Originally Posted: March 8, 2019
This is an excerpt from a Dallas Morning News article. Read the full article here. Register for Science in the City here.
How to listen for earthquakes, feel the vibrations (and sturdiness) of bridges, and even make better bionic legs
Did you know you can “listen” for earthquakes? No, it’s more than putting your ear to the ground to see if one is coming. Seismologists study seismic waves to see how strong an earthquake is and pinpoint its epicenter. They can examine these waves to detect a number of things, including nuclear explosions. At SMU’s Science in the City, you can learn how seismologists from SMU do just that. You’ll also get a chance to learn how the school’s engineers can test to see how sturdy and safe a bridge is by measuring vibrations coming from the structure.
Participants will also get to meet Dario Villarreal, the director of the NeuroMechatronics Lab at SMU. His research focuses on coming up with hardware and software for bionic legs to help amputees and people who are mobility-impaired. And do you want to talk about sea monsters? Visit the campus labs where paleontologists are researching creatures that swam in the Atlantic Ocean as it was forming millions of years ago.
At last year’s event, visitors got to meet tiny robots. They also got to explore how the human body works and is able to run — so expect plenty of surprises. — Jesus Jimenez
Details
SMU will welcome Science in the City registrants of all ages on April 13. Admission is free with advance registration. RSVP HERE