Futuristic technology reveals secrets in ancient Vesuvius Scrolls
When Italy’s Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, it buried the palatial villa of Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus, Julius Caesar’s father-in-law. These black and brittle papyri may look like charred croissants, but U-M classicist Richard Janko believes they contain lost masterpieces of literature, history, and philosophy.
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Governor Cass and the Indians
All good origin stories contain at least a kernel of myth at the center of the plot. If there’s any such myth in the University’s origins, it’s not about heroes or grandiose works. It’s an idea embedded in the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 — that these Great Lakes states should provide public education to the region’s children.
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Unlocking the secrets of SuperAgers
SuperAgers are showing us it’s possible to enjoy quality cognition as we age, says neuropsychologist Amanda Maher. She is leading U-M’s site for the SuperAging Research Initiative, one of six hubs in the U.S. and Canada studying the biological, genetic, and psychosocial factors contributing to resilient cognition.
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Exonerated: Freeing the wrongly accused from prison
Legal experts estimate the national rate of individuals wrongly convicted of crimes is between 3-5%. Since 2009, the U-M Law School Innocence Clinic has been correcting injustices inflicted upon Michigan residents. As of late 2023, students and faculty in the clinic have helped 41 people regain their freedom.
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New commission, world premiere: ‘When the Caged Bird Sings’
Drawing inspiration from the Black church, American composer Nkeiru Oko fuses elements of oratorio, theater, and opera to celebrate the spirit of rising above expectations. Partly in tribute to the activist and poet laureate Maya Angelou, the work celebrates the transformative ability of Black women. Hill Auditorium: Feb 10.
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Legacy in land: Protecting rare fens, century farms, and other natural habitats in Michigan
Prairie fens, which take thousands of years to develop, exist predominantly in southern lower Michigan and occur where cold, alkaline groundwater bubbles to the surface. The springs feed rivers and lakes with clean water. At the LaCroix Legacy Land Conservancy, alumna Susan Morley is dedicated to the voluntary conservation of locally important land.
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Sherrone Moore named Michigan’s head football coach
Sherrone Moore was appointed U-M’s J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Head Football Coach on Jan. 26 after six years as an offensive staff member for the Wolverines. Moore becomes the 21st head football coach in school history and is the first African American to lead the nation’s winningest program in college football history.
Columns
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President's Message
AI’s promise for teaching and learning
As U-M customizes Gen AI tools on campus, President Ono focuses on best practices defined by accessibility, privacy, integrity. -
Editor's Blog
Something old, something new
Who's ready for an excellent adventure? Just keep an eye peeled for the (virtual) hot lava. -
Climate Blue
Order from disorder
Ricky Rood explains the organizing principles behind weather, which is how we feel climate. -
Health Yourself
Getting a leg up on sciatica and piriformis syndrome
Victor Katch compares and contrasts sciatica and piriformis syndrome and explains how to ease that pain in your butt.
The Art Show
Founded in 1990 with a single theatre workshop, the Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP) is a program of U-M’s Residential College. Courses serve as gateways for undergraduate participation in prison arts workshops and provide academic training in issues surrounding incarceration and practical skills in the arts. The program’s Annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons (“the art show”) is one of the largest exhibits of artwork by incarcerated artists in the world. The annual exhibition, free to the public, is presented with support from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council. It runs through April 2 at the Duderstadt Gallery. (Click on the images to enlarge. Images are courtesy of PCAP.) Learn more about PCAP.