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Drexel University


Standardized autism screening during pediatric well visits identified more, younger children with high likelihood for autism diagnosis

A new study found that standardized autism screening during pediatric well-child visits identifies more children with high autism likelihood at a younger age. The study used the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised, with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F) and compared it to usual care.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateNov 14, 2024

A.J. Drexel Autism Institute study highlights key challenges and opportunities in transitioning autistic individuals into adulthood

A new study from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute has released findings that underscore critical challenges and opportunities in transitioning autistic youth into adulthood. The research emphasizes the need for improved services and supports, as well as the importance of prioritizing autistic perspectives and cultural considerations.

SourceDrexel University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 17, 2024

Immigration detainer holds linked to lower Medicaid and SNAP enrollment among eligible adults

A study published in Health Affairs found that people living in areas with high detainer requests are less likely to enroll in Medicaid and SNAP due to fear of deportation. The study suggests that immigration enforcement activities can have a significant impact on daily life for immigrants and their families.

SourceDrexel University·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 16, 2024

Looking for clues about your real age? Your grandparents’ education may offer some insight.

A new study found that grandchildren of college-educated grandparents showed slower biological aging than those whose grandparents did not graduate from college. The research, published in Social Science and Medicine, used epigenetic-based aging clocks to examine the relationship between grandparents' education level and their grandchi...

SourceDrexel University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 26, 2024

Dance, dance revolution: New Drexel research shows dance and movement therapy can increase emotional and social intelligence in middle school students

A new Drexel University study reveals that dance and movement therapy (DMT) can foster empathy, positive peer relationships, and cultural self-efficacy among middle school students. The program, developed by Nalini Prakash, aimed to address ethnic bullying and promote cross-cultural connections.

SourceDrexel University·JournalSocial Sciences & Humanities Open·DateAug 5, 2024

Is climate change keeping patients from vital doctor appointments?

A study from Drexel University researchers found that temperature extremes are associated with higher rates of missed primary care appointments, particularly among older adults and those with chronic conditions. The study suggests that telemedicine coverage could help mitigate this issue as climate change worsens.

SourceDrexel University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 18, 2024

Drexel team identifies drug-like molecules that show early success in targeting breast cancer brain metastases

Researchers from Drexel University have identified two compounds, AD-5584 and AD-8007, that selectively kill cancer cells and block tumor growth by targeting a key metabolic enzyme in cancer cells. These findings show early success in shrinking breast cancer tumors in brain metastases and offer hope for more effective therapies.

SourceDrexel University·JournalFrontiers in Pharmacology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 18, 2024

Mapping the surfaces of MXenes, atom by atom, reveals new potential for the 2D materials

A team of researchers from Drexel University and UCLA used scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy to study the surface chemical structure of titanium carbide MXene. They found features on the surface, including titanium oxide clusters and functional groups, which could explain MXene's extreme properties and potential applications.

SourceDrexel University·JournalMatter·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 3, 2024

Climate change and sea level rise pose an acute challenge for cities with combined sewer systems

Researchers at Drexel University model the potential extent of flooding and combined sewer overflows in Camden, New Jersey, as climate change exacerbates the problem. The team's 'all-pipes' model simulates stormwater flows through every surface and pipe in the area, providing a unique solution to mitigate environmental and health risks.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Water Management Modeling·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 27, 2024

How do high-profile incidents of racial discrimination affect the eating habits of Black women?

Researchers found that Black women living near areas of unrest experienced higher levels of emotional eating and stress, while those in safer neighborhoods engaged in cognitive restraint. The study suggests that vicarious racial discrimination can lead to race-based traumatic stress and poor mental and physical health outcomes.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·DateJun 27, 2024

New Jersey’s cash bail reform reduced incarceration without increasing gun violence, Drexel study says

A recent study by Drexel University found that New Jersey's cash bail reform law successfully reduced the state's jail population without increasing gun violence. The research team analyzed data from 36 states and controlled for factors such as gun law restrictions, rates of gun ownership, and state senate majority partisanship.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 30, 2024

No link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and children’s risk of autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability says large sibling study from Drexel University and Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet

Researchers analyzed data from 2.4 million children born in Sweden to find no evidence linking acetaminophen use during pregnancy to increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Sibling comparisons controlled for shared genetic and environmental factors, providing reassurance for expectant parents considering medication use.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateApr 9, 2024

Pinging pipes could help to identify lead water lines without excavation

A recent study by Drexel University shows that sound waves can reveal the composition of buried water lines, allowing for the speedy removal of lead service lines. The technique uses ultrasonic stress wave propagation to detect unique acoustic signatures for each type of pipe, making it a promising alternative to invasive testing methods.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Nondestructive Evaluation·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2024

Climate change linked to rise in mental distress among teens, according to Drexel study

A recent Drexel University study found that high school students who experienced climate disasters had a 20% higher odds of developing mental distress. The research also discovered that the impact of climate change on mental health is strongest in the two years immediately following a disaster, with effects gradually weakening over time.

