Tahira Reid, Purdue University (IMAGE) Purdue University Caption Tahira Reid, at left, and Amy Marconnet, both assistant professors of mechanical engineering at Purdue University, work with graduate student Jaesik Hahn in using an infrared microscope to study how heat affects hair. Hair is studied while heat is applied with a flat iron. The goal is to learn precisely how much heat to apply in hair styling and how frequently to use heat treatment for a given hair type without destroying it. Credit (Purdue University image/Mark Simons) Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.