A significantly more effective, minimally invasive treatment for pancreatic tumors may be on the horizon, thanks to a new endoscopy tool created in the Penn State Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Daniel Ruth and Elaine Sung are among dozens of undergraduates who have been selected to discuss their research with their peers and state legislators during the Undergraduate Research at the Capitol event April 5 in Harrisburg.
Mary Frecker, professor of mechanical engineering at Penn State, and her research on origami-inspired structures for medicine and space exploration are highlighted in an educational video series produced by NBC Learn, in partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Maggie Slattery, assistant professor of biomedical engineering, will succeed Mary Frecker as Learning Factory director on Jan. 1, 2016.
Across the University, Penn State experts are working together to make significant changes in science and medicine. A new series of Penn State Impact videos highlights some of the collaborative research ongoing at Penn State. The newest video, "Advancing Surgery," shows how collaborative efforts among University researchers in engineering, materials science and medicine aim to improve endoscopic surgeries by shrinking surgeons' tools as well as patients' recovery time.
Most Penn State College of Engineering students taking Mechanical Engineering 440W expect their senior design capstone project to change their perspective on innovation and product development. After all, the class gives students the chance to develop devices for Fortune 500 companies and big government entities, such as the U.S. Navy. For one group of students, the class actually changed how they view the world of the disabled.
"How many of you have had laparoscopic or arthroscopic surgery?" asked Mary Frecker at last Wednesday's well-attended Research Unplugged event. Some hands shot up. "Then you've had what's called a ‘minimally invasive' procedure," Frecker explained.
