UCI scientists occupied national headlines this week when civil engineer and building structural damage expert Maria Feng was asked to design the U.S. Army’s next generation of armor and evolutionary biologist Francisco Ayala released a report by the National Academy of Sciences.
Feng’s technology lines the Vincent Thomas Bridge in Long Beach and portions of the 405 and 5 freeways in Southern California. The sensors provide city workers with real-time data on how structures are holding up — something that is particularly important following an earthquake. The military has given $5.5 million over five years to develop the same type of technology for light armor. Soldiers would be able to see where and how their armor is damaged, making it quicker to fix. The technology could also be adapted for vehicles like tanks, school officials said.
On Friday, Ayala and officials from the National Academy of Science released a report that rejects including creationism into science curricula. The report states creationism can coexist with science, just not in scientific discussions. Ayala, who used to be a Dominican priest, pointed out that people of faith can be scientists, the two identities are not exclusive.
