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How to Communicate With Your Cat, According to Science
According to researchers, one of the simplest ways to communicate with your cat requires zero words and minimal effort. Here's how.
Cold water changes your cells—and science says it only takes one week - Futura-Sciences
A daily dip in cold water might do more than wake you up — it could actually reprogram your body at the cellular level. According to researchers from the University of Ottawa, this simple habit ... Read more
Scientists Make Material That Can Morph Into Anything With the Pull of a String
Inspired by kirigami, a type of Japanese paper art, researchers have created a new material that transforms from a grid into any 3D structure you'd like.
Aren't Oregon's farmers, ranchers and stewards 'Oregon business'?
Both Gov. Kotek's Oregon Prosperity Roadmap and the Oregon Business Plan have elicited fanfare and criticism. As the director of an organization whose members’ livelihoods are tied to businesses inside and outside our urban growth boundaries, I am concerned that these roadmaps emphasize industrial and tech development, calling to pave over our farms, forests, and watersheds.
What researchers have discovered about maternal, infant health under Texas’ abortion laws
A growing body of research indicates that Texas' abortion bans — which are among the country’s most restrictive — have negatively affected the health and...
Security researcher: ASUS ROG laptop UEFI violates PCIe spec, triggers crashes and black screens
There's another bug in ASUS ROG laptop firmware Discovered by the same researcher that revealed stutter issues in ASUS ROG laptops. Security
Billionaire Warren Buffett Had An 'Unconventional' Marriage That Lasted 52 Years. The Trio Even Sent Out Signed Christmas Cards—'Everybody Was Happy'
Warren Buffett is one of those rare billionaires everyone feels like they know. He still lives in the same modest Omaha home he bought in 1958. He eats McDonald's and drinks Cherry Coke like lunch is a personal investment strategy. In a world full of private jets and vast estates, his choices are weirdly relatable — almost comforting. But even familiar figures can have unsuspected personal chapters, and Buffett's love life is one that defies tidy labels. In 1952, Buffett married Susan Thompson,
A new superconductor breaks rules physicists thought were fixed
A shiny gray crystal called platinum-bismuth-two hides an electronic world unlike anything scientists have seen before. Researchers discovered that only the crystal’s outer surfaces become superconducting—allowing electrons to flow with zero resistance—while the interior remains ordinary metal. Even stranger, the electrons on the surface pair up in a highly unusual pattern that breaks all known rules of superconductivity.
Israeli scientists say tiny organisms can revamp their own RNA to survive extreme heat
Using a novel method, Weizmann Institute of Science researchers map 16 types of simultaneous changes in dozens of samples; findings can lead to improved RNA-based medical technologies
12 executives, researchers, others who left OpenAI in 2025 — mostly to Meta Superintelligence Lab
Meta poached at least seven OpenAI researchers over summer. Here are some big names who left the startup in 2025.
Why Being a Black, Female Science Teacher Matters So Much to Students Who Look Like Me
Educator's view: Diversity in teaching and STEM is not just about who stands at the front of the classroom, but about who kids believe they can become
Researchers create world's smallest programmable, autonomous robots
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and University of Michigan have created the world's smallest fully programmable, autonomous robots: microscopic swimming machines that can independently sense ...
Tribe prioritizes doing business with Cherokees
The Cherokee Nation offers bidding preference to more than 1,000 certified Native-owned businesses through its Tribal Employment Rights Office, more commonly known as TERO.
Nosy researcher’s quest to map the world’s ‘smellscapes’
We can share images and sounds, so why not smells? Dr Kate McLean-MacKenzie hopes her new atlas will make scents
A surprising brain cleanup reduced epileptic seizures and restored memory
A new study suggests temporal lobe epilepsy may be linked to early aging of certain brain cells. When researchers removed these aging cells in mice, seizures dropped, memory improved, and some animals avoided epilepsy altogether. The treatment used drugs already known to science, raising the possibility of quicker translation to people. The results offer new hope for patients who do not respond to existing medications.
