A team of researchers from Florida Atlantic University has developed an AI-powered COVID-19 knowledge base to better understand the spread of the virus. The knowledge base will be used to create a predictive tool that assesses an individual's risk level based on demographics, policies, and social behavior.
A recent study found that walking with a shelter dog can decrease psychological and physiological stress indicators in military veterans, particularly those with higher PTSD symptom severity. The researchers measured heart rate variability, salivary cortisol, and alpha-amylase before, during, and after walks with dogs or humans.
A team from Florida Atlantic University conducted the world's most complete health analysis of nesting green sea turtles in Florida, providing critical insights into physiology, biology, and herpesvirus epidemiology. The study found no significant differences between healthy and infected turtles, indicating that these viruses are endem...
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University and The Ohio State University identify the specific brain circuit responsible for neuroinflammation and psychological disorders caused by chronic stress. By limiting inflammatory signaling to this circuit, they suggest a potential treatment approach for anxiety and depression.
Researchers from FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute used satellite telemetry to track the movement of Indian River Lagoon dolphins at night. The study found that these dolphins regularly leave the estuarine system and swim substantial distances up freshwater rivers, creeks, and canals.
Researchers found that the malaria parasite, P. falciparum, has a 48-hour developmental cycle with synchronous release of parasites from red blood cells, triggering fever cycles in humans. The study suggests that parasites have evolved mechanisms to precisely maintain periodicity.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University documented adult blacktip sharks fleeing to shallow waters when confronted by large great hammerhead sharks. The study provides the first evidence of adults using these waters as a refuge, leveraging UAVs to observe natural behaviors without disrupting them.
Researchers used a nontoxic fluorescent solution under ultraviolet light to demonstrate the importance of proper PPE use during COVID-19 patient care. The study found that health care staff who contaminated their face or forearms during PPE removal were more likely to be exposed to the contagion.
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University found that racial inequalities in liver cancer deaths soared after the introduction of hepatitis C drugs in the US. The study showed a significant increase in mortality rates among black Americans, with excess relative deaths increasing from 27.8% to 45.4% between 1998 and 2016.
A new study finds that children who are perceived as 'fun' to be around experience increased popularity and likability among their classmates. The researchers discovered that this characteristic uniquely contributes to a child's social status, promoting creativity, reducing rejection, and increasing the salience of rewards.
Researchers will investigate the role of interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor 1 (nIL-1R1) in neuroinflammation-induced dysfunction and behavioral changes. The study aims to identify vulnerable neurons and elucidate cellular pathways underlying psychopathology.
A geriatrician recommends developing an emergency plan, employing intensive infection control practices, and providing therapy in patient/resident rooms. LTCF patients/residents face mental health risks due to isolation, prompting the need for psychosocial care and support.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have created a minimally invasive technique to determine the sex of sea turtle hatchlings using small blood samples. This method is more reliable and efficient than existing methods, providing valuable insights into the impact of climate change on imperiled turtle species.
A new study by Florida Atlantic University shows that kangaroo care improves infant brain development, particularly in full-term babies, through skin-to-skin touch and contact. The method also increases oxytocin levels in mothers and decreases stress reactivity.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that 75% of female loggerhead sea turtles on Sanibel Island mated singly and stored sufficient sperm for multiple clutches. This suggests that females may not benefit from mating with multiple males to increase opportunities for advantageous traits.
A study by FAU researchers found that neighborhood environments with greater access to social, walking and retail destinations may have limited cognitive benefits for APOE ε2 carriers, who are at lower risk for Alzheimer's disease. Beneficial neighborhoods can provide spaces for exercise, mental stimulation and stress reduction.
A recent study found that over one-quarter of teens experience digital dating abuse, including harassment and control via technology. Boys are more likely to be victims than girls, while traditional forms of abuse also emerge as a significant issue. Risk factors include depressive symptoms, sending sexts, and cyberbullying.
Researchers found microcystin concentrations in 95% of participants' nasal passages, with higher levels among occupationally exposed individuals. Aerosolized cyanotoxins represent a significant route of exposure and should be included in risk assessments.
A comprehensive review of movement-based mind-body interventions found yoga, tai chi, and qigong to be effective in treating chronic lower back pain. The studies showed reductions in pain intensity, disability, and improved functional ability, with longer duration and high-dose yoga intervention and tai chi showing greater benefits.
Researchers reviewed benefits and risks of over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers, including NSAIDs, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen. The study suggests that healthcare providers and patients should make individual clinical judgements based on the entire risk factor profile to minimize harm.
The researchers are developing advanced fibers for body armor with improved ballistic performance. The goal is to increase energy absorption and dissipation, leading to greater protection for military personnel. The project involves hybridizing UHMWPE fibers with carbon nanotubes and testing various manufacturing and testing methods.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University discovered GCSF's neuroprotective properties, improving neurological deficits and behavioral outcomes in mouse models of stroke. The study provides new insights into GCSF's potential to reduce infarction by decreasing endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial stress.
A study examined racial and ethnic differences in genetic testing frequency and results among diverse young breast cancer patients. The study found that less than half of the participants completed hereditary breast and ovarian cancer genetic testing, but the percentage increased over time.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that 75% of green sea turtles with fibropapillomatosis did not survive rehabilitation despite tumor removal surgery. Tumors often regrew within 46 days, leading to prolonged rehabilitation times.
