A microscope photo of colorful microfibers.

Household Dryers Are Significant Sources of Microfiber Pollution, Study Finds 

The fabrics that fill our homes, from natural cotton towels and bedsheets, to clothes produced with synthetic materials, produce microscopic fibers as they break down over time. Previous research has shown that household washers collect and release these microfibers into the environment, and now a new study uses citizen science to demonstrate how dryer vents also produce microfibers under normal household use.  

Intern sitting on the ground and documenting items found on the beach with a white board, bucket lid, and phone.

DRI Internships Offer Nevada Students Experience with Research and Insight into STEM Careers

This summer and fall, DRI brought twelve students from Nevada’s community and state colleges to the Las Vegas and Reno campuses for a paid, immersive research experience. Over the course of the 16-week program, students worked under the mentorship of DRI faculty members to learn about the process of using scientific research to solve real-world problems. This unique internship program welcomes all students, not only those pursuing majors in science, who are in their first or second year of enrollment at local state and community colleges.