News: Faculty

2020

In new step toward quantum tech, scientists synthesize ‘bright’ quantum bits

November 17, 2020

In new step toward quantum tech, scientists synthesize ‘bright’ quantum bits


A search for supersymmetric particles in the ATLAS detector at CERN

November 17, 2020

UChicago researcher Lesya Horyn inside of the ATLAS detector.

Supersymmetry is a proposed theory to expand the Standard Model of particle physics. Akin to the periodic table of elements, the Standard Model is the best description we have for subatomic particles in nature and the forces acting on them. But physicists know this model is incomplete—it doesn’t make room for gravity or dark matter, for example. Supersymmetry aims to complete the picture by pairing each Standard Model particle with a supersymmetric partner, opening up a new class of hypothetical particles to detect and discover. In a new study, UChicago physicists have uncovered limitations for what properties these superpartners, if they exist, could have.
 


Glaciologist Doug MacAyeal comments on iceberg headed for sub-antarctic island

November 16, 2020

Glaciologist Doug MacAyeal comments on an iceberg headed for sub-antarctic island, threatens wildlife


Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks at UChicago event about impact of quantum research

November 16, 2020

Prof. Juan de Pablo on the left, Gov. JB Pritzker on the right, in a Zoom conversation as part of the Chicago Quantum Exchange Summit.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks at UChicago event about impact of quantum research


Carl-Gustaf Rossby, first director of UChicago Institute of Meteorology, changed weather research from a descriptive to a predictive science

November 13, 2020

Historic photo of two men releasing an early radiosonde—a balloon-borne instrument for taking atmospheric measurements

Carl-Gustaf Rossby, first director of UChicago Institute of Meteorology, changed weather research from a descriptive to a predictive science


Meteorologist Tetsuya Theodore Fujita (1920–1998) led a tempestuous career

November 12, 2020

Singing for the pine trees are stormy winds. Meteorologist Tetsuya Theodore Fujita (1920–1998) led a tempestuous career


Computer Science HandMorph Project uses tech to simulate children’s experience

November 4, 2020

wearable exoskeleton on a hand holding an orange demonstrating a new wearable tech device simulating a child's grasp

A new grasp on empathy: Computer Science HandMorph Project uses tech to simulate children’s experience.


Building better robot teammates

October 28, 2020

Sarah Sebo

Sarah Sebo, who joined UChicago CS this fall as an assistant professor, sees a brighter future where robots productively team up with humans in all lines of work, helping humans understand themselves a little better along the way. Sebo’s research focuses on human-robot interaction, a subset of the human-computer interaction field.


For the first time, scientists demonstrate self-repair mechanism in cells

October 27, 2020

woman sits at microscope. images on screen are pink and purple

In an innovative new study published Sept. 28 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, UChicago researchers demonstrated how a protein detects forces inside the cell and initiates a repair.


How one scientist reshaped what we know about tornadoes

October 23, 2020

University of Chicago Professor Tetsuya

UChicago Prof. Tetsuya Theodore "Ted" Fujita shaped the field of meteorology in the 20th century. His scale for classifying the strength of a tornado is still used today (F scale), half a century after its introduction; he made pioneering contributions to our understanding of tornadoes as well as to the use of satellites; and he is responsible for saving hundreds of thousands of lives through the discovery of microbursts—a breakthrough that helped transform airline safety.


The scientists who are hoping for a supernova

October 19, 2020

Supernova

The scientists who are hoping for a supernova: If star on Orion’s shoulder goes supernova, Fermilab experiment will collect data bonanza


Researchers discover how a small molecule is the key to HIV forming capsules

October 19, 2020

HIV Capsid microscope imagery

Researchers discover how a small molecule is the key to HIV forming capsules


Prof. Guangbin Dong awarded Tetrahedron Young Investigator Award

October 14, 2020

Guangbin Dong

Guangbin Dong awarded Tetrahedron Young Investigator Award


Prof. Greg Voth awarded 2021 Biophysical Society Innovation Award

October 14, 2020

Greg Voth

Prof. Greg Voth awarded 2021 Biophysical Society Innovation Award recognizing his theoretical and computational contributions to complex biological problems


James Truran awarded 2021 Hans Bethe Prize

October 13, 2020

James Truran

Astronomy and astrophysics professor James Truran has been awarded the 2021 Hans Bethe Prize for distinguished contributions across the breadth of nuclear astrophysics, galactic chemical evolution and cosmochronology