Three Harvard students named Marshall Scholars
Three Harvard students have earned 2025 Marshall Scholarships, supporting study in the UK. Ryan Doan-Nguyen, focusing on journalism and history, will study global and imperial history at Oxford. John Lin, researching rare diseases, will study biological sciences at Cambridge and medical anthropology at Oxford. Laila Nasher, an advocate for educational equity, will study education at Oxford, examining how K-12 systems impact low-income Yemeni communities. All recipients, deeply committed to equity and social impact, celebrate this “chance of a lifetime” to advance their passions and expertise.
John Lin ’25, from Boston, focuses on linking rare diseases through shared mechanisms. In the Greka Lab at the Broad Institute, he studies how cargo receptors manage misfolded proteins, aiming to clear these proteins across multiple diseases by targeting common pathways. Driven by his family's struggles with healthcare barriers, Lin combines research with science journalism to enhance public health equity. A 2025 Marshall Scholar, Lin will study biological sciences at Cambridge and medical anthropology at Oxford, advancing his mission to connect scientific discovery with community impact.
A surprising share of the global elite went to Harvard - A survey of more than 6,000 of the world’s richest, most influential people shows that 9% of them attended Harvard University.
A select few academic institutions graduate the most powerful and influential people, according to a new survey of more than 6,000 billionaires, political leaders, company directors, and organization heads. Almost one in ten of the global elite strolled through Harvard Yard on their journey to power. The findings “support the notion that global elites are a social grouping with significant concentration of academic prestige in their backgrounds,” the authors write.
Top 10 Books of 2024
The Crimson’s Arts Board presents its favorite books of 2024, from “The Mighty Red” to “Funny Story.”
Asian Enrollment Climbs at Harvard Law after Supreme Court Affirmative Action Ruling
Following the Supreme Court's 2023 decision to ban race-based admissions, Harvard Law School saw a significant rise in Asian enrollment, which increased by nearly 30%, from 103 to 132 first-year students. Conversely, black and Hispanic enrollments declined sharply, with black enrollment dropping from 43 to 19 students, the lowest since the 1960s, and Hispanic enrollment falling from 63 to 39. White enrollment also rose. This shift follows changes in Harvard's admissions process, which now includes a "statement of purpose" and "statement of perspective" instead of the previous personal statement focused on diversity. The ruling has led to increased Asian representation but a decrease in black students, though some exceptions exist, such as at Stanford Law.
‘Harvard Thinking’ Podcast: Can people change?
In a "Harvard Thinking" podcast episode, experts Robert Waldinger, Richard Weissbourd, and Mahzarin Banaji explore the inevitability and complexity of change. Waldinger emphasizes the importance of accepting change to reduce suffering, citing the adage, "Let go or be dragged." Weissbourd highlights how disillusionment can lead to either bitterness or a deeper understanding of reality, shaping growth. Banaji adds that even biases evolve through new experiences, underscoring the power of intentional self-change. Together, they advocate for embracing change to foster resilience and personal development.
Podcast: The Musts of 2024 HBS Alumni recommendations from the year in media
"I love these end-of-the-year lists where you can get recommendations from smart people about things that are worth your time and money. It always sets me up really nicely for the December holidays—arming me with new podcasts and albums for travel, and books and movies for the downtime.
And so I am happy to bring you this collection of recommendations from some very smart HBS alumni, collected on campus during this year’s fall Reunions. Please enjoy—and happy holidays."
What It’s Really Like to Be a Brain Surgeon - Neurosurgeon Theodore Schwartz wants to dispel the myths about his field
Dr. Theodore Schwartz, a neurosurgeon, shares insights from his career and new book Gray Matters: A Biography of Brain Surgery. Early in his career, he faced challenges pioneering minimally invasive techniques. The book blends memoir, history, and reflections on neuroscience, addressing innovation, ethical dilemmas, and evolving understandings of the brain. Schwartz discusses competition among surgeons, the artistry of surgery akin to music, and decision-making complexities with patients. He emphasizes the importance of rigorous training, philosophical implications of brain-computer interfaces, and personal growth from family medical challenges. His focus has shifted to mentoring and refining surgical precision.
