A novel approach has been proposed to facilitate collaboration between human researchers and AI in self-driving labs. The AI advisor model enables humans to make real-time decisions while leveraging AI's data-processing prowess.
Researchers at University of Chicago have developed a new technique for synthesizing MXene materials, enabling faster and more efficient production at a fraction of the cost. The new method uses chemical vapor deposition to create MXenes with remarkable properties.
The discovery of PSR J2322-2650b, a Jupiter-mass exoplanet orbiting a rapidly spinning neutron star, challenges our understanding of planet formation. The exoplanet's atmosphere is dominated by molecular carbon and exhibits a unique helium-carbon composition.
Researchers have uncovered root causes of battery failure, including nanoscopic strains that lead to cracking. The study identifies distinct mechanical failure modes and composition requirements for single-crystal cathodes.
Researchers developed a new computational approach to unite two long-divided scientific perspectives in understanding materials. The method reveals how transport properties emerge from quantum effects in materials, correctly modeling challenging test cases such as hydrogen chains and p–n junctions.
Fermilab appoints Norbert Holtkamp as its new director, bringing extensive scientific expertise to lead the lab's ambitious projects, including LBNF-DUNE. Holtkamp has managed large-scale scientific projects globally, ensuring the success of critical experiments and inspiring the next generation of researchers.
Researchers from the University of Chicago have developed a high-throughput computational strategy to find ideal 2D materials and substrates for qubits. They discovered 189 materials that could potentially support coherence times longer than those of diamond, including WS2 and Au-oxyselenides.
Researchers used engineering simulations to test the anatomy of a 250-million-year-old mammal and found that it likely had an eardrum large enough to hear airborne sound effectively. The study's findings challenge previous hypotheses on how early mammals heard, providing new insights into their evolution.
Astrophysicists from UChicago analyzed galaxy shapes and distances to independently examine inconsistencies in the LCDM model. The team's findings support previous weak lensing measurements, indicating consistent growth of structure in the universe.
Quantum technologies have accelerated out of the lab and into the real world, with six leading platforms compared for technology-readiness. The field stands at a turning point, similar to the early computing age, where foundational physics concepts are established but system-level demonstrations must be substantially improved and scaled.
Researchers found that cells take all pre-existing messenger RNAs and shoves them into condensates when stress occurs, regardless of their length. In stressed conditions, newly synthesized mRNAs are excluded from the condensates, suggesting a timing-dependent mechanism for RNA storage.
A UChicago team has developed innovative materials to create flexible OLED screens that can be used in a variety of applications, including wearables and medical devices. The new materials overcome the challenges of making aluminum stretchable and improve electron mobility.
Researchers used quantum mechanical simulations to study the interaction of light with ice, revealing new insights into its chemical properties. The findings have implications for understanding the release of greenhouse gases from thawing permafrost and improving predictions of climate change.
A new study reveals how the GRP94 protein shields itself during formation and suggests a way to target it for future disease treatments. The research uses cryogenic electron microscopy to capture images of the protein's interactions with other molecules, shedding light on its role in glycosylation.
A new report reveals rapid growth in K–12 data science education across the US, highlighting key findings on equitable access to high-quality data science skills. Data Science 4 Everyone advocates for innovation in education, ensuring all students are equipped with critical skills for success.
Researchers developed a distributed carbon nanofiber direct air capture filter that can turn every home, office, school or other building into a small carbon-capture system. The new filter is 92.1% efficient in removing carbon dioxide from the air, equivalent to taking 130 million cars off the road for a year.
Researchers used single particle spectroscopy to study how cyanobacteria protect themselves from too much sunlight. They found that a shared mechanism, called the orange carotenoid protein, binds to distinct but specific sites in different phycobilisome architectures, providing similar protection.
The inaugural Margot and Tom Pritzker Prize for AI in Science Research Excellence recognizes outstanding contributions to the intersection of artificial intelligence and scientific research. Winners Kyle Cranmer and Deborah Marks were honored for their pioneering work in simulation-based inference and language modeling methods.
Researchers developed a new method to build rare-earth doped crystals, increasing quantum coherence times and enabling long-distance connections. This breakthrough brings the potential for a global-scale quantum internet closer than ever.
Researchers at UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering developed a fully automated system to optimize physical vapor deposition, a process used to make thin films. The self-driving lab uses robotics and artificial intelligence to decide the next best step without human intervention.
Researchers developed a landmark model predicting 14 complications in diabetes patients over 15 years, showing early treatment makes a difference. The Multiethnic Type 2 Diabetes Outcomes Model for the U.S. (DOMUS) uses real-world patient data from Kaiser Permanente.
A new AI model has successfully identified four battery electrolytes that rival state-of-the-art electrolytes in performance, starting with a minimal dataset of 58 data points. The team used an active learning approach, incorporating experiments as outputs to refine the model's predictions and verify the findings.
Scientists discovered queuine and preQ1, produced by gut bacteria, regulate protein synthesis in human cells. These bacterial metabolites promote cell growth and halt it, respectively. The study suggests using diet or microbiome composition to balance cell growth in cancer and prevent autoimmune diseases.
Dr. Anna Wuttig, a UChicago chemist, receives the award for her innovative work on electrocatalysis for energy storage and conversion, as well as medicinal chemistry. Her lab develops new concepts that integrate physical and synthetic inorganic and organic chemistry to enhance catalytic reactions.
Researchers have developed a new nanomaterial solution that improves the efficiency of existing lasers in removing kidney stones, reducing damage to surrounding tissue and potentially shortening surgeries. The solution involves adding dark nanoparticles to saline, which absorbs laser wavelengths and keeps the laser focused on the stone.
