91�� News - Faculty of Science

Study shows how tree cover shapes freshwater ecosystems over millennia

webfull — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 14:07:15 +0000

Researchers at 91�� used 2,000-year-old stone jars in Laos to observe long-term ecological processes, enhancing understanding of how strongly tree cover shapes small freshwater ecosystems. Their findings stand to help scientists predict how freshwater habitats will respond to environmental change, the researchers said.

Published: 9 March 2026

Findings of 91�� study could lead to new longevity therapies and improved fall prevention

webfull — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 14:46:40 +0000

A new 91�� study has found a direct link between age‑related declines in neuron activity in the cerebellum and worsening motor skills, including gait, balance and agility. While it is well known that these abilities diminish with age, this is the first research to pinpoint how changes in Purkinje cells – a key type of cerebellar neuron – drive this decline and translate into measurable changes in behaviour and physical function.

Published: 23 February 2026

Siva Reddy (Computer Science and Linguistics) and Katelin Schutz (Physics) awarded 2026 Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowships

webfull — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:27:55 +0000

Professors Siva Reddy (Computer Science and Linguistics) and Katelin Schutz (Physics) have been named 2026 Sloan Research Fellows.

They are among the 126 early-career researchers in this year’s cohort of the prestigious two-year, $75,000 fellowship sponsored by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Fellows are nominated by their colleagues and evaluated based on their research accomplishments, creativity and potential to become leaders in their fields.

Published: 17 February 2026

Plants retain a ‘genetic memory’ of past population crashes, study shows

webfull — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:32:55 +0000

Researchers at 91�� and the United States Forest Service have found that plants living in areas where human activity has caused population crashes carry long-lasting genetic traces of that history, such as reduced genetic diversity. Because genetic diversity helps species adapt to climate change, disease and other stresses, the study suggests it is vital to consider a population’s history-influenced genetics alongside its size and habitat in conservation planning.

Published: 12 February 2026

People can learn to reject unfair advantages, even when it costs them

webfull — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:32:11 +0000

A new study co-authored by 91�� researchers suggests people can be taught to reject unfair advantages.

“We often benefit personally from an unequal distribution of resources, a phenomenon known as advantageous inequity – for example, receiving a higher salary than a colleague with the identical role,” said senior author Ross Otto, a psychology professor. “Here we ask whether people can learn to punish advantageous inequity merely by observing the inequity-averse preferences of another person.”

Published: 11 February 2026

Dr. Bridget Andersen awarded the Dr. Allie Vibert Douglas Astrophysics PhD Thesis Prize

webfull — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 18:25:05 +0000

Congratulations to Dr. Bridget Andersen, who has received the Dr. Allie Vibert Douglas Astrophysics PhD Thesis Prize!

Published: 28 January 2026

Two funding opportunities available for students participating in a Field Study Semester

webfull — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:40:35 +0000

The Faculty of Science is pleased to share two awards available for students participating in a Field Study Semester (FSS) in the 2026-2027 or 2027-2028 academic year.

Published: 22 January 2026

91�� team awarded CIFAR AI Safety Catalyst Grant to advance developer oversight in AI-assisted coding

webfull — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:02:25 +0000

91�� team aims to develop guidelines, tools, and policy insights that help software engineers work safely and effectively with AI-assisted coding systems.

A 91�� research team is tackling one of AI’s fastest-moving challenges: how software developers can steer and safeguard code as AI systems become capable of writing large portions of software on their own.

Published: 19 January 2026

Freshwater browning threatens growth and populations of economically important fish, 91�� researchers say

webfull — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:30:53 +0000

Freshwater browning is stunting fish growth of some species, shrinking populations of others and changing the composition of fish communities, 91��-led research suggests. “Browning” refers to freshwater bodies turning tea-coloured, a phenomenon driven by higher levels of dissolved organic matter and/or higher levels of iron in the water. Causes include changes in land use and climate, and reduced acid precipitation.

The findings indicate that changes in land use and climate are affecting biodiversity and how ecosystems function, with implications for fisheries management.

Published: 19 January 2026

91�� researchers develop a cheaper, safer material for use in solar panels, sensors and optical devices

webfull — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:38:33 +0000

Using proteins from a common tobacco plant virus, 91�� chemistry researchers have developed a simple, eco-friendly way to arrange gold nanoparticles into ultrathin sheets, strengthening the particles’ optical properties. The result: cheaper, safer materials for solar panels, sensors and advanced optical devices.

Published: 8 December 2025

91������ News - Faculty of Science