Archived articles

Applied physics laboratory

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
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
Two scientists work on a spacecraft instrument while team members conference in over Zoom
Space exploration
Despite pandemic, APL propels space missions forward
Published July 22, 2020
While APL researchers and engineers adapt to work remotely as much as possible during the outbreak of coronavirus, pockets of the Lab have no choice to but to move projects ahead
Surface of Pluto
10 cool things we've learned about Pluto
Published July 21, 2020
Five years after the historic New Horizons flyby of Pluto, scientists have learned that the planet is far from an inert ball of ice and is one of the most geologically active and exciting places in the solar system
Illustration of an arrow demolishing a coronavirus pathogen
COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2 is mutating slowly, and that's a good thing
Published June 10, 2020
Johns Hopkins scientists studying the virus that causes COVID-19 say the pathogen has few variations, a promising observation that boosts the chances of developing an effective vaccine
Infographic shows county data for Los Angeles County
Data visualization
JHU launches U.S.-focused COVID-19 tracking map
Published April 14, 2020
New map features U.S. county-level data on testing, population, infection rate, and hospital capacity