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Ohio University


Evolving a flight-ready brain – New study shows brain evolution in pterosaurs and birds took different paths

Researchers discovered a new 233-million-year-old nonflying relative of pterosaurs that provided breakthrough insights into the evolution of flight in these animals. The study found that pterosaurs evolved their own 'flight computers' from scratch, with unique brain structures and smaller brain sizes compared to birds.

SourceOhio University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 26, 2025

New study led by OHIO researcher reveals surprising attitudes among Ohio primary care providers toward diabetes vs. opioid use disorder treatment

A recent study found that primary care providers in Ohio perceive and treat opioid use disorder (OUD) differently from other chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes. Despite recognizing OUD as a chronic brain disease, providers were less likely to offer treatment themselves.

SourceOhio University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 30, 2025

Research team led by OHIO’s Sabrina Curran finds new evidence that pushes back the arrival of early hominins in Europe; discovery published in Nature Communications

A research team led by Ohio University's Sabrina Curran has discovered new evidence of early hominin activity in Europe, suggesting that hominins were present on the continent at least 1.95 million years ago. This finding pushes back previous timelines and provides valuable insights into the behavior of early human ancestors.

SourceOhio University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 24, 2025

Guiding humanity beyond the moon: OHIO’s Nate Szewczyk and students coauthor papers published in “Nature” journals that revolutionize human space biology

A team of researchers, including OHIO's Nate Szewczyk and students, published a comprehensive package of papers in Nature journals that transform our understanding of human space biology. The studies reveal how molecular biology and precision medicine can guide humanity into more challenging missions beyond Earth.

SourceOhio University·JournalNature·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 20, 2024

OHIO researchers explore alignment between hospitals and public health departments in addressing community health needs in paper published in “Health Affairs”

Researchers found low alignment between hospitals and health departments, particularly concerning social determinants of health, despite both entities having formal responsibilities to their communities. The top identified health needs included mental health, substance use, and obesity.

SourceOhio University·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 11, 2024

Taking the fall: How stunt performers struggle with reporting head trauma

A new study by Ohio University researchers shines a light on the challenges stunt professionals face regarding self-reporting of head injuries and the potential long-term consequences for their health and livelihoods. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional and psychological toll of health conditions on in...

SourceOhio University·JournalJournal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology·TypeSurvey·DateJun 10, 2024

Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine researcher finds correlation between hookah use and postpartum depression

A recent study published in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics found a correlation between hookah use and increased symptoms of postpartum depression. Pregnant women who used hookahs before or during pregnancy were more likely to experience depressive symptoms, particularly among mothers from historically marginaliz...

SourceOhio University·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 19, 2024

Researchers' analysis of perching birds points to new answers in evolutionary diversification

A study by Miles, Ricklefs, and Losos challenges traditional explanations for species diversity, suggesting a single underlying process drives morphological diversification in diverse clades. The researchers analyzed passerine bird morphology data, including island radiations like Darwin's finches and Hawaiian honeycreepers.

SourceOhio University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2023

Ohio University professor Nancy Stevens helps uncover ecosystem evolution in Africa in paper published in Science

Researchers found evidence of abundant C4 grasses and habitat heterogeneity in eastern Africa, challenging previous reconstructions of early Miocene ecosystems. The study pushes back the oldest evidence of C4 grass-dominated habitats by over 10 million years, with implications for primate evolution and tropical ecosystem origins.

SourceOhio University·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2023

Brian Clark selected to speak, presented discoveries at NIH workshop and in Journal of Gerontology

Researcher Brian Clark presents findings on the role of the nervous system in age-related muscle weakness, exploring potential therapeutic targets such as exercise and physical therapy. His work identifies neural mechanisms linked to low nerve cell excitability, impaired signal transmission, and reduced motor network integrity.

SourceOhio University·JournalJournal of Gerontology·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 24, 2023

OHIO diabetes researchers discover the potential of CIDEC protein to mitigate obesity-related cardiometabolic disease

A team of researchers from Ohio University discovered that CIDEC protein improves vascular and metabolic dysfunction, reducing insulin resistance and lipid levels in high-fat diet-induced mice. The study contributes to understanding the role of the vascular endothelium in regulating systemic metabolism.

SourceOhio University·JournalDiabetes·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

Ohio University professor Jennifer Hines and her research group uncovers new class of medicinal compounds that target RNA

A team of researchers led by Ohio University professor Jennifer Hines has uncovered a new class of compounds that can target RNA and disrupt its function. The discovery identified a chemical scaffold that could be used to develop RNA-targeted medicines for various diseases.

SourceOhio University·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 13, 2023

Study published in Endocrinology by Heritage College researchers finds disruption of the growth hormone receptor gene in adipose tissue results in increased lifespan in mice

Researchers discovered that stopping GH activity in fat cells improves health and increases lifespan in mice. The study found approximately 23% lifespan extension due to GHR disruption, with improved insulin sensitivity and reduced frailty scores.

SourceOhio University·JournalEndocrinology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

Ohio University chemistry lab students predict spread of COVID-19 with kinetics models

Undergraduate students at Ohio University applied kinetic techniques learned in physical chemistry to analyze the COVID-19 spread data from the CDC. They developed a model that considers the effect of vaccination and made predictions for the following months, correctly predicting the surge in cases in Ohio.

SourceOhio University·JournalJournal of Chemical Education·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 11, 2022

JAMA study, led by Heritage College faculty, finds association between high insulin dosage and cancer

A recent JAMA study found a positive association between high insulin dosage and cancer incidence among patients with type 1 diabetes. The study suggests that clinicians may need to balance cancer risk when treating patients on high insulin doses, with improving insulin sensitivity potentially being a preferred approach.

SourceOhio University·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 29, 2022

Bizarre meat-eating dinosaur joins “Rogues’ Gallery” of giant predators from classic fossil site in Egypt’s Sahara Desert

A new species of large-bodied meat-eating dinosaur, an abelisaurid theropod, has been found in the Bahariya Oasis of Egypt's Western Desert. The discovery provides the first known record of this group from a middle Cretaceous-aged rock unit, and sheds light on the biodiversity of Cretaceous dinosaurs in Egypt and northeastern Africa.

SourceOhio University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeNews article·DateJun 8, 2022

OHIO researcher looks into little known ‘purging disorder’

Researchers at Ohio University investigated the differences between purging disorder and bulimia nervosa, finding that while both conditions involve self-induced vomiting, purging disorder is characterized by a lack of binge eating episodes. The study suggests that purging disorder requires specific treatments that target its unique sy...

SourceOhio University·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·TypeSurvey·DateApr 29, 2022

New OHIO study finds link between racial/ethnic disparities and COVID-19 deaths

A new study published in Ethnicity & Disease found that residential segregation and systemic racism are associated with negative outcomes for Black and white Americans, disproportionately impacting Black residents. The study analyzed data from every state, finding higher death rates among Black individuals in segregated areas.

SourceOhio University·JournalEthnicity & Disease·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 10, 2022

Ohio study finds recent growth and sudden declines in Antarctic sea ice to be unique changes since the early 20th century

A recent Ohio University study provides the first complete estimate of total Antarctic sea ice extent back through the 20th century, revealing unique changes in climate patterns. The research shows a regime shift with increases in sea ice since 1979 and sudden declines throughout the early and middle 20th century.

SourceOhio University·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2022

'Asexual' Chagas parasite found to sexually reproduce

Scientists have discovered that the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, responsible for Chagas disease, can reproduce sexually after analyzing its genomic code in unprecedented detail. The study reveals that some groups of parasites exhibit high levels of sexuality, while others remain abstinent.

SourceOhio University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 10, 2019