In the News
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November 25, 2025
New research that suggests the universe’s expansion might not be accelerating but slowing down would upend decades of established astronomical assumptions about dark energy. “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence,” said Dragan Huterer, professor of physics, who does not feel the work “rises to the threshold to overturn the currently favored model.”
CNN -
November 25, 2025
The first version of the Nicene Creed, a statement of faith that millions of Christians still recite today, was hashed out 1,700 years ago at a meeting of bishops who supported a creed endorsed by Roman emperor Constantine. “I’ve often thought that it’s nice that a piece of imperial legislation is read out (loud) every Sunday,” said David Potter, professor of classical studies. “The Council of Nicaea was an extraordinary diplomatic success for Constantine.”
The Associated Press -
November 25, 2025
Because of the internet, “it’s a little easier for those insider terms to escape and eventually become separated from the group in such a way that we sometimes don’t notice that that word originally came from there,” said Jessi Grieser, associate professor of linguistics, about words and phrases that originated in Black and LGBTQ+ communities being adapted by broader audiences.
Business Insider -
November 24, 2025
“Area agencies on aging … can connect older adults with local resources, based on availability and income, such as meals, transportation and home modifications that help maintain independence,” wrote Kahli Zietlow, clinical associate professor of geriatrics. “Unfortunately, all of these programs and others that support older adults are threatened by recent federal budget cuts. … These cuts will decrease the number of individuals eligible for Medicaid and negatively affect how nursing homes are reimbursed.”
The Conversation -
November 24, 2025
“It’s very challenging, we think right now, to be able to separate these side effects like nausea from GLP-1’s intended effects like weight loss,” said Warren Yacawych, doctoral student in molecular and integrative physiology, whose research indicates that the desired and undesired effects of drugs like Zepbound and Wegovy are intertwined.
The Scientist -
November 24, 2025
“I think one of the big issues is, frankly, transparency. Communities as well as people across the state want to understand what’s happening,” said Liesl Eichler Clark, director of climate action engagement at the School for Environment and Sustainability, on the tension between communities and large AI data centers, the warehouse-style facilities that store and move digital information people use every day.
WKAR Radio -
November 21, 2025
“As artificial intelligence researchers exhaust the supply of real data on the web and in digitized archives, they are increasingly turning to synthetic data, artificially generated examples that mimic real ones,” wrote Ambuj Tewari, professor of statistics. “But AI has no sense of what is real or true. The desire to stay in touch with reality and to seek truth belongs to people, not machines. Human judgment and oversight in the use of synthetic data will remain essential for the future.”
The Conversation -
November 21, 2025
Last winter’s flu season was extreme, and with a new variant in the mix this year, experts say we’re on track for a repeat. “I am concerned that we could have a big flu season this year based on what we’re seeing in other parts of the world, and particularly Europe and elsewhere,” said Adam Lauring, professor of microbiology and immunology and of ecology and evolutionary biology. “It’s not too late. Go and get your flu shot. And be alert that it’s out there.”
CNN -
November 21, 2025
“Some say diversity, equity, and inclusion needs to die, but killing off the benefits of DEI alongside its limitations is a threat to American lives,” wrote Rachel Bergmans, research assistant professor of anesthesiology. “In medicine, we must focus on marginalized perspectives and patient experience to ensure clinical trials and other studies can reveal the true risks and benefits of new treatments. DEI is not the problem. The problem is that our health care system often fails those who need it most, and fixing it requires intentional effort.”
TIME -
November 20, 2025
“Instead of behaving aggressively toward neighbors or strangers, we often go out of our way to help them. We frequently provide support to people suffering from famine or natural disasters, even when they are complete strangers. This kind of aid is never seen in chimpanzees or any other nonhuman animal,” said John Mitani, professor emeritus of anthropology, who studies “coordinated violence” among groups of monkeys who fight largely to gain territory.
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