
Rochester scientists reveal the limits of machine learning for hydrogen models
Research from the Laboratory for Laser Energetics paves the way for more accurate computer models, which are needed to understand the interior of planets and the physical properties of nuclear fusion.

Why don’t all politicians resort to antidemocratic tactics to stay in power?
A Rochester team of political scientists introduces the idea of ‘democracy by deterrence’—and shows why it might be weakening in the United States.

Brief period of ‘blindness’ is essential for vision
Rochester vision scientists uncover new information about the role of tiny “fixational” eye movements in enabling us to see clearly.

Are political parties getting in the way of our well-being?
On the contrary, a historical state-level analysis links party competition to increased public investment and greater social well-being.

Can appearing less educated help right-leaning candidates win votes from the poor?
Right-wing candidates in Brazil rely successfully on “descriptive representation” to win elections, according to Rochester political scientists.

Software uses selfies to detect early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
Rochester computer scientist Ehsan Hoque and his colleagues have harnessed machine learning to accurately identify signs of the neurological disease by analyzing facial muscles.

Tiny chip provides a big boost in precision optics
Researchers at the Institute of Optics for first time distill novel interferometry into a photonic device.

More evidence of an evolutionary ‘arms race’ between genes and selfish genetic elements
Christina Muirhead, a computational biologist and population geneticist in the lab of Daven Presgraves, further proves genes develop weapons to combat ‘parasites’ that litter the human genome.

Can electric cars help strengthen electrical grids?
Chemical engineering doctoral candidate Heta Gandhi and her advisor, assistant professor Andrew White, have developed a new computer model showing ways to sell surplus energy from electric vehicles to local grids.

Researchers develop novel 3D printing technique to engineer biofilms
University of Rochester biologist Anne S. Meyer and her colleagues are studying how engineered biofilms closely mimic natural ones. Their research may aid in developing drugs to fight the negative effects of these microorganisms that adhere to surfaces.