News: Faculty

2024

Latest findings from the South Pole Telescope bolster our model of the universe

November 29, 2024

South Pole Telescope

A new study uses data collected by the South Pole Telescope to deepen our understanding of how the universe was born and evolved.


Argonne, UChicago partner to accelerate discovery of new cancer therapies using AI

November 29, 2024

Icon of healthcare

Thanks to a new investment, researchers will leverage the Aurora exascale supercomputer at Argonne National Laboratory to discover new targets for cancer therapies. Bryan Dickinson, a UChicago chemist, is part of the team behind the project.


The ultimate cosmic question: How fast is the universe expanding?

November 29, 2024

Icons of stars

New observations of distant galaxies have intensified a debate that scientists call the Hubble Tension. A UChicago study led by Prof. Wendy Freedman produced new estimates for the Hubble Constant, challenging previous work. 


Going green with graphite: Researchers turn plant waste into high-tech material

November 29, 2024

Graphite crystal

Researchers led by chemist Stuart Rowan developed a method that uses charred plant material to produce high-quality graphite. 


Six PSD members named Highly Cited Researchers

November 27, 2024

white fibrous design on black background

Six University of Chicago Physical Sciences Division scientists were named in Web of Science's 2024 report of highly cited researchers. According to Web of Science, researchers on the list have demonstrated significant and broad influence in their fields.
 


University of Chicago spearheads revolutionary NSF Center for Chemical Innovation: MOSAIC to transform understanding of chemical reactions

November 26, 2024

MOSAIC graph

The University of Chicago announces the launch of a groundbreaking research center, the NSF Center for Multimodal Observations for Single Atom Imaging of Chemistry (MOSAIC), set to revolutionize our comprehension of chemical reactions. University president Paul Alivisatos will serve as the Principal Investigator and Center Director, where his pioneering work with inorganic nanocrystals, coupled with the expertise of Professor Jiwoong Park in 2D materials, will be instrumental in developing the MOSAIC platform.


Data privacy tips for college students

November 23, 2024

A student using a computer

With increased cybersecurity risks, experts recommend that students become proactive in protecting their data. UChicago Associate Prof. Marshini Chetty comments on the steps college students can take to preserve their information. 


Decoding the Universe: Quantum

November 23, 2024

Quantum icon

In this new episode of the PBS series Decoding the Universe, UChicago scientists David Awschalom and Nadya Mason join a conversation on the importance and latest questions in the realm of quantum research.


This AI system makes human tutors better at teaching children math

November 23, 2024

A stack of books

A new AI tool called Tutor CoPilot aims to assist educators with individualized tutoring. UChicago Computer Science Asst. Prof. Mina Lee comments on the potential of this technology in the field of education.


Study: Black plastic cookware, containers & toys could pose serious health risk

November 23, 2024

black plastic cookware

Dr. John Anderson, Associate Chair of the Chemistry department at UChicago, talks to NBC 5 about the presence of toxic chemicals in recycled plastics that are used for food containers, utensils, and even toys. 


The AI lab waging a guerrilla war over exploitative AI

November 23, 2024

Drawing of a monster

Created by UChicago scientists in the SAND Lab, the tools Glaze and Nightshade are helping artists fight back against exploitative generative AI practices. As the project continues, the team has faced backlash from sectors of the AI community but has also received encouragement from the broader scientific and artistic community. 
 


Researchers disagree about the speed of gen AI adoption. But one thing’s clear: The tech is increasingly everywhere

November 23, 2024

Image of a hurricane

AI tools are proliferating, leading to more people and industries adopting this technology. At UChicago, scientists explored the possibility that an AI model could help predict extreme weather events. However, the results demonstrated that AI climate models are still in need of more advanced strategies if they are to provide warnings for the most extreme weather scenarios.


Moellering Lab finds single-cell chemoproteomics reveal enzyme signature in aggressive breast cancers

November 13, 2024

Symbol of breast cancer awareness

A landmark study published in Science Advances by the Ray Moellering lab has introduced a novel method for analyzing enzyme activity in individual cells within breast cancers.


Odd fluids, odder behavior: Breaking the rules of physics in liquid form

November 13, 2024

Portrait of Carlos Floyd

In a new study published in Physical Review Research, Carlos Floyd, a postdoctoral fellow working with the Suri Vaikuntanathan group, investigates non-equilibrium materials, shedding light on their unique properties and potential implications for understanding biological systems.


Professor Emeritus James Norris to receive inaugural “Spin Chemistry Lifetime Achievement Award” at the RSC ESR Conference 2025

November 13, 2024

Portrait of Prof. Norris

Professor Emeritus James Norris received the inaugural "Spin Chemistry Lifetime Achievement Award" from the ESR Spectroscopy group of the Royal Society of Chemistry. This award is designed to honor scientists who have made groundbreaking contributions to the field of spectroscopy.