Focus on Finances - The University’s recent results, and Arts and Sciences’ outlook
Harvard's 2024 financial performance showed resilience amidst challenges, achieving a $45M operating surplus despite increased expenses from campus protests and legal responses. Revenues rose 6% to $6.5B, fueled by endowment growth (up 4.9% to $53.2B) and gains in continuing education. However, expense growth outpaced revenues for the second year. Faculty of Arts and Sciences saw a smaller surplus ($7.9M) and higher costs for staff, facilities, and construction. Leaders emphasize prudent planning to sustain future investments in research, financial aid, and sustainability amid economic uncertainty and potential regulatory changes.
Harvard Data Science Initiative (HDSI): 2024 Highlights
The Harvard Data Science Initiative (HDSI), launched in 2017, brings together experts across disciplines to harness data science for global impact. In 2024, it launched projects focused on social determinants of health, food security, and climate change, with support from the AWS Impact Computing Project. The HDSI hosted its first Agri Datathon, focused on agriculture and food security, and published special issues in the Harvard Data Science Review. The initiative also continued its Causal Inference seminar series, hosted industry speakers, and recruited new postdoctoral fellows and faculty affiliates.
Summer funding for faculty-led GenAI projects for Harvard College students
Harvard is offering a 2025 summer research opportunity for faculty and undergraduate collaborations focused on Generative AI. Open to faculty with principal investigator rights, the initiative supports ten-week projects across disciplines that integrate or leverage Generative AI in research or curricula. Faculty proposals, accepted starting January 7, require a project overview, goals, and criteria for student selection. Each project can involve one or two undergraduates, with stipends of $7,000 per student. Students can apply via the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships to engage in this interdisciplinary initiative.
Beyond Empowerment - On seeking feminist spaces on campus
This article reflects on a Harvard student's evolving understanding of feminism and her experiences navigating pre-professional women's groups like WIL. While Harvard offers numerous pre-professional spaces aimed at empowering women in male-dominated industries, the author notes a lack of explicitly feminist organizations. She contrasts individual success within these groups with collective feminist activism, noting how empowerment, while valuable, falls short of the real power that systemic change would bring. Through personal reflection, the author grapples with balancing activism with her career aspirations, ultimately calling for more robust feminist organizing at Harvard to foster collective action.
How Good Are AI ‘Clinicians’ at Medical Conversations? - Researchers design a more realistic test to evaluate AI’s clinical communication skills
A Harvard-Stanford study highlights limitations in AI models' clinical communication, revealing that while they excel at medical exam-style questions, their diagnostic accuracy drops in real-world conversational settings. Using a new testing framework, CRAFT-MD, researchers evaluated four AI models in 2,000 simulated clinical vignettes. Findings showed these models struggled with open-ended questions, gathering scattered information, and reasoning during dynamic conversations. Recommendations include designing AI for realistic doctor-patient interactions, integrating textual and nontextual data, and using AI evaluators alongside humans for efficiency and safety.
Harvard’s Library Innovation Lab launches Institutional Data Initiative
The Institutional Data Initiative (IDI) at Harvard Law School Library aims to enhance access to institutional data, particularly for AI training. By leveraging extensive public domain data, including nearly one million books and 360 years of U.S. case law, IDI seeks to address underrepresentation in AI datasets and ensure diverse, high-quality training materials. Founded within the Library Innovation Lab, the initiative collaborates with libraries and institutions to promote data accessibility while safeguarding knowledge integrity. IDI's mission includes fostering academic contributions to AI development, hosting symposiums, and enabling broader public benefit from AI advancements.
Strategic Science Communications
The Center emphasizes science communication to inform policymakers and leaders on fostering healthy child development. Recognizing the challenges of misinformation and mistrust, particularly in communities of color due to historical injustices, the Center synthesizes multidisciplinary science into accessible, actionable formats. Effective communication is clear, accurate, relevant, credible, and solution-focused. Partnering with the FrameWorks Institute, the Center employs framing techniques to connect science with public understanding, driving collective action for equitable policies and environments that support children and families. Resources address topics like toxic stress, mental health, and systemic racism.
