News: 2024

October

New neutrino detector finally in operation, and it could break physics as we know it

October 6, 2024

The SBND detector system

In a major breakthrough, scientists have spotted elusive neutrinos for the first time using the Short-Baseline Near Detector (SBND) at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab). UChicago Prof. David Schmitz commented on the significant impact of this research.


DSI launches three new research initiatives

October 6, 2024

Photo of DSI conference

In an effort to further pursue interdisciplinary research, the DSI announced three new exciting initiatives: AI for Climate (AICE), Data Ecology, and Complementary AI. Read more about the vision and objectives of each of these initiatives.
 


UChicago researchers demonstrate the quantifiable uniqueness of former president Donald Trump’s language use

October 6, 2024

Photo of Donald Trump with words across his portrait

In a new paper, researchers from the Departments of Computer Science and Political Science and the Harris School of Public Policy collaborated to show how Trump’s use of language is truly distinctive.


Dark energy, explained

October 6, 2024

Image of galaxies

In this new edition of the Explainer Series, learn about dark energy and how UChicago scholars have pioneered research in this field, starting with UChicago astrophysicist Michael Turner, who coined the term in 1998, all the way to current groundbreaking research.


Silicon Valley renegades pollute the sky to save the planet

October 3, 2024

Icon of cloud

Entrepreneurs are exploring the potential of using pollutants to combat climate change. In response, scientists are expanding research into stratospheric solar geoengineering, with UChicago recently launching an ambitious new program.


Building the quantum economy — Chicago style

October 2, 2024

Icon of Chicago Sears Tower

Among the projects seeking to expand the reach of quantum technology research, the Chicago Quantum Exchange stands out. In this interview, UChicago's David Awschalom, founding director of the Chicago Quantum Exchange, talks about the origins of this project and its ambitions to position Chicago at the forefront of quantum technology.


‘Weird’ ancient galaxy discovered by James Webb Space Telescope

October 2, 2024

Astronomy animated icon

A new study co-authored by UChicago Assistant Prof. Harley Katz uncovered a galaxy from the early universe where gas may shine brighter than its stars. Using the James Webb Space Telescope, scientists found that this galaxy may help explain how the first stars and galaxies formed.


‘Spooky action at a distance’ observed in quarks for the first time

October 2, 2024

The ATLAS detector

Physicists at CERN report the first observations of quantum entanglement in quarks. A key contributor to this discovery was UChicago physicist Yoav Afik, who helped develop a method to measure entanglement in top quarks.


September

Data Ecology: A socio-technical approach to controlling dataflows

September 26, 2024

Portrait of Prof. Castro and Prof. Fahey

Computer Science Asst. Prof. Raul Castro Fernandez and Law School Asst. Prof. Bridget Fahey are developing a new field of cross-disciplinary study on what they call “data ecology.”


AI-generated content could be easier to identify under new state law aimed at spotting fakes

September 26, 2024

Image of AI technology

A state law in California will require companies to develop technology by 2026 to distinguish between real images and AI-generated fakes. UChicago Assistant Professor Aloni Cohen, an expert in AI watermarking, comments on the feasibility of these technologies.


Prof. Feamster puts network performance under the microscope

September 26, 2024

Animated icon of a computer

In this podcast episode, UChicago Professor Nick Feamster discusses how his teams at the Internet Equity Initiative and NetMicroscope are using data analytics to provide insight into regional network performance, application quality, and how to improve network automation.


Can we engineer our way out of the climate crisis? U. of C. hopes to find out.

September 26, 2024

Portrait of Prof. David Keith

UChicago continues to position itself as a leader in the emerging field of geoengineering. Prof. David Keith leads the university's climate engineering program, seeking to understand how geoengineering can be used to cool down the planet. This initiative continues to recruit a wide range of researchers committed to the cause of fighting global warming.


PSD Spotlight: Jasna Jackson

September 24, 2024

Jasna Jackson

Originally from Bosnia, Jasna Jackson joined the PSD as Assistant Dean for Budgeting and Financial Planning in July 2024. Before joining the PSD, she served as Director of Budget and Financial Planning and Analysis in UChicago’s Office of Finance and Administration. We interviewed Jasna about her interests and experiences.
 


The Goldilocks zone of cobalt reactivity: navigating the balance of stability and reactivity in cobalt oxides

September 24, 2024

Icon of microscope

Looking for more sustainable energy solutions, scientists are examining the promising role that cobalt oxides can play in innovative technologies; however, utilizing their potential poses a challenge for researchers. New research from John Anderson's laboratory tackles this complexity by successfully stabilizing a molecule with two cobalt centers.


A scientific polymath paves her own path to intellectual freedom

September 24, 2024

Portrait of Prof. Palmer

Prof. Stephanie Palmer, whose work blends biology, physics, math, and computer science, is one of six new Schmidt Science Polymaths, a program to support creative, multidisciplinary researchers.