Computer Program Traces Ancestry Using Anonymous DNA Samples

Troy, N.Y. — A group of computer scientists, mathematicians, and biologists from around the world have developed a computer algorithm that can help trace the genetic ancestry of thousands of individuals in minutes, without any prior knowledge of their background. The team’s findings will be published in the September 2007 edition of the journal PLoS Genetics.

Rensselaer Faculty Member Wins Prestigious Biotechnology Awards

Professor Jonathan Dordick honored by the American Chemical Society Troy, N.Y. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute had an impressive showing at the 234th American Chemical Society Meeting held in late August in Boston, Mass. Along with professor Jonathan S. Dordick winning a pair of major awards, nearly 60 faculty, researchers, and students presented papers and research findings on diverse topics ranging from proteomics to bioinformatics and the design of functional nanostructure materials.

Argon Conclusion: Researchers Reassess Theories on Formation of Earth's Atmosphere

Troy, N.Y. — Geochemists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are challenging commonly held ideas about how gases are expelled from the Earth. Their theory, which is described in the Sept. 20 issue of the journal Nature, could change the way scientists view the formation of Earth’s atmosphere and those of our distant neighbors, Mars and Venus. Their data throw into doubt the timing and mechanism of atmospheric formation on terrestrial planets.

Rensselaer Researcher Gets Firsthand View of Behind-the-Scenes Military Technology

Engineering professor Rich Radke participates in prestigious DARPA program Troy, N.Y. — It’s not every day an engineering professor gets to rub elbows with top military brass, watch from a few meters away as three F-15 fighter jets refuel in mid air, and stroll through a “petting zoo” of Cold War era Soviet machines of war.

Renowned Scientist To Join Rensselaer Biocomputation and Bioinformatics Group

Troy, N.Y. — George Makhatadze is a designer. But instead of expensive jeans and haute handbags, he is creating custom proteins that could improve everything from medication to detergent. Makhatadze is bringing his expertise in biology, chemistry, and computation to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as a chaired professor in the Biocomputation and Bioinformatics research constellation.

Putting Stem Cell Research on the Fast Track

Two groups of researchers provide tools to speed stem cell research Troy, N.Y. — Engineers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed tools to help solve two of the main problems slowing the progress of stem cell research — how to quickly test stem cell response to different drugs or genes, and how to create a large supply of healthy, viable stem cells to study from only a few available cells.

Seven Inducted Into the Rensselaer Alumni Hall of Fame

New inductees range from stadium architects to designers of aircraft and international bridges Troy, N.Y. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute honored the achievements of seven extraordinary alumni by inducting them into the Alumni Hall of Fame on Sept. 7. With talents spanning a variety of disciplines including architecture, aircraft and bridge design, geology, chemical engineering, and communications, the 2007 Hall of Fame inductees continue the exceptional heritage of Rensselaer’s distinguished graduates.

Rensselaer Celebrates Grand Opening of World-Class Supercomputing Center

Event features presidential colloquy and highlights partnership with IBM, New York state Troy, N.Y. — In the true spirit of the computer age, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute today celebrated the grand opening of the world’s most powerful university-based supercomputer with a “virtual” ribbon-cutting ceremony.

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