Oceans are supercharging hurricanes past Category 5
Deep ocean hot spots packed with heat are making the strongest hurricanes and typhoons more likely—and more dangerous. These regions, especially near the Philippines and the Caribbean, are expanding as climate change warms ocean waters far below the surface. As a result, storms powerful enough to exceed Category 5 are appearing more often, with over half occurring in just the past decade. Researchers say recognizing a new “Category 6” could improve public awareness and disaster planning.
Scientists found a way to restore brain blood flow in dementia
A new study suggests that dementia may be driven in part by faulty blood flow in the brain. Researchers found that losing a key lipid causes blood vessels to become overactive, disrupting circulation and starving brain tissue. When the missing molecule was restored, normal blood flow returned. This discovery opens the door to new treatments aimed at fixing vascular problems in dementia.
What are asteroids really made of? New analysis brings space mining closer to reality
Scientists are digging into the hidden makeup of carbon-rich asteroids to see whether they could one day fuel space exploration—or even be mined for valuable resources. By analyzing rare meteorites that naturally fall to Earth, researchers have uncovered clues about the chemistry, history, and potential usefulness of these ancient space rocks. While large-scale asteroid mining is still far off, the study highlights specific asteroid types that may be promising targets, especially for water extraction.
Scientists say evolution works differently than we thought
A major evolutionary theory says most genetic changes don’t really matter, but new evidence suggests that’s not true. Researchers found that helpful mutations happen surprisingly often. The twist is that changing environments prevent these mutations from spreading widely before they become useless or harmful. Evolution, it turns out, is less about reaching perfection and more about endlessly chasing a moving target.
Madeleine’s Shin Splint Scare Leads to Leg-Saving Play at MU Health Care
Madeleine cherished the camaraderie of college soccer, but recurring injuries — including a chronic stress fracture in her right tibia — ultimately ended her career and required surgery during Thanksgiving break in 2022. A surgical complication involving a nerve block caused severe damage, leading her surgeon to refer her to MU Health Care’s Limb Preservation Program.
AI supercharges scientific output while quality slips
AI writing tools are supercharging scientific productivity, with researchers posting up to 50% more papers after adopting them. The biggest beneficiaries are scientists who don’t speak English as a first language, potentially shifting global centers of research power. But there’s a downside: many AI-polished papers fail to deliver real scientific value. This growing gap between slick writing and meaningful results is complicating peer review, funding decisions, and research oversight.
The tough lesson US scientists learned from Trump
A yearlong assault on federal science programs taught researchers they can't always count on Washington to be a reliable partner.
Blackstone's CTO explains how he uses his 35-minute subway ride to stay sharp and upskill
John Stecher reads about technology in another industry on his daily subway ride to work and spends his weekends being hands-on with tools.
6 charts to show your family when they ask why you don't have a new job
From the highest unemployment in years to job switchers seeing more modest raises than years past, charts show how the job market fared in 2025.
Cracker jokes and custard chemistry: ways to smuggle science into Christmas
Researchers share the easy ways to uncover moments of festive discovery, proving you don’t need a lab coat to experiment this Christmas
Elder, Mason teachers set trend for student-led sports media teams
Mason, Elder media teachers discuss how sports broadcasts give creative and educational outlets for students in their communities and beyond.
E&E News: The tough lesson US scientists learned from Trump
A yearlong assault on federal science programs taught researchers they can't always count on Washington to be a reliable partner.
This new 3D chip could break AI’s biggest bottleneck
Researchers have created a new kind of 3D computer chip that stacks memory and computing elements vertically, dramatically speeding up how data moves inside the chip. Unlike traditional flat designs, this approach avoids the traffic jams that limit today’s AI hardware. The prototype already beats comparable chips by several times, with future versions expected to go much further. Just as important, it was manufactured entirely in a U.S. foundry, showing the technology is ready for real-world production.
