News Briefs

Hopkins engineers develop new form of ductile copper

Johns Hopkins engineers have made a scientific breakthrough with the formation of a new type of copper that is stronger, yet remains ductile and stretchy.

En Ma, a professor in the department of materials science and engineering, reported in the October 31 Nature journal about this apparent breakthrough, which had actually been developed sometime around the end of 2001 at Hopkins. Ma was a co-author of the paper.

This new type of copper is treated by placing it in liquid nitrogen for a few minutes, rolling it out to about 1mm in thickness, and then baking it at 200 degrees Celsius for a few more minutes.

The reasons for the development not only lie in its applications in the industry, but also take advantage of the nanotechnology present. This new type of copper can be used in microelectromechanical and biomedical systems.

"We feel very excited with this accomplishment," said Yinmin Wang, a doctoral student who had a part in the development of the copper and was the lead author of the paper. "We have received much mail from the industries regarding its future applications."

-- By Jonathan Lau

Golden Key/Sodexho kick off Canned Goods Drive

From 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. this Monday, music pealed from the beach, as the Golden Key International Honor Society and Sodexho Dining Services kicked off their Caring Cans event.

Members of Golden Key distributed hot chocolate and pamphlets to some 400 students to promote the month long event. The event is an initiative created by Sodexho Marriott to reach the needy in communities throughout the city with the donation of canned and non-perishable goods.

This is Golden Key's first year co-sponsoring the event

"We want to collect as many cans as possible in time for the holiday seasons," said Vice-President Vivian Kim.

Golden Key and Sodexho will have reminders, updates and t-shirts on-campus as the event continues until December 6. All proceeds from Caring Cans will go to benefit the Maryland Food Bank.

----- By Shayna Bailey

Suspect approaches JHMI employee, grabs her by shoulders

An "assault by grabbing" occurred at the intersection of W. University Parkway and 40th Street when a male suspect approached a Johns Hopkins Medical Institute employee, attempted to converse with her and grabbed her twice on the shoulders.

According to the Hopkins Security report, the victim was walking west on the south side of W. University Parkway at 11:20 a.m. when the suspect began walking beside her, making small talk.

He asked the victim if she would like to "go and get a beer," and "on two occasions grabbed her by her shoulders and attempted to kiss [her] on her cheek," according to the report.

After managing to distance herself from the suspect, the victim contacted the Baltimore City Police Department. No injuries were reported.

According to Officer Dennis Rosemary of Hopkins Security, the suspect was likely "on drugs or drunk," and was simply taking "a very terrible approach at trying to meet women." He advised students to avoid such individuals as best as possible.

"Don't even converse with them," said Rosemary. "Ignore them, cross the street ... distance yourself. If they persist, start screaming bloody murder."

The suspect was last seen at the intersection of 40th Street and Beach Avenue.

---- By Julianna Finelli