Off the Top...

“Permanent Good” Documentary Nominated for Emmy

On Dec. 11, 1924, James B. Duke signed his indenture of Trust, turning Trinity College into Duke University. With Dec. 11 this year, Duke is now officially into its second century. What better way to mark the occasion than to watch (or rewatch) the Duke documentary “Permanent Good,” which tells the story of the university’s first 100 years? The film has been nominated for a Nashville/MidSouth Chapter Emmy in the Documentary Historical category.

Permanent Good

Federally Funded Research at Duke...

Inside the Minds of Puppies: How Do They Develop Their Thinking Skills?

A five-year Duke study tracking more than 100 service-dog puppies has produced one of the most detailed looks ever at how young dogs develop thinking and communication skills. Led by Ph.D. researcher Hannah Salomons, the work demonstrates that most cognitive abilities emerge early, albeit on different timelines, and that puppies are biologically primed to understand human gestures--a trait not observed in wolf pups. The findings offer new insights into how dogs evolved to cooperate with humans and could help service-dog organizations predict which puppies are most likely to succeed early on. With training costs exceeding tens of thousands of dollars per dog, this research has the potential to enhance placement accuracy and expand access to life-changing service animals.

This research was supported by the Office of Naval Research and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Dog Development

More from Duke...

Empowering the Next Generation of Engineering Leaders With New $11 Million Gift

Duke’s Clark Scholars Program will expand its ability to develop the next generation of engineers thanks to new support that strengthens mentorship, leadership training and hands-on innovation opportunities for students. The funding will deepen the program’s emphasis on entrepreneurship, ethical leadership and global learning experiences that prepare scholars to tackle real-world challenges. A portion of the award will also empower students to invest directly in Durham and North Carolina through philanthropic grants, cultivating a lifelong commitment to service. Together, these enhancements will allow more Clark Scholars to thrive at Duke and graduate ready to lead with purpose.

Engineering Leaders

Duke Chorale Concert Features Young Singers From Durham
Young performers from the community--roughly 70 singers from Durham School of the Arts and 25 student musicians from the Duke String School--joined in at Duke Chapel for Duke’s annual holiday concert, known as the Holiday Chorale. The concert on Dec. 2 featured uplifting choral selections from around the world, all centered on themes of life, peace and light for a holiday spirit. In keeping with tradition, the event also supported a local nonprofit. For the past few years the Chorale community has supported Book Harvest, a Durham-based organization that puts stories in the hands of children throughout the area. Chorale concert admission is free for audiences with a new or gently used children’s book as their “ticket.” This year the Chorale community collected 500 books.

Duke Chorale Concert

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