SourceDrexel University·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 22, 2024

A closer look at cannabis use and binge eating

A recent Drexel University study found nearly a quarter of binge eating patients have used cannabis in the past three months. Cannabis use was related to drinking patterns and problems with drinking, but not to severe eating disorder symptoms or depression.

SourceDrexel University·JournalExperimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology·DateFeb 13, 2024

Early study shows health benefits of creative arts therapies and nutrition education for postmenopausal women

A recent study from Drexel University explored an art therapy intervention to address the health needs of overweight, postmenopausal women. The integrated approach showed significant improvements in psychosocial wellbeing, quality of life, and body image, with participants also experiencing decreases in BMI and blood pressure.

SourceDrexel University·JournalArt Therapy·DateJan 11, 2024

Putting your toddler in front of the TV? You might hurt their ability to process the world around them, new data suggests

Research from Drexel University found that toddlers exposed to more screen time may exhibit disengaged and disinterested behavior, seeking intense stimulation, or being overwhelmed by sounds and lights. This could have implications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 8, 2024

Does self-checkout impact grocery store loyalty?

Research from Drexel University finds that customers are more likely to remain loyal to a grocery store when using regular checkout service. The perceived ease of checkout, sense of entitlement, and number of items purchased play a role in explaining the effect of loyalty.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateJan 4, 2024

Can we trust autism information on TikTok? Not always.

Researchers from Drexel University's Autism Institute found that most TikTok videos providing information on autism were inaccurate or overgeneralized. Healthcare professionals' content was more likely to include accurate information, while personal experience-based videos were not coded in the study.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateOct 23, 2023

Fitness and staving off weight gain may be more important than weight loss for preventing kidney disease in obese adults, Drexel study says

A new study published in Obesity found that fitness and preventing weight gain may be more important than weight loss for preventing chronic kidney disease in obese adults. Weight gain was associated with a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease, while low physical fitness was linked to rapid kidney function decline.

SourceDrexel University·JournalObesity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 28, 2023

Could a breakdown in the brain’s networks allow infections to contribute to Alzheimer’s disease?

Researchers at Drexel University found that the brains of Alzheimer's patients showed profoundly different bacterial profiles compared to healthy controls. The study identified five brain microbiomes, four of which are hypothesized to be present at different times in the evolution of the disease.

SourceDrexel University·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2023

Reading between the cracks: artificial intelligence can identify patterns in surface cracking to assess damage in reinforced concrete structures

Researchers develop AI-based method to quantify cracking patterns in reinforced concrete structures, enabling more accurate and efficient assessments of structural damage. The approach uses graph theory and machine learning algorithms to create a unique 'fingerprint' for each set of cracks, allowing for quick and consistent evaluations.

SourceDrexel University·JournalComputer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 1, 2023

Machine learning can support urban planning for energy use

Researchers at Drexel University developed a machine learning model to predict Philadelphia's future energy use based on zoning decisions and building characteristics. The model uses two machine learning programs to tease out patterns from massive datasets and make projections about future energy consumption.

SourceDrexel University·JournalEnergy and Buildings·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 4, 2023

What happens when teens privately ask for help on Instagram?

A study by Drexel University and Vanderbilt University analyzed 82 relevant conversations on Instagram direct messages where teens asked for help, revealing that most disclosures were about mental health concerns. Support was offered in most cases, but specific sets of circumstances led to denial.

SourceDrexel University·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 26, 2023

Sliding out of my DMs: young social media users help train machine learning program to flag unsafe sexual conversations on Instagram

Researchers trained a machine learning program using data from over 5 million direct messages, annotated by 150 adolescents who experienced uncomfortable or unsafe conversations. The technology can quickly flag risky DMs and is intended to address rising trends of child sexual exploitation.

SourceDrexel University·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 24, 2023