This tiny peptide could help stop brain damage after injury
A four–amino acid peptide called CAQK has shown powerful brain-protective effects in animal models of traumatic brain injury. Delivered through a standard IV, it zeroes in on injured brain tissue, calming inflammation and reducing cell death while improving recovery. The peptide worked in both mice and pigs, whose brains are closer to humans in structure. Researchers are now preparing to move toward early human clinical trials.
Scientists Found the Deepest Known Arctic Vent—and It's Teeming With Life
The deepest recorded cold Arctic vent is a living surprise, researchers say.
Plant science with a twist
Biology and engineering researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have uncovered the mechanism of plants’ twisting roots.
A’s adding ‘Severino Room’ at Sutter Health Park. Here’s why pitcher wanted it
More changes are coming to Sutter Health Park for the Athletics’ second season in West Sacramento in 2026.
Historical mysteries solved by science in 2025
Researchers studied fossils, well-preserved remains and even a single fingerprint to solve some of history’s long-standing mysteries this year.
Your roommate’s genes may be shaping your gut bacteria
Scientists studying thousands of rats discovered that gut bacteria are shaped by both personal genetics and the genetics of social partners. Some genes promote certain microbes that can spread between individuals living together. When researchers accounted for this social sharing, genetic influence on the microbiome turned out to be much stronger than previously thought. The study suggests genes can affect others indirectly, without DNA ever being exchanged.
Scientists find a weak spot in deadly fungus that shut down hospital intensive care units
A deadly hospital fungus that resists nearly every antifungal drug may have an unexpected weakness. Researchers discovered that Candida auris activates specific genes during infection to hunt for nutrients it needs to survive. This insight came from a new living-host model that allowed scientists to watch the fungus in action. The findings could eventually lead to new treatments or allow current drugs to be repurposed.
How Australia Fights Scientific Misinformation
The Science Media Centre connects researchers and journalists.
Video: Why Scientists Are Performing Brain Surgery on Monarchs
Scientists in Texas are studying monarch butterflies to understand how they navigate thousands of miles, possibly by sensing Earth’s magnetic field. Alexa Robles-Gil explains how researchers are examining the butterflies’ brains to find answers.
She goes to police calls in a Prius. It's part of new approach to mental health emergencies
San Mateo adopted a new approach to mental health 911 calls by pairing police with mental health clinicians. Researchers found that it reduced the number of future mental health emergency calls and involuntary psychiatric holds by roughly 17%.
Scientists Extract Metabolic Molecules From Million-Year-Old Fossils for the First Time
Fossils can reveal far more than the shapes of ancient creatures. Molecules preserved inside old animal bones provide clues about past diseases, what those animals ate, and the climates they lived in. For the first time, researchers have examined metabolism-related molecules preserved in fossiliz
Physicists made atoms behave like a quantum circuit
Using ultracold atoms and laser light, researchers recreated the behavior of a Josephson junction—an essential component of quantum computers and voltage standards. The appearance of Shapiro steps in this atomic system reveals a deep universality in quantum physics and makes elusive microscopic effects visible for the first time.
Erik Bottcher to exit crowded NY-12 race, run for state Senate
Bottcher is bowing out of the race to succeed Rep. Jerry Nadler.
Breaking down the biggest flips of the 2026 cycle
There was no shortage of drama surrounding some of the most high-profile recruitments in the 2026 cycle. Of the top 100 overall prospects in the cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, 21 committed to multiple programs throughout their recruitments. That includes five five-star prospects. From the nation’s No. 1 passer to an elite pass-catcher and […]
Proposed Magnetic Cloak Could Make Sensitive Tech Practically Invisible
The cloak can shield objects of any shape from unwanted noise, the researchers say.
