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University of Rochester


Duality principle is 'safe and sound'

A team led by Robert Boyd at the University of Rochester replicated a 2012 experiment that appeared to violate a fundamental law of quantum mechanics. By analyzing the data more subtly, they found that biased sampling was the cause of the anomaly, reaffirming the standard interpretation of quantum laws.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 25, 2014

Alternate mechanism of species formation picks up support, thanks to a South American ant

A newly discovered species of ant, Mycocepurus castrator, has been found to support the theory of sympatric speciation, where a new species develops within a single colony. The research team found that the parasitic ants were genetically close to their host, but no longer reproductively compatible and had stopped reproducing together 3...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 21, 2014

Progress made in developing nanoscale electronics

Scientists have successfully directed charges through single molecules using a bi-layer arrangement of organic molecules, enabling precise control over electronic properties. This breakthrough brings us closer to nanoscale circuitry, which could be used in various applications such as OLEDs and biomedical devices.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateApr 21, 2014

No strength in numbers

A new study confirms that big-city legislation is passed at lower rates than smaller bills, citing infighting within city delegations as the primary cause. Despite larger representation, urban areas struggle to pass legislation due to internal divisions and party politics.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateFeb 10, 2014

Divorce rate cut in half for newlyweds who discussed 5 relationship movies

A study involving 174 couples found that discussing five relationship movies over a month can reduce the three-year divorce rate for newlyweds in half. The inexpensive and fun movie-and-talk approach was found to be as effective as other more intensive therapist-led methods, with only an 11% divorce rate after three years.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateJan 31, 2014

Peeking into Schrodinger's box

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a new method called direct measurement that can characterize high-dimensional quantum states in a single experiment with no post-processing. This technique offers an exciting alternative to quantum tomography and could be central in developing high-security quantum communication...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 20, 2014

Depression therapy effective for poor, minority moms

A new study finds that short-term depression therapy through weekly home visits can relieve symptoms in low-income minority mothers, even in the face of poverty and trauma. The intervention improved depressive symptoms for 8 months after treatment ended, with participants regaining a sense of hope and control over their lives.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateNov 8, 2013

Seeing in the dark

A cognitive science study reveals that at least 50 percent of people can perceive the movement of their own hand even without light, suggesting brain combination of sensory information. Synesthetes, individuals who experience blending of senses, also showed improved visual perception.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 30, 2013

Super-thin membranes clear the way for chip-sized pumps

A new super-thin silicon membrane developed at the University of Rochester enables the creation of miniaturized pumps that can be powered by small batteries, paving the way for portable diagnostic devices. This breakthrough could lead to applications in medical and electronic device cooling, as well as cost-effective fabrication methods.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2013

First-time measurements in Greenland snowpack show a drop in atmospheric co since 1950s

A recent study published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics found that atmospheric carbon monoxide levels have been declining in Greenland since the 1970s, despite a global increase in vehicle emissions. The research suggests improvements in combustion technology, such as catalytic converters, may have driven this decline.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateSep 17, 2013

Motion quotient

A new study found that individuals whose brains are better at automatically suppressing background motion perform better on standard measures of intelligence. The test, which measures the brain's unconscious ability to filter out visual movement, shows a strong correlation with IQ scores.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 23, 2013

Monkey math

A study with zoo baboons found that they can accurately discriminate between different quantities, relying on a cognitive approach known as the analog system. This ability is shared by humans and children who have not yet learned to count, suggesting a fundamental talent for making approximate quantity judgments.

Reframing stress: Stage fright can be your friend

A new study found that encouraging people to reframe their natural bodily signals as helpful during stressful speaking tasks can improve performance. The study used the Trier Social Stress Test and found that participants who were prepped about the benefits of stress weathered the trial better, with increased blood flow and fewer physi...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateApr 8, 2013

Getting around the Uncertainty Principle

Physicists at University of Rochester and University of Ottawa have made direct measurements of light's polarization states for the first time. This breakthrough overcomes key challenges to Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle, enabling faster quantum information processing.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 3, 2013

A quantum dot energy harvester

A new type of nanoscale engine uses quantum dots to convert waste heat into electrical power, potentially making microcircuits more efficient. The system exploits resonant tunneling and can generate a significant amount of power depending on the temperature difference across the energy harvester.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPhysical Review B·DateFeb 14, 2013

Men are fromMarsEarth, women are fromVenusEarth

A recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology reveals that men and women share a significant number of psychological traits, with most characteristics falling along a linear gradation for both genders. The authors conclude that traditional gender categories are not as rigid as stereotypes suggest.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 4, 2013

Your brain on Big Bird

Researchers used brain scans to study how children's brains develop intellectual abilities like reading and math while watching Sesame Street. The study found that children whose neural maps resembled those of adults scored higher on standardized tests, suggesting that the brain develops along predictable pathways as we mature.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 3, 2013

Rethinking toxic proteins on the cellular level

A new study at the University of Rochester has discovered that lipid droplets store histones, making them available for chromosome assembly. The findings suggest that binding to lipid droplets protects histones from being toxic to cells. This research challenges existing theories on histone balance and its mechanism.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 18, 2012

The Marshmallow Study revisited

A new study demonstrates that children's ability to delay gratification is influenced as much by their environment as by innate ability. Children who experienced reliable interactions waited on average four times longer than those in similar but unreliable situations.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalCognition·DateOct 11, 2012