News: Faculty

2019

Scientists create new method to interrogate connection between cell protein structure and function

August 9, 2019

Moelering Laboratory Logo

Raymond Moellering’s lab reports a new method to identify and interrogate the biophysical properties of tens of thousands of modified proteins simultaneously in live cells. This method, called “Hotspot Thermal Profiling,” therefore enables efficient selection of functionally important modifications for further study, as well as insight into the network of proteins and biomolecules that are interacting with that particular modification site in cells. 


Hoffman and Vieregg receive the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers

August 8, 2019

Headshots of Asst. Prof. Abigail Vieregg and Assoc. Prof. Henry Hoffman

Assoc. Prof. Henry Hoffman of the Department of Computer Science and Assoc. Prof. Abigail Vieregg of the Department of Physics have been awarded the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government to scholars who show exceptional promise for leadership in science and technology. 


Prof. Amie Wilkinson criticizes viral math problem

August 8, 2019

Equation of 8 ÷ 2(2+2) = ?

 


Astrophysicist finds stellar streams linked to galactic collision from 100 million years ago

August 8, 2019

Illustration of circling stars in night sky with observatory

 


Flipping STEM Education

August 5, 2019

close up of two students in desks looking at a chalkboard in calculus class

Dorian Abbot, Associate Professor of Geophysical Sciences, piloted a flipped classroom model in the physical sciences course, Global Warming, wherein students watched short video lectures and read texts outside of class. They then met in small sections with a section leader who guided and coached them through a mixture of quantitative, visual, and discussion exercises so they could apply and practice what they'd learned. This model has been shown to drive student engagement and achievement in STEM classrooms.


Asst. Prof. Blase Ur on how people can protect themselves in light of the latest data breach

August 2, 2019

Screenshot of Blase Ur speaking during the recorded interview with WWTW

Capital One's data breach leaves millions vulnerable—Ur shares 5 tips to help individuals better manage their information with WTTW. 


Physics Prof. Sidney Nagel discusses principles of universality in Quanta interview

August 2, 2019

Photo of waterdroplet falling from faucet

Nagel explains how his findings in droplet and bubble experiments affect universality. 


Visiting Research Asst. Prof. Brian Nord awarded UChicago grant to bring AI to cosmology

August 2, 2019

Headshot of Nord

The awarded grant will help Nord, utilize AI to design an experiment optimized to measure the expansion rate of the universe. Nord will also be working with Asst. Prof. Yuxin Chen. 


New exoplanet is smallest to be precisely measured

August 2, 2019

Illustration of NASA's Kepler Spacecraft in space

Assoc Prof. Frabrycky's research group noticed a star's irregular dimming pattern, leading to the discovery and precise measurement of a new exoplanet's mass. 


Prof. Freedman contributes to the universe expansion debate 

August 2, 2019

Illustration of the 'distance ladder' used to measure the universe

Prof. Wendy Freedman discusses the possibility of systematic errors in Hubble constant calculations with Science News.


UChicago and Sony CSL researchers create muscle stimulators designed to speed up human reflexes

August 2, 2019

Subject's Hand touching ipad with experiment displayed on screen

Through the precise timing of  electrical muscle stimulators, UChicago scientists Pedro Lopes, Jun Nishida, and Shunichi Kasahara of Sony CSL have found a method to accelerating human reaction time. 


UChicago and Argonne scientists collaborate with researchers in Israel to understand aquifer system

August 2, 2019

Assoc. Prof. Yokochi on-site at Nubian Sandstone Aquifer system in Israel

Through a recent publication by Research Assoc. Prof. Yokochi, scientists are now able to tell when water was deposited, its origins, and the climate conditions that produced it nearly 400,000 years ago.


Coleman Lab researchers continue water sampling of the Great Lakes

July 30, 2019

Coleman on research vessel with a helmet and life jacket on

Asst. Prof. Maureen Coleman leads initiative to study the microbiome of the Great Lakes in order to keep this fresh water source in good shape.  


Computer scientists work to improve electric muscle stimulation (EMS) technology

July 30, 2019

Profile of lab volunteer wearing a virtual reality headset with two illustrations. One illustration depicts the virtual box that the volunteer is directed to touch. The second illustration depicts the haptic prediction error through EEG waves.

With the help of fMRI imaging, Lopes designed a system that allowed researchers to isolate differences between the motor and sensory systems of the brain. This data could be used to guide engineers in designing the next wave of EMS devices. 


Geophysical scientists publish study on how viruses could potentially affect climate

July 30, 2019

Image of a large bloom of carbon-capturing cyanobacteria

By feeding cyanobacteria virus-infected nitrogen, Asst. Profs. Coleman and Waldbauer obtain findings that illustrate virus-driven nutrient flow in marine ecosystems.