Health & Science
Dreams take us to an alternate reality while we’re fast asleep. A new study led by Northwestern researchers shows that a person in the midst of a vivid dream can perceive incoming questions and provide answers to them.
For the first settlers, the sunrise on the first morning would look unusually faint — a distant sun peeking over a dusty horizon. Breakfast would consist of shelf-stable foods, perhaps some freeze-dried fruit, and a fresh plant or two, grown throughout the long journey.
Author’s note: We are honored that Ned Smith was willing to share his story with us earlier this year. Unfortunately, Ned's tumor recurred during the summer, and he transitioned to hospice care in September.
Interest in computer science has skyrocketed over the past few years, fueled by a surge of available data, enhanced computing power and advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Launched by the McCormick School of Engineering and supported by visionary philanthropists, the Computer Science Transformation Initiative is revolutionizing learning across disciplines at Northwestern.
At Northwestern, where interdisciplinary collaboration is a goal, faculty are exploring the use of artificial intelligence in fields such as drug discovery, equality and social justice, material and process design, social media analysis and astronomy.
According to the American Lung Association, nearly half of all Americans live in counties that have unhealthy levels of air pollution. Northwestern alumni and faculty break down how air pollution travels from smokestacks and tailpipes into the atmosphere, how it negatively impacts our health, and what must change to improve Americans’ access to clean air.
Computer science professor Josiah Hester wants more Indigenous representation in STEM. Greater representation, he says, starts with recognition and respect.
Chris Oh always wanted to help people. As a physician and educator, he applies his Northwestern physics training to explain topics as varied as gravitational waves and the importance of ventilation in the fight against COVID-19.
Is mandating the COVID-19 vaccine a good idea? Would it backfire? Professors across pediatrics, preventive medicine, bioethics and even law weigh in.
A centimeter-sized robot could be the future of medicine, manufacturing and environmental cleanup. The tiny robot can walk at human speed, pick up and transport cargo to a new location, climb up and down hills and then perform a spinning break dance to release the cargo.
