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Applied physics laboratory

Computer-generated image of a white shell cracking open
Next-gen materials
Researchers at APL create strong, fast, waterproof adhesive
Published April 23, 2021 Video
The formula features microcapsules filled with additives that make the adhesive's hold faster and stronger
Johnny Matheny
Prosthetics
Amputee makes music with Modular Prosthetic Limb
Published March 24, 2021 Video
The milestone demonstrates the functional benefit of the technology for those who have lost limbs, while study findings indicate users gain mastery over the technology the more they use it
illustration of two people looking up at the night sky
Going interstellar with a sun-skirting probe
Published Spring 2021
APL's Interstellar Probe will slingshot around the sun to explore the outer reaches of the universe / Johns Hopkins Magazine
A masked man works in a biology laboratory
Rankings
Johns Hopkins leads nation in research spending for 41st consecutive year
Published Feb 9, 2021
University spent a record $2.917 billion in fiscal year 2019, a nearly 10% increase from 2018
A snail-like robot inches forward on a table
Robotics
Applied Physics Lab researchers develop advanced soft robots
Published Jan 22, 2021
The team's flexible, snail-like robot is 'untethered' from a power source and controlled remotely, opening new possibilities for the burgeoning technology
Illustration looks like a square, refigerator-shaped spacecraft with large solar panels resembling wings
Space science
NASA selects Johns Hopkins APL space weather mission for 2024 launch
Published Jan 8, 2021
The Electrojet Zeeman Imaging Explorer will study the auroral electrojet, electrical currents flowing 60-90 miles above the north and south poles
Saturn
Outer space
Surer signs of life
Published Dec 8, 2020
Teams of civil space researchers at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab are developing a better class of tools for detecting signs of life on other planets and moons
A helicopter conducts a rescue for a boat in distress
Engineering
Enhanced search and rescue
Published Fall 2020 Video
Search and Rescue GPS beacons aboard ships or in hikers' backpacks are the last line of defense against disaster, leading to more than 50,000 rescues to date. A new project by the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory aims to make the technology even more accurate and efficient. / Johns Hopkins Magazine
Still from Zibi Turtle's TED talk
Zibi Turtle tours Titan, discusses Dragonfly mission during TED Talk
Published Aug 31, 2020
During virtual address, the planetary scientist discusses the environment of Saturn's largest moon and the ambitious APL-built rotocraft mission to explore it
Scientist in blue PPE gown work in the lab
COVID-19
Researchers retrace COVID-19's introduction, impact in D.C. region
Published Aug 18, 2020
Study suggests multiple entries of the virus into the region but similar clinical presentation, an indication that there are not multiple strains of the virus causing disease of varying severity