News: 2020

November

Scientists in the Galli Group uncover secrets to designing brain-like devices

November 19, 2020

Scientists in the Galli Group uncover secrets to designing brain-like devices


Mineral physicist Andrew Campbell on how we know what is deep inside the Earth

November 18, 2020

Illustration of Earth split in half revealing crust, mantle, and core

Mineral physicist Andrew Campbell on how we know what is deep inside the Earth


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


Globus celebrates 10 years of connecting the research universe

November 16, 2020

100 billion files later, Globus celebrates ten years of connecting the research universe


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


Chicago Quantum Exchange welcomes six new partners, including company founded by UChicago CS Alum

November 13, 2020

A Hamamatsu Photonics scientist tests optical equipment in the company’s Central Research laboratory.

The Chicago Quantum Exchange, a growing intellectual hub for the research and development of quantum technology, has added to its community six new partners in technology, finance, manufacturing, and consulting that are working to bring about and primed to take advantage of the coming quantum revolution. New corporate partners are Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS), Hamamatsu Photonics, Protiviti, Quantum Machines, and Super.tech, a company founded by a recent UChicago CS graduate, Pranav Gokhale.


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


UChicago scientists turn IBM computer into a quantum material

November 12, 2020

Gold quantum IBM computing device

UChicago scientists turn IBM computer into a quantum material


First inaugural PSD Staff Awards honors five members for dedication and hard work

November 11, 2020

Zoom gathering, images of faces

On Tuesday, November 10, 79 members of the University of Chicago Physical Sciences Division attended the first inaugural PSD Staff Awards. Alex Filatov, Carla Strickland, Sarah Lippert, Anne Collard, and Melinda Moore were recognized.


Meet geophysical sciences student, Andy Heard

November 6, 2020

Andrew Heard

Meet geophysical sciences student, Andy Heard, who studies geochemistry and uses precise measurements of iron isotope ratios in sedimentary rocks to learn about the history of oxygen on the ancient Earth.


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.


October

Chicago Quantum Summit to foster national center collaborations, build quantum economy

October 30, 2020

blue glowing orb against dark background

Quantum technology experts from around the country will convene virtually on November 11-13 to forge new partnerships amid an exciting year for quantum research. This year, the three-day virtual Summit will include presentations and discussions that focus on building collaborations between large-scale quantum research centers, companies, and innovators; fostering a quantum economic ecosystem and growing the quantum startup community; and developing a quantum-ready workforce. It will also include a public event on Nov. 12, featuring a presentation by Scott Aaronson, the David J. Bruton Centennial Professor of Computer Science at The University of Texas at Austin; and a fireside chat with Aaronson and David Awschalom, the director of the Chicago Quantum Exchange.