YOUR INPUT WANTED: Help shape the 2026 Delta Science Plan
The Delta Stewardship Council’s Delta Science Program has released the third iteration of the Delta Science Plan for public review. The Delta Science Plan outlines the vision, principles, and strategies guiding science in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. All members of the Delta science community and interested stakeholders are encouraged to provide input. This includes federal, state, and local agency scientists, tribes, non-governmental organizations, academic researchers, and members of the public who care about the future of the Delta. The Delta […]
This cancer-fighting molecule took 50 years to build
MIT scientists have achieved the first-ever lab synthesis of verticillin A, a complex fungal compound discovered in 1970. Its delicate structure stalled chemists for decades, despite differing from related molecules by only two atoms. With the synthesis finally complete, researchers created new variants that showed strong activity against a rare pediatric brain cancer. The breakthrough could unlock an entire class of previously unreachable cancer-fighting molecules.
A new drug could stop Alzheimer’s before memory loss begins
New research suggests Alzheimer’s may start far earlier than previously thought, driven by a hidden toxic protein in the brain. Scientists found that an experimental drug, NU-9, blocks this early damage in mice and reduces inflammation linked to disease progression. The treatment was given before symptoms appeared, targeting the disease at its earliest stage. Researchers say this approach could reshape how Alzheimer’s is prevented and treated.
Orioles news: One starting pitcher down, one to go
Does Mike Elias have another pitcher up his sleeve?
Snow globe, voucher sprinkles, Trump dinner: A gift guide for Texas’ political players
Need to give your favorite political power player a gift? Here's a guide for the holiday season.
Sports Injuries Worse During An Athlete's Period, Study Says
By Dennis Thompson HealthDay ReporterMONDAY, Dec. 22, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Sports injuries sustained by female athletes tend to be worse during their period, a new study reports. Injuries are more severe and take longer to heal during menstruation, researchers recently reported in the journal
National Education Association spends on politics over teachers
Just 10 cents of every dollar the National Education Association spent in 2025 was on representing teachers. Politics and contributions took nearly four times that amount.
Wilton Simpson offers personalized certificates recognizing Santa's imminent entry into Florida
Simpson called it 'a reminder that Florida always cherishes its families and traditions.'
December 22, 2025: Rural Health Symposium Opens Registration, Announces Call for Abstracts
The Duke University School of Nursing will convene healthcare professionals, educators, researchers, community leaders, and policymakers for a 1-day symposium dedicated to reducing rural health disparities across North Carolina through […]
This simulation reveals what really happens near black holes
Black holes are among the most extreme objects in the universe, and now scientists can model them more accurately than ever before. By combining Einstein’s gravity with realistic behavior of light and matter, researchers have built simulations that closely match real astronomical observations. These models reveal how matter forms chaotic, glowing disks and launches powerful outflows as it falls into black holes. It’s a major step toward decoding how these cosmic engines actually work.
This AI finds simple rules where humans see only chaos
A new AI developed at Duke University can uncover simple, readable rules behind extremely complex systems. It studies how systems evolve over time and reduces thousands of variables into compact equations that still capture real behavior. The method works across physics, engineering, climate science, and biology. Researchers say it could help scientists understand systems where traditional equations are missing or too complicated to write down.
A traditional Brazilian plant shows unexpected strength against arthritis
A Brazilian study has confirmed that Joseph’s Coat, a plant used for generations in folk medicine, can significantly reduce inflammation and arthritis symptoms in lab tests. Researchers observed less swelling, healthier joints, and signs of tissue protection. Just as important, the extract showed a promising safety profile at tested doses. The discovery could pave the way for new plant-based anti-inflammatory treatments.
Scientists say they have discovered 20 new species deep in the Pacific Ocean
Researchers retrieved reef monitoring devices that had been placed in deep coral reefs in Guam. The devices were placed up to 330 feet below the surface.
Scientists say they have discovered 20 new species deep in the Pacific Ocean
Researchers retrieved reef monitoring devices that had been placed in deep coral reefs in Guam. The devices were placed up to 330 feet below the surface.
