News

2023

‘Quantum superchemistry’ observed for the first time ever

August 16, 2023

Cheng Chin

In a Scientific American article, Physics professor Cheng Chin discusses his research which led to the first-ever observation of 'quantum superchemistry.'


Making machine learning safer for biomedicine

August 15, 2023

Argonne National Laboratory logo

PALISADE-X aims to provide the security necessary to study life-threatening medical issues without violating patient privacy.


No, it’s not going to be above 110 degrees in Chicago next week

August 15, 2023

Noboru Nakamura

Geophysical sciences professor Noboru Nakamura says in a Crain's Chicago Business article that "if 110-degree temperatures are expected, then definitely we should look out for some major heat-related stress for the general public, but I don't think that's going to happen...nevertheless, I think it's going to be pretty warm and uncomfortable."


Helium escapes from the atmosphere of a nearby exoplanet, observations find

August 15, 2023

Michael Zhang

A Phys.org article announces that UChicago researchers led by astronomy postdoc Michael Zhang have reported the detection of a helium outflow from the atmosphere of a nearby mini-Neptune exoplanet known as TOI-2134 b.


Mass extinctions, massive questions: Prof. David Jablonski honored for evolution research

August 14, 2023

David Jablonski

UChicago paleontologist David Jablonski receives Darwin-Wallace Medal for unique approach to evolution, extinction studies.

Photo by Jean Lachat


‘It gave us some way to fight back’: New tools aim to protect art and images from AI’s grasp

August 14, 2023

Ben Zhao

In a CNN article, computer scientist Ben Zhao discusses his tool to protect the work of artists from AI, Glaze, saying "entire, multiple, human creative industries are under threat to be replaced by automated machines."


Fossils are tackling one of conservation’s toughest questions

August 14, 2023

Susan Kidwell paleontologist

An Atlantic article highlights research by geophysical sciences professor Susan Kidwell finding that runoff from overgrazed, eroding soil most likely smothered the hard surfaces brachiopods needed, resulting in the local extinction of an entire ecosystem.


Quantum information school launches at Fermilab, using subatomic principles for groundbreaking technology

August 11, 2023

People gather outside of Fermilab’s Wilson Hall

A Chicago Tribune article on a new quantum education program at Fermilab mentions UChicago as a partner in the Chicago Quantum Exchange.

Photo by Ryan Postel, Fermilab


University of Chicago scientists invent smallest known way to guide light

August 11, 2023

Closeup of a rectangular block of plastic with a thin line visible in the center. It is held by a scientist wearing purple gloves who is not in focus.

Scientists at the University of Chicago, including chemist Jiwoong Park, found a glass crystal just a few atoms thick can trap and carry light—and could be used for applications.

Photo by Jean Lachat


Muon g-2 experiment reinforces surprise result, setting up physics ‘showdown’

August 11, 2023

Muon g-2 ring at Fermi National Laboratory

Findings at Fermilab show discrepancy between theory and experiment, may lead to new physics beyond the Standard Model.

Image courtesy of Reidar Hahn/Fermilab, via U.S. Department of Energy


What NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has discovered in its first five years looping the sun

August 11, 2023

Artist rendition of the Parker Solar Probe in front of the sun

Spacecraft named for pioneering UChicago scientist ventures closer to the sun than humanity has ever been: the 5-year anniversary of the Parker Solar Probe launch.

Image courtesy of NASA/Johns Hopkins APL/Steve Gribben


Walter Payton grad’s study finds ‘adequate’ but not ‘equitable’ internet access at 6 CPS schools

August 10, 2023

Nick Feamster

A Block Club Chicago article details a study of internet speeds at Chicago Public Schools led by an incoming UChicago student who was assisted and mentored by computer scientist Nick Feamster.


How AI is transforming scientific research, with Rebecca Willett

August 10, 2023

Rebecca Willett

In episode 116 of the Big Brains podcast, Prof. Rebecca Willett (the Data Science Institute's faculty director of AI) discusses how AI will change science and examines the opportunities—and dangers—of this rapidly emerging technology.


In surprise discovery, NASA rover finds cracks in ancient Martian mud

August 10, 2023

NASA’s Curiosity rover

Conditions that created the cracks could have been favorable for emergence of microscopic life.

Photo courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS


Physicist Jeffrey Harvey named a 2023 Dirac Medallist

August 10, 2023

Jeffrey Harvey

Congratulations to Jeffrey Harvey, the Enrico Fermi Distinguished Service Professor of Physics, for winning a 2023 Dirac Medal. The award recognizes wide-ranging contributions to string theory, a mathematical framework in fundamental physics that aims to describe the entirety of the whole universe.