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Masters student, Kyle Sferrazza, who studies cybersecurity, works on code outside the ISEC building on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) CyberForce program held the second in its new competition series, Conquer the Hill, on September 18. Kyle Sferrazza of Northeastern University won the Reign Edition of Conquer the Hill, competing against 45 participants. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Ransomware attacks are on the rise. How worried should we be?

Cybersecurity major Kyle Sferrazza has competed in several of the cyber contests held by the U.S. Department of Energy, one of many federal departments scrambling to protect critical infrastructure from ransomware. Key government agencies, along with many health and energy services are far too vulnerable to hackers, says Sferrazza.

by Hillary Chabot October 19, 2021

'Squid Game' appeals to the TikTok generation for its video game-like feel, says Amy Lu, a communication studies professor whose research focuses on the power of narratives. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Why are young viewers so drawn to ‘Squid Game’?

Part of the appeal lies in the video game-like feel and “meme-able” moments that attract the TikTok generation, says Amy Lu, a Northeastern professor who studies the power of narratives. Since its September debut, 'Squid Game' has been watched by more than 130 million people around the globe.

by Peter Ramjug October 19, 2021

Here’s why it is–and it isn’t–a big deal that Superman is bisexual

The choice to make Jon Kent bisexual “just reflects the younger generation as it really exists today,” says Ajuan Mance, an illustrator and English professor at Mills College. “The question might end up being in the reverse, eventually: Why is every character cisgender and straight?”

by Molly Callahan October 19, 2021

08/18/21 - BOSTON, MA - Members of the Boston community shop in the Fresh Truck at DotHouse Health Center in Dorchester, Massachusetts on Aug. 18, 2021. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Fresh Truck: A mobile market bringing healthy food to communities who need it the most

Fresh Truck, a mobile market selling affordable fruits and veggies across Boston, survived the pandemic thanks to a strong sense of community that’s flourished since two Northeastern graduates started the business in 2013. We tagged along with the healthy foods market during their daily sales routes to get a glimpse of the communities they serve and how the business hopes to expand their mission of improving community health through better eating.

by Eunice Esomonu, Hillary Chabot, Cam Sleeper and Addison Dlott October 19, 2021

Northeastern requires proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 negative test result for guests at indoor events

Based on the continuing commitment to the health and safety of the Northeastern community, the university is requiring that all guests aged 12 and older who attend campus indoor events must present proof of full vaccination or provide a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of the event. The requirement applies to guests who attend indoor gatherings of all kinds, including athletic events, commencement and other ceremonies, and Family & Friends Weekend, which opens on Friday.

by Ian Thomsen October 18, 2021

Colin Powell, retired four-star general and former secretary of state, attends Northeastern University's Liberty Battalion Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony in 2012. Powell, who died at age 84 from COVID-19 complications, made opening remarks and administered the commissioning oath. Photo by Northeastern University

Northeastern remembers Colin Powell as a transformational figure and a natural leader

Powell, who died at 84 from COVID-19 complications, delivered the 2012 commencement address at Northeastern. He lived near the Boston campus for a short time before going off to Vietnam in the 1960s. Northeastern’s military veterans remembered him for having a strong moral compass and staying true to his beliefs.

by Peter Ramjug October 18, 2021

Masters student Dan Braconnier, works on researchers in the Directed Assembly of Particles & Suspensions Lab in the Egan Research Center. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

How magnets and 3D printers can make materials for hypersonic planes

Northeastern’s DAPS Lab was recently nominated for the 2021 3D Printing Industry Award for their breakthrough method that uses magnets to align, and therefore strengthen, particles in 3D-printed materials.

by Emily Arntsen October 18, 2021

Parental concerns about COVID-19 vaccinations for their children unexpectedly rose after federal authorities allowed vaccines for children 12 years of age and older, according to findings from the Covid States Project, a collaborative effort by researchers from Northeastern, Harvard, Northwestern, and Rutgers. Photo by Paul Hennessy/NurPhoto via AP

Kids’ COVID-19 vaccines are available. So why are parents’ concerns still so high?

Coming as a surprise to researchers, significant numbers of parents remain vaccine hesitant, even after federal emergency authorization was granted for COVID-19 shots, according to a U.S. study by researchers from Northeastern and several partner institutions.

by Peter Ramjug October 18, 2021

There has been a gap in doctors’ COVID-19 toolkit. A new pill might fill that gap. And it might help save hospitals on the brink.
Photo illustration by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Why a COVID-19 pill would be a game-changer for overwhelmed hospitals

Between vaccinations and intensive inpatient treatments for COVID-19 patients, there has been a gap in doctors’ pandemic toolkit. A new pill might fill that gap, says Mansoor Amiji, university distinguished professor of pharmaceutical sciences and chemical engineering at Northeastern. And it might help save hospitals on the brink.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki October 15, 2021

Cooper celebrates his birthday with a candle and cupcake in Carter Park. Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

A 1st birthday bash for Cooper the campus dog

Northeastern’s first community resource dog, Cooper, celebrates his first birthday Monday with a canine-friendly celebration. The affable golden retriever has been making friends among students, faculty, and staff, throughout the fall semester.

by Hillary Chabot October 15, 2021