News

2024

Here’s how you can help Chicago get better internet service

March 1, 2024

hand using a mouse next to keyboard

For Block Club Chicago, Prof. Nicole Marwell--part of DSI's Internet Equity Initiative--discusses the Illinois BEAD challenge.


Resurrecting niobium for quantum science

March 1, 2024

microscopic image of niobium Josephson junction

For years, niobium was considered an underperformer when it came to superconducting qubits. Now scientists supported by Q-NEXT have found a way to engineer a high-performing niobium-based qubit and so take advantage of niobium’s superior qualities.


PalmWatch, a new tool created by DSI’s 11th Hour team, sheds light on palm oil production across the globe

February 23, 2024

aerial view of palm trees

PalmWatch, a new tool jointly created by DSI and Inclusive Development International, tracks deforestation by palm oil mills and connects that information to major, multinational brands’ sourcing.


A voracious black hole at the dawn of time?

February 23, 2024

An artist’s concept of the quasar J0529-4351

In a New York Times article, Prof. Daniel Holz says that "[The researchers] may have the right value, but I don’t think other observers would be shocked if it turned out the true mass was somewhat less."
 


Pritzker wants $500 million for quantum technology

February 23, 2024

J. B. Pritzker

Crain's Chicago Business article mentions an early $200 million investment by Governor J.B. Pritzker in quantum and alludes to UChicago's quantum partnerships with Google and IBM.


UChicago scientists invent ultra-thin, minimally-invasive pacemaker controlled by light

February 23, 2024

Pengju Li holds a prototype pacemaker made of a specially engineered membrane

Ultralight membrane can regulate heartbeats with the aid of an optic fiber.

University of Chicago materials researcher Pengju Li holds a prototype pacemaker made of a specially engineered membrane. At just one-fiftieth of a gram, it is significantly smaller and lighter than current pacemakers.


Scott Snyder receives ’23–’24 Marian and Stuart Rice Research Award

February 23, 2024

Scott Snyder

Chemistry Professor Scott A. Snyder has received the ’23–’24 Marian and Stuart Rice Research Award, a Divisional honor that provides $100,000 for intellectually exciting and innovative research ventures that enable new research directions.


PSD Spotlight: Britni Ratliff

February 21, 2024

Britni Ratliff

Britni Ratliff is the Director of STEM Pedagogy for the Physical Sciences Division, Associate Master for the Physical Sciences Collegiate Division, and Senior Instructional Professor in the Chemistry Department.

"It is a unique privilege to work directly with PSD students as they discover their passions and carve out their academic paths."


Inside the hunt for new physics at the world’s largest particle collider

February 20, 2024

Karri DiPetrillo

In an MIT Technology Review article, Asst. Prof. Karri DiPetrillo discusses the concept of supersymmetry, saying, “I think SUSY is wonderful—the only thing that’s not wonderful is that we haven’t found it." Article also mentions the potential for a muon collider at Fermilab.


Five UChicago scholars awarded prestigious Sloan Fellowships in 2024

February 20, 2024

Yuehaw Khoo (left) and Sunyoung Park

Five UChicago scholars have earned prestigious Sloan Research Fellowships, recognizing early-career scholars’ potential to make substantial contributions to their fields. The 2024 Sloan fellows include Yuehaw Khoo (Statistics, left) and Sunyoung Park (Geophysical Sciences).


Giant Magellan Telescope expands global science impact with Taiwanese partner

February 20, 2024

Giant Magellan Telescope illustration

Through ASIAA, Taiwan joins Australia, Brazil, Chile, Israel, South Korea, and the United States in building one of the world’s largest and most powerful telescopes.


Deepfake porn is a huge problem — here are some of the tools that could help stop it

February 19, 2024

Create AI Girls graphic

Business Insider article mentions Prof. Ben Zhao's "Nightshade."


Solar geoengineering looks to Silicon Valley for new wave of funding

February 19, 2024

Portrait of David Keith against a brick wall

Scientific American article mentions that UChicago is one of several global universities that have begun actively researching solar geoengineering.


New ‘Magic’ Gmail security uses AI and is here now, Google says

February 19, 2024

Google logo over binary code

Forbes article mentions that UChicago is among the universities set to receive $2 million in research grants from Google to help advance breakthroughs in AI-powered security including code verification enhancement and the development of large language models that can be more resilient to threats.


Scientists report first look at electrons moving in real-time in liquid water

February 19, 2024

Linda Young in black on purple background

In a Phys.org article, Prof. Linda Young discusses a new experiment that isolates the energetic movement of an electron while "freezing" the motion of the much larger atom it orbits in a sample of liquid water.