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Florida Atlantic University


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

Ancient DNA analysis sheds light on the early peopling of South America

Researchers used DNA from two ancient human individuals to unravel the deep demographic history of South America, providing new genetic evidence supporting existing archaeological data. They also discovered migrations along the Atlantic coast for the first time and found evidence of Neanderthal ancestry within ancient genomes.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 1, 2022

Needs and challenges for COVID-19 boosters and other vaccines in the U.S.

The US ranks last in vaccination rates among the world's richest countries, with a mortality rate from COVID-19 30 times higher than influenza. Boosters can reduce the risk of dying and hospitalization by over 90%. All US adults and eligible children should receive booster shots to protect against future variants.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe American Journal of Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 18, 2022

‘Placenta-on-a-chip’ mimics malaria-infected nutrient exchange between mother-fetus

Researchers developed a novel 3D microfluidic device to study complicated processes within the placenta, including placental malaria. The model demonstrates that CSA-binding infected erythrocytes add resistance to the simulated placental barrier for glucose perfusion and decrease glucose transfer across this barrier.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 26, 2022

Rare human gene variant in ADHD, autism exposes fundamental sex differences

A new study reveals key differences in dopamine disposal machinery between male and female mice with a rare human genetic variant found in boys with ADHD or ASD. Females exhibit unique behavioral changes, such as increased anxiety and novelty recognition issues, while males display reduced social behavior and perseverative traits.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2022

Study first to explore ‘walking’ sharks on the move in early life stages

A study by Florida Atlantic University researchers compared the walking and swimming behaviors of neonate and juvenile epaulette sharks. Contrary to expectations, results showed that differences in body shape did not alter kinematics between early life stages, suggesting a consistent locomotor performance.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalIntegrative and Comparative Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2022