Scientists have developed a new method to accurately predict electron behavior in atoms and molecules, resolving the N-representability problem. This breakthrough enables more accurate calculations for phenomena such as combustion engine efficiency and atmospheric ozone depletion.
A new study suggests that mass extinctions permanently alter the pace of evolution, with species diversification rates shifting after catastrophes. Researchers analyzed bivalve mollusks and found that origination rates increased or decreased suddenly at mass extinction events, reflecting a permanent change in evolutionary speed.
A new study from the Cultural Policy Center at the University of Chicago reveals that many cultural facilities built during a major building boom in the US faced unexpected challenges. Successful projects were driven by both artistic mission and clear need, with strong leadership and financial flexibility being key factors.
A study at the University of Chicago shows that offering immediate rewards for good scores can dramatically improve test performance, particularly for low-performing students. Researchers found that non-financial rewards, such as trophies, were more effective for younger students than financial rewards.
The study found that large proportions of young people across racial and ethnic groups have access to the Internet and use online social media regularly. Participatory politics are an important dimension of politics, with 41% of young people engaging in at least one act during the prior 12 months.
Research at the University of Chicago finds that children who excel in spatial skills also outperform their peers in learning the number line and solving math problems. Early spatial learning has been shown to improve geometry skills and boost mathematics performance.
A new technique called TAB-Seq has enabled scientists to map the entire genome of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine sites at single-base resolution. This breakthrough has revealed new information about its patterns of distribution in human and mouse embryonic stem cells, indicating a major role in regulating gene expression and development.
Researchers found that thinking in a foreign language reduces loss aversion and asymmetry in decision-making. People are more likely to take attractive bets when considering options in a non-native tongue, as it provides a distancing mechanism that moves them from intuitive to deliberate thinking.
Researchers at the University of Chicago discovered that deaf children who express ideas in gestures different from ASL signs are ready to learn math. The team found that students with more gestural mismatches before a lesson were more likely to improve after it.
The South Pole Telescope's data analysis provides strong support for the cosmological constant as the source of dark energy, accelerating the universe's expansion. The results also place tight limits on neutrino masses, shedding light on these mysterious particles' properties.
Scientists found that conditions in the primordial solar system led to the formation of complex organic compounds, including amino acids and nucleobases. The discovery sheds light on the origins of life on Earth.
Researchers observed a split personality in dense suspensions as they formed droplets. Despite high viscosity, the particles' interactions with the liquid led to a non-viscous behavior, challenging conventional understanding of drop formation.
A recent chemical analysis of lunar material and Earth samples suggests that the moon was formed solely from the Earth, contradicting the widely held theory of a giant collision. The research found identical titanium isotopic compositions between the moon and Earth, indicating a single parentage.
Researchers at the University of Chicago experimentally demonstrate quantum criticality in ultracold atoms, a phenomenon that may connect the atomic realm to deep questions of cosmology. This breakthrough could lead to simulations of the early universe by studying systems in states of quantum criticality.
Astronomers have obtained a unique close-up look at the brightest gravitationally magnified galaxy yet discovered using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The image revealed regions of star formation glowing like bright points of light, which are much brighter than any star-formation region in our own galaxy.
A study by University of Chicago researchers found that puzzle play between ages 2 and 4 is a significant predictor of spatial skill in preschoolers. Children who played with puzzles had better spatial skills than those who did not, on tasks that assessed their ability to rotate and translate shapes.
A study of ancient graptoloid populations found that they did not rapidly develop new physical traits after a mass extinction event. Instead, the researchers suggest an evolutionary lag occurred, with limited morphological innovation continuing for approximately 2 million years.
The Kavli Institute aims to crack the puzzles of cosmological theory, including dark energy's repulsive gravity, dark matter's composition, and cosmic inflation's rapid expansion. New simulations and detectors will help scientists uncover new physics beyond current theories.
Research by Leonid Gavrilov and Natalia Gavrilova reveals that mortality rates do not flatten out above age 80, contrary to previous assumptions. The study uses accurate data from the Social Security Administration Death Master File to correct misunderstandings about the mortality rate of oldest citizens.
Researchers at the University of Chicago are developing a new computational bioresearch tool that could lead to breakthroughs in understanding cellular motion. The Center for Multiscale Theory and Simulation will focus on predicting molecular interactions using advanced simulation capabilities, including coarse-graining techniques.
A team of scientists has imaged and explained the formation of string structures in microscopic spheres suspended in a viscous fluid under shear forces. The study revealed that these strings were perpendicular to the shear force, contrary to expectations, and were influenced by lubrication forces.
A new study suggests that small modular reactors (SMRs) could play a significant role in the future of US nuclear power generation. The report concludes that SMRs would be highly advantageous for various sectors in the US, stimulating high-valued job growth and restoring US leadership in nuclear reactor technology.
Researchers found that for younger white children, language plays a dominant role in defining a person's identity, often surpassing race. In contrast, older white and African American children prioritize racial identity. This study sheds light on the development of social categorization in young children.
Preschool children who hear their parents describe objects and use those words perform better on spatial tests. The study found that learning to use a wide range of spatial words predicts later spatial thinking, which is important in mathematics, science, and technology.
Researchers found a strong connection between math success and activity in brain areas involved in controlling attention and regulating negative emotional reactions. Students who could focus their attention were able to complete difficult math problems more successfully.
