The economics of crime: Analysis suggests concealed handguns deter criminals, BU prof says
When the number of people carrying concealed handguns increases, crime decreases. That’s the socially controversial finding of Binghamton University economist Florenz Plassmann and his collaborator, who used the principles of supply and demand to analyze crime rates. Read more
Turning to child’s play: Object recognition poses research puzzle
Peter Gerhardstein is relying on infants to help him unravel one of the most perplexing of developmental mysteries: how is it that humans come to recognize the objects they see in the world around them. Read more
Two receive Excellence in Research awards
The University Awards for Excellence in Research recognize research or creative activity by full-time tenured faculty, for work with a single coherent theme that has been recognized nationally or internationally within the past five to 10 years and identified with Binghamton University. Read more
Integrated Electronics Engineering Center (IEEC) opens new diagnostic testing lab
Integrated Electronics Engineering Center (IEEC) opens new diagnostic testing lab. Building on its electronics packing research, the Watson School’s Integrated Electronics Engineering Center (IEEC) took another step into the future last week with the official opening of its Advanced Reliability and Diagnostics Lab. Read more
A fishy approach: Ben develops biomimetic antifreezes to stop ice in its tracks
Freezer burn is about to meet its fatal thaw. Using the techniques of modern synthetic organic chemistry, Robert Ben’s research team has developed an artificial antifreeze that could eliminate freezer burn in frozen foods within five to 10 years. The work takes its lead from fish that thrive in polar waters by all rights cold enough to freeze them solid mid swish. Read more
Gal gets grants to pursue plant studies
Susannah Gal, an associate professor of biology whose work in molecular genetics and cell biology could lead to more productive crops and advances in medicine, will be spending a sabbatical year conducting research in Europe with sponsorship from a Fulbright Scholar grant and a separate $72,941 grant from the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Read more
Infant exposure to alcohol may spell lifelong legacy
The remembered associations surrounding an infant’s first meal — smells, sounds and taste — are so deeply embedded and powerful they can last a lifetime. Read more
