© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

At MSU, it's goodbye NY minute, hello femtosecond

The self-destruction of the comet ISON captured the public imagination last week, as it passed between our planet and the sun.  The mystery of outer space has enthralled humanity for centuries.  Now, Michigan State University is taking a giant leap into inner space.A team of researchers is developing a new type of microscope that can watch atoms and molecules discharging energy at nearly incomprehensible speeds.  It’s one more step into the world of nanotechnology.  Scientists like MSU's Chong-Yu Ruan are peering into the atomic structures of known materials to find new properties and new applications for everyday life.

Current State’s Kevin Lavery visited an MSU laboratory recently on a quest to find an elusive measurement of time: the femtosecond.

Related Content
WKAR’s first live pledge drive since federal funding was eliminated is happening now. Our goal for the drive is $60,000 and reaching it will bring us one step closer to closing the federal funding gap.
Your support helps keep trusted journalism, classical music, and educational programming freely available for everyone in our community.
How can you help? Become a sustaining donor today. Already a sustainer? Please consider increasing your monthly contribution.