A new study found that low-income women with children who move from high-poverty to lower-poverty neighborhoods experience notable improvements in their health, including reductions in diabetes and extreme obesity. The study suggests that environments in low-income neighborhoods can contribute to poor health.
A team of researchers has discovered a pervasive human RNA modification that contributes to obesity and type II diabetes. The study shows that this modification process, called methylation, impacts protein expression and function through its action on a common RNA base: adenosine.
Researchers at University of Chicago and Tel Aviv University found a connection between coupled pendulums and compressed elastic films, which concentrate energy into discrete packets called solitons. Solitons are also found in other realms, such as telecommunications, where they travel through optical fibers.
Public attitudes toward gays and lesbians are changing to reflect greater acceptance, with younger generations at the forefront. A significant trend toward greater tolerance regarding homosexuality has emerged, particularly in support for same-sex marriage.
Researchers found that penguins can distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar odors, using smell to guide behavior and avoid kin recognition. This study provides important insights into bird social recognition and has potential applications for conservation and breeding programs.
The Great Recession's lingering effects on children of unemployed parents can be seen in lower academic achievement, increased problem behavior in classrooms, and more suspensions. Research by the University of Chicago found that maternal job loss is associated with a 40% increase in problem behavior among young children.
The survey found increased tolerance for non-majority viewpoints, but a lingering reluctance to extend freedoms to Muslim extremists. Education and changing attitudes across generations have driven this trend, with younger generations less threatened by certain groups than their parents.
Research shows that a student's perspective can determine success or failure in school. For students with low working memories, there is little difference in performance related to cortisol production or math anxiety. In contrast, for students with high working memories, a positive outlook can lead to better performance under stress.
Researchers found a connection between erectile dysfunction and social networks shared by heterosexual men and their partners. Partner betweenness, where a male partner has weaker relationships with his confidants than his female partner, is linked to increased risk of ED.
A new project led by University of Chicago researcher Jean Decety will use fMRI technology to examine the neural circuitry of criminal psychopaths in prisons. The research aims to identify the brain networks necessary for empathy and develop targeted therapies.
The Chicago Innovation Mentors (CIM) has received a $60,000 grant from the Chicago Biomedical Consortium to improve its operations and increase efficiency. The program, which cultivates university technology commercialization, now has nearly 60 mentors and 20 mentoring projects underway.
Research at the University of Chicago found that preschool children grasp counting only if they understand the value of groups greater than three. Children who are exposed to higher number words acquire an understanding of the cardinal principle before those with limited exposure.
The CoGeNT experiment has detected a seasonal signal variation in its data, consistent with the predictions of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs). The team is cautious, as the signal could be due to random fluctuations or experimental errors.
As people age, their brain responses to morally laden scenarios change, with adults showing reduced punishment for accidental harm and increased empathy. Young children's brains are more activated by emotional responses, but gradually develop cognitive processes that improve moral judgments.
A new study published in Nature suggests Mars developed rapidly into a small planet due to its rapid formation. Scientists used the radioactive decay of hafnium to tungsten in meteorites as a chronometer and found that Mars likely didn't collide with other embryos to form an Earth-like planet.
The University of Chicago's Flash Center has released a new version of supercomputer code, FLASH 4-alpha, with enhanced capabilities for simulating high-energy density physics experiments. This will enable researchers at universities and national facilities to investigate fundamental properties of matter under extreme conditions.
Researchers found that infants' brains develop the ability to determine light and dark cycles independently of visual stimuli. The study suggests that this innate ability is a hard-wired feature of development, allowing animals to synchronize their circadian rhythms with daily changes in light exposure.
Scientists studying hot springs in Siberia have found that exotic bacteria produce and consume carbon monoxide, a surprising twist that challenges previous theories about the evolution of Earth's atmosphere. The discovery has implications for understanding the Great Oxidation Event and the early history of our planet.
For the first time since 1972, more Americans say their financial situation has gotten worse. This decline is attributed to economic uncertainty and personal finances. Meanwhile, marital happiness increased, and Americans remain satisfied with their work.
A study by Joshua H. Miller analyzed the bones of Yellowstone's wildlife to understand population changes over time. The research found that native species populations have remained relatively stable, while others have expanded or contracted significantly.
A recent survey by NORC at the University of Chicago found that Americans prioritize education as the top spending category, followed by healthcare. The study, which analyzed data from 2010, also showed a decline in support for increased spending in some categories, despite the economic downturn.
The 'Teaching the Middle East' online resource provides comprehensive and objective teaching materials on topics ranging from prehistory to modern states. It features articles written by University of Chicago faculty, lesson plans, and links to additional resources, aiming to dispel stereotypes and promote understanding.
Researchers study Ohio STEM Learning Network's implementation, spread, and sustainability to understand how networks produce gains and apply innovative approaches to education. The study aims to identify effective components of networking needed to establish STEM schools and explore how these innovations are translated locally.
Cost-effectiveness research is crucial in developing new medical technology to control healthcare costs while maximizing health outcomes. The effects of science and technology on healthcare costs depend on policy context, with current policies resisting the use of cost-effectiveness methods, leading to rising healthcare expenses.
A new multi-institutional center will develop tools to help governments, businesses, and individuals make informed decisions on climate and energy policies. The Center will utilize a new modeling framework, CIM-EARTH, to provide insights to policymakers and promote open science.