As America turns 250, how the Declaration of Independence endures

UChicago scholars explore what the words promised to a new nation, and how generations transformed them since

Competition may push AI firms to favor speed over safety, new study finds

Distinctive brand names pay off for wine producers, study finds

Nutrient in breast milk helps boosts immune system development in mice

Powerful seismic waves from Japan’s 2011 earthquake struck Earth’s core and bounced back up, moving island eastward

Why do some Americans support tariffs, even when it costs them?

Around UChicago

Announcement

UChicago-backed startup hub Third Coast Foundry marks grand opening in San Francisco

Polsky Center and seven partnering innovation programs launched with events including the Midwest Deep Tech Demo Day

Peter B. Littlewood, condensed matter physicist and internationally recognized leader, 1955–2026
Remembered for expansive expertise, collaborative spirit, and dynamic leadership

Nadya Mason appointed as UChicago’s vice president for research
Distinguished physicist Nadya Mason, dean of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, has been named UChicago’s vice president for research

Research

Scientists show how particle interactions control flow of soft materials—like ketchup
Research by UChicago, Argonne researchers could lead to new materials and manufacturing processes

What to read during summer 2026
From mind-bending science mysteries to stories read in a single sitting, UChicago teaching award winners share their selections

PODCASTS

Big Brains homepage

Episode 184

What our trash problem says about our culture, with Sarah Newman
Anthropologist’s history of waste shows how society evolved into a disposable society

Episode 183

How websites trick you using ‘dark patterns’
Computer scientist explores tactics used in apps and online to deceive users—from subscription traps to collecting data

Episode 182

Quantum technology, explained: A Big Brains live event
UChicago scientists demystify quantum, separate hype from reality, and explore potential applications—from cybersecurity to medical sensors to computers

Episode 181

Our untapped superpower: Connecting with others, with Nicholas Epley
Behavioral scientist explores how our health and happiness benefit from conversations with strangers, family or friends

Episode 180

Why the Fed matters now more than ever, with Douglas Diamond
Nobel laureate examines future of Federal Reserve leadership and independence—and how to address future financial crises

More from the University of Chicago Podcast Network

Capitalisn't

Is capitalism the engine of destruction or the engine of prosperity?

Listen

Not Another Politics Podcast

Understand the political science behind the headlines

Listen

Entitled

Why rights matter—and what’s the matter with rights

Listen

UChicago

Class Visits

Class Visits

Please play this syllabus

In ‘Gaming the Gods,’ UChicago undergrads use video games as primary texts to understand religious symbolism and ritual practice

Stevie Wonder is beloved. But can anyone explain his legacy?
In the “Wonder Lab," a UChicago course brought together students and community members to examine the critical influence of an icon

Harnessing the history of Chicago through its archives
A new College course sends students to uncover the ‘hidden stories of the Second City’ in special collections from the Stockyard Institute to Harold Washington Library

New course explores 100 years of anthropology at UChicago
‘Anthropology at Chicago’ pairs faculty conversations with archival research for College students as department approaches its centennial

UChicago Explainer Series

View All Explainers

Dark matter, explained

RECENT

Dark energy, explained
Coined by University of Chicago astrophysicist Michael Turner in 1998, dark energy—the force causing the universe to expand faster over time—remains one of the great mysteries of physics.

Exoplanets, explained
We now know there are thousands of planets out there in our galaxy alone. Learn what we know about them, and what mysteries remain.

MOST VIEWED

The origin of life on Earth, explained

Ecological succession, explained

The Gut Microbiome, explained

Inside the Lab

Explore Labs Across UChicago

Inside the Lab

Sebo Lab: Programming robots to better interact with humans

Go inside the laboratory of Sarah Sebo, whose Human-Robot Interaction lab at the University of Chicago is programming robots with social skills, in order to build trust and rapport with humans. The goal is to develop robots that can improve performance, including better learning outcomes for children.

Sheffield Lab: Understanding the neuroscience of memories
Watch UChicago neurobiologist Mark Sheffield and his team investigate the mechanisms of memory by studying neuron activity and connections. Their research could enhance the treatment of memory-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s and PTSD.

Light Lab: Understanding the gut microbiome to treat disease
Step inside Asst. Prof. Sam Light’s lab to learn how scientists are mapping the incredible network of microbes living inside your gut—and how they can affect health or disease.

Awad Lab: Predicting and preventing strokes and brain bleeds
In the newest episode of Inside the Lab, visit Prof. Issam Awad and learn about his team's mission: to prevent strokes before they happen.

Events