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Tech of the Week: Future lung belts

What: Scientists have found a way to make piezoelectric materials more flexible by combining them with silicone rubber, increasing their potential for use on or within the body. Piezoelectric materials generate electricity from kinetic energy. In the future, flexible "lung belts" could harvest energy from the rhythm of breathing to power pacemakers or other implantable devices.

Who: Researchers at Princeton University

The Future: The researchers hope once they have scaled the ribbons up to a larger size, they will be able to power implanted biomedical devices. Their use in powering pacemakers may help reduce the number of invasive surgeries patients undergo to replace batteries or fix problems.

-compiled by Haley McKey

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The University’s Orientation and Transition programs are vital to supporting first year and transfer students throughout their entire transition to college. But much of their work goes into planning summer orientation sessions. Funlola Fagbohun, associate director of the first year experience, describes her experience working with OTP and how she strives to create a welcoming environment for first-years during orientation and beyond. Along with her role as associate director, summer Orientation leaders and OTP staff work continually to provide a safe and memorable experience for incoming students.