Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Florida Atlantic University


‘Coastal squeeze:’ Massive loss of U.S. coastline tidal flats over 31 years

A new study reveals massive urban expansions throughout the contiguous US, particularly on the Atlantic Coast, have led to significant tidal flat erosion. The research highlights the critical impact of human activities on tidal flat environments, providing important implications for coastal land use and planning.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2023

Common wristbands ‘hotbed’ for harmful bacteria including E. coli, staphylococcus

A study by Florida Atlantic University found that nearly all wristbands (95%) are contaminated with harmful bacteria, including E. coli and staphylococcus. The study suggests using metal types like gold and silver, which had little to no bacteria, and recommends regular sanitizing of wristbands, especially after gym activities.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAdvances in Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2023

Research details perils of not being attractive or athletic in middle school

A new study by Florida Atlantic University found that adolescents who lack traits valued by peers are at risk for adjustment difficulties. The study revealed that low attractive youth and low athletic youth became increasingly unpopular over time, leading to subsequent increases in their loneliness and alcohol misuse.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·TypeSurvey·DateAug 10, 2023

Protected sex: study records grouper mating calls in marine managed areas

Researchers from FAU Harbor Branch deployed an autonomous wave glider to survey marine managed areas off Puerto Rico, recording grouper mating calls and determining spatiotemporal distribution of the two species. The study highlights the importance of spatial and temporal expansion of existing regulations to protect threatened species.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalFisheries Research·TypeObservational study·DateAug 9, 2023

Study compares youth detained for sex trafficking with more serious offenders

A new study from Florida Atlantic University compares the characteristics and risk factors of youth detained for running away or sex trafficking to those detained for more serious offenses. The research found significant differences in abuse rates, polyvictimization, and other factors between the two groups.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAmerican Journal of Criminal Justice·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 8, 2023

DNA decodes the dining preferences of the shell-shucking whitespotted eagle ray

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University uncover the finer-scale feeding patterns of the whitespotted eagle ray, revealing a significantly broader diet than previously described, with high proportions of cockles and wedge shells. The study's findings suggest that these rays can play a facilitative role in reducing predation threats f...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalFishes·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2023

It’s sewage, not fertilizer fueling nitrogen surge in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon

A recent study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that sewage is the primary cause of nitrogen surges in the Indian River Lagoon, contradicting previous findings that fertilizer use was the main contributor. The study found that water quality and harmful algal blooms worsened after five years of mandatory wet season fertilizer blac...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2023

Robotic glove that ‘feels’ lends a ‘hand’ to relearn playing piano after a stroke

Researchers developed a soft robotic exoskeleton glove using AI to improve hand dexterity and classify song variations. The device provides real-time feedback and adjustments, making it easier for users to grasp correct movement techniques, with an accuracy of 97.13% in classifying correct and incorrect song versions.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·TypeCase study·DateJun 30, 2023

Boom! Detecting gregarious goliath groupers using their low-frequency pulse sounds

The study used a battery-powered acoustic array to record Goliath grouper sounds at an artificial reef, assessing their presence by measuring acoustic activity and habitat distribution. The results showed that the model can be used to automatically process large amounts of acoustic data and provide detailed movements of marine organisms.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·TypeObservational study·DateJun 28, 2023

Previously overlooked algae toxin widespread in southern Indian River Lagoon

A study by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute found domoic acid toxin in 87% of samples from the southern Indian River Lagoon, which can harm shellfish, finfish, birds, and humans. The toxin is more prevalent in cool temperatures and high salinity waters, suggesting it may be a resident population.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalHarmful Algae·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2023

In sync? Malaria parasite and human time clocks do align

A study by Florida Atlantic University and Duke University reveals that the malaria parasite's biological clock is 'in sync' with its human host's circadian clock. The researchers discovered a 'coupling' mechanism between the parasite and its host, which could lead to new treatments for this deadly disease.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

Mathematical model based on psychology predicts who will buy trendy products

A new study developed a mathematical innovation model grounded in psychology to predict adoption trends for new products. The model divides people into four categories: innovator, early adopter, majority, and laggard, and suggests that each group looks for specific properties of adoption trends to inform their purchasing decisions.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalPhysica A Statistical Mechanics and its Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 8, 2023

