News: Faculty

2023

‘Underground climate change’ is deforming the ground beneath buildings, study finds

July 18, 2023

David Archer

Geophysical sciences professor David Archer says underground climate change is not the same as what we think of as climate change in the atmosphere, which is largely driven by greenhouse gases and has far-reaching effects, adding that “calling it climate change seems like a bit of a coattail thing.”


The story of Oppenheimer and The Bomb resonates at UChicago

July 17, 2023

In an audio piece, Physics chair Peter Littlewood discusses the legacy of the Manhattan Project on scientific research.

Photo by Robert Kozloff


Researchers discover another step in how your cells assemble

July 12, 2023

Greg Voth

UChicago chemists, including Gregory Voth, use simulation to reveal key mechanism in microtubule growth.


The 4 biggest questions JWST will answer in its second year

July 12, 2023

Michael Zhang

Article mentions astronomy and astrophysics postdoctoral fellow Michael Zhang's plan to measure the spectrum of light from exoplanet TOI 2445b, a rocky world about twice the size of Earth that orbits perilously close to its host star.


Illinois may lift historic ban on building nuclear power plants as state continues transition from coal and gas

July 10, 2023

Robert Rosner

Astronomy and astrophysics professor Robert Rosner discusses the potential of nuclear power.


Cities have long made plans for extreme heat. Are they enough in a warming world?

July 10, 2023

Noboru Nakamura

Geophysical sciences professor Noboru Nakamura says Chicago has made smart changes by implementing heat emergency plans, routine wellness checks, and cooling centers, but that "a systemic problem of a resource inequity is something that you can’t really get rid of overnight...that aspect still is a big, big, big, big unsolved problem."


The Course: A podcast of career stories as told by UChicago professors

July 7, 2023

Created by The University of Chicago Yuen Campus in Hong Kong, The Course podcast is a compilation of personal conversations with UChicago professors. Over a dozen PSD professors answer how they found their passion in the academic field, what they were like as kids, and what it takes to become a professor at The University of Chicago.
 


Laura Gagliardi awarded the 2023 Pauling Medal Award for Outstanding Achievements in Chemistry

July 7, 2023

Prof. Laura Gagliardi

University of Chicago chemist and professor Laura Gagliardi has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 Linus Pauling Medal Award for outstanding achievements in Chemistry. Gagliardi is honored for the development of groundbreaking electronic structure theories and combined classical/quantum methodologies that have accelerated the design of new materials, including reticular frameworks.
 


Twitter threatens to sue Meta over Threads platform

July 7, 2023

Ben Zhao

CS professor Ben Zhao discusses the timing of Meta's Threads launch.


Axiom’s zero-knowledge proofs might one day help detect deepfakes

July 6, 2023

Yi Sun

Assistant professor of statistics Yi Sun discusses his startup Axiom developing technology to quickly and accurately detect deepfakes on the internet.


Sixteen UChicago faculty members receive named, distinguished service professorships

July 5, 2023

Michael Franklin and Dan Nicolae

Sixteen UChicago faculty members, including PSD professors Michael Franklin and Dan Nicolae, have received distinguished service professorships or named professorships.


What’s AGI, and why are AI experts skeptical?

June 30, 2023

Allyson Ettinger

Computational linguist Allyson Ettinger explains language processing for ChatGPT in Wired


Gig drivers for Walmart say they’re forced to compete against bots for deliveries

June 30, 2023

Marshini Chetty

Computer scientist Marshini Chetty weighs in on bots taking jobs from gig workers.


In new paradox, black holes appear to evade heat death

June 30, 2023

Bill Fefferman

Computer scientist Bill Fefferman talks quantum gravity and black holes in Quanta Magazine.


Streaming with Brad: The future of lab-grown meat

June 29, 2023

Bryan Dickinson

Chemist Bryan Dickinson discusses lab-grown meat following the USDA’s approval for consumer purchase.