News

UCF Researchers Develop Unique ‘Barcodes’ for Molecules to Help Expedite Medical Advancements

October 14, 2024

Barcodes are commonly used to track items like groceries or clothing, but UCF researchers have developed a special “barcode” to identify much smaller objects: molecules. UCF researchers, led by UCF NanoScience Technology Center Professor Debashis Chanda, developed a “barcoding” technique to quickly identify chiral molecules based on their unique infrared fingerprints, potentially speeding up pharmaceutical…

UCF Researchers Develop Rapid Test to Detect Dopamine

September 5, 2024

Dopamine, a neurotransmitter in our brains, not only regulates our emotions but also serves as a biomarker for the screening of certain cancers and other neurological conditions. UCF researchers, led by UCF NanoScience Technology Center Professor Debashis Chanda, have developed an integrated optical sensor capable of detecting dopamine directly from an unprocessed blood sample. This…

UCF Researcher Develops Lotus-inspired Tech to Convert CO2 to Fuels, Chemicals

August 20, 2024

In an effort to reduce the environmental impact of carbon dioxide emissions, a UCF researcher has developed a new technology that captures carbon dioxide and outputs useful fuels and chemicals. Yang Yang, an associate professor in UCF’s NanoScience Technology Center, created an innovative device that captures carbon dioxide with a microsurface comprised of a tin…

UCF Physics Grad Earns International Award for Innovations in Photon Detection Techniques

August 16, 2024

UCF physics doctoral graduate Tianyi Guo ’23PhD earned an international doctoral thesis award from Springer Nature and was published through the book series, Springer Theses. His thesis, Low Energy Photon Detection, was nominated after his final semester in fall 2023 at UCF by his supervisor, UCF NanoScience Technology Center Professor Debashis Chanda. Guo and Chanda…

UCF Researchers Develop Nano-treatment to Help Save Florida Mangroves from Deadly Disease

July 26, 2024

Mangroves and palm trees are hallmarks of the Sunshine State not just for their beauty but for their immense importance to Florida’s coastlines. Mangroves are crucial because they naturally protect coastal shores from storm damage and serve as vital wildlife habitats around the world. Scientists at the University of Central Florida are working to preserve…

UCF Has a Major Presence at Prestigious MEMS Workshop

June 2, 2024

Some of the brightest minds in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) from around the globe will gather in South Carolina at the beginning of June for the Hilton Head Workshop 2024: A Solid-State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems. UCF’s presence in this field has dramatically increased in recent years. From organizers to sponsorship to the presenters, the workshop will…

Gold May Be Key Element for Cleaner Drinking Water

April 17, 2024

Gold may be a coveted precious metal, but it could also be the key to cleaner drinking water. A team of UCF researchers is exploring the use of the metal to develop a novel method to rid drinking water of harmful algal blooms, or HABs, which occur when colonies of algae grow out of control…

Undergraduate’s Pioneering Research on Quantum Material Helps Lay Foundation for Next-Gen Electronics

April 4, 2024

Determination is the guiding principle that resonates through Kamal Harrison’s heart and mind from childhood to UCF’s labs and post-graduate aspirations. His undergraduate research – identifying the properties of a unique type of quantum material known as a topological insulator – garnered significant interest and was published recently in the highly regarded journal ACS Nano. The…

Debashis Chanda Receives the UNC Cleantech Award for Academic Innovation

March 27, 2024

For his research breakthroughs in energy saving paint, NanoScience Technology Center Professor Debashis Chanda was presented with the UNC Cleantech Award for Academic Innovation! “I hope this award can draw attention to sustainability & our impactful research,” says Chanda. 2024 UNC Cleantech Summit… “University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Institute of Environment would like…

UCF Researchers Lead Project to Develop AI-driven Technologies for Agriculture

March 14, 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just used to power electronics, apps or self-driving cars — it’s also driving key innovations in agriculture. From sensors that can monitor soil and water to autonomous robots that can harvest crops, AI is making farming more efficient, sustainable and cost effective. In an effort to expand the use of AI…