A team of scientists analyzed fossilized clams and mussels to understand how ecosystems recover from mass extinctions. They found that despite 75% species loss, ecological niches remained occupied, contradicting prevailing theories.
A global study describes four distinct stages of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as it spreads to newly developing regions in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The research provides resources and guidance for local healthcare systems coping with the growing burden of IBD patients.
Researchers create new quantum biosensor using diamond nanoparticles and specially engineered shell, outperforming previous attempts. The breakthrough sheds light on a longstanding mystery in quantum materials and shows up to fourfold improvements in spin coherence.
A new study by UChicago scientists found that AI-powered weather prediction models are remarkable but not magical, struggling to predict unprecedented weather events. The model can achieve impressive accuracy for short-term forecasts but fails to extrapolate beyond existing training data, leading to false negatives and potential mispre...
New research from the University of Chicago reveals that dentine, the inner layer of teeth, first evolved as sensory tissue in ancient fish. Fossil studies confirm that early vertebrates used sensory organs in their armor to sense conditions in the water, similar to modern arthropods.
The UChicago team created a breakthrough device that captures molecules in the breath to aid medical care for conditions like diabetes and newborn development. The portable technology enables open-air point-of-care detection of airborne biomarkers.
Researchers at UChicago's Catalyst Design for Decarbonization Center developed a new computational tool that predicts stable metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for efficient energy storage and catalysis. The tool uses thermodynamic integration to calculate MOF stability, enabling the rapid discovery of promising materials.
Researchers at University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering discovered one of the world's thinnest semiconductor junctions within a quantum material. The discovery could lead to ultra-miniaturized electronic components and provides insight into electron behavior in materials designed for quantum applications.
Researchers discover that no universal purification protocol can guarantee improvements in fidelity of entangled states across all possible quantum systems. Instead, they emphasize the need for tailored error management strategies based on specific system characteristics.
Researchers found that mice on a Mediterranean-style diet recovered quickly and restored a healthy gut microbiome after antibiotics, while those on a Western-style diet were susceptible to infection. The study suggests that diet can be used to treat infections in patients following cancer treatment or organ transplants.
A new paper outlines a path for AI and machine learning to help build tomorrow’s batteries by maximizing three components: ionic conductivity, oxidative stability, and Coulombic efficiency. The team used a dataset compiled from 250 research papers to identify promising candidates for scientists to test in the lab.
Researchers from UChicago and Google will tackle pressing challenges in AI-generated content detection, privacy protection, and security applications of large language models. The partnership aims to promote responsible AI use and bolster security in an increasingly digital world.
Researchers have discovered materials that shrink when heated, expand when crushed, and could restore old EV batteries to factory-fresh performance. This discovery represents a fundamental shift in understanding of materials science and has potential applications in construction and energy storage.
Researchers used genetic data and computational tools to identify genetic variants associated with asthma, finding differences between childhood- and adult-onset forms of the disease. The study provides insights into potential treatment targets for both types of asthma.
Research from the University of Chicago shows that a specially trained population of immune cells, called peacekeeper cells, prevents other immune cells from attacking their own cells during infection. This specificity allows the immune system to distinguish between foreign and self-antigens, preventing autoimmune attacks.
A new study from the University of Chicago suggests that patterns of activity in the brain continually reshape memories, even after learning has occurred. Researchers found that behavioral timescale synaptic plasticity (BTSP) is a key driver of this process, explaining the dynamic shifting of place cells in the hippocampus.
Research from the University of Chicago and University of Missouri reveals how modern birds' larger brains led to changes in their skulls, jaw muscles, and feeding mechanics. This evolution allowed for the development of cranial kinesis, enabling birds to move different parts of their skull independently.
Astronomers have found solid evidence for four tiny planets circling Barnard's Star, with masses only 20-30% that of Earth. The discovery was made using the MAROON-X instrument and confirms previous hints from another study.
A new 'one-pot' technique has enabled the simultaneous creation of inorganic and polymer battery electrolytes, overcoming the tradeoff between efficiency and mechanical properties. The method, developed at UChicago PME, reduces labor needed for hybrid material synthesis and creates perfect physical blends with chemical bonding.
Researchers found that a well-connected network of water molecules and dynamic shells around ions, rather than excess free water, enables fast ion transport across the membrane. This optimization could lead to more efficient fuel cells, better batteries, and sustainable energy storage solutions.
A University of Chicago team has developed a hydrogel from malva nuts that expands up to 20 times its weight when soaked in water. The gel exhibits superior performance in wound care and biomonitoring, surpassing commercial ECG patches.
The UChicago Pritzker Molecular Engineering team has developed a technique to store classical computer memory in crystal gaps where atoms should be, enabling terabytes of data storage in a small millimeter-sized cube. This innovation combines quantum techniques with solid-state physics to revolutionize classical non-quantum computers.
Researchers from UChicago Pritzker Molecular Engineering have demonstrated high-fidelity entanglement between two acoustic wave resonators, a significant breakthrough in the science of quantum sound. The team showed that they can entangle massive objects using collective motion of nanoscale mechanical vibrations.
Researchers at University of Chicago improved battery performance by studying metal texture, discovering that adding a thin layer of silicon enhances desired properties. The new technology has the potential to increase power densities and enable more efficient energy storage.
A new study from the University of Chicago Medicine challenges conventional notions about alcohol's effects in depressed people who drink excessively. Participants with AUD and depression reported feeling acute, sustained positive and rewarding alcohol effects similar to non-depressed counterparts.