MIT Scientists Have Discovered a Way To Rejuvenate the Immune System
As the immune system weakens with age, researchers have found a way to temporarily boost its function by reprogramming liver cells to support T-cell development.
Deep sampling recovers a species forgotten by science since 1906
Researchers rediscover tiny tropical land snails, reclassifying lost species and reshaping the tree of life in Central America.
NH's Business: Tackling unresolved issues in NH heading into 2026
Fred Kocher sits down with Matt Mowry with Business NH Magazine and Mike Cote with the New Hampshire Business Review to talk about key issues across the state heading into the new year.
Death of Elon sports legend Rich McGeorge
Richard “Rich” McGeorge ’72, one of Elon University’s most distinguished athletes and a cherished figure in both collegiate and professional football, died December 20 at the age of 77. He...
Hidden seismic signals hint at a tsunami threat in Alaska
Researchers studying a massive landslide in Alaska have detected strange seasonal seismic pulses caused by water freezing and thawing in rock cracks. These faint signals could become an important early clue to changes that might someday trigger a dangerous landslide-driven tsunami.
Science says we’ve been nurturing “gifted” kids all wrong
A major international review has upended long-held ideas about how top performers are made. By analyzing nearly 35,000 elite achievers across science, music, chess, and sports, researchers found that early stars rarely become adult superstars. Most world-class performers developed slowly and explored multiple fields before specializing. The message is clear: talent grows through variety, not narrow focus.
Science & Medicine: Can acupressure provide a safer pain relief alternative for people with dementia?
Many people dismiss alternative therapies like auricular — which means ear — acupressure as unscientific, but a UT Health San Antonio researcher thinks it may be an effective way to reduce chronic pain for people with dementia that doesn't carry the risks associated with opioid medication.
Bowen Yang tearfully bids farewell to ‘Saturday Night Live’ with the help of Cher and Ariana Grande
Bowen Yang got teary-eyed during the final sketch on Saturday’s episode of “Saturday Night Live,” which was his last.
Scientists found a hidden clock inside dinosaur eggshells
Researchers have found that fossilized dinosaur eggshells contain a natural clock that can reveal when dinosaurs lived. The technique delivers surprisingly precise ages and could revolutionize how fossil sites around the world are dated.
Saturday’s Powerball drawing could bring someone a $1.5 billion holiday windfall
Someone could become $1.5 billion richer after this evening — if they pick the winning numbers in the latest Powerball jackpot.
ENTERTAINMENT: Museum sets sessions for kids; Steinway honors piano teacher
The Rogers Historical Museum and the Rogers Public Library are offering "Museum and Me," an hour-long, free, once-a-month program at the museum for children 3-5 that helps foster interest in history, reading and museums.
The real reason incomes rise and why they drop
Getting ahead financially is mainly about what you earn at work, not what you make from investments. Researchers found that promotions, skills, and better jobs drive most upward income movement. But when people slip backward, falling investment income is usually the main reason. Labor builds income steadily; capital is riskier and more unpredictable.
Sugar-free sweeteners may still be harming your liver
Sorbitol, a popular sugar-free sweetener, may not be as harmless as its label suggests. Researchers found it can be turned into fructose in the liver, triggering effects similar to regular sugar. Gut bacteria can neutralize some of it—but too much sorbitol or glucose can overwhelm that defense. The result: yet another “healthy” sweetener that may stress the liver.
G-Assist is 'real': NVIDIA unveils NitroGen, open-source AI model that can play 1000+ games for you
NitroGen can play Witcher 3, Cyberpunk or even Rocket League NVIDIA researchers and MineDojo collaborators have published NitroGen, a vision to action
Scientists build 'most accurate' quantum computing chip ever thanks to new silicon-based computing architecture
Researchers say they have created the world's first scalable atomic quantum processor that achieves record-breaking 99.99% fidelity.
