Setting the Biological Clock

Study shows eye cells help regulate our wake and sleep cycles

A switching mechanism in the eye plays a key role in regulating the sleep and wake cycles in mammals, U.Va. biologists have found.

Light receptor cells

Elephant Speak

What the 2004 tsunami can tell us about animal communications

The Dec. 26, 2004, earthquake resulted in a human death toll of a quarter million people, but few animals perished. Drawing on his pioneering research about elephant behavior, Michael Garstang, an emeritus professor of environmental sciences at U.Va., is on the hunt to find out why.

A Bug Before a Bang

Glitch doesn't diminish proton collider's promise

Though the launch of the world’s most powerful particle accelerator was marked by a ding instead of a bang, the Large Hadron Collider still holds the promise of unlocking secrets about the essence of matter and insights into the Big Bang.

Teen Angst and Parental Stress

Adolescence can be a trying time for teens—but more so for their parents

For those of us who fear that all our efforts to raise our children to be bright, polite and responsible have failed miserably, Peter Sheras has a message: Don’t give up.

R&D In Brief

Brain cancer breakthrough Recurrent brain cancer can be helped by a new combination of drug therapies, according to researchers including David Schiff, co-director of the U.Va. Neuro-Oncology Center,

Verbatim

"Orbiting the earth, as thrilling as it is, is not exploring space."

The Hair Detective

For Professor Stephen Macko, a simple strand of hair can be surprisingly revealing

Through isotopic hair analysis, environmental sciences professor Stephen Macko can tell what his students ate for breakfast and what Oetzi the iceman enjoyed during an ancient repast.

The Fast Track to…Where?

Professor raises questions as technology hurtles us forward

Rosalyn Berne (Col ’79, Grad ’99) looks at the rapid pace of change and asks researchers and students alike about the shape of the future.

Grounded in the Stars

Blue, Orange and Green

The growing environmental sensibility on Grounds

Though the pace of change might not suit everyone, U.Va. is moving toward a greener future on many fronts.

Rush-Hour Robotics

Driverless car takes on urban traffic challenge

Bice Devices

Raymond Bice

During his 46 years at the University, legendary psychology professor Ray Bice entertained and educated more than 27,000 students with his ingenious “Bice Devices.” An inventor and

The Wired Mind

Plugging into the heart of the brain

James Coan probes how the mind reacts to emotional situations, from holding hands to being homesick. Barry Condron blazes trails with computer images of fruit flies.

Explaining the World

Professor Lou Bloomfield demystifies the physics of everyday life

Lou Bloomfield, who teaches the popular introductory physics course "How Things Work," explains the science behind objects that students see every day.

Altered States

Scientists analyze the near-death experience

For the past 30 years, U.Va. psychiatrist Bruce Greyson has tried to reach a scientific understanding of the phenomenon known as the near-death experience.