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University of Rochester


Quest for elusive monolayers just got a lot simpler

Researchers at the University of Rochester have created an automated scanning device that detects monolayers with high accuracy, reducing processing time and costs. The system utilizes AI-powered image processing to analyze images of materials, identifying monolayers with near 100% accuracy in just nine minutes.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalOptical Materials Express·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2022

Laser bursts drive fastest-ever logic gates

Scientists at Rochester and Erlangen develop logic gates that operate at femtosecond timescales, paving the way for ultrafast electronics and information processing. The breakthrough involves harnessing and independently controlling real and virtual charge carriers in gold-graphene-gold junctions with laser pulses.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature·DateMay 11, 2022

A ‘cautionary tale’ about location tracking

A recent study by the University of Rochester found that mobility patterns can be predicted with surprising accuracy based on data collected from acquaintances, even if individual users turn off their own location tracking. The researchers discovered that up to 95% of an individual's movement pattern can be inferred from people they ar...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 12, 2022

Can a planet have a mind of its own?

Researchers propose that cognitive activity operating on a planetary scale is necessary to tackle global issues. A mature technosphere involves integrating technological systems with Earth through feedback loops, making it self-maintaining and exhibiting emergent behavior.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalInternational Journal of Astrobiology·DateFeb 16, 2022

Moons may yield clues to what makes planets habitable

Researchers found that only certain types of planets can form large moons in respect to their host planets. They propose that smaller planets are better candidates to host fractionally large moons. This study provides constraints for future observations and sheds light on the formation of Earth's unique moon.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 1, 2022

Using nanodiamonds as sensors just got easier

University of Rochester researchers adapt excited state lifetime thermometry to extract temperatures of nanoscale materials from light emitted by nitrogen vacancy centers in single nanodiamonds. The technique allows for precise measurement of temperature changes on fast time scales and is safe for imaging sensitive nanoscale materials ...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2022

Are political parties getting in the way of our health?

Historical state-level analysis finds that increased party competition leads to higher spending on infrastructure, human capital, literacy, earnings, and longevity. States with more party competition tend to have lower infant mortality, higher life expectancy, and greater social well-being.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 22, 2021

Can appearing less educated help right-leaning candidates win votes from the poor?

Researchers find that right-wing parties in Brazil successfully employ descriptive representation to connect with poor voters, nominating less educated candidates. However, they also face challenges due to the unavailability of less educated candidates and potential voter backlash against less capable politicians.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 18, 2021

More evidence of an evolutionary ‘arms race’ between genes and selfish genetic elements

Researchers from the University of Rochester have further evidence that genes are evolving defensive mechanisms to counteract harmful genetic elements. The study found that specific genes developed weapons-like structures to combat 'parasites' in the human genome, highlighting the ongoing 'arms race' between these two forces.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2021

A new model for selling surplus energy from electric vehicles to local grids shows potential savings for V2G users in six major US cities

Researchers at the University of Rochester develop a computational V2G model that accounts for factors not previously considered, showing potential savings of $120-$150 per year for vehicle owners. The model uses data from the US Census Bureau and calculates battery degradation costs based on various variables.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 9, 2021

Better models of atmospheric ‘detergent’ can help predict climate change

Researchers used computer simulations to predict the presence of hydroxyl radicals, which clean pollutants from the atmosphere. The study showed that traditional models had widely varying forecasts due to uncertainties in gas emissions, and that better models can aid in combating climate change.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 2, 2021

New technique speeds measurement of ultrafast pulses

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a time-domain single-pixel imaging technique that detects ultrafast light pulses with high accuracy and speed. The new method can capture 5 femtojoule pulses with temporal sampling sizes as low as 16 femtoseconds, outperforming existing methods.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2021

No, stress isn’t always bad. Here’s how to harness it

University of Rochester psychologists train adolescents and young adults to reinterpret their stress response as adaptive, leading to reduced anxiety, improved test scores, and healthier coping mechanisms. The study finds that 'good stress' mindset resets help students perform better under pressure and stay enrolled in classes.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2021

Novel chirped pulses defy 'conventional wisdom'

University of Rochester researchers produce highly chirped pulses with relatively low-quality equipment, increasing possibilities for high-capacity telecommunication systems and astrophysical calibrations. The new method uses normal dispersion cavities, which are more common and can generate stable pulses despite high energy loss.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalOptica·DateJun 17, 2021

A new way to make AR/VR glasses

University of Rochester researchers developed a novel technology using freeform optics and metasurfaces to deliver high-quality images with socially acceptable optics. The metaform component gathers visible light rays from all directions and redirects them directly into the human eye, achieving a significant improvement in image quality.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 3, 2021

Will your future clothes be made of algae?

A team of researchers from the University of Rochester and Delft University of Technology has developed a novel, environmentally-friendly material made of algae that can be used in various applications. The material is tough, resilient, eco-friendly, biodegradable, and scalable to produce.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 3, 2021

Laser-driven experiments provide insights into the formation of the universe

Researchers have captured the time history of magnetic field growth in a lab setting using laser-driven experiments. The findings suggest that turbulent dynamo mechanism amplifies magnetic fields rapidly, exceeding theoretical expectations and potentially explaining the origin of large-scale fields in galaxy clusters.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2021

When peeking at your brain may help with mental illness

A meta-analysis of 17 studies found that participants could regulate neural activity in targeted regions using rtfMRI-NF, with a moderate impact during training and increased impact later without feedback. The study suggests a positive impact on brain and behavioral outcomes, but more research is needed to determine its effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews·DateMar 4, 2021

An optical coating like no other

A team at the University of Rochester has created a novel optical coating that can simultaneously reflect and transmit light of the same wavelength, a breakthrough that could improve the efficiency of solar energy devices. The Fano Resonance Optical Coating (FROC) technology enables precise control over color and could lead to signific...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 4, 2021

How to be happier in 2021

Research suggests that goals involving helping others are more satisfying and lead to increased happiness. Acts of benevolence increase positive mood and energy, while narrow self-focused concerns can lead to decreased happiness. Experts recommend focusing on contributing to the world for a happier life.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 21, 2020

What makes a happy couple, a happy family?

A new University of Rochester meta-analysis suggests that being psychologically flexible is a critical factor in maintaining happy family and romantic relationships. Higher levels of flexibility are linked to adaptive parenting strategies, lower child distress, and greater relationship satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Contextual Behavioral Science·DateNov 25, 2020

Building a quantum network one node at a time

Scientists at University of Rochester and Cornell University have developed a nanoscale node made of magnetic and semiconducting materials that can interact with other nodes using laser light. The device uses entanglement, a phenomenon in quantum mechanics, to connect quantum nodes across a remote network.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 4, 2020

Feeling frisky makes you see what you want to see

A study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that people perceive potential partners as more attractive when they have a 'sexy mindset', which also reduces concerns about rejection. The researchers discovered that this bias motivates individuals to take a leap of faith and initiate relationships.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateSep 23, 2020

Minorities suffer most from COVID-19 in nursing homes, assisted living communities

Researchers found that older racial and ethnic minority residents and their caregivers are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 in nursing homes and assisted living communities. The studies also highlighted disparities in data reporting and the lack of federal assistance to assisted living communities compared to nursing homes.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 21, 2020