College of Science Archives

Steven Lopez, Assistant Professor, Chemistry and Chemical Biology. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Can we mimic the chemistry of the sun to take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere?

Steven Lopez, assistant professor of chemistry and chemical biology, studies molecules that are powered by sunlight rather than heat, a faster and more efficient catalyst for chemical reactions. As one of four principal investigators in the newly launched Institute for Data-Driven Dynamical Design, Lopez will use his expertise as a photochemist to study sustainable materials that can sequester carbon dioxide.

by Emily Arntsen October 13, 2021

Babies respond to sign language. What does that tell us about human nature?

Language is thought to be a key attribute that sets humans apart from other species. But is the capacity for language innate or learned? According to new research by Iris Berent, professor of psychology at Northeastern, humans are primed for language—in multiple forms.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki October 12, 2021

David DeSteno holds a copy of his new book,

David DeSteno believes science can learn from religion

His new book, “How God Works: The Science Behind the Benefits of Religion,” explores how and why religious rituals should be studied by scientists. “People who are engaged in religious practices live longer, healthier, and happier lives on average,” says DeSteno, a Northeastern psychology professor. “Let’s study the practices.”

by Ian Thomsen October 7, 2021

Could this treatment prevent chronic Lyme disease?

Kim Lewis has been searching for a way to stop acute Lyme disease from becoming chronic. And now the university distinguished professor of biology at Northeastern thinks he has found it—and it’s been hiding under our noses for more than 60 years.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki October 6, 2021

He predicted the widespread COVID-19 pandemic early on. Now he’s been knighted by the Italian government.

Alessandro Vespignani has been a leader among the experts advising both the American and Italian COVID-19 pandemic responses. For his work forecasting future outbreaks and connecting the two nations, the director of the Network Science Institute at Northeastern has been knighted by the Italian government.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki September 27, 2021

silhouette of a womans head with blue neuro map overlaid

When we think about nature vs. nurture, we’re biased. Here’s why.

Are humans born with hard-wired abilities, or do we learn them? If you take a guess, you may be wrong. And Northeastern professor of psychology Iris Berent now knows why.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki September 20, 2021

silhouettes of two firefighters standing in front of massive wilfdire

Is wildfire soot leaving a mark on the world’s oceans?

When clouds of smoke and ash billow out over the ocean, stretching away from the wildfires that are their source, they might not just affect the air quality, according to research by Aron Stubbins, associate professor of marine and environmental sciences at Northeastern.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki September 17, 2021

To safeguard key coastal ecosystems, this scientist starts by talking to the local anglers

“Fishermen spend the bulk of their year, if not every day, on the water and the vast majority of scientists only get to spend a small number of days on the water,” says Steven Scyphers, assistant professor of marine and environmental sciences at Northeastern. “But we’re both trying to understand the same system.”

by Halle Marchese - contributor September 13, 2021

Chemistry and Biochemistry Professor Carla Mattos works in Hurtig Hall at Northeastern. Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

This mysterious on-off switch holds clues to new cancer treatments

One-third of all human cancers are caused by mutations found on a protein called RAS, explains Carla Mattos, professor of chemistry and chemical biology at Northeastern. “The ultimate goal is to make drugs that stop this type of cell proliferation,” she says. “But the problem is, we don’t even know how RAS works normally.”

by Emily Arntsen - contributor September 7, 2021

Homes are flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida in Jean Lafitte, La. AP Photo/David J. Phillip

How data from Hurricane Ida can help bolster levees, power infrastructure

Hurricane Ida left thousands of Louisiana residents without power and hundreds marooned amid floodwaters. A Northeastern coastal engineer helped collect critical information from the eye of the Category 4 hurricane to help better prepare cities and towns against future megastorms.

by Hillary Chabot September 1, 2021

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