Science & Technology
Why can we see moving objects against their backgrounds?
New research from Rochester scientists explores why human beings are good at discerning moving objects and how we can train our brains to be better at this as we age.
Finding order in the chaos of turbulence
A new set of conservation laws developed by Rochester researchers are unique to the turbulent flows within magnetic fields, and could help explain the evolution of stars and galaxies.
Kyoto Prize honors Ching Tang, pioneer of OLED technology
Japan’s highest private award for global achievement recognizes Tang’s work in developing thin-film, light-emitting technology now widely used in computers, smartphones, and televisions.
Society & Culture
What can trigger violence in postcolonial Africa?
Why have civil wars and insurgencies occurred in Sudan and Uganda, but not Kenya? A new study finds the origins of ethnic violence in precolonial political organization.
Teenagers’ ability to describe negative emotions protects against depression
A Rochester study shows that teenagers who can describe their emotions in precise and nuanced ways—saying ‘I feel ashamed’ instead of simply saying ‘I feel bad’— are better protected against depression than their peers who can’t.
Should we teach children patriotism in school?
In an interview with the Irish Times, University of Rochester philosopher Randall Curren discusses the role of “a proper, virtuous kind of patriotism.”
The Arts
Carry on, carillon
The free summer carillon recitals on the University of Rochester’s Eastman Quadrangle continue on Monday evenings in July.
‘The great democratic voice’
May 31 is the 200th anniversary of poet Walt Whitman’s birth, and Rochester has a few ties of its own to the poet who contained multitudes.
Open Letter novel is a Best Translated Book Award finalist
Fox, a novel by Croatian author Dubravka Ugrešić and translated into English by the University’s nonprofit literary translation press, is a finalist for the annual award honoring literature in translation.
In Photos
‘A bit like the first day of school’
Rochester’s new president promised she would spend considerable time on a “listening and learning tour” during the first part of her time as the University’s chief executive. President Sarah C. Mangelsdorf jumped right in early Monday morning with a two-hour tour of parts of the River Campus.
Student Life
What do you do when your motor melts? The solution lies in data
Last year, Rochester’s Solar Splash team didn’t even make it to the college championships solar and electric boating. This year, a renewed focus on data science saw the team take home awards for innovation and most improved team.
Student delegation heads to global leadership symposium
For the second year, the University is sending a group to the University Scholars Leadership Symposium to learn about humanitarianism, social change on a global scale, and how to best respond to the needs of the marginalized.
University drops first-year admission standardized test requirement
As part of the new test-optional policy, applicants for first-year admission to the College at the University are no longer required to submit any standardized test results to the Office of Admissions.
Voices & Opinion
The power of music to bring Americans together
In a Washington Post op-ed, the Eastman School of Music’s Michael Alan Anderson reflects on the power of cultural and musical events like the Great National Peace Jubilee to help bridge divides.
Narayana Kocherlakota: Fed should cut rates in lieu of aggressive plan
Don’t expect the Federal Reserve to do so—at least not at this week’s meeting—says Rochester economics professor Kocherlakota, who led the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis for six years.
When corporations take a stance on divisive issues
Rochester political scientist David Primo discussed corporate political activity during his apperance on WCNY’s Capitol Pressroom.
University News
Qiang Lin receives nation’s top honor for early-career investigators
Qiang Lin, an expert in integrated quantum photonics and nonlinear nanophotonics at the University of Rochester, is a recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE).
David Williams steps down as AS&E dean for research
Dean for research in Arts, Sciences & Engineering since 2011, Williams stepped down on July 1 to return full time to his research.
Startups with University ties win big at Luminate competition
Ovitz and VPG Medical took home first and second prize in this year’s Luminate competition, the world’s largest startup accelerator program for optics, photonics, and imaging technologies.