Year: 2020
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Nation & World
Pope may support same-sex unions, but that doesn’t mean the Vatican does
On Wednesday, Pope Francis’ support for the creation of same-sex civil union laws sent shockwaves through the Catholic Church. The comments, made in the recently released documentary “Francesco,” represent a major break with official church teaching and left many wondering if a change in papal doctrine might be on the horizon.
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Science & Tech
Why do we get so picky about friendship late in life? Ask the chimps
Understanding why older chimps tend to favor small circles of meaningful, established friendships rather than seek new ones may help scientists gain a better picture of what healthy human aging should look like and what triggers this social change.
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Campus & Community
Weathering COVID’s financial storm
Harvard this week released its annual financial report, which details a $10 million deficit due to the sudden and overwhelming financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Gazette spoke with Harvard Executive Vice President Katie Lapp and Chief Financial Officer Thomas Hollister about the fiscal year that ended June 30.
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Nation & World
Salvaging another piece of Black history
A group of marine archaeologists, known as Diving with a Purpose, explore slave ship artifacts, bringing the untold stories they represent to light.
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Nation & World
Debate tips for Biden and Trump
A trio of Harvard experts assessed the candidates debate performances, and offered suggestions.
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Arts & Culture
Documentary photographer Chris Killip dies at 74
Chris Killip, 74, renowned documentary photographer and former professor of visual and environmental studies at Harvard, died on Oct. 13.
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Nation & World
Parachuting into a pandemic after historic spacewalk
Jessica Meir spoke to the Gazette about the head-spinning year, which included being part of history’s first all-female spacewalk
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Campus & Community
A master class in leadership
Carlyle Group co-founder David Rubenstein and Harvard President Larry Bacow reflect on the qualities of leadership.
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Arts & Culture
Future of theater? Not exactly sure, but Diane Paulus is working on it
Diane Paul talks to the Gazette about the Tony recognition of “Jagged Little Pill,” the A.R.T.’s wide-ranging fall schedule, and the very survival of theater itself.
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Arts & Culture
Bucking assumptions about dance
Marc Brew, artistic director of AXIS Dance Company, spoke about how his company has adapted to the conditions set by the pandemic.
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Campus & Community
Advice to students: Learn from diversity
Broaden your worldview by engaging with diversity in the widest sense, Ali Asani counsels.
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Science & Tech
Enzymatic DNA synthesis sees the light
Controlling a DNA-synthesizing enzyme with photolithographic methods from the computer chip industry facilitates multiplexed writing and storage of digital data in DNA.
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Science & Tech
Frère Jacques, are you sleeping?
Researchers at Harvard’s Music Lab have determined that American infants relaxed when played lullabies that were unfamiliar and in a foreign language.
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Health
Investigational ALS drug slows progression
An experimental medication that was recently shown to slow the progression of ALS has now demonstrated the potential to also prolong patient survival.
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Nation & World
How do you get environmentalists to actually vote?
Nathaniel Stinnett of the Environmental Voter Project offered advice on how to get environmentalists to the polls.
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Campus & Community
Where religion and public life meet
A new degree program, Master in Religion and Public Life, will welcome its first class in the fall of 2021. The Religion and Public Life initiative kicked off this fall.
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Arts & Culture
‘Jagged Little Pill’ snags record 15 Tony nominations
“Jagged Little Pill,” which premiered at the American Repertory Theater, was nominated for 15 Tony Awards, the most of any show from the 2019-20 Broadway season.
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Campus & Community
Initiative on legacy of slavery at Harvard picks up steam
Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery is a new research effort that will drive scholarship and dialogue around the history and enduring legacy of slavery at the University.
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Arts & Culture
Backing art for justice
The Harvard University Committee on the Arts has awarded 12 activist artists with one-time, no-strings-attached honorariums of $2,000 and an open invitation to present at Harvard.
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Campus & Community
Setting measurable goals
The Gazette spoke with new Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Sherri Charleston to learn more about her first two months on the job.
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Nation & World
Will young voters decide the election?
Young voters, those 18 to 29, will line up for next month’s presidential election in record numbers, further advancing the generational shift of political power taking place in America, according to pollsters, academics, and on-the-ground organizers.
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Health
Breakthrough blood test developed for brain tumors
Researchers have developed a liquid biopsy that can more accurately detect the most common type of adult brain tumors.
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Campus & Community
Need advice on civil discourse? Ask someone who argues for a living
Harvard Law School Professor Joseph William Singer discusses his new book on persuasion and its key role in civil discourse and the rule of law.
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Health
Is go-slow schools’ reopening failing kids?
Harvard Chan School’s Joseph Allen gives America an “F” on school reopening efforts, and says we’re in danger of losing thousands of virtual dropouts and wasting mild late summer/early autumn weather we could use to boost in-person learning.
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Nation & World
Bending technology toward the light
The Technology and Public Purpose (TAPP) Project, which recognizes responsible technology, will honor Google, Thorn, and the International Society for Stem Cell Research for representing TAPP’s goal.
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Work & Economy
Unemployed faced major barriers to financial support
New research finds workers laid off during the lockdown faced major barriers when accessing financial support. The survey also notes stark differences between states, and hunger and other major hardships suffered by service sector workers unable to secure assistance.
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Science & Tech
Pandemic academics
A new Harvard course challenges students to use science to evaluate COVID-19 policies.