Experts Matter. Find Yours.
Connect for media, speaking, professional opportunities & more.
From classroom to cosmos: Students aim to build big things in space
In the vast vacuum of space, Earth-bound limitations no longer apply. And that’s exactly where UF engineering associate professor Victoria Miller, Ph.D., and her students are pushing the boundaries of possibilities. In partnership with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, known as DARPA, and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, the University of Florida engineering team is exploring how to manufacture precision metal structures in orbit using laser technology. “We want to build big things in space. To build big things in space, you must start manufacturing things in space. This is an exciting new frontier,” said Miller. An associate professor in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at UF’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, Miller said the project called NOM4D – which means Novel Orbital and Moon Manufacturing, Materials, and Mass-efficient Design – seeks to transform how people think about space infrastructure development. Picture constructing massive structures in orbit, like a 100-meter solar array built using advanced laser technology. “We’d love to see large-scale structures like satellite antennas, solar panels, space telescopes or even parts of space stations built directly in orbit. This would be a major step toward sustainable space operations and longer missions,” said team member Tianchen Wei, a third-year Ph.D. student in materials science and engineering. UF received a $1.1 million DARPA contract to carry out this pioneering research over three phases. While other universities explore various aspects of space manufacturing, UF is the only one specifically focused on laser forming for space applications, Miller said. A major challenge of the NOM4D project is overcoming the size and weight limitations of rocket cargo. To address these concerns, Miller’s team is developing laser-forming technology to trace precise patterns on metals to bend them into shape. If executed correctly, the heat from the laser bends the metal without human touch; a key step toward making orbital manufacturing a reality. “With this technology, we can build structures in space far more efficiently than launching them fully assembled from Earth,” said team member Nathan Fripp, also a third-year Ph.D. student studying materials science and engineering. “This opens up a wide range of new possibilities for space exploration, satellite systems and even future habitats.” Miller said laser bending is complex but getting the correct shape from the metal is only part of the equation. “The challenge is ensuring that the material properties stay good or improve during the laser-forming process,” she said. “Can we ensure when we bend this sheet metal that bent regions still have really good properties and are strong and tough with the right flexibility?” To analyze the materials, Miller’s students are running controlled tests on aluminum, ceramics and stainless steel, assessing how variables like laser input, heat and gravity affect how materials bend and behave. “We run many controlled tests and collect detailed data on how different metals respond to laser energy: how much they bend, how much they heat up, how the heat affects them and more. We have also developed models to predict the temperature and the amount of bending based on the material properties and laser energy input,” said Wei. “We continuously learn from both modeling and experiments to deepen our understanding of the process.” The research started in 2021 and has made significant progress, but the technology must be developed further before it’s ready for use in space. This is why collaboration with the NASA Marshall Space Center is so critical. It enables UF researchers to dramatically increase the technology readiness level (TRL) by testing laser forming in space-like conditions inside a thermal vacuum chamber provided by NASA. Fripp leads this testing using the chamber to observe how materials respond to the harsh environment of space. “We've observed that many factors, such as laser parameters, material properties and atmospheric conditions, can significantly determine the final results. In space, conditions like extreme temperatures, microgravity and vacuums further change how materials behave. As a result, adapting our forming techniques to work reliably and consistently in space adds another layer of complexity,” said Fripp. Another important step is building a feedback loop into the manufacturing process. A sensor would detect the bending angle in real time, allowing for feedback and recalibration of the laser’s path. As the project enters its final year, finishing in June of 2026, questions remain -- especially around maintaining material integrity during the laser-forming process. Still, Miller’s team remains optimistic. UF moves one step closer to a new era of construction with each simulation and laser test. “It's great to be a part of a team pushing the boundaries of what's possible in manufacturing, not just on Earth, but beyond,” said Wei.
