Multimedia Features

  1. October 23, 2023

    Introducing ZEUS

    What will be the most powerful laser system in the United States, built and run by the University of Michigan, is about to begin hosting research teams from around the world. The findings could advance health care and microelectronics, provide insights into extreme astrophysics, and more. The zettawatt-equivalent ultrashort pulse laser system — or ZEUS — was recently opened. This video offers a look at the new system and its potential.

    Read more about ZEUS’ opening
  2. October 19, 2023

    Learning about DEI 2.0

    More than 150 people attended the DEI 2.0 information session at the Michigan League Ballroom on Oct. 18, while others watched a livestream. The event was an opportunity to learn about and discuss the details of U-M’s second five-year strategic plan for diversity, equity and inclusion, which is designed to help propel the institution toward a more welcoming, diverse and inclusive future.(Photo by Scott C. Soderberg, Michigan Photography)

    Read more about DEI 2.0
  3. October 17, 2023

    Hisss-toric first

    The U-M Museum of Zoology recently acquired tens of thousands of scientifically priceless reptile and amphibian specimens, including roughly 30,000 snakes preserved in alcohol-filled glass jars. The newly acquired reptiles and amphibians boost the university’s collection of those animals to roughly half a million specimens, including some 70,000 snakes. With the latest additions, U-M now maintains the largest research collection of snakes anywhere in the world, according to museum curators. In this video, Ph.D. students unpack some of the new specimens and discuss what they will mean for future research.

    Read more about U-M’s vast snake collection
  4. October 13, 2023

    Student housing milestone

    Composite photo of residence hall groundbreaking activities

    A groundbreaking ceremony took place Oct. 13 for a new 2,300-bed housing and dining complex that will be the first residential facility built specifically for first-year students since 1963. The five-building, $631 million residential complex will be built near Hoover Avenue and Division Street on Central Campus. One of the buildings will be named after E. Royster Harper, vice president emerita for student life. (Photos by Eric Bronson, Michigan Photography)

    View larger versions of these photos with caption information
  5. October 12, 2023

    2023 Wallenberg Medalist

    LSA Dean Anne Curzan and President Santa J. Ono present the Wallenberg Medal to farmworkers’ rights advocate Lucas Benitez during a ceremony at which Benitez also delivered U-M’s annual Wallenberg Lecture. He call for a “vaccine” needed to combat the disease of worker exploitation throughout the world. (Photo by Erin Kirkland, Michigan Photography)

    Read more about the Wallenberg Lecture
  6. October 10, 2023

    Truth Telling

    Hip-hop artists David Banner (left) and Rapsody talk about their support for each other at the 2023 DEI Summit community assembly Oct. 9. They were part of a panel discussion that explored the summit’s theme, “Truth Telling: The Kinship of Critical Race Theory & Hip-Hop.” (Photo by Erin Kirkland, Michigan Photography)

    Read more about the DEI Summit community assembly
  7. October 9, 2023

    Godbots

    As generative artificial intelligence apps such as ChatGPT gain popularity, so have religious chatbots. In this video, Webb Keane, George Herbert Mead Distinguished University Professor of Anthropology and professor of anthropology in LSA, talks about what he calls “godbots,” and the danger of giving moral authority to artificial intelligence.

    Read a Q&A with Webb Keane about godbots
  8. October 6, 2023

    Begob

    Phboto of the sculpture Begob

    Created by Alexander Liberman, this steel sculpture, titled “Begob,” sits on the east side of the Lurie Engineering Center on North Campus, It was a gift of the College of Engineering class of 1945 and NROTC classes starting in 1942. The proportions of the piece reflect what Liberman describes as “…the two crucial elements for a sculpture to be successful. First, the use of scale. In America, sculpture must compete with the size of our country and our buildings. … Secondly, the sculpture must have a distinct form. The form created by the repetition of shapes; it is this repetition that gives the object a sense of rhythm.” The Record periodically highlights pieces of public art at U-M.

    Browse an online listing of public art at U-M
  9. October 4, 2023

    President’s Residence renovations

    A photo collage showing rooms that were part of the President's Residence renovation.

    These photos show some of the rooms and features that were part of a 16-month renovation of the President’s Residence, the oldest building on campus. The 14,000-square-foot home on South University Avenue will reopen this month, after undergoing work that blended historic preservation with contemporary updates while improving the home’s accessibility. (Photos by Roger Hart, Michigan Photography)

    Read more about the President’s Residence renovation
  10. October 3, 2023

    Aging in politics

    Recent developments have raised questions regarding the role of politicians’ age in political matters. How long politicians should stay in office based on their age continues to be the subject of much debate. In this video, Christian Fong, assistant professor of political science, examines public perceptions about the influence of aging in the political sphere.

    Read a Q&A with Christian Fong about aging in politics