University of Florida News

GAINESVILLE — With hermetically sealed walls and numerous life support systems, space craft are intended to protect astronauts from deadly conditions outside.

GAINESVILLE — A major University of Florida research effort to improve breast exam X-ray images using computers will undergo its first trial this fall, when radiologists determine whether the more detailed mammograms better show early signs of breast cancer.

GAINESVILLE — When 26 children became ill after swimming in a kiddie pool at an Atlanta water park earlier this summer, health investigators said it was because low chlorine levels failed to kill harmful bacteria in the water.

GAINESVILLE — Robotic submarines could one day seek and destroy underwater mines or rescue lost cave divers running out of oxygen.

GAINESVILLE — A heat-trapping sewage tank cover designed by University of Florida engineering students speeds up the treatment process at wastewater treatment plants, a development that already has led to substantial savings at a Gainesville plant.

GAINESVILLE — An automated water treatment system designed by University of Florida engineering students reduces the cost of treating drinking water while boosting its quality.

GAINESVILLE — When Fort Lauderdale marine surveyor David Pascoe discusses sailboats with prospective buyers, he can bet they’ll never ask about one major issue.

GAINESVILLE — Florida’s phosphate industry is good at restoring wetlands destroyed by mining but should step up efforts to fit them into the surrounding landscape so they filter runoff from farms, serve as habitat and help prevent floods.

GAINESVILLE — Old asphalt scraped off roads does not bleed toxins into groundwater and is safe to use as construction fill, according to tests by University of Florida engineers.

GAINESVILLE — A mailbox-sized dampener designed by University of Florida engineers greatly reduces wind-driven vibration in traffic-signal poles, increasing their life span and stability.