Long proclaimed Italy’s “moral capital,” Milan is renowned worldwide for its significant contributions to fashion, design and the arts. Soon, another point of pride will be added to the city’s storied history, when the regional hub—and partnering town Cortina d’Ampezzo—plays host to the 2026 Winter Olympics in February. Luca Cottini, PhD, is a professor of Italian Studies and an expert on the evolution of Italian culture, particularly through the 19th and 20th centuries. Recently, he shared some thoughts concerning Milan and Cortina’s successful joint bid for the Olympics, the themes and iconography expected to define this year’s opening ceremony and the symbolic significance of Italy’s selection as a host nation. Question: What was the role of past major events in Milan and Cortina—like the 2015 World’s Fair and the 1956 Winter Olympics—in helping to elevate their appeal for these games? Luca Cottini: I’ll start by saying that although people notice world’s fairs less than the Olympics, they are more impactful to a city and country because they generate more revenue, business, political relationships and positive reputation. They are events in which all the world comes together and each country exposes its excellence, while the host nation brings a visibility that it would not carry otherwise. In 2015, Milan hosted the world’s fair, which generated a completely new fairgrounds area and a visibility of politics, industry, technology and modernity in a way that brings the city to a global stage. I would say that is when the ascent of Milan really started, especially as a desirable destination. With Cortina, after the 2015 World’s Fair—and especially after the COVID-19 pandemic—the Dolomites became really a popular region for travelers to visit. Cortina is also symbolic to Olympic history, because it's the site of the first Olympics that took place in Italy, in 1956 during the reconstruction era. That was the Dolce Vita period, in the middle of the 1950s economic boom, and those games were followed by Rome’s Summer Olympics in 1960. They both represented a way in which Italy, coming out of the war destroyed, was reaffirming its rebirth. Over the years, fewer cities have wanted to host the Olympics because they tend to carry a lot of economic burden, financial debt and little return on investment. In this sense, Milan and Cortina, helped by increased popularity after the world’s fair, sold themselves as a sustainable Olympics. Ninety percent of the buildings were refurbished from older buildings, and they will serve purposes after the Olympics. It’s difficult to tell whether it’s economically sound or not, but it is a way to promote two cities that are in big moments of growth. Q: These Olympic Games will be celebrating Milan’s contributions to fashion. What is the city’s significance to the fashion world? LC: Milan is certainly the capital of fashion in Italy, and is one of the capitals of fashion in the world, along with Paris, New York and London. The fashion heritage that the city carries now in iconic brands like Armani, Versace, Moschino and Dolce & Gabbana is the outcome of a process that took shape in the late 1970s. Until then, fashion in Italy was mainly related to Rome, through cinema, and Florence, as that city represented a new Renaissance in the postwar years. But in the 1970s, much of this fashion world moved from those cities to Milan, because there was a conglomeration of labor, skills, capital and creativity that generated a complex productive and cultural system, or the so-called “Sistema Moda.” This is a particular approach to the industry in Italy that coordinates management and creativity around the figures of a big creative director and a big manager who work together in creating not just nice styles, but also sustainable outlets and markets in and outside Italy. In turn, with its reputation, Milan gives the Olympics that seal of grandeur and coolness. The connection with fashion and promotion of uniqueness is part of the national rhetoric that surrounds what we call “Made in Italy,” this idea of luxury, styling, beauty, order and measure that is endowed in the Italian DNA. Q: Andrea Bocelli—who also appeared in Torino’s 2006 closing ceremony—is supposed to sing once again in this year’s opening ceremony. Aside from his popularity, what is the symbolic significance of his selection as a performer? LC: Bocelli is an interesting case. He is a prototypical Italian success story, which is born in the peninsula but is then ratified outside of Italy. As Bocelli became a global sensation in the U.S., he then came back to his roots in Italy, where his voice has become a symbol of national unity, as epitomized in his solo concerto of Milan, during the pandemic, when he sang in front of the empty Piazza del Duomo, facing the city’s cathedral. In his Catholic faith and secular operatic repertoire, he symbolizes Italian culture as a similar piazza or open space where different voices can converge in a temperate balance. When you put together Bocelli, Mariah Carey and whoever else will be part of the ceremony, that same Italian identity will give rise to a new synthesis, as the encounter of tradition and novelty, grounded-ness and openness. Q: The Olympic flames are supposed to be lit in two cauldrons—one in Milan and one in Cortina—each with a design inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. What was da Vinci’s importance to Milan, specifically? LC: Da Vinci is part of the fabric of Milan. He spent 20 years in the city, painting “The Last Supper” and working at Castello Sforzesco, as well as many other places. His footprint is all over Milan, in its design, walls, canal system and more. He is an archetype of the Italian mind in as much as it represents the combination of engineering and beauty. The word Ingenium in Latin, meaning “genius,” overflows in English into the word “engineering” and also “ingenuity,” which reflects the creative mind. Da Vinci represents the synthesis of Italian Ingenium as a combination of aesthetics and problem solving, which you still see in the city today.
Baby, It's Cold Outside… And That's No Joke for Seniors
