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.
-
Teeny-tiny antennas
U-M researchers have found a way to mass-produce antennas so small that they approach the fundamental minimum size limit for their bandwidth, or data rate, of operation. It could lead to new generations of wireless consumer electronics and mobile devices.
-
The universe may have been born spinning
Physicists and astronomers have long believed that the universe has mirror symmetry, like a basketball. But recent findings from the University of Michigan suggest that the shape of the Big Bang might be more complicated than previously thought, and that the early universe spun on an axis.
-
Teach yourself to be wiser
Wise folks say that wisdom can only be earned by experience, but new research indicates that there might be a way to develop your capacity to make wise decisions.
-
Will 7 billion people create a crisis?
World population is expected to pass seven billion this year. Can the earth handle it? U-M economist David Lam looks at the successes of the last 50 years and the trends for the future—and comes away optimistic.
-
Listening to the Dow
U-M librarian Justin Joque’s “sonification” of stock market activity since the 1930s provides weird and revealing insight into the economy.
-
A tree grows on the Diag
The beauty and peacefulness of the Diag derive in large part from its trees. Many were planted as long ago as the Civil War, some just last week.
Columns
-
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.