NorthwesternU

On August 17, 2017, the universe sent a message that, for the first time, humans were able to decode. Two neutron stars collided in space, sending both gravitational waves and electromagnetic waves barreling toward Earth. The combination of signals from those two sets of waves provided the key to unlocking a secret trapped in the cosmos for billions of years. Northwestern University's CIERA astronomy research center already played a key role in solving one cosmic mystery, and they are likely to solve many more as this new field of multi-messenger astronomy develops.

Robert S. Langer, the prolific inventor and MIT professor known as the "Edison of Medicine," shares how a children's toy propelled him toward a career that earned him the 2017 Kabiller Prize in Nanoscience and Nanomedicine, established by Northwestern's International Institute for Nanotechnology. Liangfang Zhang, professor of nanoengineering at the University of California, San Diego, and recipient of the 2017 Kabiller Young Investigator Award, also discusses his work, including a strong connection to the research of Dr. Langer.

From Brexit to Russia’s self-destructive response to U.S. sanctions, economists’ predictions have missed the mark recently on several important fronts. So what can be done to make economic models more accurate and more reflective of actual human behavior? In their new book, “Cents and Sensibility: What Economics Can Learn from the Humanities,” Northwestern University president and economics professor Morton Schapiro and Slavic languages and literatures professor Gary Saul Morson discuss how the field of economics would benefit from collaboration with scholars of literature and the humanities. Purchase a hardcopy or e-book edition of "Cents and Sensibility: What Economics Can Learn from the Humanities" through Princeton University Press.

The discovery that gravitational waves exist proves part of Einstein's theory of relativity and opens a whole new field of astronomy. But why should you care? Northwestern astrophysicists Vicky Kalogera and Shane Larson and engineer Selim Shahriar explain how this fundamental science could impact your daily life.

Two members of the Dover Quartet - one of the most celebrated quartets in the country - discuss the rehearsal techniques that lead to their unusual tone. They also discuss the changing landscape of classical music and reveal the unexpected teacher who has influenced their sound evolution over the course of their two year residency at Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music.

It's a breakthrough in the realm of HIV treatment — a simple, yet impactful therapy that could drastically reduce the spread of HIV on a national level and improve life expectancy for patients. Feinberg School of Medicine researcher Judith Moskowitz explains the physical benefits of positive thinking.

Fraser Stoddart, 2016 Nobel laureate in chemistry and creator of the groundbreaking mechanical bond, which he stresses has everything to do with the human bonding that takes place inside and outside the lab, will leave an impact for generations to come

BBC Radio's adaptation of "Agamemnon" makes its world-premiere staging at the Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts.

A novel suite of 13 speedy mini-apps called IntelliCare significantly lessened depression and anxiety for people who used them on their smartphones. Dr. David Mohr, director of Northwestern's Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, designed the apps and explains how they promote what he calls a "third revolution" in mental health treatment.

This couple believes science and globalization exist in a symbiotic world, each theme enhancing the other’s success. International relations expert Devora Grynspan and scientist Sam Stupp leverage each other’s connections to enhance the University’s brand at home and abroad.

Astrophysicists Fred Rasio and Vicky Kalogera actively avoid collaborating on research. That decision once came into play in the announcement of one of the biggest discoveries in modern science.

John Musker, 1975 Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences graduate and Disney animation legend, discusses his work on Disney's latest movie, "Moana."

Jide and Uzoamaka Nzelibe both have roots in Nigeria and careers in international law, but it’s a mirrored path that led them both to Northwestern University’s Pritzker School of Law.

Economists Robert Gordon and Joel Mokyr present opposing views of future innovation.

Their first conversation revolved around quantum physics, but it’s not the first time they met. Brian and Teri Odom found proof of a near-meeting that almost happened at a childhood summer camp. Music courtesy of Incompetech.com

Medill junior discusses experience interning for Chicago Cubs during World Series Music courtesy of Incompetech.com

Doug Meffley and Maureen Palchak’s offices are mere feet apart in the athletics department, so they’ve taken up one unusual behavior at office meetings in order to keep their work-turned-personal relationship professional.

David and Debra Tolchinsky met in film school, and they love to talk about their projects, but there’s one thing they don’t allow each other to say after the sun goes down. Music courtesy of Incompetech.com

A spark of love leads to the spark of new life. Teresa Woodruff and Tom O’Halloran's morning walks on the beach launched an idea that could forever change our understanding of conception. Music courtesy of Incompetech.com

First-year students flooded the Northwestern University campus Sep. 12 for move-in day 2016. Three freshmen, a sophomore and a junior peer advisor weighed in on the hectic but thrilling experience.

Julie Anne Friend, director of Northwestern’s Office of Global Safety and Security, discusses the rise in terror attacks abroad and why terror still isn’t her biggest concern for study abroad students’ safety.

Chirp. It’s the sound of a stellar event that happened more than a billion years ago. Two black holes collided in space, creating a new black hole that is 30 times the mass of the sun. On September 14th, 2015, LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) detectors recorded evidence of gravitational waves for the first time in history. Gravitational waves are ripples in spacetime, caused by things like star explosions or black hole collisions. On December 26th, 2015, LIGO detectors picked up a second ripple from gravitational waves, caused by a separate event.