Researchers at FAU and Harbor Branch Institute will investigate the short- and long-term health effects of exposure to harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Florida. The study aims to measure HAB toxins in environmental samples, human tissues, and assess potential health impacts on individuals infected with COVID-19.
A new study documents bonefish diving 450 feet deep to spawn, a rare behavior in shallow water fish. The research provides crucial information for conservation efforts, informing techniques used to rear captive spawned bonefish larvae and better focus habitat conservation.
Researchers at FAU will develop a mathematical model to optimize social and physical engagement in older adults. The goal is to counter age-related decline and promote brain health.
Monarch caterpillars become aggressive when faced with limited milkweed, displaying behavior similar to boxing and bumper cars. A lack of nutrition during larval stages delays development and reduces adult body size and lifespan.
A study by neuroscientists from Florida Atlantic University demonstrates that the act of coming home produces a signal of comfort in mice, triggering a rapid increase in dopamine release. This finding suggests that 'home is where the brain is' and has implications for understanding addiction and mood disorders.
Researchers found a relationship between zebra finch gut microbiome characteristics and cognitive performance, identifying potentially critical bacteria affecting learning and memory. The study provides evidence for the 'microbiota-gut-brain axis' in songbirds, raising questions about the generality of this system across species.
Researchers found that cavefish exhibit reduced response probability, slower latency, and altered kinematics compared to surface fish. The study provides insight into the evolution of escape behaviors in Mexican cavefish and highlights the importance of ecological differences in shaping neural circuits.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University argue that remdesivir is justified for compassionate use in severely ill patients with COVID-19 due to its potential benefits in reducing recovery time. Despite FDA approval, the current evidence base supports the use of other proven preventive strategies such as social distancing and masking.
Researchers from FAU's College of Engineering and Computer Science are developing new theory and methods to curate training data sets for AI learning and screen real-time operational data for safe field deployment. The project aims to identify faulty, unusual and irregular information for AI operations.
A new study by researchers from Florida Atlantic University and Geisinger shows that electronic health records can help pinpoint patients with opioid use disorder. By analyzing EHR data, researchers were able to identify more patients with moderate-to-severe opioid use disorder than relying on diagnostic codes alone.
Researchers will analyze stem cell activation with a focus on identifying novel mechanisms for how immature eye cells become mature visual cells. The goal is to develop regenerative therapies for diseases such as cataract, retinal degeneration, and heart disease.
Researchers quantify total cell inventories under in situ conditions using non-biased visualization methods. The study reveals that about 1 percent of microbial cells in the ocean surface microlayer inhabit plastic debris globally, disrupting native flora and representing a regime shift for these habitats.
Researchers will test an unobtrusive multi-sensor system to detect and report cognitive changes in drivers aged 65 and older. The project aims to develop a low-cost, widely available early warning system for cognitive decline in older drivers.
The five-year accelerated bachelor's and master's degree program provides curricular and co-curricular support to increase diverse STEM research population, addressing growing need for more underrepresented groups in engineering and AI.
A groundbreaking study mapping cavefish brains has identified large-scale differences in brain structure and function between surface fish and cavefish populations. The research reveals how these morphological changes relate to changes in behavior, including sleep loss, reduced social behaviors, and alterations in sensory processing.
Florida Atlantic University has secured a four-year contract to develop a compact, high-intake bathyphotometer sensor for natural oceanic bioluminescence assessments. The project aims to better understand bioluminescence dynamics in the ocean and protect coastal regions.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that 28.6% of high-risk patients were unaware of the need for repeat colonoscopy or the proper surveillance interval. The researchers emphasize the importance of objective data and clinician sharing findings to improve patient care.
Florida Atlantic University will develop an innovative curriculum for graduate students in data science and analytics, addressing a lack of integrative knowledge in the field. The program aims to equip students with technical depth, data visualization skills, and expertise in AI and industry applications.
Researchers explore the possibility that mindfulness with paced breathing lowers blood pressure, reducing risks of stroke and heart attacks. The study aims to test this hypothesis through a pilot trial, which could lead to further research and potentially life-saving results for millions worldwide.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have made significant progress in understanding the role of serotonin in autism. The study found that a specific mutation in the serotonin transporter protein can lead to altered serotonin levels and behavior changes, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of autism. Further work is neede...
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University found that face shields block initial droplet motion but allow them to disperse widely. Masks with exhalation valves also have limited effectiveness due to unfiltered air passage.
A study found that urban wood storks fared better than their natural counterparts during suboptimal conditions, exploiting urban resources to improve reproductive performance. They switched to anthropogenic food sources, including trash and amphibians, to supplement their diets.
Researchers from FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute conducted a fishery-independent survey to characterize the elasmobranch community in the Indian River Lagoon. The study found that many species use the lagoon throughout their life histories, and it may serve as an important nursery habitat for multiple species.
Florida Atlantic University has received a $2.2 million grant to monitor harmful algal blooms in Lake Okeechobee, which pose significant ecological and economic threats to the region. The project will develop a comprehensive sensing and information visualization package to track blooms and provide critical data for water managers.
A study by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute found high concentrations of atrazine, DEP, NPE, and triclosan in stranded dolphins and whales. The study revealed significant variations in toxin and element concentrations based on animal demographic factors and geography.
Researchers Waseem Asghar, Behnaz Ghoraani, Feng-Hao Liu, and Marianne E. Porter have received NSF CAREER Awards for their groundbreaking work on developing low-cost infectious disease testing devices, cognitive screening tools for Alzheimer's detection, and post-quantum cryptography methods.
A bottlenose dolphin calf found entangled in monofilament fishing line in the Indian River Lagoon suffered long-term damage to its maxillary bones, dentition, and soft tissues. The dolphin's body condition declined significantly after release, leading to death two years later.
A new study found that inflammation in the olfactory system, triggered by environmental toxins, may contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease. Deposits of alpha-synuclein protein were found in areas where olfactory neurons project, and mice with similar defects showed signs of PD-like behaviors.
Researchers tracked seven whitespotted eagle rays for 119.6 hours, revealing their fine-scale movement patterns and habitat use. The study found that rays prefer shallower waters during the night and faster movement in ocean habitats.
A new study documents tiger sharks' movements and core habitats in the Gulf of Mexico, providing valuable insights into their behavior and vulnerability to environmental change. Researchers tracked 56 tiger sharks with satellite tags, revealing sex- and size-specific differences in distribution and movement rates.
Researchers from FAU College of Engineering and Computer Science developed a model to predict COVID-19 spread using innovative big data analytics techniques. The project leverages prior experience in modeling Ebola spread to create computational models that can quickly identify contacts of infected individuals.
A study of beluga whale social behavior reveals that they form complex societies with multiple group types and dynamic membership. Like humans, belugas exhibit a wide range of grouping patterns and have long-term affiliations with unrelated individuals, indicating the importance of kinship in their social structure.
Research by Florida Atlantic University professors shows that telehealth is an important tool for rural hospitals in treating COVID-19. The study found that telehealth capabilities are more common in larger hospitals and those with economies of scale, but smaller facilities need support to expand access.
Researchers used flow visualization to test various facemask types and found that well-fitted homemade masks with multiple layers of quilting fabric were most effective in reducing droplet dispersal. Uncovered emulated coughs traveled significantly farther than the recommended 6-foot distancing guideline.
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.