As a focused speck of light in the lab of Oscar Abilez at Stanford University, Calif., shines on a cluster of heart cells, they expand and contract-demonstrating the rhythm of a heart can be controlled using just light. Currently, four million Americans suffer from some degree of cardiac arrhythmia, wherein a person’s heart beats too slowly, too quickly, or at irregular intervals. Such heart rhythm problems can cause a shortness of breath, fainting and, in worst-case scenarios, death.
The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, reports that its researchers have developed a thallium-doped bismuth telluride topological insulator, a material that conducts electricity on its surface, but not in its interior. With their new approach, the researchers can tweak the properties of the bulk of their material from a so-called “p-type” semiconductor, which conducts electricity because of a deficiency of electrons, to an “n-type,” which conducts because of an excess of electrons.
Mack Trucks Inc., Greensboro, N.C., has developed a completely new wheel suspension in which conventional leaf springs are replaced by two Y-shaped components made of advanced high-strength steel. It results in improved roll stability, as well as reduced braking distance and bogie weight. Tire wear is considerably reduced, which leads to major improvements in transport economy and environmental performance.The component is a finalist in the SSAB Swedish Steel Prize competition.
In 1969, ASM established the honor of Fellow of the Society to provide recognition to members for their distinguished contributions to materials science and engineering and to develop a broad based forum of technical and professional leaders to serve as advisors to the Society. We are pleased to announce EDFAS member and Past President, Dr. Edward I. Cole, Senior Scientist, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, will be among the 2013 inductees.
Solar Atmospheres, Souderton, Pa., announces that Corporate President Roger A. Jones has been named president of the ASM Heat Treating Society (HTS) for the 2013-2015 term. HTS is an affiliate of ASM International, known as the materials information society. In 1983, Roger helped found Solar Atmospheres Inc. with his father, William R. Jones, FASM. He served as Vice President, and then moved on to Corporate President in 2001.
