Michael Liu, Freelance Journalist Profile

Articles

Characterization of Research Grant Terminations at the National Institutes of Health

6 days ago | jamanetwork.com | Michael Liu

Characterization of Research Grant Terminations at the National Institutes of Health The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently initiated a series of grant terminations focused on topics not aligned with agency priorities.1 The scope of terminations, types of grants affected, and differential impact of cuts across career stages have not been characterized, resulting in uncertainty about the implications of grant terminations on the US health research enterprise.2,3 Therefore, this study...
USC Dornsife graduating senior launched science publication

1 week ago | dornsife.usc.edu | Michael Liu

As a human biology major at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Srikar Kolluru wasn’t content to just study science — he wanted to change how it’s shared. Determined to make science more understandable and engaging, he combined his journalism and science interests to found The Nucleus during his sophomore year. The student-run publication aims to boost scientific literacy by translating complex topics into stories that resonate with general audiences.
Breakthrough procedure opens new opportunities in quantum research

2 weeks ago | dornsife.usc.edu | Michael Liu

The Academy in the Public Square Beyond the laboratories, research centers and classrooms, USC Dornsife serves as a dynamic intellectual resource that is woven into the fabric of our communities.
Reading can offer path to overcome loneliness, make connections

2 weeks ago | dornsife.usc.edu | Michael Liu

When the going gets rough, many of us turn to books. This can be especially true in times of loneliness. It’s a bit of a paradox, acknowledges Emily Anderson, college dean of undergraduate education and professor of English at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Those with a nose in a book often look like they’re all on their lonesome and yet, “you’re with these characters, you’re with the author, you’re in another world,” says Anderson.
James Bullock named dean of USC Dornsife

2 weeks ago | dornsife.usc.edu | Michael Liu

Astrophysicist James Bullock has been named dean of the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, effective July 1. Bullock currently serves as dean of the School of Physical Sciences at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), where he oversees the departments of chemistry, Earth system science, mathematics, and physics and astronomy. “James is a visionary scientist whose work is informed by expansive questions about the Milky Way and beyond,” USC President Carol Folt said.
Legally blind magician uncovers his true purpose at USC Dornsife

2 weeks ago | dornsife.usc.edu | Michael Liu

With an assist from USC, Tyler Gibgot discovered his real magic. Throughout the last four years, Gibgot, a semipro magician and cognitive science major at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, has grown from a socially introverted teen into a confident 22-year-old eager to tackle life’s next adventures, including helping others discover their own personal brand of magic.
In talking with Tehran, Trump is reversing course on Iran - could a new nuclear deal be next?

2 weeks ago | dornsife.usc.edu | Michael Liu

Nuclear experts from the US and Iran are due to meet in Oman. The turn to diplomacy indicates Trump is erring against reviving a maximum pressure strategy with Tehran. Negotiators from Iran and the United States are set to meet again in Oman on April 26, prompting hopes the two countries might be moving, albeit tentatively, toward a new nuclear accord.
Chemist Anna Krylov inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

2 weeks ago | dornsife.usc.edu | Michael Liu

Anna Krylov, USC Associates Chair in Natural Sciences and professor of chemistry at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, was inducted on April 23 into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AAAS). Founded in 1780 by more than 60 “scholar-patriots,” including John Hancock and John Adams, the academy honors intellectual excellence and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration.
Conquering Greenland historically fraught with peril

3 weeks ago | dornsife.usc.edu | Michael Liu

The U.S. president has not been subtle about his goals for the Arctic: “We’ll go as far as we have to go” to acquire Greenland, he stated while sitting behind the Resolute desk in the Oval Office. The desk, made from the British Arctic exploring vessel called the H.M.S. Resolute, is itself a reminder of the northern voyages of empire builders — the type of pursuit the President is after. “We need Greenland,” he declared.
Installation of endowed chair at USC Dornsife expands focus of Armenian studies

3 weeks ago | dornsife.usc.edu | Michael Liu

“What better place could there be for a chair in contemporary Armenian studies than USC?” remarked Hrag Papazian during his installation as the Turpanjian Early Career Chair in Contemporary Armenian Studies at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Science. Papazian’s appointment in March marked a critical moment in Armenian studies at USC, placing contemporary issues affecting Armenians, such as identity, culture, politics and global migration, at the center of research and teaching.