Defining and confronting campus antisemitism
A conference at Harvard, led by Jewish Studies faculty from eight North American universities, addressed the rise of antisemitism on campuses, emphasizing the challenges faced since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. Discussions highlighted how anti-Zionism often merges with classical antisemitism and impacts Israeli students disproportionately. Scholars advocated for incorporating education on antisemitic tropes into curricula to counter ignorance among activists. The need for civil discourse in classrooms was stressed, along with examples of successful approaches like Dartmouth’s collaborative course on the Arab-Israeli conflict. The event sought to unify and educate Jewish communities in the face of growing discrimination.
Exact cause of Notre-Dame fire still unclear. But disaster perhaps could’ve been avoided.
This article explores the complex failure leading to the Notre-Dame Cathedral fire and what lessons can be drawn from it. Harvard Business School's case study, co-authored by Amy Edmondson, identifies multiple contributing factors—such as inadequate fire protocols, poor handling of electrical equipment, and delayed firefighter response—that allowed a small fire to escalate into a disaster. Edmondson emphasizes the importance of leadership, vigilance, and adherence to best practices in preventing such events. The case encourages leaders to focus on operational discipline and to learn from this tragedy to protect other valuable resources in the future.
Voice of a generation? Dylan’s is much more than that. - Classics professor who wrote ‘Why Bob Dylan Matters’ on the challenge of capturing a master of creative evasion
Richard F. Thomas, a professor at Harvard, discusses Bob Dylan's impact and the challenge of portraying him accurately in the upcoming film A Complete Unknown. Dylan's voice, always shifting in performance, makes a precise impression difficult. Thomas emphasizes Dylan’s role as an "oral poet," always evolving his songs' meanings. He finds the portrayal of Dylan in I’m Not There compelling, with multiple actors embodying different personas. While not overly concerned with biographical accuracy, Thomas values Dylan's lasting influence through his timeless lyrics and artistry, likening it to teaching classical poets.
Unfuzzy math: U.S. needs to do better - Ed School expert has some ideas, including a rethink of homework bans, after ‘discouraging’ results
U.S. students' math scores have declined, as shown by the latest Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. Heather Hill from Harvard's Graduate School of Education links the drop to pandemic learning loss, a lack of math practice, and variable teaching quality. Challenges include inexperienced teachers, limited time for foundational skill reinforcement, and a cultural narrative downplaying math's importance. Hill advocates for enhancing teacher-student relationships, revising curricula to reflect diverse experiences, and providing structured opportunities for practice. She emphasizes improving teacher pipelines and consistent classroom instruction to rebuild students' math proficiency.
Op Eds: Intellectual Vitality Is More than Op-Eds in The Crimson
The authors argue that Harvard's campus is in need of a more nuanced, open approach to intellectual vitality, one that goes beyond surface-level debates like op-eds in The Crimson. They highlight the divisiveness around controversial issues, such as protests, political stances, and speakers, where opinions are often entrenched and meaningful dialogue is lacking. They advocate for fostering a culture of intellectual humility, tolerance for differing perspectives, and engaging with others in a way that promotes learning rather than division. The key is not resources, but a shift in mindset across the community.
Measuring What Matters - There is more to preschool than learning your ABCs and 123s, researchers say, as they propose broader range of skills for assessing early education
Researchers are advocating for a broader range of skills to assess the effectiveness of preschool programs. Beyond academic achievements like ABCs and 123s, Dana Charles McCoy and Terri Sabol propose focusing on six "FOLD" skills: curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, self-regulation, perspective-taking, and early identity. These skills, essential for long-term development, often go unnoticed in early education. To nurture them, educators and parents are encouraged to foster play, respond to children’s interests, model behaviors, and teach strategies for self-regulation. The goal is to create more holistic and developmentally informed programs for young children.
Arts Vanity: How To Tour An Art Museum Effectively
Visiting an art museum can be a fun, reflective experience, and there's a bit of art to touring itself. When deciding what to wear, consider who you're with and the vibe you want to project—whether it's a casual, artistic look or something more sophisticated. Museums have their own layout, so while some prefer sticking to a plan, others might wander freely, allowing the art to guide them. Take time with each piece, even if it’s just a “Wow.” Whether you opt for coffee beforehand or snacks after, don’t miss the gift shop for a reminder of your visit—be it a keychain or a more extravagant item.
