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Florida International University


New 20-year study proves pre-K impacts a child’s academic future

A new study from Florida International University found that students who attended public school pre-K performed better academically through high school than those in family-based childcare. The benefits of public school pre-K persisted into adolescence and were attributed to higher-quality teachers and curricula.

SourceFlorida International University·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2026

Sharks thrive in hot spots of prey

A recent study found that Caribbean reef sharks prefer locations with dense prey populations, making food abundance an essential factor in their habitat choice. The research suggests that prey conservation should be considered alongside fishing bans to support shark conservation.

SourceFlorida International University·JournalAnimal Conservation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 2, 2026

As sargassum floods Florida beaches, FIU researchers uncover new use as food-grade ingredient

Researchers at Florida International University have discovered that sargassum seaweed can serve as a valuable ingredient in everyday foods due to its high content of alginate. The study shows extraction yields of roughly 45% and demonstrates the potential for sargassum as an alternative source to traditionally harvested seaweeds.

SourceFlorida International University·JournalFood Hydrocolloids·DateMay 5, 2026

The ‘thermal hustle’: FIU researchers track how great hammerhead sharks outsmart ocean temperature swings

Researchers tracked movement, acceleration, depth, and water temperature for nine hammerheads in Florida and the Bahamas waters. They found great hammerheads can effectively hunt fast-moving prey like blacktip sharks in winter and tarpon in summer, suggesting they may tolerate changing climates better than other species.

SourceFlorida International University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 31, 2026

Claiming your business page on review platforms can have unintended effects on customer reviews, study shows

A study from Florida International University finds that claiming a business page on review platforms like Yelp can lead to a significant drop in average ratings, with a 10% decrease in five-star reviews and a 9.5% rise in one-star reviews. The study also reveals that these lowest-rated reviews become substantially longer and more crit...

SourceFlorida International University·JournalInformation Systems Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 2026

New environmental DNA test could help rare hammerhead sharks fight extinction

A groundbreaking environmental DNA test developed by Florida International University scientist Diego Cardeñosa can detect traces of elusive hammerhead sharks in water samples. The test reveals fragments of genetic material left behind in the ocean, identifying areas where the sharks have been and informing conservation efforts.

SourceFlorida International University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeCase study·DateNov 5, 2025

PFAS detected for first time on Miccosukee Indian reservation: study raises concerns for Everglades water quality

Researchers from Florida International University have detected a dozen different PFAS compounds within the Miccosukee Indian Reservation in the Everglades. The findings raise questions about potential impacts on water quality and ecosystem health, particularly with regards to ongoing Everglades restoration efforts.

SourceFlorida International University·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeObservational study·DateOct 16, 2025

Groundbreaking treatment approach shows promise in hard-to-treat cancers

A groundbreaking treatment approach that combines genetic testing with individualized drug testing on tumor samples has shown promising results in treating relapsed pediatric cancer patients. The study achieved an impressive 83% improvement rate, including Logan Jenner's successful treatment after his leukemia relapse.

SourceFlorida International University·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 11, 2024

Discrimination on social media results in higher depression, anxiety among minority males

A study by Florida International University researchers found that young Hispanic males who experienced ethnic discrimination on social media had higher levels of depression and anxiety. The study's lead author noted that the impact may be due to increased exposure to discriminatory content specifically targeting men, threatening their...

SourceFlorida International University·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychology·DateDec 2, 2020