moxie to bring research to market

Oregon State’s Advantage Accelerator has launched Moxie, a customized innovation and entrepreneurship program designed for women innovators. Moxie, defined as a blend of determination, courage and persistence, includes three phases — Educate, Engage and Execute — where participants develop skills to take their research to market.

Agility to open factory for humanoid robots

Agility Robotics, creator of the groundbreaking bipedal robot Digit, is opening the world’s first large-scale factory for humanoid robots. Located in Salem, Oregon, the RoboFabwill employ up to 500 workers with capacity to produce more than 10,000 robots annually. Digit is designed to work alongside people in logistics and warehouse applications, augmenting the productivity, efficiency and wellness of the human workforce.