Stanford News

The Stanford News Service is part of the Office of University Communications. We provide assistance to reporters and disseminate much of the university's news. We also help to publicize and handle media relations for major events, provide media training for key faculty and administrators and serve as a liaison between scholars and media outlets.

Website URL: http://news.stanford.edu/

Stanford scientists have created new tools that let researchers read brain activity by observing glowing trails of light spreading between connected nerves.

April 22, 2014

Stanford scientists observe brain activity in real time

New optogenetic tools for watching brain nerves send signals in real time will make it easier to study brain functions and help develop therapies for brain diseases. Stanford News reports on two scientists who have worked together to create tools to observe the glowing trails of light spreading between connected nerves.

Stanford researchers stretch a thin crystal to get better solar cells

Solar cells may be a solution to global energy needs. Stanford News reports on a collaboration of mechanical engineering and physics researchers achieving an innovative crystalline solar cell with a variable band gap that can be set by stretching the lattice. This variable semiconductor could lead to solar cells that absorb more energy from the sun by being sensitive to a broader spectrum of light.