#KAUST

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Hexagons of hexagonal boron nitride join up to form 2D insulator for next-gen electronic devices

A method that can grow a useful insulating material into exceptionally high-quality films that are just one atom thick and are suitable for industrial-scale production has been developed by an international team led by Xixiang Zhang from KAUST. The work is published in the journal Nature Communications. The material, called hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), is used in semiconductor devices and can also enhance the performance of other two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Researchers can combine 2D materials to build tiny electronic components for quantum computing, electronic communications, and other applications. While most 2D materials conduct electricity, hBN is one of the few that is an insulator, making it an indispensable component within many of these devices.

Read more.

[almostlookedhuman]

[fuckyeahstickers]

[trendingnowlive]

MXene (Mo2CTx), a potential alternative electrode material, to increase its energy capacity and other crucial characteristics

[yesilhaber]

Science dergisi yayınladı: Tandem güneş pilleri devrim niteliğinde

Yeni geliştirilen tandem (çok eklemli) güneş pilleri, enerji verimliliğinde yüzde 30’luk eşik değerini  geride bıraktı. Böylelikle, güneş enerjisinin maliyetini daha da düşürmek ve yeşil enerji dönüşümünü hızlandırmak konusunda önemli bir adım atıldı. Bilim insanlarına göre bu gelişme, güneş enerjisi alanında yeni bir döneme girildiğinin habercisi. Science dergisinde tandem pillerin yenilenebilir…

[zegalba]

top - Plastique Fantastique: Cloud Berlin (2015) bottom - Eero Lundén & Julia Kauste: Another Generosity (2018)

[greenfue]

مادة بلاستيكية نانوية جديدة تمهد الطريق لإضاءة الشوارع المستدامة

كيف يُمكن للمواد النانوية أن تُخفّض بشكل كبير انبعاثات الكربون من مصابيح الشوارع بتقنية LED (الصمام الثنائي الباعث للضوء). تُظهر دراسة جديدة، نتيجة تعاون بين جامعة الملك عبد الله للعلوم والتقنية (KAUST) ومدينة الملك عبد العزيز للعلوم والتقنية (KACST)، أنه باعتماد هذه التقنية، يُمكن للولايات المتحدة وحدها خفض انبعاثات ثاني أكسيد الكربون بأكثر من مليون طن متري. رسم تخطيطي لتصميم إضاءة الشوارع…

[yehiamassoud]

Dr. Yehia Massoud: Shaping the Future of Engineering Education as Dean at Stevens Institute

Engineering education has always been a cornerstone of technological progress and innovation. At the helm of this transformation is Dr. Yehia Massoud, a distinguished IEEE Fellow, accomplished academic, and visionary leader. As the Dean of the School of Systems and Enterprises (SSE) at Stevens Institute of Technology, Dr. Massoud is redefining the landscape of engineering education to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world.

A Trailblazing Academic Journey

Dr. Yehia Massoud’s illustrious career spans over two decades, marked by impactful contributions to academia, research, and industry. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Dr. Massoud has held prestigious positions at institutions like Rice University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and MIT itself. His deep understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of engineering has made him a highly respected figure in the field.

A Visionary Leader at Stevens Institute

Since assuming the role of Dean at the School of Systems and Enterprises, Dr. Massoud has brought transformative changes to the institution. The SSE is renowned for its interdisciplinary programs that integrate engineering, technology, and management principles. Under his leadership, the school has strengthened its reputation as a hub for innovation, fostering a culture that bridges the gap between academic excellence and real-world application.

Key Initiatives Under His Leadership

Curriculum Modernization Dr. Massoud has spearheaded efforts to modernize the curriculum, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed for emerging fields like artificial intelligence, data science, and systems engineering.

Research Excellence His tenure has seen a significant boost in research initiatives, with a focus on tackling complex global challenges. From sustainable systems to advanced analytics, the SSE’s research output has gained recognition on a global scale.

Industry Partnerships Dr. Massoud has been instrumental in forging strong partnerships with leading organizations. These collaborations provide students with invaluable hands-on experience and ensure that the curriculum remains aligned with industry needs.

Diversity and Inclusion Recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives in driving innovation, Dr. Massoud has championed initiatives to create a more inclusive and equitable environment at Stevens.

Pioneering Research and Contributions Dr. Massoud is not only a leader but also an accomplished researcher. His work has led to breakthroughs in areas like nanoscale computing, energy-efficient systems, and computational methods. His research has been published in over 250 peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings, solidifying his status as a thought leader in engineering.

His recognition as an IEEE Fellow is a testament to his significant contributions to the advancement of technology. This honor, bestowed on less than 0.1% of IEEE members annually, highlights his dedication to pushing the boundaries of engineering.

Inspiring the Next Generation One of Dr. Massoud’s core missions is to inspire and mentor the next generation of engineers and innovators. He is a firm believer in the power of education to transform lives and societies. Through his efforts, Stevens Institute has become a destination for students who aspire to make a difference in the world.

