Science & Research

Illustration of two people sharing a lighter to light cigarettes

Why are so many college students smoking cigarettes?

By Kelly Ding | December 4

Experts said college students may smoke cigarettes causally or to self-treat mental health conditions.

Illustration of a pair of hands toasting with red Solo cups, with one hand also holding a smoking joint

Marijuana use may decrease alcohol consumption, Brown study finds

By Miriam Davison | December 4

Brown researchers found that smoking marijuana can lower alcohol intake.

Photo of the Brown University School of Engineering.

Brown researchers partner with Panasonic Energy to develop next-generation batteries

By Ian Ritter | December 2

Associate Professor of Engineering Feng Lin will lead the initiative.

Professor of Medicine Eli Adashi receives renowned National Academy of Medicine award

By Timothy Ro | December 1

The former dean of medicine and biological sciences was awarded the Walsh McDermott Medal for his lifelong dedication to medical service and policy leadership.

Bradley Maron MD’03 set to become new editor-in-chief of Circulation

By Jonathan Kim | November 30

Bradley Maron will assume the new role at the cardiovascular medicine research journal in May 2026.

A stop-motion-style image series of a baseball player pitching a ball.

Pitching accuracy is more important than speed in reducing batter success, Brown study finds

By Jonathan Kim | November 21

Pitches thrown accurately reduced hitters’ batting average and slugging percentage by more than 50%.

Latest stories

A view of Brown University's Lincoln Field Building.

Science & Research

Brown begins work on $7 million microplastics research initiative

By Elizabeth Rosenbaum | November 19

Brown’s team in the SIMCoast initiative will focus on modeling microplastics in the Narragansett Bay.

Two hands holding pill bottles and some pills flying around.

Science & Research

Brown researchers study rise of substance use in New England with new $12M grant

By Amrita Rajpal | November 19

The NIH-funded study will examine trends between substance use, HIV, HCV and overdose.

Portrait of Andrew Laird alongside his book “Aztec Latin” on Nov. 14.

Science & Research

Brown professor’s book awarded 2025 Miriam Usher Chrisman Prize for History

By Ivy Huang | November 18

Andrew Laird’s 2024 book explores how Renaissance humanism became the bedrock for the education of Indigenous elites in colonial Mexico.

Photo of the Brown Department of Computer Science.

Science & Research

AI therapy chatbots regularly commit ethical violations, Brown study finds

By Connie Erdozain | November 14

A new study by Brown researchers suggests that AI chatbots are not ready for mental health support.

Professor Wulf standing behind a microphone and giving her talk.

Science & Research

History professor’s new book explores how genealogy shaped power, politics in 18th-century America

By Ivy Huang | November 12

John Carter Brown Library Director Karin Wulf reflected on her work at a Tuesday book launch event hosted by the Department of History.

Science & Research

With new donation and NIH grant, Brown aims to capitalize on potential of RNA research

By Jonathan Kim | November 11

Following a gift from Brown trustee Giammaria Giuliani P’28 and Sabrina Giuliani P’28, Brown’s RNA center will be named the Giuliani RNA Center.

Science & Research

Why is everyone saying ‘6 7’? The science behind ‘brain rot’

By Lucia Santiago | November 6

Researchers say “brain rot” memes are a symptom of larger societal pressures, not the cause.

Illustration of several people working out in a gym, painted in hospital-blue hues, and wearing ties and lab coats.

Science & Research

The science behind going to the gym

By Angel Lopez | November 4

Students told The Herald that despite toxicity on social media, going to the gym can be empowering.

Science & Research

Brown-affiliated studies help explain overestimations in impact of Greenland Ice Sheet melting

By Galen Gibb | November 3

Two studies noted that current measurements and simulations may not adequately consider processes that retain meltwater.

Science & Research

The pill, the shot, the patch: The science and experiences of birth control options

By Emily Feil | November 3

Health Services considers the pros and cons of options when recommending birth control methods.

Helen Mayberg speaking in front of a podium

Science & Research

Mount Sinai professor discusses emerging potential of deep brain stimulation for depression treatment

By Jonathan Kim | November 2

At lecture, Helen Mayberg presented findings showing electrical impulses in the brain can induce long-term benefits in patients.

Science & Research

Brown professor Maureen Phipps elected to National Academy of Medicine

By Laila Posner | October 30

Phipps received the recognition for her leadership in women’s health.

Photo of Dana Williams standing at a podium giving a lecture to an audience.

Science & Research

Howard professor Dana Williams spotlights Toni Morrison’s editorship in talk

By Ivy Huang | October 30

Williams urged closely examining “traces of beauty and sensibility” in Morrison’s work as an editor, not just as an author.

Photo of an astronaut conducting a spacewalk on the surface of the moon.

Science & Research

New Brown study may upend theories on moon’s formation

By Miriam Davison | October 27

Brown team finds Apollo Moon rock lacks sulfur-33, challenging lunar formation theory.