People in Business for Dec. 20, 2025
Jordyn Reichert has joined Silverman Law Office in Bozeman as a paralegal.
‘Forever Chemicals’ Linked to Another Health Condition, Study Says
Researchers have found a new link between exposure to ‘forever chemicals’ and one lifelong health condition. A Sweden-based study found that people exposed to two major environmental toxins are more likely to be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Padres pitcher Michael King: "unfinished business" in San Diego
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King says he has "unfinished business,", a big reason he signed a 3-year contract to return to Petco Park.
Frain’s FridA10 Notebook: Saint Louis’ dominance is a welcomed sight
At 10-1, Josh Schertz and his Billikens are rolling… Can anybody stop them in conference?
An asteroid could hit the moon in 2032, scattering debris toward Earth
Researchers are keeping an eye on the building-sized asteroid 2024 YR4, which has a 4 percent chance of hitting the moon seven years from now.
CTSI to host three-part virtual mini-series on team science
Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) will host a three-part virtual mini-series focused on team science, led by Susan Simkins, director of Team Science with Penn State CTSI. Designed for researchers, staff and leaders working in collaborative environments, the series will provide practical, evidence-based strategies to help teams function more effectively and avoid the misalignment that often can slow down good science.
How Scientists Are Decoding Hawaiian Monk Seal Communication
Researchers uncover 20 new underwater calls from Hawaii’s endangered monk seals.
Report claims Naughty Dog recently ordered employees take on "mandatory" overtime
A new report claims Naughty Dog recently ordered employees to take on "mandatory" overtime as it worked to get the Inte…
LLMs’ impact on science: Booming publications, stagnating quality
Once researchers turn to LLMs, paper counts go up, quality does not.
News & Rumors: The Crawfish Boil 12/18/2025
All the latest news and rumors on your Houston Astros and from around MLB – it’s in here! Today’s offseason Crawfish Boil for December 18, 2025: Cliff Notes: Passan identified the Astros as being in the mix for a top-tier starting pitcher. Rosenthal also goes on to say that trading Marte is the most likely […]
Large Minnesota study underscores disproportionate rates of health problems among recently incarcerated and unhoused people
In a study of more than 4.3 million people in Minnesota, researchers found widespread disparities in health conditions between the general population and people who ...
Tom Durkin | The journey: People over politics
“Everyone’s on a journey,” Dianna Hill used to remind me gently whenever I got upset with what someone did or didn’t do. Maybe 5’2” in heels and just barely topping 100 pounds, Dianna had the look and soft voice of the perfect kindergarten teacher. She taught 8th-grade algebra. Dianna was empathy personified. She could feel […]
STEM Center launches free, open-source science curriculum for Missouri middle schools
The Kummer Center for STEM Education at Missouri S&T is now offering a free, open-source science curriculum for sixth- through eighth-grade educators across Missouri. The curriculum project began with the STEM Center’s first Rigorous Curriculum Cohort in 2022, when middle school teachers from
Your body feels cold in two different ways
Researchers have uncovered that the body uses different molecular systems to sense cold in the skin versus internal organs. This explains why surface chills feel very different from cold experienced deep inside the body.
The Year in Science: The most impactful research stories of 2025
Work in fields such as health and medicine, the environment, engineering and technology innovation have put FIU on the map. And 2026 looks to be another blockbuster.
Katherine Ho, esteemed health economist and ‘true role model,’ dies at 53
Ho, the John L. Weinberg Professor of Economics and Business Policy, was “a brilliant scholar, a charismatic teacher and a devoted adviser,” said department chair Wolfgang Pesendorfer. A memorial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27, at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York.
Google Pixel gets a slick new folder animation, other launcher UI tweaks
Android 16 QPR3 launched today for Google Pixel devices, bringing some interesting tweaks to round out the later stages of...