Keynote Speeches and Thought Leadership Dr. Massoud frequently shares his insights through keynote speeches at conferences and events. His addresses emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, sustainability, and the ethical dimensions of technology. These thought-provoking talks continue to influence both students and professionals in the engineering community.

A Legacy of Excellence Dr. Yehia Massoud’s leadership at Stevens Institute of Technology is shaping the future of engineering education. His unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity has set a new benchmark for institutions worldwide. As he continues to lead the School of Systems and Enterprises, Dr. Massoud remains dedicated to empowering students and advancing the frontiers of knowledge.

In an era where engineering and technology are critical to addressing global challenges, leaders like Dr. Yehia Massoud play a pivotal role. His vision, expertise, and passion for education are transforming the way we prepare future engineers and problem-solvers. At Stevens Institute, he is not just shaping careers — he is shaping the future.

[materialsscienceandengineering]

New 3D integrated metal-oxide transistors to fabricate compact and high density electronics

Transistors are core components of many electronic devices, which serve the role of amplifying and switching electrical signals. A key goal of the electronics industry is to continue improving the performance and energy-efficiency of transistors, while also reducing their size. Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have recently developed new three-dimensional (3D) integrated transistors that can be vertically stacked onto each other. Following their proposed design, introduced in a paper published in Nature Electronics, they were able to stack the highest number of transistors to date, which could translate in a significant boost in the performance of electronics. "Our recent paper, which demonstrates the largest number of stacked metal oxide transistors in the world, originated from the pressing need to overcome the limitations of traditional planar transistors," Xiaohang Li, co-author of the paper, told TechXplore. "As technology evolves, the demand for more powerful, efficient, and compact electronic devices continues to grow. However, conventional planar transistors are reaching their physical and performance limits, which restricts their ability to meet these demands. This is also known as the slowing down of Moore's law."

Read more.

[haaaaaaaaaaaave-you-met-ted]

Kaust, Eyes of the Glade by Volkan Baga

[fishipocalypse]

kiwi sang posting again.

he has a friend now.

I saw this picture of two kiwi birds huddling together and of course I had to do it

kiwi faust. fauwi. kaust. idk I just think she’s neat. Should I just kiwi-ify all of them now.

You know what yeah I’m gonna kiwi-ify all of them.

[fuckyeahstickers]

[nanoa1foryou]

I'm sure you're familiar with more of the other vain elämää participants than i am, sooo what songs of theirs do you think would be great for johannes to cover? and also vice versa

(only the ones whose songs you're familiar with ofc)

I think I know more songs from the participants than I can think of on the spot, so there are probably plenty of good options I'll miss out on. Still, looking through it all makes me even more excited for the season.

Several pages of pondering under the cut

Now the easiest for me is Riippuvainen by Lauri Haav. There's something about it that has that kind of melancholy that works very well for Johannes, but it's still quite different from his style. There'd be a lot of room to make it his , and over all I'd just love to hear it. However, I think Johannes could pull off almost any Lauri Haav song. They have some very similar elements in their music.

For Viivi, I wouldn't be surprised if Johannes went for Aina. However, I'm not sure if Aina would have been out long enough to get picked, so that's in the air. I'm not really familiar with Viivi's discography, But I'd also say USA has the kind of humours lighthearted touch with hard hitting lyrics that would be Johannes' style.

Niw, Jonna Tervomaa is the first in the list with the kind of expansive discography that is really hard to pinpoint what one might gravitate toward. Skimming through it, I can safely say Johannes would do well on many of these songs, especially on the more recent ones. There's a lot of really lovely melodies and soft tomes, exactly the kind of stuff that Kuumaa works with a lot, but still a really different sound. Not so streamlined to the pop format. I know I'll love wwhatever Johannes picks from here. Listening to Kirkonrotat I'd like to hear that one though. I can hear how the violin would fit there. Or maybe something more hard hitting like Strippaa mulle taas. That would make for an amazing cover.

Now Vesta is one of those artists that I have heard a lot about but heard nothing from, so I can really make any guesses as to any song. However, she also has a softness to her music that Johannes will be easily able to work with. What will really make any cover interesting is how anyone is able to take, twist and interpret the very experimental choices and styles of her music. There are a lot of wild things there, and I hope all the others will take inspiration from it when arranging thier covers, because it would be a shame to do something plain with her music. Something like Kesäwau should not be reduced in it's style.

Pelle Miljoona is also a challenge to pick from, for two reasons. 1) he also has a massive discography under his name, which gives a lot of options. Number 2) he has been in a lot of bands and lineups, so a lot of music listed under him is not written or composed by him, and so out of the question. Over all, I do hope whatever Johannes does with his music, he challenges himself to lean into the alternative rock elements Pelle Miljoona is so famous for. Or at least do something out of the realm of what Hotband would do.

Then we have Mikki Kauste of Egotrippi fame. Egotrippi has a lot of very nostalgicc music for me. Whatever Johannes picks, I'll die. And if it is Älä Koskaan ikinä, I may get revived too in one go. If it's Matkustaja, everyone is obligated to read Some things are still unknown, especially chapter 15. You can also keep in mind that that cover will be official soundtrack for the fic. I'll just leave this comment from the author's notes here:

"Guess who had to scroll through the Finnish Wikipedia page for SingStar to see all the song selections just to confirm if Matkustaja by Egotrippi was in fact there or not. It is. And by God could Johannes sing it well."

