Haptic technology for touchscreens! NSF Science Now 31

The video covers four NSF-funded research projects. Geologists from the University of Illinois and Nanjing University discovered a distinct inner core within Earth's inner core using seismic energy. A Duke University study found high levels of ammonium and iodine in wastewater from oil and gas drilling, highlighting insufficient brine treatment in Pennsylvania. Engineers from UC Berkeley investigated metal fragments causing wildfires, aiming to improve fire prediction models. Researchers from Northwestern and Carnegie Mellon universities explored haptic feedback, revealing how the brain perceives tactile illusions, which could enhance virtual interfaces.

What did geologists discover about Earth's inner core?

• It is made entirely of water.

• It has a distinct inner core of its own.

• It is the same as the outer core.

• It is larger than the Moon.

What hazardous chemicals were found in wastewater from oil and gas drilling?

• Chlorine and bromine

• Ammonium and iodine

• Lead and mercury

• Sulfur and phosphorus

What is the main concern with the current brine treatment practice in Pennsylvania?

• It does not remove hazardous chemicals effectively.

• It is too expensive.

• It is not environmentally friendly.

• It is too slow.

What are NSF-funded engineers trying to understand about wildfires?

• How to prevent them entirely

• What ingredients and conditions cause spot fires

• How to extinguish them quickly

• How to predict their exact location

What potential application does the haptic feedback research have?

• Enhancing audio quality in devices

• Creating touch-back technology for flat screens

• Improving smartphone battery life

• Increasing screen resolution