News: 2025

August

Diamond biosensors detect 49 biomolecules for faster diagnostics

August 29, 2025

Chemical chain of elements.

UChicago team develops diamond biosensor detecting 49 biomolecules at once, paving the way for faster, scalable medical diagnostics.


Can red dwarf planets support life? Webb investigates TRAPPIST-1

August 29, 2025

Photo of a black object in front of a large red dwarf.

UChicago & Montréal researchers using NASA’s Webb find TRAPPIST-1 d lacks an Earth-like atmosphere, ruling it out as a potential twin.


Sunlight-powered flyers could unlock secrets of Earth’s atmosphere

August 29, 2025

Example of how photophoresis works in the atmosphere as a propulsion mechanism.

UChicago and Harvard scientists design sunlight-powered flyers that can levitate into the mesosphere using photophoresis, opening new ways to study climate and weather.


3D-printed electronics can dissolve in water for quick recycling

August 29, 2025

Prototype electronics can be made from a polymer that dissolves in water when it is time for recycling.

Electronic devices that dissolve in water could make it easier to create and recycle technology prototypes—and they could even inspire more sustainable commercial devices.


Self-assembling nanoparticles at room temp could transform drug delivery

August 25, 2025

Researchers designed nanoparticles that can self-assemble at room temperature and deliver RNA (green) to living cells (nuclei shown in blue), offering a new pathway to vaccine and biologic drug design.

Stuart Rowan and other researchers developed self-assembling nanoparticles that deliver RNA and proteins at room temperature, offering a simple, scalable solution for drug delivery.


Ultra-metal-poor star discovered in Milky Way’s halo

August 25, 2025

On-sky location of GDR3_526285, Small Magellanic Cloud, and Large Magellanic Cloud in Galactic coordinates.

Astronomers discovered an ultra-metal-poor star, GDR3_526285, in the Milky Way's halo, offering insights into the early universe and star formation.


The Webb telescope’s look at an Earth-size alien planet was bleak

August 25, 2025

Scientists did not find a robust atmosphere around TRAPPIST-1d, an Earth-size exoplanet many hoped would show signs of having air.

The James Webb Space Telescope found no atmosphere around the Earth-sized exoplanet TRAPPIST-1d, casting doubt on its habitability and further dimming hopes for the TRAPPIST-1 system's potential to support life.


Harvard team builds sunlight-powered flyers to explore Earth’s upper atmosphere

August 25, 2025

Artist depiction of disc-like devices in mesosphere.

David Keith and a Harvard team creates sunlight-powered flyers to study the mesosphere, offering new insights for climate science and future planetary exploration.


Magnetic field mapping in Sagittarius C reveals new clues to Milky Way core dynamics

August 25, 2025

Swirling red lines around a central black point.

SOFIA data maps Sagittarius C’s magnetic fields, revealing how star winds shape gas, filaments, and dynamics at the Milky Way’s turbulent core.


The third rock from another sun shows no signs of life so far

August 25, 2025

An artist’s concept of the exoplanet passing in front of its red dwarf star, which could be too volatile to allow for organic life.

James Webb finds no Earth-like atmosphere on TRAPPIST-1 d, dimming hopes for life in the nearby seven-planet system 40 light-years away.


Why this universe podcast: Shining the light on black holes

August 25, 2025

Photo of starry sky.

UChicago's Why This Universe podcast breaks down big physics ideas, such as dark matter, black holes, and quantum mechanics, making complex science engaging for all.


How AI poisoning is fighting bots that hoover data without permission

August 25, 2025

Image depicting various hand gestures, animals, and eyes.

AI bots now dominate web traffic, prompting creators to “poison” data to block scrapers, though the same tactic could fuel misinformation.


NASA records 13-billion-year signal — Dawn’s whisper captured on Earth

August 25, 2025

Image of 3 bright white and blue lights against a dark blue background.

NASA detects a faint 13-billion-year-old polarized light signal from the universe’s first stars, revealing clues about the cosmic dawn.


Yerkes Observatory gains full ownership of iconic glass plates

August 25, 2025

Picture of an observatory on a mountain.

Yerkes Observatory now owns 180,000 historic glass plates, century-old starlight records set for digitization, research, and public access.


New Simons collaboration explores black holes and strong gravity

August 25, 2025

An illustration of a black hole.

Daniel Holz, professor in the Departments of Astronomy and Astrophysics and Physics, serves as a PI on a research project that explores the physics of strong gravity.