Science & Technology

Walking gives the brain a ‘step-up’ in function for some
Certain young and healthy people show improved performance on cognitive tasks while walking, a finding that could guide scientists to identify markers for cognitive flexibility.

How the brain interprets motion while in motion
New findings about how the brain interprets sensory information may have applications for treating brain disorders and designing artificial intelligence.

Play a Bach duet with an AI counterpoint
BachDuet, developed by University of Rochester researchers, allows users to improvise duets with an artificial intelligence partner.
Society & Culture

Frederick Douglass Institute director hopes for celebration and education on Juneteenth
“Juneteenth is especially relevant today, as the current conditions of Black people in America would suggest that we are still not free,” says Jeffrey McCune Jr. And yet, he adds, “We must celebrate.”

Digital justice through data dictionaries
A seed grant from the American Council of Learned Societies launches a project that has the River Campus Libraries helping to diversify the digital domain.

Russia and Ukraine: Putin ‘has his back up against the wall’
Randall Stone, an expert on Eastern and Central Europe, discusses the direction of the war in Ukraine, including the likelihood of Russia’s using biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons.
The Arts

Is this the summer you’re going to read Ulysses by James Joyce?
Here are a few things to know about the literary masterpiece that has exhilarated and confounded its readers for 100 years.

Finding art in the tools of science
This year’s Art of Science competition, which explores “the aesthetic beauty that results when science, art, and technology intersect,” drew more than 50 entries and more than 700 votes cast for People’s Choice.

Taking a page from poetry to understand the music
Music theorist Matt BaileyShea explores the interrelationship between poetry, lyrics, and music in a new book.
In Photos

Faculty, students, and local Indigenous community come together for performances and conversation
Over four days in April, the University hosted “UR Remnants,” an interdisciplinary collaboration between faculty and members of the local indigenous and arts communities.
Student Life

Class of 2026 shows increases among underrepresented groups
Incoming students at the College and at Eastman will arrive in August from more than 40 countries and 44 states.

Rochester students win national awards and fellowships
From Fulbright awards to Projects for Peace funding, the array of honors recognize the scholars’ academic achievement, research potential, and commitment to service.

Science under the microscope of visual art
An art and geology double major, University of Rochester senior Gabrielle Meli brings scientific processes to her art.
Voices & Opinion

5 things to know about cryptocurrency
Gone are the days when digital currency was the realm of hobbyists and academics. Simon Business School professor Yukun Liu offers insights into cryptocurrency based on his research.

Anti-trans laws use child protective services to harm transgender youth
Professor Mical Raz argues in the Washington Post that for trans children, their “very existence is at stake” when definitions of neglect and abuse become overly broad.

Pro-White hiring bias for NFL head coaches, analysis finds
Writing in the Washington Post, Rochester political scientist Bethany Lacina shows the degree to which Black coaches are underrepresented in the NFL.
University News

Remembering J. W. Johnson: ‘dynamic’ and devoted English teacher
In a University career of more than 45 year, the professor emeritus’s research interests included Restoration biography, the Earl of Rochester, and 18th-century literature.

Anthony Green named vice provost for academic finance and planning
In his new role, which begins August 1, Green will report to incoming Provost David Figlio and work closely with the Office of Administration and Finance.

Honoring alumni who gave their lives in service to America
Members of the University community have served their country in wartime since the Civil War, with many having made the ultimate sacrifice. This Memorial Day, we remember three of them.