Updates on ongoing geothermal energy project

Updates on ongoing geothermal energy project

As the Mount Holyoke College campus has become populated with students arriving for the fall semester, some may have noticed the ongoing construction throughout the grounds. Places like Skinner Green, Mary Woolley Hall and the Reese Psychology and Education building continue to be renovated while students, staff and faculty live and work across campus.

Computational advances help with protein structure prediction

Computational advances help with protein structure prediction

Proteins are commonly associated with foods such as meats, lentils and eggs. While they are crucial for building muscles, they are also involved in numerous other life processes. Scientists are developing artificial intelligence models that are advancing the process of protein structure determination, making it faster and more accurate and opening up new possibilities for future study.


Neuroscience students and faculty conduct summer research on lab rats

Neuroscience students and faculty conduct summer research on lab rats

This summer, Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Travis Hodges is conducting two different studies involving cognitive bias in lab rats, aided by five student interns and research assistants. Through his research, Dr. Hodges aims to show how a negative bias may develop as a result of stress. The findings of his experiments may help us understand these factors in humans and  potentially reveal the mechanisms connecting cognitive biases and depression. 

Does consciousness die after death? New post-mortem brain study says it might not

Does consciousness die after death? New post-mortem brain study says it might not

Some doctors, psychologists and researchers alike believe that we will soon discover scientific proof that consciousness is real and does not die when the body does. 

New study finds that irreversible climate change could cost $38 trillion

New study finds that irreversible climate change could cost $38 trillion

As wildfires blaze, droughts intensify and global temperatures continue to break records month after month, fossil fuels remain the number one cause of carbon emissions, according to environmental law organization Earthjustice. But at what price?

Are we seeing the full Blanch picture?: On food sustainability and collective care

Are we seeing the full Blanch picture?: On food sustainability and collective care

Locally sourced fresh vegetables, directly delivered from nearby farms and processed and prepared on-campus. Continuous menu development, maximizing ingredient utility and taste. Intake of student feedback through in-person conversation and Google Forms. Historically innovative plant-based options. Reusable takeout containers. Food scraps composted into topsoil at 360 Recycling and Martin’s Farm Compost and Mulch. 

Microplastics are now being found in ancient remains

In the modern world, we see plastic everywhere: It’s in our clothes and technology, it litters the streets and it abounds in the ocean. 

Now, a new study by the University of York shows plastic is now even being found in the traces of our distant history, as microplastics have recently been identified in ancient remains for the first time — some were even found in soil deposits from as far back as the first or second century CE, CNN reported.