How cold is it? • It's so cold I saw a dog stuck to a fire hydrant. • It's so cold my words froze mid-air and my neighbour had to thaw them out to hear what I said. • It's so cold, I just saw a politician with his hands in his own pockets. Okay, I'm joking—but just a bit. Because while I enjoy a good cold-weather quip, hypothermia isn't funny. Currently, this severe Arctic blast is gripping Canada and large parts of the United States, dropping temperatures 20–40°F (11–22°C) below seasonal norms across a 2,000-mile stretch of North America. Nearly 80 million people are under winter storm warnings. Power outages are anticipated. Roads could be impassable. Travel is about as appealing as a root canal in a snowstorm. For many seniors on both sides of the border, this isn't just an inconvenience—it's a real safety risk. The Cold, Hard Stats (Brace Yourself) Looking at the research I couldn't believe what I found: Older adults are more than 5x as likely to die from hypothermia as younger adults (Kosatsky et al., 2015). In the U.S., approximately half of all hypothermia deaths are people over 65 according to data from the CDC. In Canada, adults over 75 are more than 5 times more likely to die from hypothermia than younger adults—and 87% of those deaths happen right in their own homes. (StatsCan Health Infobase ) Read that again. Slowly. Not on frozen lakes. Not stranded on highways. Instead, in familiar living rooms. Sitting on well-worn couches. Beneath afghans crocheted by someone who loved them. Why Your Body Becomes a Cold -Weather Traitor Our bodies change as we age, and not in the fun "I've earned every wrinkle" way. The insulating fat layer under the skin thins. Circulation slows. Metabolism drops like your interest in small talk. Certain medications—prescription and over-the-counter cold remedies—can interfere with temperature regulation and awareness. Your body's thermostat? It's on the fritz. Here's the math: Hypothermia doesn't require a blizzard. It can begin indoors when temperatures fall below 65°F / 18°C. And here's the truly dangerous part: hypothermia affects the brain first. Judgment declines before shivering becomes severe. You don't realize you're in trouble. You just feel "a bit chilly" while your core temperature quietly drops. Stop Acting Your Age! (But Also... Dress as if you know your age) I'm all for embracing life at every stage—hiking to Everest Base Camp at 60-something, teaching Zumba, and that MBA thing at 70, refusing to "act your age." But embracing life in this weather requires wisdom, not bravado. Cold weather brings real risks: • Slips and falls on icy surfaces (and no, we don't bounce like we used to) • Increased risk of heart attack and stroke because cold thickens the blood • Respiratory infections that linger far too long • Frostbite on fingers and toes • Hypothermia that clouds thinking before any alarms sound. The Indoor Survival Guide—Keep Up (Yes, You Can Get Hypothermia at Home) Set the thermostat to at least 68–70°F (20–21°C). This is not a time to be a miser. Heating bills can be expensive, but hospital stays are even more costly. And they don't even give you warm blankets anymore. Layer like a pro. This is not the time for fashion minimalism. Think: • Long underwear or thermal leggings • Pyjamas under clothes • Stockings or tights under pants • Two pairs of socks • Warm boots with good tread (essential for any outdoor ventures) • Shirts layered under sweaters When it's this cold, if you still own leg warmers—congratulations. Wear them. The warmth is worth the call from the '80s asking for them back. Hats indoors are permitted. This isn't a fashion show; it's survival style. You lose a lot of body heat through your head. Emulate your inner Elmer Fudd if you need to. Carbon monoxide alarms are essential & in many areas legally required. When temperatures drop, people get creative—and desperate. Space heaters, fireplaces, generators, kerosene heaters, or (please, dear God, don't) using gas ovens for heat. That last one is about as safe as texting while skydiving. And here's an important PSA: Starting January 1, 2026, Ontario's updated fire code mandates a functioning carbon monoxide alarm on every level of homes that have fuel-burning appliances. Remember to test alarms when you change your clocks for daylight saving time—it's easy to do, and not easy to forget. Block drafts like you're defending a castle. Roll towels under doors, seal windows, close unused rooms, open curtains during sunny days, and close them tightly at night. Check your medications. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if any prescriptions or over-the-counter remedies influence temperature regulation or alertness. Knowledge is power—and warmth. Check Food & Other Supplies. If venturing out feels risky, order groceries for delivery. Services like Voilà by Sobeys, Instacart, PC Express, and many local grocers deliver directly to your door. This isn't laziness—it's smart risk management. Most delivery services are free or inexpensive, especially when compared to the alternative: icy sidewalks, falls, broken hips, or getting stranded in extreme cold while wearing inadequate footwear because "it's just a quick trip." Clear Your Snow. Snow and ice hinder movement. Limited movement results in isolation. Isolation worsens depression and cognitive decline. Clear snow isn't just about safety—it's about dignity. Pro Tip: Protect Your Pipes (and Your Wallet). Winter power outages can mean burst pipes and serious water damage. If you expect a prolonged outage: • Know where your main water shut-off is • Turn it off • Open faucets to drain the lines It feels extreme—until it doesn't. Until you're standing in three inches of water at 2 a.m., wearing your emergency leg warmers. Know or Live Near an Older Adult? Here's Your Cold Weather Action Plan Don't ask if they need help—just do it. Clear the porch. Shovel a path. Salt the steps. Think of it as the winter cousin of snow angels: shovel angels. Be one! When people Are Shut In—Go check in with them. For those stuck indoors, reach out by video, not just text or voice. Seeing someone tells you far more than hearing "I'm fine." Use FaceTime, Zoom, WhatsApp, or Google Meet. Do this with older people you know. Because pride prevents people from asking for help. Shame prevents people from being honest—about empty fridges, sleeping in mittens, or wearing coats to bed. Look for these signs: • Confusion or slurred speech • Shivering—or lack of it (paradoxically dangerous) • Pale or bluish skin • Slow movements or lack of coordination • Extreme fatigue Know When to Call for Help If something feels off, err on the side of safety. In Canada: • Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000 • Quebec: 811 • Other provinces: Know your local health line If you notice any signs of distress—confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe cold exposure—or if you're unsure, call 911. Cold-related emergencies escalate rapidly. The Culture Shift We Need—Right Now Cold snaps reveal faults in our systems and communities. This is the time to foster a check-in culture: a call, a knock, a cleared walkway, groceries dropped at the door. Preparation matters. Connection matters more. Winter is temporary. The habits we build to take care of one another are not. Be cool—and stay warm out there, friends. Sue Don’t Retire… Rewire! What are your best winter safety tips? Share them—because staying warm is better when we do it together. Want more of this? Subscribe for weekly doses of retirement reality—no golf-cart clichés, no sunset stock photos, just straight talk about staying Hip, Fit & Financially Free.
