Sea lilies can break off their own stalks and ‘crawl’ away from sea urchins that try to eat them. The remarkable survival strategy is an example of how an ‘arms race’ between predators and prey can guide the evolution of species.

In findings that took the experimenters three years to believe, U-M engineers and their collaborators have demonstrated that light itself can twist ribbons of nanoparticles. Matter readily bends and twists light. That’s the mechanism behind optical lenses and polarizing 3-D movie glasses. But the opposite effect—light bending matter—has rarely been observed.

How much should we fear a “scattering” of the English language?

As part of our movie issue, we look at U-M grads who have made a mark in the film industry.

To save its season, U-M’s ice hockey team had to unify itself around an unlikely hero.

For generations of Michigan alumni, senior canes unlocked the vaults of memory.

The tax incentives that have made Michigan a movie-making hotbed are also transforming U-M. Film crews are shooting on campus, bolstering the local economy and giving U-M students a reason — and an opportunity — to remain, work and learn in Michigan.

The 1967 on-campus screening of the experimental film epitomized the era: controversy over content that was either “art” or “filth,” battles over academic freedom and angry protests by students.

A recovery in Michigan’s future? Plus: funds for U-M start-ups and the medical school; news about diet and health; David Brandon on adjusting to his new job as Michigan’s athletic director; and much more.