While nothing says “summer” quite like the taste of a perfectly ripe tomato, excessive heat during the growing season can prevent tomato plants from bearing fruit. Gloria Muday, the Charles M. Allen Professor of Biology at Wake Forest University, studies tomatoes and how to make them more heat-resistant. Her research laboratory focuses on understanding the…Categories: Environment & Sustainability, Experts, Research & Discovery
The mental work of managing a family is hard, but research shows some upsides. Parents often feel overwhelmed by the mental and emotional work involved in running a household. This includes tasks like remembering appointments, meal-planning and worrying about their kids' well-being. Wake Forest University Professor of Management Julie Holliday Wayne studies the “invisible family load” and who carries it. Categories: Experts
In “Sunset Boulevard” (1950), Gloria Swanson plays a faded star of the silent screen, Norma Desmond, who lives in her decaying mansion in Los Angeles. Norma sees an opportunity to make her return to the big screen, with tragedy to follow. Professor Emeritus of Art History David M. Lubin is drawing national attention with his…Categories: Arts & Culture, Experts
Earlier this year, wildfires in the Southeast U.S. followed months of weather whiplash - from drought to floods and back to drought. Lauren Lowman, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Wake Forest University, explains the essential role fire plays in the region and how extreme weather affects wildfires. “We often think of wildfires…Categories: Experts
In an era where everyone seems to be doing two things at once, Wake Forest University psychology professor Anthony Sali is working with neuroscience experts to learn more about how the brain works. By studying the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, new findings debunk the myth of multitasking. The biggest…Categories: Experts
Teenagers are often seen as moody, rebellious and overly focused on what their peers think. Wake Forest Psychology Professor Christy Buchanan says these stereotypes can hinder good parenting and negatively affect parent-teen relationships. Buchanan, a developmental psychologist, has spent years researching parenting beliefs and practices. Her research suggests that negative stereotypes about adolescents can lead…Categories: Arts & Culture, Experts, Research & Discovery
The newly elected pope, Leo XIV, previously led the Order of St. Augustine and identifies as an Augustinian. What does that mean? Understanding St. Augustine and his intellectual and spiritual influence can provide important context for the upcoming papacy. A Wake Forest University professor can offer insight on the teachings of a man who lived…Categories: Experts
Plastic is a product that is ubiquitous in today’s society, says Sarah Morath, Wake Forest professor of law and author of the book “Our Plastic Problem and How to Solve It.” The World Bank estimates that every person on the planet generates an average of 1.6 pounds of plastic waste daily. Morath explains the extent…Categories: Environment & Sustainability, Experts
Understanding the word “zozobra” and the insights of Mexican philosophers behind it may help bring people together and create community during times of uncertainty. Associate Professor of Philosophy Francisco Gallegos, who studies the philosophy of emotions, says zozobra names the feeling of disorientation many have felt in response to disruptive political and social changes. Gallegos,…Categories: Experts
Gaming continues to grow among people of all ages and backgrounds and represents (as of 2022) a $85 billion industry in the U.S. alone. It is projected to reach a worldwide revenue of $533 billion by 2027. J. Aaron Hardwick’s research on gaming music suggests performance of video game music by symphony orchestras has and…Categories: Experts