Why Greenland Matters: The History and Strategic Importance of the World’s Largest Island
Often viewed as remote and sparsely populated, Greenland has long played an outsized role in global strategy. Settled by Inuit peoples for thousands of years, Greenland later became part of the Danish realm in the 18th century and today exists as an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Its location—bridging North America and Europe—has consistently drawn the attention of major powers, especially during moments of geopolitical tension. That attention intensified during the Cold War, when Greenland became a critical asset in Arctic defense. The United States established military installations on the island, most notably what is now known as Pituffik Space Base, to support missile warning systems and transatlantic defense. Greenland’s position along the shortest air and missile routes between North America and Russia made it indispensable to early-warning networks—and that strategic logic has not faded with time. Today, Greenland’s importance is growing rather than shrinking. Climate change is reshaping the Arctic, opening new shipping routes and increasing access to natural resources such as rare earth minerals, hydrocarbons, and freshwater reserves locked in ice. These developments have renewed global interest in Greenland from NATO allies and rival powers alike, as control over Arctic infrastructure, data, and mobility becomes central to economic and security planning. At the same time, Greenland’s own political future—balancing autonomy, Indigenous priorities, and external pressure—adds another layer of complexity. Greenland’s story is ultimately one of geography shaping history. What once made the island strategically valuable for defense now places it at the center of debates about climate, security, energy, and sovereignty in the 21st century. As Arctic competition accelerates, Greenland is no longer a peripheral actor—it is a focal point where global interests converge. Journalists covering geopolitics, Arctic security, climate change, Indigenous governance, or global resource competition are encouraged to connect with experts who study Greenland’s past and its evolving strategic role. Expert insight can help explain why this vast island continues to matter—and why it is likely to play an even larger role in the years ahead. Our experts can help! Connect with more experts here: www.expertfile.com
The health challenges astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams face after 9 months in space
On June 5, 2024, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams embarked on a brief mission to the International Space Station. But equipment failures turned what was supposed to be an eight-day trip into a grueling 9 month spaceflight. This week, Wilmore and Williams finally returned to Earth. While their safe return is cause for celebration, the journey doesn’t end when astronauts touch down on Earth. They now face the significant task of recovering from the physical and psychological toll of long-duration spaceflight. As part of the University of Florida’s ongoing research into astronaut health, Rachael Seidler, Ph.D., a leading expert in spaceflight-associated health changes, is studying the long-term effects of space travel on astronauts’ brains and bodies. Seidler’s research focuses on understanding how the central nervous system and brain structure adapt to the challenges of space travel, as well as how these changes affect performance, balance, and mobility once astronauts return to Earth. “While the physical and psychological challenges astronauts face after returning from long-duration space missions are well-documented, the research we do at UF is helping us understand the intricacies of their recovery process,” said Seidler, deputy director of the Astraeus Space Institute at UF. “By following astronauts like Butch and Suni before, during, and after their missions, we can track how the human body responds to the extreme conditions of space.” Behavioral and Brain Changes Post-Flight Seidler’s research tracks astronauts’ physical and neurological recovery by observing them both during their missions and after they return. "One of the most immediate challenges astronauts face when they return to Earth is mobility and balance. These issues often recover more quickly compared to others, but it takes time for astronauts to readjust to gravity,” Seidler said. "The balance, mobility, and walking difficulties astronauts experience during the first weeks back are typically resolved in a short period, but brain function and structure require longer recovery periods." Seidler’s research indicates that astronauts’ brains exhibit compensation when they return to Earth following spaceflight. This compensation occurs through the recruitment of additional neural pathways in order to return to their preflight performance levels. However, the recovery of brain function is a gradual process. "This brain functional compensation is typically no longer observed within one to six months post-flight," Seidler said. However, not all changes are reversible. "Brain structural changes, particularly related to fluid shifts in space, show little to no recovery even after six months to a year," Seidler said. Two significant structural changes include the brain physically sitting higher in the skull and the expansion of the brain’s ventricles — fluid-filled cavities in the brain — which can increase in volume by 25% or more. These changes are thought to result from the fluid shifts caused by microgravity, and they present long-term health considerations for astronauts. Long-Term Health Effects: Understanding the Impact As Wilmore and Williams embark on their recovery journey, the long-term impact of these changes becomes a critical focus for researchers like Seidler. "The long-term health impacts are crucial to understand because they could affect how astronauts recover and perform in their daily lives post-mission," she said. Seidler’s team at UF is conducting a new study in which they are tracking astronauts for up to five years post-flight to better understand these long-term effects. "We’ve had astronauts in space for up to a year, and we know how to manage their physical health during those missions," Seidler said. "But the effects of space on the brain and body extend beyond the mission, and our work helps inform strategies to manage recovery." Collaborating with NASA and Studying Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome Seidler's work is also part of a broader collaboration with NASA and other scientists to assess astronaut long-term health. The project is particularly focused on Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome, which affects up to 70% of astronauts. This condition involves structural changes to the eye and optic nerve, leading to vision problems that may impact astronauts’ function. "Neuropsychological assessments can help to measure astronauts’ brain health, while studies of the ocular system help identify potential vision issues that may arise during and after long-duration space missions," she said. Simulating Space Conditions on Earth In addition to studying astronauts on Earth and in space, Seidler’s team conducts experiments to simulate the effects of spaceflight on human physiology. The UF lab runs experiments in head-down tilt bed rest studies, which keep participants lying down for weeks to months at a time to simulate the lack of gravity. "This type of study helps us understand how fluid shifts in the body during space travel affect mobility, balance, and brain structure," Seidler explained. "In addition, other publications have reported that astronauts describe that vestibular galvanic stimulation feels similar to what they experience when they first arrive in space and when they return to Earth. We have equipment to induce these effects in the lab." Looking Toward the Future As space missions continue to grow longer and more complex, UF’s research is more important than ever. "We’re studying these issues now to ensure that future astronauts are prepared for the physical and cognitive challenges that await them in deep space," Seidler said.
