Researchers at the University of Kansas have made significant strides in organic solar cell technology, achieving nearly 20% efficiency with new non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs). This development narrows the efficiency gap with traditional silicon-based solar panels and offers potential cost savings and flexibility. The findings, which also have implications for other renewable energy applications, were published in the journal Advanced Materials.
New research from the University of Kansas suggests that the relationship between a species' age and its risk of extinction can be accurately predicted by the "neutral theory of biodiversity," which emphasizes random outcomes for ecologically similar species competing for limited resources. This finding challenges the long-held "Red Queen theory" and may have implications for conservation efforts in the face of increasing threats from climate change and habitat loss.
The University of Kansas football team will relocate all of its 2024 home games to Kansas City due to ongoing construction at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, with the first two games at Children’s Mercy Park and the remaining four at Arrowhead Stadium. The construction is part of the "Gateway District" project, scheduled for completion before the 2025 season. KU Athletics Director Travis Goff stated that the move is necessary to ensure a positive game day experience and stay on schedule for the construction. The university is working to coordinate student transportation and accommodations for the games in Kansas City, with single-game tickets not expected to be available for the games at Children’s Mercy Park due to anticipated demand from season ticket holders.
Hall of Fame coach Bill Self has signed an amended lifetime contract with the University of Kansas, solidifying his position as the head coach of the men's basketball program. With an impressive record of 773 career wins, two national championships, and numerous conference championships, Self's success has made Kansas one of the most dominant programs in college basketball history. The contract extension reflects the university's commitment to maintaining the program's status and investing in its student-athletes.
The University of Kansas and Kansas Athletics have announced plans for the Gateway District, a transformative project that includes the renovation of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, a new conference center, and multi-use facilities. The project aims to enhance the campus experience, drive economic development, and provide Kansas Football with state-of-the-art facilities. The first phase of construction will begin after the 2023 football season and is expected to be completed by the start of the 2025 season. The project will be primarily funded by private donations, with additional support from ARPA funds and the Kansas Department of Commerce's University Challenge Grant program. Future phases will focus on the south and east portions of the stadium and the development of multi-use facilities.
A University of Kansas paleontologist discovered a 500-million-year-old sea worm fossil while conducting fieldwork in the Spence Shale formation along the Idaho-Utah border. The researcher named the fossil worm Shaihuludia shurikeni, inspired by the worms in Frank Herbert's "Dune" novels. The fossil, a previously unknown annelid species, is about 7-8 centimeters long and has blade-like bristles. The findings were published in the Historical Biology journal, and the specimen is now part of the University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute's collection.
A University of Kansas paleontologist discovered a 500-million-year-old fossil of an ancient sea worm in northern Utah. The researcher named the worm Shaihuludia shurikeni, inspired by the indigenous name for worms in Frank Herbert's "Dune" novels. The fossil, a previously unknown annelid species, is about 7-8 centimeters long and has blade-like bristles. The findings were published in the Historical Biology journal and the specimen is now part of the university's paleontological collection.
A paleontologist from the University of Kansas has discovered a 500-million-year-old sea worm in the Spence Shale formation in Utah. The researcher named the fossil worm Shaihuludia shurikeni, inspired by the worms in Frank Herbert's "Dune" novels. The worm is about 7-8 centimeters long and belongs to a previously unknown annelid species. The findings were published in the Historical Biology journal, and the fossil is now part of the university's paleontological collection.
Lew Perkins, former University of Kansas athletic director, passed away at the age of 78 due to side effects related to Parkinson's disease. During his tenure, Perkins oversaw significant achievements, including the football team winning back-to-back bowl games and the men's basketball team securing its first national title. He helped double Kansas Athletics' operating budget and led major renovations to athletic facilities. Perkins had a successful career as an athletic director at various universities, including Wichita State, Maryland, and Connecticut. Despite some controversies towards the end of his tenure at KU, his legacy as a dedicated advocate for student-athletes and his contributions to the university's athletic success remain highly regarded.
University of Kansas men's basketball head coach Bill Self held a press conference and stated that he is "100% positive" that he will return to coach next year. Self recently experienced a health episode and has been exercising and improving his diet. The Jayhawks ended their season with a loss against Arkansas in the NCAA tournament.
Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance at the NCAA Tournament in Des Moines, attending the game between Howard University and University of Kansas. Harris graduated from Howard in 1986 and had a speaking engagement at Grand View University before attending the game. Howard alumni were proud of their team's performance against the top-ranked Kansas team, despite the loss.
