32 UChicago faculty members receive named, distinguished service professorships in 2026

Thirty-two members of the University of Chicago faculty have received distinguished service professorships or named professorships, effective Jan. 1.

Healthcare electronics are booming—here’s how to make them more sustainable

Why can’t powerful AIs learn basic multiplication?

Exhibition traces ‘inseparable’ links between gaming and fantasy genre

Emotional memories stick when the brain works ‘in harmony,’ study finds

How 3,000-year-old poems landed in a top literary magazine

AROUND UCHICAGO

Reflecting on 2025 at UChicago

Looking back at the past year, 2025 was marked by discovery and transformation at the University of Chicago.

Using quantum mechanics, researchers crack the hidden chemistry of ice

New theory by UChicago PME researchers has implications for melting permafrost and climate change

Fossil study rewrites timeline of evolution of hearing in mammals
UChicago paleontologists use CT scanning and simulations to show how a 250-million-year-old mammal predecessor could hear like us

NASA’s Webb telescope finds bizarre atmosphere on a lemon-shaped exoplanet
Faraway planet defies our understanding of planet formation, say UChicago scientists

Dispatches from Abroad

Exploring China through a quarter abroad
Two students share their stories of immersion from UChicago's Beijing Civilizations Program

UChicago Explainer Series

View All Explainers

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.

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.

Improv, explained
Modern improv comedy began at the University of Chicago in the 1950s.

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.

PODCASTS

Big Brains homepage

Episode

What makes music go viral—From AI to Taylor Swift, with Paula Harper
Music scholar examines the forces driving the rise of pop stars and songs in the age of TikTok and Spotify

Episode 170

How wearable tech will heighten our senses and abilities, with Pedro Lopes
Computer scientist explores the potential of human-computer integration and haptics to help us move and learn

Episode 169

How full-body MRIs could predict your long-term health, with Daniel Sodickson
Medical physicist examines how AI-enhanced MRIs could transform health care

Episode 168

Is there such a thing as a psychopath? with Rasmus Rosenberg Larsen
Scholar examines the science and myths around psychopathy tests—and their impact on the criminal justice system

Episode 167

Why we haven’t solved brain disorders—and how to fix it, with Nicole Rust
Neuroscientist discusses a ‘grand plan’ to better treat depression, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s after decades of struggles

More from the University of Chicago Podcast Network

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

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Not Another Politics Podcast

Understand the political science behind the headlines

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Entitled

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

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Master's education at UChicago

Programs transforming careers

UChicago master’s programs meet demand in evolving job market

Degree programs help students build skills, become future leaders and make impact

Bridging theoretical and applied: UChicago master’s in financial math, finance and management

Career-focused programs teach cutting-edge skills while supporting students at UChicago and beyond

‘Theoretical rigor with practical application’: UChicago master’s in data science and computer science
Programs provide real-world skills and hands-on experience in a supportive environment

‘Immersive and transformative’: UChicago’s master’s in arts and humanities
Interdisciplinary programs offer students a rigorous and impactful experience