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Florida Atlantic University


Study shows marine plastic pollution alters octopus predator-prey encounters

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology found that exposure to oleamide, a chemical additive in plastics, caused immediate changes in octopus prey choice and interactions with predators. The effects persisted for at least three days, suggesting a lasting impact on marine behavior and ecosystem dynamics.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2026

Power grids to epidemics: study shows small patterns trigger systemic failures

Researchers identified small clusters of interacting components that act as amplifiers, triggering outsized reactions in complex systems. These clusters can control how strongly a system reacts after a disruption, and their presence can determine the stability of entire systems.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 18, 2026

FAU study links ultra-processed foods to greater heart attack, stroke risk

A study by Florida Atlantic University found that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are associated with a 47% higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers analyzed data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found that those consuming high amounts of UPFs had a significant increase in heart attack and stroke ...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe American Journal of Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 5, 2026

FAU ‘shark-repellent’ method could reform fisheries by curbing bycatch

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a patent-pending shark deterrent that can be used to reduce bycatch in fisheries. The device produces an electric field that repels sharks from bait without affecting target fish, and has been shown to reduce catches of coastal sharks by 62-70%.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2026

FAU engineers decode dementia type using AI and EEG brainwave analysis

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a deep learning model that detects and evaluates Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) using EEG brainwave analysis. The model achieved over 90% accuracy in distinguishing individuals with dementia from cognitively normal participants.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalBiomedical Signal Processing and Control·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 10, 2025

FAU study finds connection between poor mental health and dark web use

A new FAU study reveals significant mental health differences between dark web users and surface web users, with dark web users reporting substantially higher levels of depressive symptoms and paranoid thoughts. The study also found substantial differences in suicidal thoughts, non-suicidal self-injury, and digital self-harm.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalCyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking·TypeSurvey·DateDec 3, 2025

Muscle protein linked to exercise opens new way to treat Alzheimer’s

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have discovered a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease by targeting muscle protein Cathepsin B. The study found that increasing Ctsb in muscle tissue may offer protection against the effects of AD and promote brain cell growth, restoring protein balance and rebalancing brain activity.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2025

Drones map loggerhead sea turtle nesting site hotspots

Researchers used drones to create detailed maps of a high-density nesting beach, identifying steepness and proximity to dune crossover stairs as key factors influencing turtle nesting success. The study provides insights into how changing coastal conditions affect sea turtle habitats, informing conservation policy and coastal development.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalShore & Beach·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 13, 2025

FAU Engineering study takes a ‘quantum leap’ to detect kidney disease

A recent FAU Engineering study leverages quantum computing to enhance the accuracy of chronic kidney disease (CKD) diagnosis. The research team developed and compared two automated systems: Classical Support Vector Machine (CSVM) and Quantum Support Vector Machine (QSVM). CSVM achieved remarkable 98.75% accuracy, while QSVM reached 87....

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalInformatics and Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 12, 2025

FAU historian traces the transformation of U.S. nursing homes into big business

A recent study by Willa Granger examines the transformation of nursing homes in postwar America, tracing the development of the modern nursing home industry through the lens of the Americana Corporation. The research reveals how federal programs and corporate models reshaped eldercare, prioritizing scale and replication over community ...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of the Society of Architectural Historians·TypeCase study·DateOct 22, 2025

It’s not just diet: where a child lives also raises type 2 diabetes risk

A recent study published in Pediatric Research highlights the impact of neighborhood environments on childhood type 2 diabetes risk. The research found associations between library presence, neighborhood walkability, and caregiver health, suggesting that social and environmental factors play a significant role in T2D development.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalPediatric Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 21, 2025

Chatbots the new ‘doc?’ FAU researchers explore AI in health behavior coaching

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine conducted a scoping review on AI-driven systems designed to deliver motivational interviewing. The study found that most used AI tools were chatbots, with varying levels of fidelity to core principles like empathy and autonomy.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 1, 2025

Study first to show if nesting heat affects sea turtle hatchling ‘IQ’

A new study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found that heat does not significantly affect the cognitive ability of sea turtle hatchlings. However, higher incubation temperatures negatively impact their physical traits, including shorter incubation durations, lower hatching success, and more frequent scute anomalies. The stud...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalEndangered Species Research·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 2025

FAU engineers develop smarter AI to redefine control in complex systems

Researchers at FAU have developed a smarter AI framework that can manage complex systems with unequal levels of authority and adapt to imperfect information. The framework, based on reinforcement learning and game theory, reduces unnecessary computation while maintaining system stability and optimal strategy outcomes.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Systems Man and Cybernetics Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 23, 2025

FAU/Baptist Health AI spine model could transform lower back pain treatment

Researchers developed a fully automated finite element analysis pipeline to transform spine diagnostics and personalized treatment planning. The new approach enables rapid, patient-specific simulations that support preoperative planning, spinal implant optimization, and early detection of degenerative spine conditions.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalWorld Neurosurgery·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 17, 2025

High consumption of ultra-processed foods linked to systemic inflammation

High consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with higher levels of systemic inflammation and a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. The study found that individuals who consumed the most ultra-processed foods had significantly higher levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, a key marker of inflammation.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe American Journal of Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 9, 2025