A new immunocapture protein phosphatase inhibition assay (IC-PPIA) method has been developed to detect microcystins and nodularin in human urine, yielding positive results from three out of 86 urine specimens. The study provides a critical step in developing clinical diagnostic tests for harmful algal bloom exposure worldwide.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire suggest teaching youth 'safe' sexting practices to prevent long-term consequences. They provide 10 specific, actionable messages to share with adolescents to exercise wisdom and discretion when sharing explicit images.
A recent study published in Nature Human Behavior reveals that the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) activity during motivated control reflects the calculation of surprise. Researchers found that a single mechanism of surprise best accounts for dACC activity, suggesting a unified explanation for cognitive control research.
Florida Atlantic University has partnered with colleges and transit agencies to develop a mobile app and new transit solutions to address students' transportation challenges. The project aims to reduce students' transportation costs and increase credit accumulation and year-to-year student retention.
A study conducted by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute found that pregnant women in coastal Florida have higher mercury concentrations in their hair due to fish consumption, particularly from the Indian River Lagoon. The study also highlighted the importance of education on safe seafood sources and spe...
A $2.64 million grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services will support a program to improve outcomes for children and families affected by addiction. The partnership aims to increase well-being, permanency, and safety for children in out-of-home placements due to parental substance misuse.
Florida Atlantic University has received a $1.68 million grant from the Florida Division of Emergency Management to develop a framework for managing flood risks across the state. The project aims to help communities guide future mitigation projects and assist local communities in moving up in the Community Rating System.
Researchers at FAU Harbor Branch and Wageningen University developed a breakthrough in marine sponge cell culture, demonstrating rapid cell division in nine species. This discovery forms the basis for developing marine invertebrate cell models to understand early animal evolution and determine the role of secondary metabolites.
A pilot study found that faith community events serve mostly convenience foods high in sodium, sugar, and saturated fat. These meals contribute to childhood obesity risks due to the lack of food guidelines in these settings.
A recent study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials found that simulated sunlight can degrade microplastics on the ocean surface. The research revealed that engineered polymer solutions degraded most rapidly under UV radiation, followed by polypropylene and polyethylene.
Researchers analyzed data from Kichwa community in Ecuador to understand the selection of medicinal plants. The study found that men cited slightly more species than women, while age played a role in identifying plant families, with older participants naming more species.
Researchers developed a novel approach to track tremor severity in Parkinson's patients, combining wearable sensors with machine-learning algorithms. The method accurately measures total and resting tremors throughout the day, even during free body movements.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that parents can effectively teach daily living skills to teens with autism using iPads. The study showed that video prompting interventions led to significant improvements in skill deficits, even when parents used varying methods of consequence strategies.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and the University of Pennsylvania analyzed crash risk, exposure, and built environment factors. They identified specific variables related to exposure and risk, but found a lack of clarity on the role of built environment in traffic injury and death.
A study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found that the quality of child-directed speech depends on the language proficiency of the speaker. Children who hear a rich vocabulary acquire a rich vocabulary, while those with limited exposure develop simpler language skills.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found three distinct groups of popular teenagers: prosocial popular, aggressive popular and bistrategic or Machiavellian-like. Bistrategic teens had the highest level of popularity and balanced getting their way with kindness.
Researchers developed a novel method to measure mechanical fatigue's effect on human red blood cells, revealing that cyclic deformation causes faster deformability loss. The technique assesses static and cyclic mechanical deformation, providing insights into accumulated membrane damage and its relation to diseases.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and Georgia Aquarium have found a significant increase in antibiotic resistance in bottlenose dolphins, with the prevalence of resistance to at least one antibiotic reaching 88.2 percent. The study's findings suggest that the isolates originated from human activities or discharges, highlight...
A study by FAU researchers suggests that pooled-ride services like car-pooling and public transit can significantly reduce traffic congestion and environmental impacts. By putting more people in fewer vehicles, these services can improve energy efficiency and lower costs.
A 'Dream Team' of scientists has received a grant to develop powerful tools for manipulating genes in the blind Mexican cavefish, a model system for studying human diseases. The project aims to create precise gene expression and function through genomic tools commonly used in other fish models.
Researchers at FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine are working on a novel project to identify the role of hypoxia in the formation of the eye lens and its potential as a therapeutic target for eye diseases such as cataracts. The grant will help advance regenerative medicine by developing ocular cells that can replace damaged tissues.
A study by Florida Atlantic University demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of animal-assisted interventions in reducing stress among military patients undergoing aeromedical evacuation. The results show significant decreases in cortisol levels and improvements in immunoglobulin A levels.
Scientists from FAU's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute are developing novel technologies to supply warm water marine fish seedstocks, addressing the US's struggling aquaculture industry. The partnership aims to increase domestic production, reduce waste, disease risks, and feed inefficiencies.
A large longitudinal sleep study found that evening use of nicotine and alcohol within four hours of bedtime was associated with disrupted sleep. In contrast, caffeine consumption did not have a significant impact on sleep parameters. The study's findings suggest that promoting the restriction of evening nicotine and alcohol use may im...
A new study finds that patients with tinnitus and hyperacusis who had a history of parental mental illness in childhood are more likely to experience suicidal and self-harm ideations. Researchers recommend screening for these risks, especially in patients with depression.
Research finds that engaging patients with community resources can improve overall well-being and health outcomes. The concept of patient ecosystem management (PEM) focuses on treating patients differently, including assessing and managing resources outside the hospital setting.