Physical Sciences Division, University of Chicago
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uchicagopsd.bsky.social
Physical Sciences Division, University of Chicago
@uchicagopsd.bsky.social
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uchicagopsd.bsky.social
Work in emerging fields at the intersections of data and technology with an MS from the Physical Sciences Division at the University of Chicago. Register to attend a virtual information session on Dec. 4 at noon CST.
https://apply-psd.uchicago.edu/register/?id=87e74b74-453a-42a3-97cb-f8f0a4286d4c
November 24, 2025 at 7:01 PM
uchicagopsd.bsky.social
Even advanced AI models stumble at multiplying 4-digit numbers! New research reveals the secret: teaching AI to “remember” steps—not just memorize answers—dramatically boosts accuracy.

https://cs.uchicago.edu/news/why-cant-powerful-llms-learn-multiplication/
November 21, 2025 at 6:47 PM
uchicagopsd.bsky.social
This Saturday, Nov. 22, Profs. David Keith and Tiffany Shaw will discuss the field of climate systems engineering and its future implications.
⏰: 11am
📍: KCTP 106 and streaming at https:/ efi.uchicago.edu/events/compton-lecture-series/
November 20, 2025 at 7:15 PM
uchicagopsd.bsky.social
Open doors with an MS from the Physical Sciences Division at the University of Chicago. Register to attend a virtual information session on Dec. 4 at noon CST.
https://apply-psd.uchicago.edu/register/?id=87e74b74-453a-42a3-97cb-f8f0a4286d4c
November 20, 2025 at 2:56 PM
uchicagopsd.bsky.social
What are exoplanets? How do they form? How do we name them? Learn all this and more!
https://shorturl.at/rHzwn
November 19, 2025 at 6:38 PM
uchicagopsd.bsky.social
New UChicago research reveals mini-Neptunes—once thought molten—may have solid surfaces under heavy atmospheres. These common, mysterious planets reshape ideas of planet formation and habitability in the galaxy! 

https://shorturl.at/Ns7gG
November 18, 2025 at 6:52 PM
uchicagopsd.bsky.social
Groundbreaking: LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA detected two epic black hole mergers just a month apart, revealing wild spins and new clues about their origins, confirming Einstein’s theory with record precision! 

https://shorturl.at/y01QF
November 17, 2025 at 6:30 PM
uchicagopsd.bsky.social
Next up in the Enrico Fermi Institute's Arthur H. Compton Lecture Series, Sunlight Reflection Methods (SRM) Part 2: Consequences, featuring Profs. David Keith and Tiffany Shaw.
⏰: November 15th at 11am
📍 : KCTP 106 and streaming at https:/ efi.uchicago.edu/events/compton-lecture-series/
November 13, 2025 at 7:13 PM
uchicagopsd.bsky.social
In Asst. Prof. Sarah Sebo's lab, researchers are programming robots to interact more intuitively and empathetically with humans to build trust and improve teamwork.
https://news.uchicago.edu/story/sebo-lab-programming-robots-better-interact-humans
November 10, 2025 at 7:02 PM
uchicagopsd.bsky.social
Join us for a virtual information session on 11/13 at 11 AM CST for the MS in Chemistry at UChicago. You'll learn more about our admissions process, curriculum, and life at UChicago.
RSVP: https://apply-psd.uchicago.edu/register/?id=9edf18da-7cbd-42b1-8b9d-eeb6c5b39a15
November 7, 2025 at 9:30 PM
uchicagopsd.bsky.social
Next up in EFI's Arthur H. Compton Lecture Series: Glaciers and a Journey Through Direct Air Capture.
 Prof. David Keith and Doug MacAyeal will discuss the science of glaciers. 
⏰: November 8th at 11am
📍: KCTP 106 and streaming at https:/ efi.uchicago.edu/events/compton-lecture-series/
November 7, 2025 at 1:07 AM
uchicagopsd.bsky.social
Join us for a virtual information session on 11/12 at 4 PM CST for the MS in Environmental Science at the University of Chicago. You'll learn more about our admissions process, curriculum, and life at UChicago and meet members of our program.
RSVP: https://shorturl.at/sXdTv
November 5, 2025 at 8:44 PM
uchicagopsd.bsky.social
Scientists at UChicago & Argonne created an ultrathin transistor—just FOUR atoms thick. Faster, cooler, and even more energy-efficient computers, with mind-blowing potential for new discoveries. Traditional silicon just met its match. ⚡🔬
https://shorturl.at/ts50L
November 3, 2025 at 2:48 PM
uchicagopsd.bsky.social
The U.S. Department of Energy, Argonne National Laboratory, NVIDIA and Oracle will deliver the DOE’s largest AI supercomputer and accelerate scientific discovery. 
https://news.uchicago.edu/story/department-energy-announces-partnership-argonne-nvidia-and-oracle-build-ai-supercomputers
November 1, 2025 at 2:35 PM
uchicagopsd.bsky.social
The UChicago Department of Computer Science’s Human Computer Integration Lab highlights Galvanic Vestibular Simulation, tech that may help people relearn balance and orientation after injuries. 