Researchers identified a gene mutation in CPD associated with rare congenital hearing loss, which disrupts the inner ear's sensory cells. Two potential approaches were found to improve cell survival and reduce hearing loss: arginine supplements and sildenafil.
The Globus Striped GridFTP framework, introduced in 2005, has had a lasting influence on research and practice in high-performance computing. The paper's techniques have improved data transfer speeds and security, enabling scientists to fully utilize the bandwidth of high-speed research networks.
Researchers at UChicago study the doublesex supergene in swallowtail butterflies, discovering a single genetic switch that controls wing patterns through cis-regulatory elements. The study sheds light on how butterflies develop complex traits and explores the evolution of supergenes.
The development of molecular qubits that operate at telecom frequencies enables the creation of ultra-secure communication channels and precise sensing capabilities. These tiny molecules can be integrated into chips and used for computing, communication, or sensing, paving the way for compact quantum devices.
Researchers developed a portable test to detect miniscule levels of PFAS in water, with the potential to distinguish between different types of contaminants. The new sensor can measure PFAS present at 250 parts per quadrillion, giving utility in monitoring drinking water for toxic chemicals.
The U.S. National Science Foundation and UKRI are investing in eight joint research projects tackling underexplored areas in science. The partnership aims to create new molecular-based qubits for quantum computing, ultra-precise navigation and secure communications.
Researchers from the University of Chicago have achieved deterministic phase control of phonons, tiny mechanical vibrations that can be used to transmit data. This breakthrough could give sound an edge over light in building tomorrow's quantum computers.
A Chicago Quantum Exchange-led coalition, Quantum Connected, has advanced to the final stage of the National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines program. The coalition aims to build critically needed quantum-based cyber security and could receive up to $160 million over 10 years.
Researchers have developed a new technique to create all-solid-state sodium batteries that retain performance down to subzero temperatures. The breakthrough uses metastable sodium hydridoborate, which has high ionic conductivity, allowing for thick cathodes and improved energy density.
Researchers Josh Frieman and Anowar Shajib found that physics-based models for evolving dark energy better explain current data than the standard model. The data suggests that dark energy density has decreased by about 10% over the last several billion years, changing the cosmic expansion history.
Researchers developed a new tool that combines electronic structure theories and machine learning to simulate transition metal catalytic dynamics. The Weighted Active Space Protocol (WASP) delivers dramatic speedups, enabling simulations of catalysts under realistic conditions.
A new study from the University of Chicago found that children experience less anxiety when reading aloud to a robot than to a human adult. The robot's calming influence helped children feel more comfortable making mistakes, creating a more encouraging environment for building their reading skills. While there were no substantial diffe...
Researchers at the University of Chicago created an unprecedented approach to urban development using high-resolution data. The analysis shows that cities with better infrastructure have better developmental outcomes, and that improving access can improve residents' well-being beyond just physical needs.
Researchers have designed protein qubits that can be produced by cells naturally, opening possibilities for precision measurements of tissues, single cells, or even individual molecules. These protein-based qubits can detect signals thousands of times stronger than existing quantum sensors.
Researchers at the University of Chicago discovered that random fluctuations in gene expression enable certain cells to express genes from other tissues, promoting immune system training and tissue repair. This 'epigenetic noise' can also contribute to cancer development by allowing cancer cells to access a broader range of genes.
Researchers measured magnetic field of Sagittarius C, a region in the Central Molecular Zone, to understand interaction between dense clouds, star formation, and strong magnetic field. The study found that the magnetic field wraps around an expanding central bubble of hot, ionized gas created by massive young stars.
Scientists at UChicago Pritzker Molecular Engineering have developed polymer-based nanoparticles that self-assemble at room temperature in water, enabling stable delivery of proteins and RNA. These versatile particles can be used to carry various biologic drugs, including vaccines, with high efficiency and scalability.
Scientists reconstructed the brain, heart, and fins of a 400-million-year-old fish called Norselaspis glacialis. The study found that its acute senses and powerful heart evolved well before jaws and teeth, suggesting a fast-swimming lifestyle was key to evading predators.
A new membrane design mimics biological systems, allowing for selective control of chemical transport. The system doubles potassium ion flow with a 1% increase in lead ions, opening possibilities for efficient water purification and material extraction.
Researchers found that changes in pH levels result in three distinct metabolic states of the community, driven by indigenous biomass activity and nutrient availability. The simple model predicts the activity with just two parameters, offering insights into how soil microbiomes adapt to climate change.
Researchers at UChicago have developed a more sensitive liquid biopsy test that uses RNA to detect the earliest stages of colorectal cancer with 95% accuracy. The test analyzes RNA modification levels in blood samples, which remain stable regardless of sample preparation.
A recent study suggests that Mars' surface features were shaped by short periods of liquid water, followed by 100-million-year-long periods of desert. The research, led by University of Chicago scientist Edwin Kite, proposes a new explanation for why Mars became a barren desert planet.
New research warns against widespread use of Fecal Microbiota Transplants (FMT) due to potential for long-lasting, unintended health consequences. Mismatches in gut ecosystems can lead to changes in metabolism, behavior, and energy balance.
The Berggren Center for Quantum Biology and Medicine will merge quantum technology with biology to transform medicine, driving the development of revolutionary quantum tools and cultivating bilingual scholars. Researchers will translate quantum advances into clinical solutions, enabling new diagnostics and therapies.
A team led by UChicago scientist Wendy Freedman has used the James Webb Space Telescope to find no evidence of tension in the Hubble Constant, resolving a decade-long conflict. The new data strengthens the Standard Model of the universe, suggesting that the Hubble Constant may not be the source of inconsistencies.