Recent News
Scientists discover gene controlling genetic recombination rates
Thu, 19 Apr 2018
Genetics is a crapshoot, with genes from both parents combining and recombining to produce combinations unique to each offspring. While genetic recombination is vital to natural selection, there is always a risk that “selfish DNA” will enter the mix, causing abnormal crossovers that can manifest as birth defects. Some species have evolved to display far more crossover than others, and scientists in Rochester have discovered a gene in fruit flies that is responsible for the evolution of these recombination rates.
David McCamant wins first College Award for Undergraduate Teaching and Research Mentorship
Wed, 18 Apr 2018
With 12 years on the faculty, the associate professor of chemistry is being widely praised by his former students for his role in their current success as scientists.
Thesis competition winner describes protein translation in 3 minutes or less
Tue, 17 Apr 2018
Jillian Ramos showed exactly how to capture an audience’s attention – and hold it – at the third annual Three Minute Thesis Competition finals, winning both first place and the people’s choice prize.
Researchers win Furth Fund awards to support early career scientists
Mon, 16 Apr 2018
Kathryn Knowles, assistant professor of chemistry, and Martina Poletti, assistant professor of neuroscience, are this year’s recipients of University Furth Fund awards.
University remembers Andrew Kende, professor emeritus of chemistry
Mon, 16 Apr 2018
Kende was a former chair of the Department of Chemistry and a world renowned organic chemist and inventor who specialized in the synthesis of complex molecules, including ones used for anti-cancer treatments.
We think we’re the first advanced earthlings—but how do we really know?
Mon, 16 Apr 2018
Imagine if, many millions of years ago, dinosaurs drove cars through cities of mile-high buildings. A preposterous idea, right? In a compelling thought experiment, professor of physics and astronomy Adam Frank and director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies Gavin Schmidt wonder how we would truly know if there were a past civilization so advanced that it left little or no trace of its impact on the planet.
Learning the lessons of Red October
Fri, 13 Apr 2018
Ronald Grigor Suny, one of the preeminent historians of the Soviet Union, ethnic conflict, and nationalism, will speak as part of the Russian Studies program’s commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Russian Revolution.
Going beyond medieval times to explore early worlds
Fri, 13 Apr 2018
The Early Worlds Initiative—an interdisciplinary research project at the University of Rochester—connects faculty researching social and cultural developments worldwide from medieval times to the early modern period.
Political scientists monitor threats to US democratic institutions
Wed, 11 Apr 2018
“One of the greatest threats to democracy is the idea that it is unassailable.” That’s the tagline of Bright Line Watch, which neatly sums up the group’s motivation. Made up of four political scientists including University of Rochester professor Gretchen Helmke, the non-partisan initiative has set out to monitor democratic institutions in the United States and potential threats to those practices.
Students learn the art of community change through dance
Tue, 10 Apr 2018
How can high school students inspire political and social change with the instuments of dance, theater, and visual art? University of Rochester students in the Program of Dance and Movement are working with local high schools to answer that question.
