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Some of the most interesting stories at Queen’s come out of the groundbreaking research that is conducted at the university.

One of the key drivers of the university’s effort to be a “balanced academy” is research prominence and a quick look at the amazing projects, work, thinking and the people behind it all, shows that Queen’s continues to lead the way.

There are too many excellent research projects to shine a light on but here the Gazette highlights some of the top stories of 2014.

'Aquatic osteoporosis' jellifying lakes

A plague of “aquatic osteoporosis” is spreading throughout many North American soft-water lakes due to declining calcium levels in the water and hindering the survival of some organisms, says new research from Queen’s University.

����ֱ�� professor unveils revolutionary foldable smartphone

Queen’s professor Roel Vertegaal and student Antonio Gomes have unveiled PaperFold, a ground-breaking smartphone technology. The shape-changing, touch sensitive smartphone allows the user to open up to three thin-film electrophoretic displays to provide extra screen real estate when needed.

����ֱ�� technology considered for Ebola fight

AsepticSure co-inventors Dick Zoutman, a researcher at Queen’s, and Michael Shannon met with representatives from a portable shelter company to test whether the technologies could be combined to fight the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa. AsepticSure combines ozone and peroxide to create a patented gas that has yet to encounter a pathogen it couldn't destroy.

����ֱ�� researchers patent cutting-edge technology

Queen’s University researchers Cathleen Crudden and Hugh Horton (Chemistry), along with students, postdoctoral fellows and other collaborators have developed a new process that allows organic compounds to bind to metal surfaces. This cutting-edge technology is now being patented and commercialized by PARTEQ and Green Centre Canada.

Physicist sifts through sandy shrapnel

Once the site of some of the Second World War’s fiercest fighting, the beaches of Normandy are now a mecca of sunbathing and swimming. Lurking in the sand, though, is a time capsule of those battles. Kevin Robbie (Physics) is examining the shrapnel-containing sand by using microscopic imaging to take photographs that are both scientific and artistic.

Caught by a hair

Crime fighters could have a new tool at their disposal following promising research by Queen’s professor Diane Beauchemin. Dr. Beauchemin (Chemistry) and student Lily Huang (MSc’15) have developed a leading-edge technique to identify human hair quicker and more accurately.

A new view of the world

New research out of Queen’s University has shed light on how exercise and relaxation activities like yoga can positively impact people with social anxiety disorders. Adam Heenan, a Ph.D. candidate in the Clinical Psychology, has found that exercise and relaxation activities literally change the way people perceive the world.