AU scientists advance understanding of Nobel-winning immunology research
The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine recognized the discovery of regulatory T cells, which are immune cells that maintain tolerance and prevent autoimmunity. At Augusta University, scientists have built upon that foundational work, uncovering how these cells function, fail and evolve across diseases like cancer and atherosclerosis. Regulatory T cells, or Tregs, are essential for controlling immune responses and preventing the body from attacking its own tissues. Early discoveries by Shimon Sakaguchi, MD, PhD, who identified the CD25 marker and later the transcription factor FoxP3, revealed how Tregs suppress immune activation. Sakaguchi, a distinguished professor at Osaka University in Japan, shared the Nobel Prize with Mary E. Brunkow, PhD, Princeton University, and Fred Ramsdell, PhD, University of California, Los Angeles. Sakaguchi once shared lab space with Nicholas Gascoigne, PhD, now a professor at AU’s Immunology Center of Georgia, where he studies T-cell signaling and differentiation — a connection that ties the global history of Treg research to the university’s ongoing expertise. Gascoigne’s research continues to illuminate how Tregs differentiate and signal, critical steps in ensuring immune tolerance to self. “Drs. Sakaguchi, Brunkow and Ramsdell have made enormous contributions to our understanding of how immunological tolerance works, so this prize is very well deserved,” Gascoigne said. “I was happy I could help Drs. Shimon and Noriko Sakaguchi when they needed lab space back in the early ‘90s. They were wonderful to work with.” At Augusta University, David Munn, MD, co-director of the Pediatric Immunotherapy Program of the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, made seminal discoveries showing that Tregs are not always stable. Munn’s team demonstrated that these cells could lose their suppressive identity and become “exTregs,” adopting pro-inflammatory characteristics under certain conditions. Munn also uncovered an entirely distinct tolerance mechanism through indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, a pathway independent of FoxP3 that regulates immune balance through tryptophan metabolism. “In particular, the work of Shimon Sakaguchi and Fred Ramsdell was profoundly influential on our early work, as we were just starting out to explore how the immune system is regulated in pediatric cancers,” Munn said. “The work of these Nobel laureates helped transform the scientific understanding of how the immune system responds — or fails to respond — in the setting of tumors.” Catherine “Lynn” Hedrick, PhD, co-director of the Immunology Center of Georgia, further expanded this understanding by showing that Tregs can convert into follicular helper T cells, offering new insight into how immune regulation can shift toward antibody production in chronic inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis. “Understanding how regulatory T cells can shift identities helps explain why the immune system sometimes loses balance in chronic disease,” Hedrick said. “By tracing how Tregs convert into other helper cells, we’re uncovering new therapeutic targets to restore immune harmony in conditions like atherosclerosis.” Building on these advances, Klaus Ley, MD, co-director of IMMCG, and his team have investigated how exTregs contribute to cardiovascular inflammation, identifying them in human tissues and clarifying their role in atherosclerosis. His lab also recently discovered human exTregs, providing the first direct evidence of these cells in people. Two postdoctoral fellows in Ley’s lab, Qingkang Lyu, PhD, and Smriti Parashar, PhD, continue this work, exploring how regulatory and ex-regulatory T cells influence chronic disease progression. Additionally, Dimitrios Moskofidis, MD, PhD, a professor based in the Georgia Cancer Center, contributed key early insights into immune tolerance and memory, defining how effector T cells persist or are deleted following infection. “Together, these discoveries place Augusta University and the Immunology Center of Georgia at the forefront of modern immunology, connecting molecular mechanisms of tolerance to real-world diseases and therapies,” Ley said. To connect with any of the experts or researchers in this article - simply contact AU's External Communications Team mediarelations@augusta.edu to arrange an interview today.