‘Antibiotic culture’ permeates US hospital ICUs

A study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found a significant 'antibiotic culture' in US hospital ICUs, with up to 70% of patients receiving unnecessary antibiotics. The preference for antibiotics is driven by urgency, hierarchy, and uncertainty, leading to increased use despite antimicrobial stewardship guidelines.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2023

Study finds disparate gender differences in victims of child sex trafficking

The study reveals that female youth charged with prostitution had significantly higher prevalence rates of physical abuse and lower likelihood of living with parents, while males were more likely to live with their parents. Education and training are crucial for professionals to identify sex trafficking victimization and reduce misiden...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalVictims & Offenders·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 11, 2023

FAU developed AUTOHOLO shows potential as red tide warning system

Researchers have developed a novel autonomous, submersible, 3D holographic microscope and imaging system to study marine particles and plankton in their natural environment. The AUTOHOLO system achieved 90% accuracy in detecting red tide blooms at varying concentrations, enabling near real-time monitoring and tracking of bloom phases.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalHarmful Algae·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

Could changes in Fed’s interest rates affect pollution and the environment?

A new study by Florida Atlantic University suggests that monetary policy can impact pollution, with domestic effects being more significant than international spillovers. The research found that changes in the US Fed's interest rates can reduce CO2 emissions in the short run, but not necessarily in the long run.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalEnergy Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 28, 2023

Men over 65 are at greater risk than women of skull fractures from falls

A recent study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine found that men over 65 are at a higher risk of developing skull fractures due to head trauma from falls. The research compared geriatric males and females, with surprising results indicating males had a significantly increased incidence of skull fracture.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe American Journal of Emergency Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 8, 2023

America on the move: How urban travel has changed over a decade

A Florida Atlantic University study reveals that while private automobiles remain dominant, the share of car trips has decreased since its peak in 2001. In contrast, transit, non-motorized, and taxicab trips have increased. Lower-income groups rely heavily on public transportation due to limited mobility options.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalTransportation Research Part D Transport and Environment·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

New study finds offering paid sick leave is good for U.S. business

A recent study by Florida Atlantic University and Cleveland State University researchers found that offering paid sick leave to US workers leads to fewer occupational injuries, less presenteeism and better employee health and safety. The study also shows positive impacts on business outcomes such as improved morale, retention, profitab...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 23, 2023

New technique maps large-scale impacts of fire-induced permafrost thaw in Alaska

A new technique maps the effects of fire-induced permafrost thaw in Alaska, revealing widespread topographic change and vegetation shifts. The study used a machine learning-based approach to quantify thaw settlement across 3 million acres of land, with results showing a significant loss of evergreen forest and shrubland encroachment.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 14, 2023

Copy-cat? Youth with few friends conform to stay in a friend’s ‘good graces’

Researchers found that children with fewer friends are more susceptible to influence from partners who have more friends, promoting compatibility and reducing dissimilarity. Conformity helps preserve existing friendships by strengthening similarities and reducing potential sources of conflict.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 7, 2023

Study explores effects of resistance training in older adults at the cellular level

A new study by researchers at Florida Atlantic University explored the effects of resistance training on older adults' cellular level. The study found that resistance training did not significantly affect inflammatory proteins or redox balance markers, but showed a significant reduction in a specific protein ratio. This may support the...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAntioxidants·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2023

AI model proactively predicts if a COVID-19 test might be positive or not

Researchers developed an accurate predictive model to distinguish between COVID-19 positive and negative test outcomes. The study found that symptom features, such as fever and difficulty breathing, play a significant role in predicting test results, with molecular tests yielding lower positive rates due to their dependence on viral load.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalSmart Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 13, 2022

Novel wearable belt with sensors accurately monitors heart failure 24/7

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University have developed a prototype of a novel wearable device that can continuously monitor physiological parameters associated with heart failure in real-time. The device uses sensors embedded in a lightweight belt to track thoracic impedance, electrocardiogram, heart rate, and motion activity, pro...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022