
What sound does ice make when it’s dropped 90 meters into an Antarctic glacier?
Researchers in the University’s Ice Core Lab shared a viral video that shows the “unexpected and fascinating” noise that when it hits the bottom of a borehole in Antarctica.

Earth’s magnetic field fluctuations explained by new data
Using new data gathered from sites in southern Africa, researchers have extended their record of Earth’s magnetic field back thousands of years to the first millennium.

Brain signal indicates when you understand what you’ve been told
Biomedical engineers have identified a brain signal that indicates whether a person is comprehending what others are saying—and have shown they can track the signal using relatively inexpensive EEG readings taken on a person’s scalp.

Elusive ‘turbulent dynamo’ phenomenon observed at OMEGA laser
The universe is filled with magnetic fields, but how it got that way has long been a mystery. To explain the magnetization of the universe, scientists proposed the existence of a “turbulent dynamo.” The phenomenon had never before been measured or observed directly—until recently.

Why do naked mole rats live long, cancer-free lives?
Rochester biologists were surprised to see that despite its remarkable longevity, the naked mole rat still has cells that undergo senescence, like the cells in much shorter-lived mice.

Compound could transform energy storage for large grids
University of Rochester chemists are working on changes to existing batteries to provide clean energy when the sun isn’t shining and the wind doesn’t blow.

Rochester professor part of national campaign finance task force
In a new research report, professor David Primo argues that there’s a disconnect between what the public believe about campaign finance law and the reality, and that many popular reform proposals unlikely to bring the desired results.

Ocean waters prevent release of ancient methane
Environmental scientist Katy Sparrow ’17 (PhD) set out to discover whether ancient-sourced methane, released due to warming ocean waters, survives to be emitted to the atmosphere.

Creating negative mass particles—and a novel way to generate lasers
Rochester researchers have created particles with negative mass in an atomically thin semiconductor, using a device that creates an optical microcavity.

2017: The year in scholarship
Each year, the University of Rochester produces academic and scholarly work that contributes to our understanding and appreciation of the world around us.