Artificial intelligence is a resource-intensive technology. A paper recently published in Nano Letters by collaborators at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) College of Engineering and Georgetown University hopes to improve AI’s ability to parse the vast amounts of information it creates by applying magneto-ionics to the established concept of physical reservoir computing (PRC). “Demonstrating we can make solid-state devices with magneto-ionic materials is an important step into further energy-efficient computing research, and this Nano Letters publication reinforces that,” said Muhammad (Md.) Mahadi Rajib, Ph.D., a postdoc with Jayasimha Atulasimha, Ph.D., Engineering Foundation Professor in the Department of Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering. What makes a decision? Our brains make countless complex decisions everyday. Input comes in, we weigh options and decide what to do. Within that simple path are countless identical loops of input, consideration and output as neurons fire in a chain that takes you from cause to effect. For artificial intelligence, nodes within a neural network receive inputs and provide output, much like the neurons in our brains. These outputs can be sent to other nodes for continued processing, but those outputs need weight to have value. For AI, weight signifies one input or connection is more important than another. Traditional neural networks have multiple layers consisting of countless nodes like this. Each node requires training in order to weigh things properly. Training consumes processing power, and processing power takes time and energy. Making tasks like analysis and prediction more efficient is how to continuously improve AI technology. Less training, more efficiency. Physical reservoir computing reduces the number of nodes an AI needs to train. Only the final output layer needs training in PRC, using a simple method for classification or prediction tasks. A physical “black box” replaces neural network nodes and synapses, like the ones used for AI inference, in PRC and processes inputs by implementing a nonlinear mathematical function with temporal memory. To explain the inner workings of the black box, imagine two stones thrown into still water. One stone is thrown with high force and the other with low force, creating big and small ripples respectively. If the stones are thrown so the second stone lands before the previous ripples have dissipated, the new ripple is affected by the earlier one. This illustrates the concept of temporal memory. In this analogy, if multiple stones are thrown one after another into still water according to some complex trend, observing the ripples over time allows you to understand the trend and train a simple set of weights to predict the force of the next stone throw from the ripple pattern. Repeatedly performing this cycle of input, interaction and observation is PRC. It reveals patterns over time that can predict chaotic systems, like market trends or the weather, using techniques like linear regression modeling to plot each output as a single point. The magneto-ionic approach. Using this same example above, the “water” in a magneto-ionic PRC is represented by a positive and negative electrode with solid-state electrolyte between them through which ions move when voltage is applied. The application of voltage is equivalent to throwing a stone and the ripple effect is comparable to the movement of oxygen ions in the system. “In addition to its energy efficiency, a useful feature of the magnetoionic system is that time scales for ion diffusion can be controlled from microseconds to minutes,” Atulasimha said. “This leads to simple experimental demonstration, as no megahertz and gigahertz measurements are needed. One can work at the natural time scales of the target application in practical systems and remove the need for complex frequency conversion, which takes both energy and space due to complex electronics.” Atulasimha imagines these energy-efficient reservoir systems have applications in edge computing devices like drones, automated vehicles and surveillance cameras. Tasks such as household energy load forecasting, weather prediction or processing hourly readings from wearable devices, which operate on hour-scale data, can also be performed using magneto-ionic PRC without additional preprocessing. “We showed that the magneto-ionic physical reservoir has both memory and nonlinear behavior, two important properties necessary for using it as a reservoir block,” Rajib said. “Our system stands out because voltage-controlled ion migration is a highly energy efficient method of manipulating magnetization. We demonstrated the required reservoir properties in a physical system and did so using a very energy efficient approach.” Two labs came together in order to pursue this research. Virginia Commonwealth University collaborators included Atulasimha, Rajib, and VCU Ph.D. students Fahim Chowdhury and Shouvik Sarker. The Georgetown University team included Kai Liu, Ph.D., Professor and McDevitt Chair in Physics, Dhritiman Bhattacharya, Ph.D., Christopher Jensen, Ph.D. and Gong Chen, Ph.D. Atulasimha’s group illustrated physical reservoir computing using numerical models of spintronic devices and sought a material system to experimentally demonstrate PRC. Liu’s team worked with magneto-ionic materials and was intrigued by the possibility of using them for computing applications.
Opinion: Hey Florida! Want to go to Mars? Here’s what it will do to your body
The president is eager “to plant the stars and stripes on the planet Mars.” Would you sign up for that mission? What would happen to your body in the three years you would be gone? As the United States continues to prioritize space travel, you might wonder why anyone would want to travel to Mars and whether it’s even ethical to expose humans to such extreme physiological conditions. The world is watching as the astronauts on the Boeing Starliner remain stuck in space until at least March due to a capsule malfunction. So many questions have arisen about the impacts of people spending extended periods of time in space, and we don’t have all the answers yet. However, because I study how spaceflight affects human physiology and performance, I have some ideas. The first 10 minutes of your journey will be exciting, but it’s the next months and years we really need to worry about. We have solved some of the problems but not all. After you lift off, the high g-forces will paste your body against the crew couch as you accelerate, but there’s really not too much to fear. A typical launch results in only about half the acceleration experienced by a fighter pilot in a tight turn. You might feel lightheaded, but astronauts have dealt with this for generations. Read the full article in the Tampa Bay Times here:
As interest in cryptocurrencies move from the fringes to mainstream conversation and public policy debate, Derek Mohr, clinical associate professor of finance at the Simon Business School at the University of Rochester, offers a clear-eyed voice on the subject. Mohr specializes in financial innovation and digital assets, and he’s been in demand with reporters looking to understand the economics behind everything from “Bitcoin-powered” home heaters to gas stations offering discounts for crypto purchases. His message? Not everything that markets itself as a breakthrough actually adds up. For instance, some companies have pitched devices that promise to heat a home using excess energy generated from bitcoin mining. Mohr recently told CNBC the idea might sound clever, but that its practicality collapses under basic financial and engineering realities. “The bitcoin heat devices I have seen appear to be simple space heaters that use your own electricity to heat the room . . . which is not an efficient way to heat a house,” Mohr said. “Yes, bitcoin mining generates a lot of heat, but the only way to get that to your house is to use your own electricity.” Bitcoin mining, he explained, has become so specialized that home computers have virtually zero chance of earning a mining reward. Industrial mining farms operate on custom-built chips far more powerful than any consumer device. In other words, consumers who think they’re heating their homes and earning crypto are, in reality, just paying for electricity and getting no real mining benefit. A pragmatic voice in a volatile space Mohr’s research and commentary help explain not just what is happening in the crypto world, but why it matters for consumers, businesses, and regulators. Whether evaluating the economics of mining or the viability of crypto payments, he brings a steady, analytical perspective to a domain dominated by hype and fast-moving news cycles. For journalists covering cryptocurrency, fintech, and the future of financial transactions, Mohr is available for interviews on digital payments, bitcoin mining economics, crypto regulation, and emerging trends in financial technologies. Top contact him, reach out to University of Rochester media relations liaison David Andreatta at david.andreatta@rochester.edu.
