URochester researchers have revealed that sleep does more than restore energy—it activates the brain’s waste-clearing system, protecting long-term brain health.

In a recent Ever Wonder video, Maiken Nedergaard, codirector of the Center for Translational Neuromedicine, answers the all-important question: Why do we sleep?

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate a colleague whose dedication, service, or leadership makes the University and community stronger. Beginning today, recognize their impact and contributions by submitting a nomination for one of the annual President’s Staff Awards: Witmer Award for Distinguished Service, Meliora Award, Staff Community Service Award, and the Lamar Riley Leadership Award. Nominations are open through March 23.

HR Connect, the Office of Human Resources’ quarterly HR newsletter, was delivered to your inbox on Tuesday, February 10. In case you missed it, you can review it here and connect with the people, programs, and opportunities that support your growth, well-being, and success.

The Office of Total Rewards hosts a personal finance webinar on February 25 from noon to 1 p.m. to help you assess your current financial situation and improve financial wellness. Securian Financial will break down simple steps that can help you recognize challenges, set goals, and take charge of your personal finances and savings. Register here.

In Well-U’s Managing Your Weight program, learn safe, effective ways to reach your goals and sustain healthy habits—then earn $150 upon completion. Register for sessions that begin on Thursday, February 26, at noon.

The ARTs (Activate. Reimagine. Transform.) + Change virtual conference takes place from February 18 to 22. Find details and register to attend presentations, workshops, performances, and guided conversations exploring the intersection of arts, community, and changemaking.

Anne Duggan, a professor of French in the Department of Classical and Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures at Wayne State University, presents this lecture today, February 18, from 11:50 a.m. to 1:05 p.m. in Douglass Commons, Room 401.

University faculty, staff, and students can celebrate the Lunar New Year in Feldman Ballroom on Friday, February 20, at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy festival activities, food, and performances. Co-sponsored by Student Activities, Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center, International Services Office, Eastman School of Music, and Center for Advising Services.

Are you interested in a unique opportunity to connect with art and our communities? The Memorial Art Gallery is currently recruiting docent trainees, volunteers who help enhance the visitor experience by acting as tour guides for the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Join the mailing list to be notified about upcoming information sessions to learn more.

The Susan B. Anthony Institute for Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies and the Program in Visual and Cultural Studies share a call for proposals for the Douglas Crimp Fellowship in Sexuality and/or Gender Studies. The fellowship is open to eligible graduate students.

Undergraduate students of all years and majors can now apply for the Emergency Department Research Associate Program’s spring 2026 internship. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 9, at 4 p.m. For questions, contact Kyle Sullivan via email or call (585) 275-1173.

Energy costs are rising. Read this Q&A with University energy engineer Tim Vann on how URochester uses energy, what’s being done to improve efficiency, and how you can help.

Attend a kickoff event for the Campus Race to Zero Waste on Friday, February 20, from 3 to 5 p.m. in Hirst Lounge, Wilson Commons. Visit several University and student organizations doing their part to reduce waste on campus, participate in a clothing exchange, and learn the rules of recycling, all while enjoying complimentary zero-waste refreshments.

The New York Times, February 15

Researchers say they have come up with a clever way to make aluminum tubes unsinkable by securely trapping air bubbles inside. Even when tossed around or badly damaged with holes, the tubes remain buoyant. “It will still stay floating,” says Chunlei Guo, a professor of optics and of physics and a senior scientist at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics, who led the work. “We have done quite extensive, really harsh environmental testing.”