Private equity’s appetite for hospitals may put patients at risk
This article examines the impact of private equity ownership in healthcare, using the collapse of Steward Health Care as a case study. It highlights how private equity firms prioritize short-term profits, leading to cost-cutting measures that compromise patient care and safety, as evidenced by increased complications and infections in private equity-owned hospitals. The growing role of private equity in the healthcare sector is scrutinized, with concerns over its effect on patient outcomes, healthcare disparities, and the corporatization of medical practices. Calls for stronger regulations, improved transparency, and policies to prioritize patient well-being over profits are emphasized.
Should pharmacists be moral gatekeepers?
Elizabeth Chiarello, author of Policing Patients: Treatment and Surveillance on the Frontlines of the Opioid Crisis, discusses the complexities of the opioid epidemic, urging a shift in perspective from focusing on opioids to addressing overdose and chronic pain. She highlights the dual role of pharmacists as both caregivers and gatekeepers, influenced by surveillance systems like prescription drug monitoring programs. Chiarello critiques the narrow focus on single drugs like OxyContin, advocating for a broader understanding of drug policy's history. She recommends a comprehensive, three-pronged approach: treatment with evidence-based medications, harm reduction strategies, and community-centered prevention efforts.
Deadly heat coming for healthy people — Harvard research
Harvard researchers have shown that even healthy individuals may face deadly heat stress in a warming world. Their study, published in Communications Earth & Environment, highlights the dangers of "uncompensable heat," where extreme heat becomes intolerable, even for hydrated, fit people. The research factors in solar radiation and other environmental factors often overlooked in past studies. In a world 2°C warmer, millions of outdoor workers, particularly in farming and water collection, could suffer from heat stress. The study warns of significant risks even in shaded areas or indoors, where airflow is limited.
Nature offers novel approach to oral wound care - Slug’s sticky mucus inspiration behind adhesive hydrogel that can seal wounds in wet environment
Harvard researchers have developed an adhesive hydrogel patch inspired by slug mucus, which can stick to wet surfaces and stretch significantly. This hydrogel, primarily composed of water and algae-derived natural polymers, has shown promise in sealing oral wounds and treating painful lesions. Developed by David Wu and Benjamin Freedman, it is capable of releasing medications and could be used in various dental applications, such as sealing surgical sites and enhancing oral wound healing. The team is working towards regulatory approval to bring this technology into dental practice, aiming for sutureless wound repair in the future.
Personalizing the Complete Blood Count Test Could Improve Patient Care - Using patients’ own reference points for standard blood test could aid in precision medicine, early diagnosis
A study led by Harvard Medical School researchers suggests that using personalized reference points for the Complete Blood Count (CBC) test could enhance health assessments and early disease diagnosis. The research, published in Nature, shows that each patient has a unique "set point" for CBC measures like red and white blood cell counts. Comparing current results to a patient's past data rather than external standards can offer a more accurate picture of their health, potentially detecting diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and kidney failure at earlier stages. This personalized approach could support more precise disease screening and treatment plans.
Court ruling curbs unfounded claims for memory supplement
A 2024 court ruling has curbed misleading claims made by Prevagen, a memory supplement, about improving brain function. Despite marketing that suggested significant benefits from an ingredient found in jellyfish, no reliable scientific evidence supports these claims. A small study showed minor memory improvements in a subset of participants, but more research was needed. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and New York attorney general successfully argued that the claims were false and misleading, reinforcing the importance of skepticism when evaluating dietary supplements, which are often not thoroughly tested for effectiveness.
What to know about heme iron and diabetes risk - Heme iron in red meat is linked to type 2 diabetes risk. Bioengineered heme is being used to enhance the flavor of some plant-based meat products. Is that a cause for concern?
A Harvard study linked heme iron—found in red meat and some plant-based meat alternatives—to increased type 2 diabetes risk, while non-heme iron from plants showed no such association. Researchers analyzed dietary data and blood samples, finding that heme iron correlates with biomarkers of inflammation and insulin activity, pathways linked to diabetes. They also identified 17 metabolites potentially involved in this risk. Though plant-based heme's role remains unclear, reducing red meat consumption is recommended for better health outcomes, despite occasional indulgence being understandable.