Tinsel, Tears, and Turkey: How Seniors Really Feel About the Holidays
Ah, the holidays. That magical season when cinnamon fills the air, grandkids are glued to their phones, and you're wondering if it's too early to spike the eggnog. (Answer: it's 5 o'clock somewhere, and that somewhere is your kitchen.) For many older adults, the season is a cocktail of nostalgia, joy, and melancholy—served in a glass rimmed with memories of when the house was full, and the turkey wasn't store-bought. Dealing With The Ghosts of Christmas Past The holidays used to mean full houses, laughter echoing off the walls, and more food than a Costco freezer aisle. Now? Smaller gatherings, missing faces, and a nagging feeling that you're somehow in the way at your own celebration. There's a certain ache that comes with the holidays as we age. It's not just arthritis—it's memory. The people who made our holidays special might no longer be around, and while their photos still grace the mantle, their absence can hit harder than a fruitcake to the forehead. It's the quiet that gets you. The stillness of a home that used to hum with chaos. The microwave hums where the oven once sang. The Christmas card list has ghosted us—literally—replaced by e-cards that can't be hung on the fridge or hugged. And yet, despite the ache, many seniors keep the traditions alive. They polish the silver, bake the cookies, and set the table—because ritual matters. It's a way to say, I'm still here, and this still matters. Loneliness: The Fear No One Talks About Let's name the holiday elephant in the room. Yes, it turns out that one really is the loneliest number. It's that heavy feeling that sneaks in right around the time commercials start showing perfect families in matching pajamas (who, let's be honest, probably fought about those pajamas in the parking lot). The numbers tell a sobering story: A report by the National Institute on Ageing, finds that as many as 41 per cent of Canadians aged 50 years and older are at risk of social isolation and up to 58 per cent have experienced loneliness before. The holidays often bring additional pressure for many. It's important to note, you don't have to live alone to feel lonely. Seniors often fear being forgotten—left out of the group chat, the dinner invite, or even the conversation at dinner. Some feel like a burden, convinced their presence is more "obligation" than "invitation." That fear of irrelevance can creep up faster than fruitcake at a church bake sale. The internal dialogue doesn't help: "They're busy." "They have their own lives." "I don't want to be a bother." But here's the truth: you're not a bother. You're the keeper of stories, the family's living archive, and—let's face it—the only one who actually knows how to carve a turkey without creating a crime scene. The health stakes are real: According to a 2023 research report from the U.S. Surgeon General, loneliness and social isolation have a profound effect on mortality, equal to smoking 15 cigarettes per day. That’s more impact than obesity or sedentary lifestyles. It's associated with increased risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This isn't just about feeling blue; it's about actual health outcomes. When Depression Wears a Santa Hat Holiday depression doesn't always look like tears and tissues. Sometimes it's withdrawing from events, skipping meals, or not bothering to decorate. It's saying "I'm fine" with a smile that doesn't reach your eyes. A prominent research study of seniors in the UK over a 12-year period published in The Lancet, confirms what many seniors experience: loneliness is a significant predictor of depression in older adults. The study found that higher loneliness scores were consistently associated with increased depression severity. The relationship works both ways—people with mental health conditions are more than twice as likely to experience loneliness. It can also show up physically—fatigue, poor sleep, or that vague feeling that something's just... off. The sparkle of the season fades under the weight of grief, change, or just the exhausting pressure to be merry when you're not feeling it. A few sad moments are natural. We all get a little misty when "White Christmas" plays for the 47th time. But if the blues linger past Boxing Day, it might be time for a gentle check-in—with a friend, a doctor, or someone who actually listens (not just nods while scrolling). Remember: asking for help isn't a weakness. It's wisdom. And honestly? It's badass. The Magic of Rituals and Traditions For seniors, traditions aren't just habits—they're anchors. The same decorations, the favorite songs, the "don't touch that, it's Grandma's angel" moment that happens every. Single. Year. Research shows that rituals and traditions provide crucial psychological benefits for older adults, including a sense of stability, purpose, and belonging. They offer structure and comfort during challenging times, helping seniors feel grounded and connected to their roots. Studies have found that maintaining traditions contributes to overall mental well-being and can even reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. These rituals offer stability in a world that keeps changing at warp speed (seriously, when did voice-activated ornaments become a thing?). But when traditions fade—when no one asks for the shortbread recipe or the ornaments stay boxed—it can feel like being erased in real time. So here's the trick: Evolve the traditions. Pass the torch, not the guilt. Let the grandkids lead carols (even if they insist on adding Mariah Carey). Use the good china. Pull out the silverware stored in the wooden case under the china cabinet that hasn't been opened since 1987. Keep the spirit alive, even if it looks different now. How Seniors Can Create a Joyful Holiday (Yes, Really!) Reach Out First: Don't wait for others to make the first move. Call, text, or—even better—show up with cookies. People are often grateful for the invitation but also afraid to impose. Be the one who breaks the