Multimedia Features | The University Record

September 29, 2014

Morphing wing

Michigan aerospace engineers are using new materials and techniques to allow airplane wings to flex and move more like bird wings. These morphing wings are still in the developing stages but may open the doors to lighter weight aircraft that are more agile than traditional airplanes. In this video, Dan Inman, professor and chair of the Department of Aerospace Engineering, predicts that morphing technology may first appear in unmanned drones and cargo vehicles, but even then, it may still be decades away.

September 28, 2014

Small wonder

more images

Cascade, one of the five styles of single-tree bonsai, is among those on display at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens’ collection. Combining elements of art, design and horticulture, bonsai has a rich history in Japanese culture. Learn more about the Matthaei collection, and leaf through the strictly defined styles of the genre in this photo slideshow.

September 25, 2014

Little Brown Jug

more images

Jil Gordon paints the 2013 final score on the Little Brown Jug after U-M beat the University of Minnesota 42-13, marking the 100th game between the two schools. College football’s oldest trophy game continues Saturday when the Wolverines host the Golden Gophers in the Big 10 opener. View a slideshow and learn more about the history of the Little Brown Jug in Michigan Today. (Photo courtesy of Greg Dooley, MVictors.com)

September 24, 2014

Baby on board

Child safety seats come in many different designs based on the child’s age and type of car in which they’re riding, but some studies show that 63 percent to 90 percent of safety seats are misused. A recent study at the U-M Transportation Research Institute is helping parents make sure they’re correctly using the right seat at the right time. This video explores some of the issues related to child safety seats and how to address them.

September 22, 2014

George Gershwin’s piano

In addition to the partnership established between the university and the families of George and Ira Gershwin, the Gershwin family has given to U-M a piano owned and played by George Gershwin. In this video, faculty members from the School of Music, Theatre & Dance discuss the piano, its role at U-M and how it was meticulously restored.

September 22, 2014

Concussion education

Many parents whose kids participate in athletics will be asked to sign a waiver about concussion education, but that’s not enough to boost parents’ confidence about handling the injury, according to a new C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health. In this video, Sarah J. Clark, associate director of the poll and associate research scientist in the Department of Pediatrics, discusses the findings regarding concussion education.

September 20, 2014

Aerospace at U-M

The University of Michigan started the first collegiate aeronautics program in the United States in 1914. Since then, the department has graduated more than 6,000 aeronautical and aerospace engineers. This video explores why aerospace captures the imagination of those who love it.

September 18, 2014

Manufacturing innovation

Alan Taub (right), professor of materials science and engineering and chief technology officer for the American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute, speaks at a conference in Washington, D.C., Thursday on the new National Network for Manufacturing Innovation, which links universities, industry and government partners to collaborate on and nurture manufacturing innovation. U-M helps lead a consortium of 78 members who will work to develop lighter materials while still maintaining performance and affordability. At left is Ed Morris, who directs America Makes, an Ohio-based center focused on advancing 3-D printing technologies. (Photo by Mike Waring, Washington Office)

September 17, 2014

Tailgate tourney

Karl Bosse, research assistant in the Department of Pediatrics, and Mamta Jaiswal, research lab specialist in the Department of Neurology, compete in a Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament, refereed by MHealthy senior wellness coordinator Colleen Greene during MHealthy’s Big Tailgate at Ingalls Mall on Tuesday. Another Big Tailgate takes place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. today at the University Hospital Courtyard. (Photo by Austin Thomason, Michigan Photography)

September 16, 2014

Big data dilemma

Science, health care, economics, infrastructure and government could be completely changed by effectively using big data. But, currently, it isn’t being used to its full potential. Laura Balzano, assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer science, partners with campus research teams to help develop data collection and analysis strategies. This video explores what’s needed to solve our global big data dilemma.