It’s August 22, move-in day is tomorrow. Here’s what else is in focus.

Spotlight: Adolescent stress

There’s an unfounded theory, proposed by an anonymous researcher, that virtual reality is gaining popularity because of how frequently reality isn’t great. Some of the most glaring examples include COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, mass shootings, and crippling inflation.

For teens, the distressing list above is a backdrop to daily stressors. Jeremy Jamieson, an associate professor and associate chair of psychology, says, “Adolescents today are more stressed than ever, exhibiting record levels of stress-related internalizing symptoms, such as anxiety and depression.”

Jamieson, who leads Rochester’s Social Stress Lab, specializes in the study of “ordinary stressors” that, for teens, have grown substantially.

“For adolescents, social hierarchy, social comparisons, and peer evaluations have always been important, but now it’s there all the time,” he says. “People are receiving a daily stream of likes, dislikes, and comments via social media, which makes for a constant state of social evaluation. It’s one of the most damaging things we’ve seen for adolescents.”

But there’s good news.

Jamieson and colleagues, here and at the University of Texas at Austin, Stanford University, and the Google Empathy Lab, have developed a tool to help teens turn their stressors into positive forces.

Learn how this work is helping teens beat their stress and become more resilient. Embrace a growth mindset.

Zooming In

Giving you a closer look at some news you might be interested in reading.

On selfish genes. No one can claim to be unselfish. The human genome is riddled with selfish elements that only seek to reproduce, which can result in impaired fertility, harmful mutations, and population extinction. Amanda Larracuente, an associate professor of biology, and Daven Presgraves, a University Dean’s Professor of Biology, are among Rochester biologists who use population genomics to shed light the evolution and consequences of a selfish genetic element known as Segregation Distorter (SD) or “supergene.” One of those consequences is the prevention of a process that purges deleterious mutations—the stuff that puts you at risk of certain diseases and disorders. It’s super bad.

On paleomagnetism. The study of Earth’s magnetic field as it pertains to its core. New research suggests Earth’s solid inner core formed 550 million years ago and restored our planet’s magnetic field. So what? So, if this hadn’t happened, our planet would likely have been Mars-like, if not a Mars twin. John Tarduno, the William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Geophysics, says “Right before the inner core started to grow, the magnetic field was at the point of collapse, but as soon as the inner core started to grow, the field was regenerated.” Rochester researchers determined several key dates in the inner core’s history, including a more precise estimate for its age and clues about how Earth became a habitable planet and how other planets in the solar system evolved. Rock on.

Quick View

Here’s a glance at some other noteworthy School of Arts & Sciences stories you might have missed.

Economics. A Q&A with George Alessandria, professor of economics, explains why supply chain issues could last another year.

Physics. To better understand the makeup of the universe, Rochester is part of an international team trying to solve the mystery of dark matter.

Perspective. A conversation with astrophysicist Adam Frank explores why there’s a growing distrust of scientists.

Faculty. In celebration and recognition of their contributions to their fields, seven SAS faculty members were appointed to named professorships.

Remembered. James Longenbach, the Joseph H. Gilmore Professor of English, was a master poet and dedicated teacher.

Remembered. Adrian Melissnos, a professor of physics, was a pathbreaking particle physicist and inspiring mentor.