Are some cases of Alzheimer's disease caused by infection? - It's possible, and if so, there are ways to protect yourself.
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common dementia form, arises from a mix of genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors, with neuroinflammation playing a central role. Key contributors include amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles, which damage neurons and trigger inflammation. Infections may also initiate amyloid-beta deposition, exacerbating damage over decades. Potential microbial culprits include herpesviruses, SARS-CoV-2, gum bacteria, and gut microbes. Lifestyle factors—like poor sleep, stress, inactivity, and unhealthy diets—heighten risk. Preventive measures include sleep hygiene, stress management, regular exercise, social engagement, healthy eating, and vaccination to lower infection risks.
Winter skin woes
Winter skin issues, such as dryness, eczema, and rosacea, become more prevalent as temperatures drop. The cold and dry air, combined with indoor heating, can damage the skin's protective barrier, leading to increased moisture loss. Aging exacerbates these problems, particularly for women post-menopause, due to decreased estrogen levels. To protect skin, experts recommend using thicker creams and ointments, applying petroleum jelly to cracked areas, using a humidifier, and avoiding long, hot showers. Additionally, regular moisturizing and proper skin care are essential to prevent complications like nummular dermatitis. Drinking water helps, but topical hydration is more effective.
9 ways to stay out of the emergency room this winter - Identifying seasonal hazards and taking action to avoid them will help keep you safe.
To stay safe and avoid an emergency room visit this winter, it's essential to be aware of seasonal hazards. Key tips include:
- Prevent falls on slippery surfaces by salting driveways and wearing anti-slip shoes.
- Dress warmly to avoid hypothermia and frostbite.
- Insulate your home to stay warm and avoid cold-related injuries.
- Use space heaters safely and avoid using dangerous fuels indoors.
- Protect against respiratory illnesses by wearing a mask and staying up to date on vaccines.
- Limit alcohol to reduce the risk of holiday heart syndrome.
- Gradually ease into exercise to avoid stress on your heart.
- Shovel snow carefully to avoid heart strain.
- Build an emergency kit with food, water, and medication to prepare for winter storms.
Being proactive about these strategies can help ensure your safety during the colder months.
No evidence that cell phone radiation causes cancer, says expert
Harvard expert Timothy Rebbeck, a professor at the T.H. Chan School of Public Health, stated that current research does not support a link between cell phone radiation and cancer. He explained that cell phones emit radiation with longer wavelengths than the types (like gamma and x-rays) known to cause cancer. Rebbeck emphasized that policies should be based on scientific evidence and avoid unnecessary concerns, despite Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s past comments about cell phone safety and potential calls for tighter regulations.
Clearing up a foggy memory - What causes everyday mental lapses, and when are they cause for concern?
Everyday mental lapses, like forgetting names or misplacing keys, are often a normal part of aging. As people age, brain regions responsible for memory can shrink, making learning and recall slightly more challenging. However, these lapses can also be exacerbated by factors like depression, anxiety, medication, and sleep issues. To manage memory, creating routines, focusing on one task at a time, and using memory aids can help. If lapses become frequent or interfere with daily life, it’s important to seek a doctor’s evaluation, especially if there are patterns or significant changes in memory.
Back pain? Moving more and sitting less may help
A study published in *BMJ Open* suggests that increasing daily activity and reducing sitting time can help manage back pain. Overweight or obese adults with chronic back pain were divided into two groups: one group reduced sedentary time and increased activity, while the other group remained sedentary. After six months, the active group reported no worsening of their back pain, while the sedentary group experienced increased pain. The findings emphasize that even modest changes in movement and sitting less can be beneficial for people with back pain.
Do the new weight-loss drugs improve your health?
GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs like semaglutide (Wegovy), liraglutide (Saxenda), and tirzepatide (Zepbound) effectively lower blood sugar and promote significant weight loss. They function by stimulating insulin release, reducing appetite, slowing sugar digestion, and blocking hormones that raise blood sugar. Beyond weight loss and diabetes management, these drugs may reduce risks of kidney disease, heart disease, COVID-19 mortality, Alzheimer's-related brain inflammation, chronic lung disease flare-ups, and even addictive behaviors, offering broad health benefits.
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