News

2023

‘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.  


Physicists move one step closer to a theoretical showdown

August 10, 2023

Muon g-2 ring at Fermi National Laboratory

A New York Times article details the new results from Fermilab's Muon g-2 project and includes comments from astrophysicist Dan Hooper.

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


UChicago physicist Zoe Yan named 2023 laureate of the Blavatnik Regional Awards for Young Scientists

August 9, 2023

Zoe Yan

Congratulations to Assistant Professor of Physics Zoe Yan for being named the 2023 laureate in the Physical Sciences & Engineering category. She is recognized for developing the first quantum gas microscope on single, ultracold molecules and applying this technique to explore important phenomena relevant to high-temperature superconductors and other quantum materials. 


Mark Levin wins BMS Unrestricted Grantee Award, grad student Jisoo Woo awarded 2023-2024 BMS Graduate Fellowship

August 9, 2023

Mark Levin (left) and Jisoo Woo

Congratulations to Associate Professor of Chemistry Mark Levin for winning the 2023 Bristol-Myers Squibb Unrestricted Grantee Award and Jisoo Woo, who works as part of the Levin Group, for winning the 2023 BMS Graduate Fellowship for his achievements in Synthetic Organic Chemistry.


‘Endless possibilities’: the chemists changing molecules atom by atom

August 7, 2023

Mark Levin

Associate professor of chemistry Mark Levin discusses skeletal editing, a hugely simplified way to alter matter, paving the way for world-changing innovations in personalized medicine and sustainable plastics.


The JumpMod haptic backpack makes virtual leaps more realistic

August 7, 2023

Pedro Lopes

Computer scientist Pedro Lopes discusses JumpMod, a device that helps VR users feel a more realistic experience when jumping.