NorthwesternU

Message from space unlocks secrets of the cosmos

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.

'Edison of Medicine" honored with 2017 Kabiller Prize

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.

Cents and Sensibility: What Economics Can Learn from the Humanities

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.

Gravitational waves drive new field of astronomy

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.

Dover Quartet drives evolution of classical music

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.