Scientists spent 10 years chasing a particle that wasn’t there
After a decade of painstaking measurements, scientists have delivered a major plot twist in particle physics: a long-hypothesized “mystery particle” likely doesn’t exist. Using the MicroBooNE experiment at Fermilab, researchers analyzed neutrinos from two powerful beams and found no evidence for a sterile neutrino, ruling it out with 95% certainty.
This Jurassic Park science is now a reality
Researchers say they can use the talents of pesky blood-sucking mosquitoes to their benefit
Schmidt Gives Keynote Address for Political Trust Conference
Professor Vivien Ann Schmidt gave the opening keynote address, titled Political Trust and Legitimacy in the Age of Populism, for the Political Trust conference, organized by CEVIPOF at the French Political Science School at Sciences Po in Paris on December 5, 2025. This year’s conference, named Political Trust: A Challenge for Democracies, brought together researchers from…
In aftermath of January wildfires, ER visits surged amid alarming health effects, study finds
For the first time, researchers have been able to study the direct health effects the January wildfires had on Angelenos.
The creator of Anthropic's Claude Code likes to hire engineers who do 'side quests' like making kombucha
Claude Code creator Boris Cherny said that he looked for engineers with "cool weekend projects." Anthropic is also looking for "generalists," he said.
A new era for sports communication at UNC Hussman | UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media
As director of UNC Hussman’s Sports Communication Focus Program, Distinguished Associate Professor of Sports Communication Livis Freeman is building on the work of the school’s legendary Distinguished Professor for Sports Communication John Sweeney. Sweeney, who retired last year, developed one of the most respected sports communication programs in the country. Freeman, now in his 12th year at the school, is launching an ambitious expansion of the program that is transforming how UNC prepares students for careers in sports media. The most visible change came this fall with a reimagining of “MEJO 377: Sports Communication.” Previously offered as two sections with 30 students each, the course expanded to 96 students and welcomed former UNC basketball star and NBA veteran Tyler Hansbrough as the co-instructor with Freeman, bringing real world professional experience directly into the classroom every week. The course has been a huge success. Students have participated in recording a podcast with Hansbrough and learned from an impressive lineup of guest speakers. Steve Kirschner, UNC’s senior associate director of athletics for communications, was the first in the course’s guest speaker series, followed by UNC Hussman alumni including Kaitlyn Schmidt ’23 from Bleacher Report, Deaton Bell ’90 from Turner Sports and Becca Royer ’19 from the Philadelphia 76ers. Travis Tygart, CEO of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, also shared his insights with the class. The highlight of the semester came when Roy Williams, who coached Hansbrough and the Tar Heels to a national championship in 2009, visited the classroom. Former UNC men’s basketball players Luke Maye and Marcus Ginyard showed up to support their former coach and Hansbrough, creating an unforgettable experience as Williams entertained students with stories and insights that captivated the room. Student demand has been overwhelming. The course reached capacity within two days of registration opening, with more than 40 students on the waitlist. “Students want to learn from people who have actually lived these experiences,” Freeman said. “Tyler shares insights into media relations, broadcast production and athlete communications that you simply can’t get from a textbook.” The model proved so successful that the school secured funding to continue it for the next five years, with a different former professional athlete co-teaching each fall. The school’s curriculum committee approved a proposal to expand the course to 150 to 200 students starting in fall 2026. This change will make it an introductory course accessible to students from across the University, transforming it into a showcase course for the entire campus. The course redesign represents just one piece of a broader sports communication program overhaul. This fall, the curriculum committee approved “MEJO 390: Sports Play by Play,” the first course of its kind at UNC. Limited to 10 advanced students, the course will be taught by Matt Krause, the current voice of UNC women’s basketball and an ACC Network broadcaster. Students will call actual games across multiple sports including women’s softball, soccer, volleyball, field hockey and lacrosse, as well as men’s soccer and lacrosse. They will also shadow broadcasts of men’s and women’s basketball games. “The sports broadcasting industry is exploding with streaming platforms and conference networks creating unprecedented demand,” Freeman