And then there's Käärijä. As I already said, People's champion is likely. However, withJohannes wild streack, I'd love to hear any song off fantastista. Kiertävä sirkus would certainly fit for how things are going for Hotband. Aikuinen or Micmac could also make for interesting covers, especially if Johannes gets to rewriting lyrics.

Now, for most of these artista I'm not familiar enough with their styles and artistic visions to actually say what they might want to go for, which songs they like, or what'd be a challenge for them, making picking songs for them to cover simply guesswork.

I do want to hear Luotan Tulevaan covered. It is such a simple song, but I also know a lot of artists already love it (Sexmane coming to mind, as well as Käärijä himself). It is a song that resonates with people, but moving it away from the piano tune and into new territory could really make it something special.

I'll be a bit dissappointed if at least Tulipalo or Ylivoimainen isn't picked. They're the big songs, but they're also so very Kuumaa. What would they sound like from any other performer?

And since we have musicians with a lot more experiemntal, alternative sounds to them, really any hotband song could get completely turnedon its head. I'm really interested to hear any and all covers Vesta and käärijä do whatever they pick.

So yeah. This season is stacked.

[anumberofhobbies]

"Our study aimed to understand the risk of extremophiles being transferred in space missions and to identify which microorganisms might survive the harsh conditions of space," study team member Alexandre Rosado, a researcher at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, said in a statement. "This effort is pivotal for monitoring the risk of microbial contamination and safeguarding against unintentional colonization of exploring planets," Rosado added. These hardy microbes may also offer insights that could benefit life on Earth. The scientists performed genetic research on samples gathered from the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the last stops for Phoenix before its launch from neighboring Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (then known as Cape Canaveral Air Force Station). They found 53 strains that they determined belonged to 26 novel species. And they dug into the genomes of these newfound extremophiles, looking for clues that could help explain their extraordinary survivability. The keys might be in genes linked to DNA repair, detoxification of harmful substances and boosted metabolism, according to the team.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Tough microbes found in NASA cleanrooms hold clues to space survival and biotech

Discovery of 26 novel bacterial species in NASA spacecraft assembly facilities indicate the potential for microbial persistence in extraterrestrial environments

A new study by scientists at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and several institutes across India and Saudi Arabia has reported 26 novel bacterial species growing inside cleanrooms associated with NASA space missions. These unknown and newly described species carry genetic traits associated with resilience to extreme environments such as those found in space, highlighting the importance of rigorous contamination control to prevent unintentional microbial transfer during space missions. The study can be read in Microbiome.

Spacecraft are assembled in cleanrooms, which are highly specialized facilities engineered to maintain exceptionally low levels of dust and microorganisms. These controlled environments are extreme in their own right, with tightly regulated airflow, temperature, and humidity that inhibit microbial survival. However, some microorganisms – extremophiles – thrive in such environments. 

"Our study aimed to understand the risk of extremophiles being transferred in space missions and to identify which microorganisms might survive the harsh conditions of space. This effort is pivotal for monitoring the risk of microbial contamination and safeguarding against unintentional colonization of exploring planets," explained King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Professor Alexandre Rosado, the lead KAUST researcher on the project and a contributor to several NASA working groups on planetary protection and space microbiology.  

The scientists did a comprehensive analysis of the microorganisms growing in the NASA cleanrooms, finding that many of the new species possessed genes that made them resilient to decontamination and radiation. Some of the discovered genes were associated with DNA repair, the detoxification of harmful molecules, and improved metabolism, all of which increased the species' survivability. 

Moreover, these genes could lead to new biotechnologies that benefit food preservation and medicine. 

"These findings not only raise important consideration for planetary protection but also open the door for biotechnological innovation,” said Junia Schultz, a postdoctoral fellow at KAUST who was the first author of the study. “Space travel provides an opportunity to study microorganisms that possess relevant stress-resistance genes. The genes identified in these newly discovered bacterial species could be engineered for applications in medicine, food preservation, and other industries."   

In addition, the study assists NASA with anticipating the type of bacteria astronauts will encounter in their space missions and in developing strategies to mitigate microbial contamination in cleanrooms.  

“KAUST’s collaboration with NASA represents a groundbreaking alliance driving the frontiers of space science and astrobiology,” said Dr. Kasthuri Venkateswaran, retired Senior Research Scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and a lead author of the study. “Together, we are unraveling the mysteries of microbes that withstand the extreme conditions of space —organisms with the potential to revolutionize the life sciences, bioengineering, and interplanetary exploration. This partnership not only supports Saudi Arabia’s ambitious vision through the Saudi Space Agency but also reinforces KAUST’s emergence as a global leader in microbial and space biology research.” 

IMAGE: Alexandre Rosado and Junia Schultz. Credit Jayson Ricamara (KAUST).