College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

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Researchers find human infant brains, bodies unexpectedly active during second, major sleep stage

Wednesday, June 16, 2021
A University of Iowa team has found that babies twitch during a sleep stage called quiet sleep, not just during REM sleep. The results may show there’s more communication between snoozing infants’ brains and motor systems than previously known.

Physicists solve how auroras are created

Physicists led by the University of Iowa demonstrated through experiments how auroras – the famed northern and southern lights -- are created.
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UI students receive degrees after spring 2021 semester

Wednesday, June 9, 2021
The University of Iowa awarded more than 6,100 degrees at the close of the spring 2021 semester.

Whaley co-authors book on comics studies

Wednesday, June 9, 2021
University of Iowa Professor Deborah Whaley has co-authored a new book about the field of comics studies.
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Physicists determine how auroras are created

Monday, June 7, 2021
Physicists led by the University of Iowa report definitive evidence of how auroras are created. In experiments, the physicists demonstrated the physical mechanisms for the acceleration of electrons by Alfven waves under conditions corresponding to Earth’s auroral magnetosphere.

Whaley receives 2021 HistoryMakers Award

Thursday, June 3, 2021
Deborah Whaley, professor of African American Studies, was one of seven scholars chosen for the HistoryMakers 2021 Faculty Innovation in Pedagogy and Teaching fellowships.
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UI names new University Distinguished Chairs

Thursday, May 27, 2021
Stanley Perlman, professor of microbiology and immunology and Mark Stinski Chair in Virology, and Michelle Scherer, professor of civil and environmental engineering and Donald E. Bently Professor of Engineering, have been named recipients of the 2021 University of Iowa Distinguished Chair.
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Biologists find invasive snails using new DNA-detection technique

Monday, May 24, 2021
University of Iowa biologists discovered an invasive species of snails in previously unknown locations using a new technique that detects traces of DNA left by the aquatic animals. The finding shows the technique, called eDNA, can detect and control incursions by other invasive species.
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Chang named Berlin Prize fellow

Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Lan Samantha Chang was named a 2021-22 Berlin Prize fellow, awarded to scholars, writers, and artists who represent the highest standards of excellence in their field.

Physicists describe new type of aurora

Thursday, May 6, 2021
The famed northern and southern lights still hold secrets. In a new study, physicists led by the University of Iowa describe a new phenomenon they call “diffuse auroral erasers,” in which patches of the background glow are blotted out, then suddenly intensify and reappear.

Scientists earn funding to build miniature magnetometer

Thursday, May 6, 2021
Scientists at the University of Iowa have been awarded funding to create a magnetic field instrument small enough to be outfitted on mini satellites that would be launched into space. The $600,000 award is from the U.S. Department of Defense.

Voyager spacecraft continue to make discoveries

Since taking flight in 1977, the Voyager spacecraft continue to make important discoveries. Decades after launch, the twin spacecraft are revealing secrets of the interstellar medium: the tenuous material that fills the vast space between the stars. The news feature in the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, features Donald Gurnett, professor emeritus in the...