2024
For how much longer can life continue on this troubled planet?
November 9, 2024

For a while, a range of events in the distant future of the universe have been accepted with varying degrees of certainty. In a new study, UChicago researchers have proposed a crucial update to the universe's timeline.
How AI protein structure prediction and design won the Nobel prize
November 9, 2024

David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John Jumper won this year’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Jumper attended grad school at UChicago, where he worked alongside biochemist Tobin Sosnick and theoretical chemist Karl Freed.
‘Quantum CD’ could hold up to 1,000 times more data than today’s optical disks
November 9, 2024

A new study, co-authored by Prof. Giulia Galli, explores how the properties of quantum mechanics might help develop a new type of data storage device.
New device ‘zaps’ bacteria on the skin, potentially preventing infections
November 9, 2024

Early experiments suggest a patch that delivers harmless electric currents into the skin can thwart certain bacterial infections. UChicago Prof. Bozhi Tian who co-authored this new study, comments on the possibilities opened up by this work and next steps for the research.
At TED AI 2024, experts grapple with AI’s growing pains
November 9, 2024

TED AI 2024 featured a wide range of distinguished speakers who spoke on the impact of AI on science, art, and our society. UChicago Professor Ben Zhao, who is also a leader in the Glaze and Nightshade projects, spoke on the consequences AI is having in the art world and art education.
Award-winning, Distinguished Scientist Marcela Carena appointed new Executive Director of Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics
November 4, 2024

Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (“Perimeter”) today announced the appointment of Marcela Carena as its new Executive Director. Carena succeeds Robert Myers, who recently completed his five-year term.
UChicago scientist develops paradigm to predict behavior of atmospheric rivers
November 4, 2024

Study by Asst. Prof. Da Yang provides powerful framework that sheds light on key processes driving extreme weather patterns.
A curious gift brings balance to Jones
October 30, 2024

On October 28, a Hungarian diplomat delivered a curious mathematical object to its new permanent home at the University of Chicago: a convex three-dimensional metal sculpture called a Gömböc.
UChicago researchers use new method of finding atmospheres in distant planets
October 23, 2024

UChicago astronomers have tested a simpler, and more accurate way to determine whether or not exoplanets have atmospheres, a leap in learning more about the potential habitability of far-away planets.
UChicago scientists create molecules that can ‘turn off’ cancer growth in mice
October 23, 2024

A study from the UChicago showed a new way to target previously “undruggable” proteins involved in cancer by building a new kind of synthetic molecule. These results are encouraging and will further exploration into new methods to fight diseases.
The long and strange lives of Enrico Fermi’s accelerator building at UChicago
October 23, 2024

The University of Chicago Accelerator Building was home to a particle accelerator that for a decade made landmark contributions to the field of particle physics. However, decades after it was decommissioned, the high bay built to house it was used for everything from building telescopes to extracting dinosaur bones. Learn more about the history of this innovation hub.
South Side Science Festival offers up scientific fun and inspiration for all ages, draws 4,500 local attendees to UChicago’s campus at third annual event
October 23, 2024

At the third annual South Side Science Festival, visitors of all ages were able to participate and observe fun and accessible science experiments: from opportunities to control robots and 3D printers to panels on health trends and AI to a paper airplane design contest and explosive liquid nitrogen demonstrations.
UChicago to discuss climate and energy, launch new institute at Oct. 30 event
October 23, 2024

On Oct. 30, UChicago will welcome world-leading scholars and leaders from industry and government to discuss climate and energy policy and research—culminating with the official launch of a groundbreaking new climate and energy institute at UChicago.
Control the path and power of hurricanes like Milton? Forget it, scientists say
October 23, 2024

In light of the devastating effects of hurricane Milton, scientists are discussing the possibilities and limitations of scientific responses to climate change. UChicago Prof. David Keith, faculty director of the Climate Systems Engineering Initiative, comments on the potential benefits of geoengineering.
The discovery of tools key to machine learning wins the 2024 physics Nobel
October 23, 2024

The 2024 Nobel Prize in physics was awarded to scientists John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton for their discoveries and contributions to the field of machine learning. In this article, UChicago Prof. Rebecca Willett comments on the importance of these scientists' work for the development of AI and neural networks.