2026
This soft and bendy hologram fan is touch friendly, and also *checks notes* can be used to prevent chemical burns
June 8, 2026
Called the BloomBeacon, the project features two soft and flexible blades for the purposes of creating a touchable holographic display.
Superconducting diamond reveals a hidden three-phase order
June 8, 2026
Inside a structurally perfect diamond crystal, physicists uncovered an electronic patchwork no instrument could have predicted, and it may change what quantum chips are made of.
Discussing the impact of data centers on the environment and economy
June 8, 2026
The AI boom is driving an unprecedented expansion of data centers. At the same time, tech companies are facing questions over their impact on the environment and economy. To answer those questions and more KCBS Radio News Anchor Steve Scott spoke with Andrew Chien, professor of computer science at The University of Chicago.
Second-year Zilin Xiang wins inaugural CSEI student essay contest
June 8, 2026
CSEi’s first essay contest sparks undergraduate engagement on sunlight reflection methods (SRM), awarding $7,000 in prizes.
Quantum technology, explained: A big brains live event
June 8, 2026
UChicago scientists demystify quantum, separate hype from reality, and explore potential applications—from cybersecurity to medical sensors to computers
Many planets might be ‘soot factories’, according to new study
June 8, 2026
Analysis by UChicago scientists suggests 'mini-Neptune' exoplanets may have smoggy atmospheres with similar chemistry as diesel exhaust.
Advancing community-centered data science: five years of partnership
June 8, 2026
The University of Chicago’s Data Science Institute (DSI) recently celebrated five years of community-centered data science in partnership with The 11th Hour Project, the primary grantmaking arm of The Schmidt Family Foundation. The event highlighted the impact of this partnership both globally and locally in Chicago through talks on research collaboration, open source tool development, and student-led projects spanning human rights, food systems, ocean health, climate solutions, and civic technology.
Are students hiding their AI use? The social stigma behind AI use in the classroom
June 8, 2026
New research by Assistant Professor Alex Kale and collaborators Yier Ling and Alex Imas finds that social desirability bias may lead students to underreport how often they use AI due to shame and peer pressure.
PSD faculty earn NSF CAREER Awards
June 2, 2026
Congratulations to the PSD faculty members who have received NSF CAREER Awards. According to the NSF, the prestigious CAREER award supports early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization.
Scientists catalog the ‘fractal dimensions’ of more than 130,000 islands
June 1, 2026
The “coastline paradox” helped to define fractals, but coastlines themselves turn out to be less fractal than thought. Study led by CCAM PhD student Matthew Oline.
UChicago researchers develop Quicksilver, browser extension to identify AI music
June 1, 2026
A new internet tool developed with the help of the University of Chicago is making it possible for music listeners to identify songs that were created using artificial intelligence.
Why the intrinsic quantum effects of axion dark matter are completely undetectable
June 1, 2026
Dark matter is an elusive form of matter that almost never emits, absorbs, or reflects light, while only weakly interacting with regular matter. These properties make it very difficult to detect using conventional experimental techniques and instruments.
Quantum Architecture, QAOA, and Cancer Biomarkers | Fred Chong
June 1, 2026
Are quantum computers changing the way we discover cancer treatments?
In this episode of the podcast 632nm, Fred Chong discusses the future of quantum computer architecture and how quantum algorithms could eventually help solve real-world problems in medicine, optimization, and scientific computing.
“Designer” superconducting diamond: researchers uncover path to multi-modality quantum chips
June 1, 2026
Discovering the physical principles of superconductivity in diamond opens the door for scientists to use it in new quantum technologies.
Bridging the gap: OpenAI’s James Hairston brings the intelligence age to UChicago
June 1, 2026
On April 16, the University of Chicago’s Data Science Institute and Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation welcomed James Hairston, former Meta executive and current head of global innovation policy at OpenAI, for a lunch and learn that gave students a window into one of the companies shaping the future of technology.