It’s December 8.

The end of the semester is 9 days away.

And this is what’s in focus.

Spotlight: Biofilms

This is not an alternative name for biopics. It is also not a genre of biology-related films.

Biofilms are three-dimensional communities of microorganisms, such as bacteria, that adhere to surfaces. They’re not so good when they coat medical devices because they can be resistant to many drugs and disinfectants, causing infections. But they’re great for treating wastewater, in which they’re able to degrade toxic chemicals and environmental pollutants.

So, why are we focusing on biofilms? Because Anne S. Meyer, an associate professor of biology, and her collaborators at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, recently developed a 3D printing technique to engineer and study them.

Meyer’s work will help other researchers study the properties of biofilms in a way that allows them to harness their beneficial aspects and combat their harmful effects.

If you’re interested in learning more, here’s your doorway to more biofilm content AND stories on clothes made of algae and computers made of bacteria.

Zooming In

Taking a closer look at some news we think you might be interested in reading.

On Doug Ravenel. To paraphrase Steve Gonek, professor in and chair of the math department, he’s kind of a big deal. Ravenel is the Fayerweather Professor of Mathematics and winner of the American Mathematical Society’s 2022 Oswald Veblen Prize in Geometry. Gonek says “The list of past winners of the Veblen Prize reads like a who’s who of famous mathematicians.” Ravenel joined the exclusive club of mathletes by solving a geometry problem that has had mathematicians scratching their heads and breaking their chalk in half out of frustration for 50 years. Get the details on “biggest surprise of his mathematical life.”

On Joseph Eberly. Also kind of a big deal. You may have recently seen Eberly on the homepage for the Department of Physics and Astronomy, where he’s the Andrew Carnegie Professor of Physics. But he’s also a professor of optics, an area in which Elizabeth Rogan, CEO of Optica (formerly the Optical Society of America), described him as being a “true visionary.” His research contributions in quantum optics and optical physics—and the impact they had on the field—are why he now belongs to Optica’s most distinguished member category as the 2021 Honorary Member of Optica. Check out his qualifications.

Quick View

There’s a lot of University news and information being sent your way. Here’s a glance at some other noteworthy School of Arts and Sciences stories you might have missed.

Biology. Rochester students who participated in the iGEM competition won a gold medal for a non-invasive and eco-friendly way to diagnose sepsis.

Vision.  Michele Rucci and other Rochester researchers uncover information about tiny eye movements that play a large role in our ability to see.

Psychology. A new paper from Rochester psychologists advocates that treatments for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders focus on the patient’s strengths.

Theatre. On December 2, in the new Smith Theater, the International Theatre Program enjoyed a return to in-person performances.

Performance. The Program of Dance and Movement’s annual fall concert was the Sloan Performing Arts Center’s first-ever event.

Environment. Research from a Rochester scientist Lee Murray will help produce more accurate predictions of an atmospheric detergent.

On the Horizon

W I N T E R  B R E A K.

Rest. Stay safe. Stay healthy. Enjoy.