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Drexel University


Songwriting survivorship: a music therapy study examines the needs and challenges of cancer survivors

A Drexel University study analyzing 26 songs written by cancer survivors during music therapy sessions found that music therapy helped reduce anxiety and identified themes such as prioritizing self-care and redefining identity. The study also highlighted the importance of music-based strategies for managing mental health and well-being.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Cancer Survivorship·DateAug 24, 2026

App-based support improves dementia caregivers’ wellbeing

A new app, WeCareAdvisor, has shown promise in improving the quality of life for dementia caregivers by providing a systematic approach to manage behavioral symptoms. Caregivers who used the app reported significant reductions in distress and behavioral symptoms, as well as improved well-being.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 20, 2026

For green building, ‘durable’ is the new ‘sustainable’

A recent review of 40 studies on building resiliency found that most life cycle assessments fail to consider key aspects of inoperability, leading to underestimated environmental costs. A new framework developed by Fernanda Cruz Rios factors in the environmental costs and benefits of resilience, informing designers' choices on building...

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 18, 2026

What do people really think about generative AI?

A longitudinal study of Reddit posts since 2022 reveals that trust in generative AI is generally higher than distrust, with 31% of posts expressing trust and 26% expressing distrust. The study's findings suggest that attitudes toward AI have remained divided over the past four years.

SourceDrexel University·JournalTransactions of the Association for Computational Linguistics·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 13, 2026

An expressive robot has more to lose when it makes mistakes

A study by Drexel University found that people form a stronger bond with an expressive humanoid robot, but this trust can quickly dissipate when the robot makes errors. The researchers measured brain activity, hormones, and self-reported attitudes to understand how humans build and lose trust through collaboration with robots.

SourceDrexel University·JournalScience Robotics·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2026

Getting an exercise form coaching assist from AI

Researchers from Drexel University developed BioCoach, a program using AI and computer vision to analyze video and provide form coaching in real time. The system analyzes visual appearance and motion patterns, as well as 3D skeletal movements and body shape, to deliver detailed biomechanics-based feedback.

SourceDrexel University·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 3, 2026

Drexel researchers discover liquids have a breaking point

Drexel researchers have found that, given the right strain rate, simple liquids can fracture like solid objects. This discovery suggests that viscosity plays a more significant role in the mechanical properties of liquids than previously thought, potentially leading to new possibilities for manipulating liquids in various applications.

SourceDrexel University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2026

Can spending time in nature improve your diet?

A new study from Drexel University found that individuals who spent more time in nature reported better dietary behaviors, such as eating more fruits and vegetables. Participants who spent more time in nature also experienced improved mental health, including reduced depression, anxiety, and stress.

SourceDrexel University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateMar 16, 2026

American Indian and Alaska native peoples experience higher rates of fatal police violence in and around reservations

The study found that 73% of AIAN deaths from police violence occurred on or within 10 miles of reservations, despite only 40% of AIAN people living there. The authors argue that colonial policies and inequities in policing contribute to this disproportionate risk of fatal police violence.

SourceDrexel University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 9, 2026

MXene nanomaterials enter a new dimension

Scientists at Drexel University have developed a scalable method for producing one-dimensional MXene nanoscrolls, offering superior electrical conductivity and mechanical strength. The new material shows promise in applications such as energy storage devices, biosensors, and wearable technology.

SourceDrexel University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2026

Drexel study finds early intervention helps most autistic children acquire spoken language

A recent study led by researchers at Drexel University's Autism Institute found that early intervention is key to helping most non-speaking autistic children develop spoken language. The study suggests that duration of the intervention rather than intensity may be more effective in achieving outcomes for these children.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 22, 2026

Breakthrough on gene therapy for hereditary spastic paraplegia

Researchers at Drexel University and UMass Chan Medical School have developed a gene therapy approach that silences and replaces disease-causing genes in mice with hereditary spastic paraplegia. The treatment prevents nerve breakdown and symptoms, offering a potential cure for the rare disease. Studies suggest that the therapy could be...

SourceDrexel University·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2025

How and when could AI be used in emergency medicine?

A Drexel University study found that providing both AI-synthesized information and treatment recommendations to emergency medical doctors improved diagnostic accuracy. The technology was tested in a simulated environment, where participants made correct decisions in 64.4% of scenarios with full support.

SourceDrexel University·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·DateNov 20, 2025

Drexel engineers want to make buildings more energy efficient by making walls, floors and ceilings more like elephant ears

Drexel engineers create vascular network within cement-based building materials that can help passively regulate surface temperature, reducing energy loss in buildings. The approach is inspired by nature's circulatory system and uses phase-change material to maintain a desired indoor temperature.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Building Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 16, 2025

Spotting bad batteries before they malfunction

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a low-cost, accessible method to detect structural defects and damage in lithium-ion batteries using ultrasound technology. The technique can identify gas presence, material deficiencies, and other issues that may cause electrical shorts or performance hampers.

SourceDrexel University·JournalElectrochimica Acta·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2025

When climate disasters hit, they often leave long-term health care access shortages, Drexel study finds

Researchers at Drexel University and the University of Maryland found a statistically significant link between severe natural disasters and loss of health care infrastructure. The study suggests that communities experiencing severe disasters often face declines in health care resources, with effects lasting for years.

SourceDrexel University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2025

What happens when a companion chatbot crosses the line?

A recent study from Drexel University found that AI companion chatbots can lead to sexual harassment and unwanted behavior, with over 800 reviews mentioning such incidents. The study suggests that companies must implement safeguards and ethical guidelines to protect users who are vulnerable to emotional harm.

SourceDrexel University·TypeContent analysis·DateMay 5, 2025

Newborns living near trees tend to be healthier. New data suggests it’s not because healthier people reside near parks

A new study from Drexel University's Dornsife School of Public Health found a link between the number of trees planted within 100 meters of a mother's home and higher birth weight. Living near newly planted trees was associated with a statistically significant increase in birthweight, with about 50 grams more per tree.

SourceDrexel University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateApr 23, 2025

What’s the benefit of opening for Taylor Swift?

A study by Drexel University found that opening for Taylor Swift can lead to sustained audience growth for emerging artists, with genre alignment playing a key role. The research analyzed the streaming metrics and ticket sales of 57 artists who served as openers for top-grossing tours in 2022 and 2023.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of the Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association·TypeSurvey·DateApr 17, 2025

New research finds fluorescence in feathers of long-eared owls

A recent study published in The Wilson Journal of Ornithology reveals that Long-eared Owls have fluorescent pigments in their feathers that can only be seen under ultraviolet light. The amount of pigment varies within a population and is correlated with age, sex, and size, suggesting alternative functions beyond sexual signaling.

SourceDrexel University·JournalThe Wilson Journal of Ornithology·DateApr 8, 2025

Men and residents of higher crime areas see greater benefit from community parks, in reduction of deaths from heart disease

A recent study published at Drexel University found that neighborhoods with more greenspace and tree canopy cover have lower rates of heart disease deaths, particularly among men. The researchers also discovered that violent crime plays a modifying role in influencing the health benefits from greenspace.

SourceDrexel University·JournalHealth & Place·TypeObservational study·DateDec 19, 2024

Open those windows: Natural ventilation in historic buildings can reduce mechanical system use, save energy and create healthier indoor environments

Researchers at Drexel University investigated natural ventilation strategies in historic homes to understand how their inherent energy-efficient features can inform modern energy conservation efforts. The study found that passive cooling and cross-ventilation can achieve energy savings and improve thermal comfort, particularly in hot a...

SourceDrexel University·JournalEnergy and Buildings·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 5, 2024