said. The course emerged directly from student advocacy, led by Anna Laible ’26 and others who pushed for hands-on broadcasting experience. Professional equipment has been acquired, partnerships with UNC Athletics are in place and a soft launch began this semester with three experienced students calling games to test the system. The program’s growth extends into other specialized areas as well. Last spring, Stembler Professor Charlie Tuggle launched a new sports event management and hospitality course in partnership with On Location, a company that manages major sporting event experiences. The course provided students with opportunities to travel to the Super Bowl and NFL Draft, and Tuggle plans to take a group to the 2026 Milan Olympics this spring. Looking ahead to spring 2026, Associate Professor Ryan Thornburg will debut a sports data visualization course, adding another dimension to the program’s skill-building offerings. The curriculum expansion reflects the increasingly diverse career paths available in sports media, from traditional journalism and broadcasting to digital analytics and strategic communication. The program is also diving into one of college athletics’ most transformative developments: Name, Image and Likeness rights. Freeman’s “MEJO 466: Sports Marketing” class collaborated last spring with Associate Professor Gary Kayye’s “MEJO 371: Advertising Creative” class on a project with UNC’s Carolina NIL group to help rebrand their organization. That same semester, Kayye’s class envisioned Chapel Thrill, UNC football’s new pregame concert and entertainment experience. And Shaun Anderson, the school’s Knight Chair in Sports, Race and Media, continues to explore the broader implications of NIL through his research and teaching. These NIL-focused initiatives give students direct exposure to the business side of college athletics at a moment when the landscape is rapidly evolving. “Our students aren’t just learning about these changes,” Freeman said. “They’re actively helping shape how schools and athletes navigate them.” The transformation of UNC Hussman’s sports communication program reflects a broader philosophy about how to prepare students for careers in a rapidly changing industry. By bringing in professional practitioners like Hansbrough and Krause, partnering with industry leaders like On Location and ACC Network, and engaging with current issues like NIL, the program ensures students graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. For alumni who remember the foundations John Sweeney built, the expansion represents an evolution rather than a departure. The program still emphasizes strong reporting, strategic communication, ethical communication and critical thinking. But now it also offers students the chance to call live games, work on real NIL campaigns and learn directly from former professional athletes. “We’re not just teaching students about sports media,” Freeman said. “We’re giving them the tools, experiences and connections to actually build careers in it.” With new courses launching, professional partnerships deepening and enrollment expanding, UNC Hussman’s sports communication program is positioning itself as a national leader in preparing the next generation of sports media professionals. For current students, the message is clear: if you’re interested in sports communication, there’s never been a better time to be at UNC Hussman. And for the hundreds of students trying to get off waitlists and into these new courses, the school is working to create more opportunities. The program John Sweeney built is growing in ways that honor his legacy while meeting the demands of a new era in sports media.
Why Being a Black, Female Science Teachers Matters So Much to Students Like Me
Educator's view: Diversity in teaching and STEM is not just about who stands at the front of the classroom, but about who kids believe they can become
Pro baseball player Duncan Davitt spends offseason as sports reporter
Iowa native and Chicago White Sox minor-league pitcher Duncan Davitt spends his offseasons covering high school sports as a reporter.
The Google app is intentionally replacing Pixel Launcher search
In the past few days, tapping the Pixel Launcher search bar opens a different screen powered by the Google app. This is not a bug...
Heroux preparing CSB and SJU students for success in computer science field
The assistant professor of computer science and the department’s scientist-in-residence has been a leading researcher in the computer science field, spending over 25 yeas as a senior scientist at Sandia National Laboratories and staying on the cutting edge of changes from the dawn of the internet explosion through the development and growth of AI.
MXene-based e-tattoos harvest energy and monitor health in real time
Researchers at Boise State University have developed a breakthrough in wearable electronics: a multifunctional electronic tattoo (e‑tattoo) that integrates energy harvesting, energy storage, and real‑time ...