The 2024 #EarthDay theme, “Plastics vs. Planet,” emphasizes the critical nature of protecting our environment, especially as researchers uncover micro- and nanoplastics in more and more places.This year #NotreDame researchers presented clear images of nanoplastics in the ocean for the first time. Due to their chemical makeup we know they came from plastic water bottles, food packaging, fishing nets, and clothing.The research is an essential first step in determining the toxicity of the nanoplastics in the ocean, and devising ways to mitigate it.#nanoplastics #microplastics #pollution #environment #saveourplanet #saveouroceans #research #engineering #aerospaceengineering #mechanicalengineering

On April 19, 2024, the University of Notre Dame celebrated the 125 year anniversary of the first known wireless transmission in the United States which was sent from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on Notre Dame's campus to Bertrand Hall more than a mile away at Saint Mary's College.Since Professor Jerome Green’s initial forays into wireless research at Notre Dame in the 1890s, the University has built on his legacy and continued to invest in this essential area of research:Since 2010, the University’s growing research in this field has been organized through the Wireless Institute in the College of Engineering. It serves as an incubator for big ideas and large projects involving faculty from various disciplines around the University and the across the country.The Wireless Institute also leads SpectrumX, the world’s largest academic hub where radio spectrum stakeholders innovate, collaborate, and contribute to research and spectrum policy with the goal to maximize the social welfare of the radio spectrum itself. The center currently hosts 30 member institutions.

The University of Notre Dame has experienced transformational growth in research over the past decade. The evidence is everywhere on campus, both in the talent of the faculty and the resources devoted to making Notre Dame a leading research institution.In this episode of Notre Dame Stories, host Jenne Liberto talks to Vice President of Research Jeff Rhoads who shares his plans for expanding the University's impact globally.------ Notre Dame Stories is the official podcast of the University of Notre Dame. It was created by the Office of Public Affairs and Communications. Written and produced by Andy Fuller with content coordination from Staci Stickovich, edited by Michael Wiens, and videography by Tony Fuller and Zach Dudka. Original music is by Alex Mansour. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

The University of Notre Dame has experienced transformational growth in research over the past decade. The evidence is everywhere on campus, both in the talent of the faculty and the resources devoted to making Notre Dame a leading research institution.Watch the interview (https://youtu.be/uzbFJaDGMbc)In this episode of Notre Dame Stories, host Jenna Liberto talks to Vice President of Research Jeff Rhoads (https://research.nd.edu/people/jeffrey-rhoads/)  who shares his plans for expanding the University's impact globally.

In this lecture and the conversation that follows, Maria Ressa will explore key challenges facing international information ecosystems and global democracy. She will discuss the possibility of developing artificial intelligence (AI) that respects truth and dissent, instead of enabling insidious manipulation for profit, and offer strategies for resisting the threat of AI-powered surveillance, persuasion, and control.Drawing on her personal experiences fighting online disinformation and facing the weaponization of the law against journalists, Ressa illustrates the ways technology companies play a role in distorting truth and fraying our fragile democratic systems. Ressa provides an urgent call to action to harness technology for good, before irreparable damage is done.

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.Happy #StPatricksDay ☘️