https://shorturl.at/YjTOn
October 29, 2025 at 7:03 PM
uchicagopsd.bsky.social
In early September, prominent researchers in biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, planetary sciences, and astronomy gathered at UChicago as part of the Origins Federation Conference to share and discuss research results related to how life emerged and evolved.
https://shorturl.at/yRlpg
October 28, 2025 at 1:30 PM
uchicagopsd.bsky.social
Chen Ning Yang, PhD’48, 1922-2025
“Yang’s pioneering work in theoretical physics revolutionized our understanding of nature’s fundamental laws and laid the groundwork for the Standard Model of particle physics.”
-Ka Yee C. Lee, interim dean, PSD
https://shorturl.at/0KuDv
October 27, 2025 at 9:02 PM
uchicagopsd.bsky.social
The Space Explorers program offers Chicago students the opportunity to engage with hands-on learning such as circuitry, electrical work, and Arduino programming. 

https://physicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/article/space-explorers-preparing-chicago-youth-for-the-future-since-1991/
October 27, 2025 at 6:52 PM
uchicagopsd.bsky.social
Please join us for the next lecture in the Enrico Fermi Institute's Arthur H. Compton Lecture Series, Carbon Removal Part 2: A Deep Dive into the Methods.
⏰: 10/25, 11am
📍: KCTP 106 and streaming at https:/ efi.uchicago.edu/events/compton-lecture-series/
October 24, 2025 at 1:32 PM
uchicagopsd.bsky.social
The star SDSS JO715-7334 is the most pristine object in the known universe. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2498843-exceptional-star-is-the-most-pristine-object-known-in-the-universe/
📷: Josh Lake/NASA/ESA
October 23, 2025 at 6:48 PM
uchicagopsd.bsky.social
Join us in congratulating PSD faculty on their outstanding achievements!
🏅Peter B Littlewood received the 2025 Institute of Physics Richard Glazebrook Medal and Prize.
🏅Jiwoong Park has been named the 2025 recipient of the David Turnbull Lectureship
🏅Abigail Vieregg has been named a 2025 APS Fellow.
October 20, 2025 at 9:29 PM
uchicagopsd.bsky.social
On Oct. 18, Prof. Tiffany Shaw will explain the scientific basis for predicting how the climate changes in response to emissions of greenhouse gases and aerosol pollution and examines what climate models can and cannot tell us about what to expect. 
https://shorturl.at/WdCzF
October 15, 2025 at 4:14 PM
uchicagopsd.bsky.social
Join us at 11 AM on Oct. 11 for Carbon Removal Part 1: the Carbon Removal Landscape. Prof. Cael will introduce the carbon cycle and natural geochemical processes as a basis for explaining how humans might intervene in these cycles to deliberately remove carbon. 
https://shorturl.at/WdCzF
October 10, 2025 at 1:05 PM
uchicagopsd.bsky.social
In an episode Big Brains, Prof. Edwin Kite examines how we could terraform Mars to make the Red Planet habitable. New findings in a rock formation on Mars could point to ancient microbial activity. 
https://news.uchicago.edu/big-brains-podcast-life-mars-it-possible-humans-edwin-kite
October 9, 2025 at 3:47 PM
uchicagopsd.bsky.social
Thank you to all the scientists and scientists-to-be who made Saturday's Southside Science Festival one for the books! @uchicagopme.bsky.social
October 6, 2025 at 3:03 PM