Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Rutgers University


Climate change-induced drought may transform parts of the Amazon’s rainforests into savannas

A Rutgers-led study reveals that Amazonian lowland rainforest areas critical for absorbing carbon dioxide and buffering climate change may morph over time into dry, grassy savannas. The findings highlight the impact of double-stress conditions, where alternating flooding and drought limit forest establishment and favor short-lived gras...

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 29, 2023

Only severe COVID cases disrupted oral microbiomes

Researchers found significant reductions in microbiome diversity among people with severe symptoms soon after infection. The oral microbiomes of people with shorter cases changed in consistent ways during infection, while those with long cases changed in many different ways.

SourceRutgers University·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2023

Do prisons hold the key to solving the opioid crisis?

A Rutgers-led study found that improving prison reentry programs for highest-risk users can help reduce opioid overdose deaths in the US. Strengthening healthcare services, such as psychiatric medication and syringe services, is crucial to engage individuals in opioid use treatment after release.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Offender Rehabilitation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 21, 2023

Schizophrenia genetic risk factor impairs mitochondrial function

Researchers have discovered a possible link between mitochondrial function and schizophrenia, highlighting impaired energy production as a key factor in its development. Mitochondrial dysregulation can cause psychiatric symptoms and disorders, and its effects are seen not only in the brain but also in other cells, such as kidney cells.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2023

Unlocking a mystery of fetal development

Researchers at Rutgers University analyzed urine samples from pregnant women to understand how the placenta regulates cadmium exposure. They found that as cadmium levels increased, free testosterone levels decreased, suggesting a link between cadmium and fetal brain development.

SourceRutgers University·JournalToxics·TypeSurvey·DateJul 28, 2023

Hobbies and healthy habits surged during the pandemic

A Rutgers study found that people turned to hobbies and health-conscious activities to cope with pandemic-related stresses, increasing physical activity, exercise, and social connections. The study suggests that individuals adapted to negative impacts by adjusting behavioral lifestyle habits.

SourceRutgers University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 2023

Why ongoing worker safety training is critical to effective disaster response

Rutgers researchers emphasize the importance of core disaster training for responders and workers prior to an emergency event. The inadequate provision of personal protective equipment remains a weakness in disaster response infrastructure. The authors recommend supplementing training with site-specific critical training and prioritizi...

SourceRutgers University·JournalNEW SOLUTIONS A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 19, 2023

Assessment of how climate scientists communicate risk shows imperfections, improvements

A study by climate experts reveals that while some aspects of sea level rise risk assessment have improved, others remain imperfect, particularly in conveying 'unquantifiable' uncertainties. Improvements in language and graphics are being incorporated into climate reports, informing civic leaders to counter rising seas effects.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 19, 2023

Overfishing linked to rapid evolution of codfish

A Rutgers-led genetic analysis reveals that Atlantic cod evolved new traits in response to decades of overfishing, with the fish potentially rebounding and providing a sustainable food source. The study shows that small changes in many genes led to the evolutionary adaptation.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 31, 2023

Genetic risk information may help people avoid alcohol addiction

Researchers found that individuals understood genetic risk scores and reported intentions to reduce their drinking if they had high-risk scores. However, the study's authors caution that receiving genetic feedback is just the first step in behavior change, and connecting individuals to resources and support is crucial.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023

Are search engines bursting the filter bubble?

A collaborative study by Rutgers University found that Google Search results do not differ significantly in ideological content for Democrats and Republicans. However, the amount of partisan and unreliable news users engage with varies depending on their personal political outlook. Researchers used a custom-built browser extension to t...

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature·TypeSurvey·DateMay 24, 2023

Novel antibiotic succeeds in trial against hospital-acquired pneumonia

The novel combination antibiotic sulbactam-durlobactam has been found to combat dangerous pneumonia at least as well as the best currently approved treatment. The drug has shown significant tolerability and dosing advantages over existing treatments, making it a promising option for combating hospital-acquired infections.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 16, 2023

New Jersey’s temporary health care license program expanded mental health services during pandemic

The study found that the program increased access to mental health care for thousands of New Jersey residents, with practitioners serving patients in 13 languages and underserved racial or ethnic minority groups. Increasing access to mental health services is crucial during the pandemic, especially given a shortage of providers.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Medical Regulation·TypeSurvey·DateApr 29, 2023

Achieving prevention and health, rather than more healthcare

Researchers found deaths from gallstone disease increased in younger populations and those with Medicaid after Medicaid expansion, highlighting the need for proactive prevention over reactive emergency care. A new healthcare model emphasizing primary care and prevention is proposed to address these inequities.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Surgical Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 23, 2023

Those who avoided COVID-19 precautions early in the pandemic are more likely to buy firearms

A Rutgers study finds that individuals who avoid COVID-19 precautions are more likely to buy firearms, especially those with liberal or moderate political views. These groups also tend to trust less scientific information and have concerns about physical attacks, leading them to prioritize firearm ownership as a means of self-protection.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Social and Clinical Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 10, 2023

Childhood asthma declines during COVID-19 pandemic

A new Rutgers study finds that childhood asthma diagnoses decreased by 52% in the US during the first year of the pandemic compared to previous years. Researchers attribute this decline to fewer colds and the practice of wearing masks, which may have reduced the risk of asthma triggers.

SourceRutgers University·JournalRespiratory Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2023

In bid to make child cancer treatments safer, scientists find possible warning signs of severe reaction

Researchers have found a possible early warning indicator for adverse reactions to childhood cancer treatments. Low levels of vitamin A in the liver and blood may signal an increased risk of pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening complication of asparaginase treatment. Increasing dietary vitamin A levels may help reduce this risk.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 27, 2023

Can cannabis use disorder be accurately diagnosed?

Researchers at Rutgers University propose a new approach to accurately diagnosing cannabis use disorder, particularly for individuals who use cannabis for therapeutic purposes. The current diagnostic manual may misdiagnose these individuals due to the rapid increase in state-level legalization of medical marijuana.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 27, 2023