
‘Optical spring’ enables detection of single molecules
Using the spring force produced by light circulating in a miniaturized resonator, a team of engineering researchers from the University of Rochester and the University of Victoria has discovered a new approach to detecting single particles.

Fate of marine carbon confirms importance of polar oceans
A new study shows that the polar seas are much better than other regions of the ocean at trapping carbon from marine plankton.

In Goethe’s novel families, love is all that matters
Susan Gustafson’s recently published book examines Johann Goethe’s depiction of family in his literary works, which were cutting-edge compared to the actual state of marriage and family in early 19th-century Germany.

Come on baby, (re)light my fire
New research indicates that there are ways that couples can sustain—or relight—their passion. The study suggests that when men and women perceive their partners as responsive, they feel special and think of their partner as a valuable mate, which in turn boosts sexual desirability.

Fusion for energy: significant progress, major challenges
In a review of the state of the research in this field, Rochester physicist Riccardo Betti concludes the goal of realizing abundant, clean energy from inertial confinement fusion remains elusive, despite recent significant progress.

Catching some gamma rays in central Mexico
Physicist Segev BenZvi and scientists at an ambitious observatory are using simple but groundbreaking tools understand the workings of cosmic and gamma rays in the Earth’s atmosphere while also contributing to the search for dark matter.

Documenting a hometown’s history of slavery
History professor Pablo Sierra is working to document the forgotten history of the Africans who passed through the slave market in his hometown and contributed to the diverse culture of modern Mexico.

Close encounters of a tidal kind could lead to cracks on icy moons
Until now, it was thought the cracks on icy moons such as Pluto’s Charon were the result of processes like plate tectonics. But new computer models suggest that the pull exerted by another object might have been the cause.

Can’t resist temptation? That may not be a bad thing
A new study finds that what might have been described as “maladapted” behavior or a lack of self control may actually be beneficial and thoughtful behavior for children who have been raised in resource-poor environments.

Did human-like intelligence evolve to care for helpless babies?
A self-reinforcing cycle of large brains, early birth, vulnerable infants, and intelligent parents is at the center of a novel model of human intelligence developed by brain and cognitive science researchers.