New view of how ocean ‘pumps’ impact climate change
A new Rochester study has found that factors such as wind, currents, and even small fish play a larger role in transferring carbon from the Earth’s atmosphere to the deep oceans than previously thought.
‘Longevity gene’ responsible for more efficient DNA repair
Rochester researchers have uncovered more evidence that the key to the “Fountain of Youth” may reside in a gene that is found to produce more potent proteins in species with longer lifespans.
Researchers create artificial mother-of-pearl using bacteria
Nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl, is an exceptionally tough natural material found in shells and pearls. Rochester biologists have developed an innovative method for creating nacre in the lab—and maybe on the moon.
Why do new college students need alone time?
Spending time alone isn’t necessarily bad, especially for first-year college students. A new study shows that having a positive motivation for seeking solitude can be a predictor for successful adjustment to college life.
Beer yeast: Unraveling the origin story with genetics
Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or brewer’s yeast, has been used to make beer for thousands of years. To reconstruct the history of modern ale strains, Rochester biologist Justin Fay and his colleagues sequenced the genome of modern brewer’s yeast.
‘Optical tweezer’ takes Nobel concept in a new direction
Rochester researchers are trapping nanoparticle-sized silica beads in an “optical tweezer” in a series of experiments that could shed new light on the fundamental properties of lasers.
6 things you didn’t know about Saint Hildegard of Bingen
University musicologist and Hildegard biographer Honey Meconi explores the life of the 12th-century Benedictine nun who created her own language, wrote one of the first musical plays, and wrote books on health and healing.
Fools who speak truth to power
Late-night satire may be enjoying a heyday, but fools who speak truth to power are nothing new. In her latest book, professor emerita of history Dorinda Outram looks at how court jesters were much more than just a floppy hat.
Can the laws of physics untangle traffic jams, stock markets, and other complex systems?
Gourab Ghoshal is using the fundamental laws of physics to untangle the complex systems behind human behavior, urban planning, and social networks.
Saving the lost text of a Torah scroll
Professor Gregory Heyworth and his digital media students are using different wavelengths of light to reveal illegible text that could create a sacred, tangible link with Jewish congregations lost to the Holocaust.