Researchers found that octopus arms have a segmented nervous system, giving them precise control across all eight arms and hundreds of suckers. This spatial map, called 'suckeroptopy,' facilitates complex sensory-motor ability, allowing the octopuses to taste, smell, and explore their environment.
Computer models predict that climate change will lead to an increase in spongy moth outbreaks, causing widespread damage to forests. The fungus that normally curbs the moths' spread is expected to decline, allowing the moths to destroy more trees as temperatures rise.
Researchers at UChicago captured complete images of adhesion G protein-coupled receptors, revealing their complex extracellular region's interaction with the transmembrane region. The findings suggest alternative means of activating the receptor without separating the GAIN domain.
Researchers at UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have designed a new architecture for scaling up superconducting quantum devices. The modular design allows for flexible operability and enables the connection of any two qubits within a few nanoseconds, promoting high-fidelity quantum gates and entanglement.
Scientists at UChicago developed a new approach to study snoRNAs, uncovering thousands of previously unknown targets in human cells and mouse brain tissues. These discoveries suggest that snoRNAs may have a broader range of functions beyond guiding RNA modifications.
The Margot and Tom Pritzker Prize for AI in Science Research Excellence recognizes exceptional contributions to artificial intelligence and scientific inquiry. Awardees will receive $50,000 and be honored at the University of Chicago and Caltech Conference on AI+Science.
A global partnership has committed over $1 billion to scale up weather services for hundreds of millions of farmers across Asia, Latin America, and Africa. The initiative aims to provide high-quality, farmer-centered forecasts using AI-supported weather forecasting to build resilience and support adaptation to climate change.
The University of Chicago's MOSAIC Center aims to visualize chemical reactions in real-time at the single-atom level, enabling breakthroughs in catalysis, energy storage, and material development. The center harnesses cutting-edge technologies like Graphene Liquid Cells to unlock secrets about reaction mechanisms.
A new equation developed by a UChicago scientist provides a powerful framework for understanding the processes driving atmospheric rivers. The integrated vapor kinetic energy (IVKE) model sheds light on key factors contributing to extreme weather patterns, including heavy rain and strong winds.
The University of Chicago has launched a groundbreaking new institute to address climate change. The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth will combine frontier research in economics, climate policy, and energy technologies to produce practical solutions.
Researchers at UChicago have developed a new technique to grow quantum dots using molten salt, allowing them to create previously unimaginable nanocrystals. This breakthrough opens up a whole group of novel chemical materials for future researchers' exploration.
New research from the University of Chicago shows that gut bacteria can acquire a gene that shuts down their own deadly weapon and activates a new one, allowing them to outcompete other bacteria. This transfer of genes enables the bacteria to carve out niches in the tightly packed recesses of the gut.
A new hydrogel semiconductor has been developed by the UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, enabling better brain-machine interfaces, biosensors, and pacemakers. The material's soft mechanical properties and high charge-carrier mobility make it ideal for tissue-level interfaces.
Researchers at the University of Chicago and UC San Diego have developed a cutting-edge bioelectronic device that harnesses the natural electrical activity of certain bacteria to manage infections. The device achieves remarkable results by delivering gentle electrical signals, reducing bacterial colonization nearly tenfold.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a new way to measure the behavior of single electron defects in diamond, which can destroy quantum state memory. By studying the defects' spin and charge dynamics, scientists hope to create even better quantum sensors with long coherence times.
A novel diamond bonding technique allows for the direct integration of synthetic diamonds with materials used in quantum and conventional electronics, overcoming a major hurdle in their use. The technique enables the creation of thin diamond membranes suitable for advanced quantum applications.
Researchers have developed a mixture of phages that can effectively treat antibiotic-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infections in mice. However, the effectiveness of these phages can vary depending on the bacteria's genetic factors and the presence of other phages and bacteria in the human body.
Researchers at University of Chicago developed a novel method to create high-density pores in membranes with intentional weak spots, enabling precise control over pore size and concentration. This technique has potential applications in water treatment, fuel cells, and other fields.
A study from UChicago scientists reveals a significant role of RNA in DNA packaging and storage through the gene TET2. This pathway explains why many cancers involve TET2-related mutations and offers new targets for treatments. The discovery also sheds light on the connection between TET2 mutations and increased risks of heart disease,...
The superior colliculus, a brain region traditionally thought to control eye movements, also plays a crucial role in complex cognitive tasks like visual categorization and decision making. Research from UChicago shows that activity in this region is more involved than previously thought in guiding cognitive processes.
The new diagnostic test system combines a field-effect transistor with a paper-based analytical cartridge, achieving over 97% accuracy in measuring cholesterol levels. This innovation has the potential to transform at-home testing and diagnostics with its high sensitivity, low cost, and machine learning capabilities.
A recent Science study reveals that bat population decline led to a significant increase in pesticide use by farmers, resulting in more than 1,000 infant deaths. The study found a 31% rise in pesticide use and an 8% increase in infant mortality rate, highlighting the potential harm of pesticide misuse on human health.
Cells produce three times as many 'unproductive' transcripts with mistakes or unexpected configurations as they do steady-state, finished RNA. These unproductive transcripts are quickly destroyed by a cellular process called nonsense-mediated decay (NMD), which suggests the cell intentionally makes mistakes to regulate gene expression....
Researchers from UChicago PME and University of Houston suggest rainwater played a key role in creating the first protocells, which were essential for the transition from RNA to cells. The study proposes that coacervate droplets containing early forms of RNA exchanged too rapidly, leading to no evolution or life.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered a new material, MnBi2Te4, that can store and access computational data using light. The material's magnetic properties change quickly and easily in response to light, making it suitable for optical storage devices.