News: Faculty

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

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."

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.

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

Photo by Jean Lachat

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."

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

A team from the University of Chicago, led by physicist Cheng Chin, has announced the first evidence for “quantum superchemistry” – a phenomenon where particles in the same quantum state undergo collective accelerated reactions. The effect had been predicted but never observed in the laboratory.

Photo by John Zich

Two scientists with the University of Chicago, including assistant professor of physics Clay Córdova, have been selected for the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2023 Early Career Research Program. The awardees will receive five-year grants to investigate quantum field theory and electrochemical energy storage.