ice. Host a Mini Gathering: Even if it's just tea with a neighbor, connection is the best seasoning of all. Bonus: smaller gatherings mean less cleanup and more actual conversation. Volunteer: Nothing lifts the spirit like helping someone else. Food banks, shelters, and local schools welcome extra hands. Plus, it's a great reminder that you're still needed—and you are. Laugh on Purpose: Watch old comedies. Tell those same stories (again). Laughter really is medicine—no prescription, no co-pay required. Decorate Anyway: Even if no one's visiting, do it for you. Light up your space, and your mood might just follow. And if the neighbors think you're overdoing it? Even better. What Families Can Do (Besides Show Up Hungry) Here's your holiday homework, families: Visit More, Scroll Less. You can't hug over FaceTime. And honestly, Grandma's WiFi probably can't handle it anyway. Listen Like It's a Gift. Because it is. Let seniors share their stories without rushing them or checking your phone. They're not just repeating themselves—they're reliving joy. (And yes, you've heard it before. Listen again.) Include Them in the Chaos. Let Grandma wrap presents, Grandpa set the playlist, or Aunt Sue take charge of... okay, maybe not the gravy. But give them a role. Purpose is the best present. Check In Regularly. A quick "thinking of you" text can mean more than an expensive gift. Though, to be fair, both are nice. Respect Their Pace. Big gatherings can be overwhelming. Sometimes small and meaningful beats loud and crowded. Not everyone wants to do the Macarena at Christmas dinner. (Looking at you, Uncle Bob.) Remember: the greatest present you can give an older adult is presence—yours. The Importance of Joy (and How to Find It Again) Joy doesn't always come in grand gestures. Sometimes it's hiding in the small stuff: • The smell of pine needles • The first snowflake (before it turns into gray slush) • That old ornament you swore you'd throw out • The laughter of family—even if it's at your expense Joy isn't found lying around like loose change. It's made. Sometimes it's coaxed out with a memory, a song, or a well-timed bad joke about Aunt Sue's lumpy gravy. And if all else fails, remember this: you've survived decades of holidays. Burnt turkeys. Broken ornaments. That unfortunate incident with the glue gun in 2003. You've earned the right to laugh through the tears and dance in your slippers if you damn well feel like it. The Real Gift The holidays remind us that connection—not perfection—is the true magic. For seniors, it's about being seen, heard, and loved. For families, it's about showing up, listening, and laughing together. Because one day, those elders' stories will become yours. And you'll want someone to care enough to hear them, too. So let's make this season count. Let's call more, visit more, and laugh more. Let's honor the past while making new memories. And let's remember that the best traditions aren't the ones that stay the same—they're the ones that adapt, evolve, and keep bringing us together. Now pass the eggnog. The spiked kind. Let's All Sit Under the Mistletoe and Sing the Retired Remix of "Jingle Bells" (To the tune of "Jingle Bells") Dashing through the snow, With a walker all in tow, To the mall we go, Moving nice and slow! Family's out of sight, Texting through the night, Oh, what fun it is to Zoom My grandkids once a night—hey! Chorus: Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way, Oh, what fun it is to chat With friends who won't delay—hey! Jingle bells, jingle bells, laughter saves the day, Lonely hearts can still feel joy— If love just finds a way. Happy holidays, everyone. May your turkey be moist, your family be present, and your eggnog be strong. Want more insights like this? Subscribe to my free newsletter here, where I share practical strategies, real-world stories, and straight talk about navigating retirement with confidence—not confusion. Plus, all subscribers get exclusive early access to advance chapters from my upcoming book. For Canadians 55+: Get actionable advice on making your home equity work for you, understanding your options, and living retirement on your terms. For Mortgage Brokers and Financial Professionals: Learn how to become the trusted advisor your 55+ clients—it's your opportunity to build lasting relationships in Canada's fastest-growing demographic. Sue Don’t Retire…Re-Wire! References & Resources for You or a Loved One On Loneliness and Social Isolation: • U.S. Surgeon General. (2023). Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf • Medicare FAQ. (2024). Loneliness in Seniors Statistics: Combating Social Isolation. https://www.medicarefaq.com/blog/senior-loneliness-statistics/ • Mayo Clinic. (2023). Loneliness and Social Isolation Through the Holidays. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/loneliness-and-social-isolation-through-the-holidays/ On Depression and Mental Health: • Kok, R.M., & Reynolds, C.F. (2020). The association between loneliness and depressive symptoms among adults aged 50 years and older: A 12-year population-based cohort study. The Lancet Psychiatry. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(20)30383-7/fulltext • Cigna. (2021). The Loneliness Epidemic Persists: A Post-Pandemic Look at the State of Loneliness Among U.S. Adults. On Traditions and Rituals: • Oregon Counseling. Why Traditions Matter to Mental Health. https://oregoncounseling.com/article/why-traditions-matter-to-mental-health/ • Care365. Maintaining Traditions with Seniors. https://www.care365.care/resources/maintaining-traditions-with-seniors Additional Support: • National Council on Aging. Four Steps to Combat Loneliness in Seniors During the Holidays. https://www.ncoa.org/article/four-steps-to-combat-loneliness-in-seniors-during-the-holiday-and-beyond/ Emergency Services If the situation is urgent or someone is in immediate danger: Call 911. Canada Suicide Prevention Service (CSPS) • Call: 1-833-456-4566 (available nationwide, 24/7) • Text: 45645 (evenings) • Chat: available at 988.ca