News: Research

2024

Voltage-sensing protein moves in unexpected ways in Anton simulations

June 5, 2024

In a computer-generated image, lipids are shown as grey spirals; their headgroups are shown as brightly colored oblong structures. These are sandwiched between layers of water molecules shown as blue dots. Amongst the water is a smattering of ions, which

Malfunction of the proteins that sense voltage changes in our nerve cells underlies a number of human diseases throughout the body. A University of Chicago team used an Anton 2 supercomputer developed by D. E. Shaw Research and hosted at PSC to simulate a voltage-sensing protein from a primitive animal to learn how the sensor part of the protein behaves.


PELICAN takes flight

June 5, 2024

The ATLAS detector at CERN

A novel algorithm that harnesses math and physics principles offers enhanced pattern recognition capabilities.


UChicago scientists invent “living bioelectronics” that can sense and heal skin

June 4, 2024

Jiuyun Shi holds a small device that integrates living cells, gel, and sensors

A flexible, adaptable, storable patch combines bacteria and sensors to interface with the body.


Atop a Chilean mountain, undergraduate students make cutting-edge astronomical observations

May 29, 2024

class at sunset

UChicago students conduct research at Magellan telescopes as part of new field course. This story is part of a series called UChicago Class Visits, spotlighting transformative classroom experiences and unique learning opportunities offered at UChicago.


Unveiling attention receipts: tangible reflections on digital consumption

May 29, 2024

Attention receipt box

PhD student Anup Sathya and Assistant Professor Ken Nakagaki introduce Attention Receipts, a tangible solution aimed at increasing awareness of digital consumption habits and navigating the complexities of technology's impact on human agency. Through this innovation, they seek to foster a culture of introspection in the digital age.


Scientists may have found the spot where our supermassive black hole “vents”

May 29, 2024

illustration of a cylindrical satellite in space with solar panel wings extending out to either side, with earth in the background

Chandra X-ray telescope reveals hot gas traveling along a “chimney” as it’s ejected.


Dickinson Lab maps RNA molecules with novel proximity labeling method

May 29, 2024

Shubhasree Pani

The Dickinson Lab introduced a proximity labeling method to map RNA molecules within cells. This technique, developed by graduate student Shubhasree Pani and Dr. Tian Qiu, enhances the understanding of RNA functions and cellular organization.


Drug targeting RNA modifications shows promise for treating neuroblastoma

May 15, 2024

Neuroblastoma cells

Researchers from the University of Chicago, including chemist Chuan He, show that a drug molecule targeting RNA modifications in neuroblastoma cells suppresses tumor growth in mice.


AI for control rooms

May 15, 2024

Illustration of a scientist pinpointing part of a galaxy through the lens of a magnifying glass

Scientists in particle physics and astrophysics, including institutions such as Fermilab, are turning to AI for help with complex tasks.


Scientists find evidence that meltwater is fracturing ice shelves in Antarctica

May 15, 2024

A pool of melting water forms atop the ice shelf

Increased temperatures from climate change cause ponds that weaken ice, expedition finds.


Inside the He Lab: Using the science of RNA to feed the world

May 15, 2024

From left: Guanqun Wang, Chuan He, and Haoxuan Li

Travel inside Prof. Chuan He’s lab and meet the scientists working on new ways to boost plant growth and drought resistance with a technique based on RNA.


NASA to launch UChicago undergraduates’ satellite

May 13, 2024

Members of the UChicago PULSE-A leadership team.

A team of UChicago undergraduates is building a communications satellite smaller than a paper towel roll that will be launched into orbit courtesy of NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative. 

PULSE-A was designed and will be built by a group of 53 University of Chicago undergraduates from the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, the Physics Department, the Computer Science Department, and the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics. 


UChicago scientists use machine learning to turn cell snapshots dynamic

May 13, 2024

cancer cells

Researchers from the University of Chicago have developed a new method to use machine learning to turn static snapshots of cells into better pictures of how cells and genes change dynamically over time.


How artificial intelligence can transform U.S. energy infrastructure

May 13, 2024

Rick Stevens

Groundbreaking report by leading energy researchers, including UChicago computer scientist Rick Stevens, provides ambitious framework for accelerating clean energy deployment while minimizing risks and costs in the face of climate change.


Szostak lab learns the dance of RNA replication process

May 13, 2024

Origins of life

The Szostak lab's latest research highlights RNA replication dynamics, revealing competition between primers and competitors that challenges assumptions about genetic fidelity. This exploration not only aids our understanding of life's origins but also holds promise for applications in gene regulation and genetic stability.