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November 2010 | Home

Summer School for Geniuses

physicist chatting on lawn at University of Michigan

The Summer Symposia in Theoretical Physics attracted the best minds in the world.

Hailed! Retired jerseys at Michigan

Ron Kramer

The strange origins of Michigan's least - organized tradition.
Plus: NCAA rules on football program.

Most commented

Dead words

Thomas Hardy

Why did a dictionary editor tell the great Thomas Hardy to cease and desist?

The Farmers and the Helicopters

farmer seen in the video the farmers and the helicopters

A potent film about war, hope and memory from a "Viet-kieu" artist.

Alumni

Electrified

Christi Landy

Cristi Landy is part of GM's big bet on plug-in technology and the Chevy Volt.

Alumni

doors concert at univeristy of michigan im buildingThe Doors' disaster at Michigan

Jim Morrison bombs at the homecoming dance –- and changes rock history.

 

Alumni
Rick Snyder

Snyder and other Wolverine alums win office

Michigan's governor-elect, U-M triple-alum Rick Snyder, was not the only Wolverine Republican to win a high-level election this month. At least four other alums, including a former football player, were elected to the US House or Senate.

Research News
Friends chatting while sitting on a lawn

Friends with cognitive benefits

You can improve your mental function simply by having conversations...but the tenor of the talking makes a difference. Turns out a friendly conversation helps, but once you turn competitive, the benefits dissolve.espanol

Memory Lane

Michigan Union in autumn sunlight

An alumna returns to U-M and the places we love.

U-M in the News

Media coverage of the University of Michigan

Snyder may help Michigan entrepreneurs; alum Darren Criss joins the cast of "Glee"; B-school students triumph; the importance of vitamin D for breastfed babies; raising a competent, confident young man; and more.

Institutional News
Michigan Block M

Updates from the U-M campus

The latest news about the U-M campus, administration, students and beyond.

This month:

Research News
chicago city skyline

Do you live in a 'head' city or a 'heart' city?

Does your hometown display mostly "head" strengths, like intellect and creativity? Or is it more of a "heart" city, emphasizing social ties and kindness? U-M researchers Christopher Peterson and Nansook Park, who study the components of a meaningful life, say that many cities tend in one direction or another—and that affects citizens' happiness, affluence and even politics.

Research News
video still showing computer screen readout from nuclear radiation detector

Nuclear materials detector shows exact location of radiation sources

It's an invention that could counter terrorist threats. A table-top gamma-ray detector created at U-M can not only identify the presence of dangerous nuclear materials, but can pinpoint and show their exact location and type, unlike conventional detectors which are not able to be as specific. Includes video.

Research News
monarch butterfly on milkweed plant

Monarch butterflies use medicinal plants to treat offspring

When female monarchs are sick, they find plant "medicine" that will reduce infections in their offspring. Infected female butterflies prefer to lay their eggs on certain milkweed plants that will make their offspring less sick, suggesting that monarchs have evolved the ability to medicate their offspring.

Research News
video still showing student at machine that translates brain waves into electricity

Breakthrough: Scientists harness the power of electricity in the brain

A paralyzed patient may someday be able to "think" a foot into flexing or a leg into moving, using technology that harnesses the power of electricity in the brain, thanks in part to new breakthroughs by U-M researchers. Includes video.