Recommender systems, invented by U of M computer science professor John Riedl in the 1990s, are Web-based tools that identify user preferences. This technology is now widely used by online commerce and social sites such as Amazon, Netflix, Pandora and Facebook.

Jian-Ping Wang and his team are part of an ambitious group of academic researchers and software companies challenging the boundaries of magnetic storage media.

Vibrotactile gloves may someday help first responders avoid obstacles in a dark, smoky environment.

A new process for synthesizing biodiesel, invented by a U of M Distinguished McKnight Professor, could be less costly to manufacturers and produce purer fuel.

Some of the greatest contributions of University of Minnesota researchers have come alive on a dusty chalkboard. That was the case when U of M Professor Emeritus Leo Hurwicz invented the mechanism design theory.