A new study found that California's 6th-grade science textbooks give climate change a mixed message, presenting it as a controversial debate and downplaying the role of humans. The textbooks do not accurately reflect the scientific consensus on human-caused global warming.
A team of psychologists and engineers from SMU and the University of Maryland have received a $2 million NIH grant to create a wearable device for pediatric asthma patients that monitors air quality and identifies individual triggers. The device aims to alert patients before an attack, improving treatment outcomes.
Scientists have discovered a new species of the marine mammal group Desmostylia, which went extinct 23 million years ago. The new fossils reveal that desmos were unique in their diet and eating habits, using powerful muscles to suck vegetation from coastal bottoms.
The researchers calculated the new measurement for a critical characteristic -- mass -- of the top quark, opening the door to better understanding some of the deepest mysteries of our universe. The newly calculated measurement will help guide physicists in formulating new theories about quantum interactions and the nature of matter.
Researchers have found three new drug-like compounds that target a protein responsible for chemotherapy resistance in cancers, offering hope for improved treatment options. The compounds have shown promise in re-sensitizing resistant cancer cells to chemotherapy, improving the odds of survival for prostate cancer patients.
The study reveals that drugs behave as predicted in the computer-generated model of P-gp, allowing researchers to understand how they bind and inhibit the protein. This breakthrough enables scientists to predict better what will make an inhibitor work, potentially leading to new cancer treatments.
Tsarevsky's research focuses on developing methods to create large polymeric molecules with desired shapes, sizes, and functionalities. His work aims to produce materials that can be used in various applications such as chemical detection, tissue engineering, and electronics.
The STEMPREP Project at SMU aims to create diversity in STEM fields by recruiting minority middle school students for a 10-year program. Eighty-three percent of program participants pursue graduate school and go on to become physicians, pharmacists, or engineers.
Research at Southern Methodist University found that women nearing ovulation motivated to manage their body attractiveness eat fewer calories. The study adds to the growing understanding of ovulation's impact on women's health and weight management.
The world's largest science experiment is expected to start proton collisions in early June, with no significant signs of new physics yet observed. Physicists are eager for anomalies and unexpected results that could change our understanding of the Standard Model.
A SMU-led seismology team reveals that high volumes of wastewater injection combined with saltwater extraction from natural gas wells is the most likely cause of earthquakes occurring near Azle, Texas. The study used a sophisticated 3D model to assess fluid pressure changes in the affected area.
A 17-million-year-old beaked whale fossil found in Kenya has provided the first exact date for East Africa's mysterious uplift. The whale was stranded inland at a time when the continent was still at sea level and covered with forest, leading to changes in vegetation that drove human evolution.
Researchers at Southern Methodist University identified four types of Bitcoin scams that stole at least $11 million from 13,000 victims over four years. The scams used authentic-looking web-based investment and banking outlets to lure customers and heist deposits.
A new study found that teen girls who practiced saying 'no' to unwanted advances in a virtual environment reported less sexual victimization. The effects persisted over three months, with those who previously experienced dating violence showing lower levels of psychological aggression and distress.
Researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health are unraveling the mystery of how blue light from artificial lighting and electronic devices disrupts the human body's natural circadian rhythms. The study aims to understand the chemical basis for this disruption, which can lead to health problems such as sleep disorders, cancer ...
SMU seismologist Brian Stump has been recognized as an AAAS Fellow for his groundbreaking work on seismic monitoring and its significance in enforcing the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. His research has significantly improved scientists' ability to distinguish between earthquakes, conventional explosions, and nuclear tests.
A new study has found that the climate of a large swath of the western United States during the Jurassic period was more complex than previously thought. Geochemical analysis of ancient soils revealed an abrupt change from dry to wet environments, contradicting the long-held assumption of a gradual transition.
Researchers found that asthma patients who practiced shallower breaths and paired it with biofeedback significantly reduced their symptoms and improved lung function. The study also showed that this method can lead to better long-term lung health and reduced dependence on emergency medication.
A new study at Southern Methodist University is testing whether students can learn algebra by authoring their own stories based on their personal interests. The research aims to improve long-term understanding of algebraic ideas and make math more accessible and captivating for students.
Researchers at Southern Methodist University found that elite sprinters use a unique gait feature to maximize speed, delivering a firm and rapid punch to the ground upon contact. The study, which compared data from competitive sprinters to other fast-running athletes, suggests that there is only one way to achieve high speeds.
Dallas high school students Dominik Fritz and Jason Barton discovered five new variable stars as part of the SMU QuarkNet program, analyzing data from a telescope in New Mexico. The discoveries have been accepted into the VSX catalog and will be forever linked with their students' names.
A new study found that marital tension between parents can harm their child's relationship with both of them. Dads are particularly affected by negative emotions from their marriage, leading to poorer interactions with their child, while moms tend to compartmentalize and improve their bond over time.
The mHealth app industry has tremendous potential to broaden access to medical treatment and control costs, but lacks sufficient regulation by the FDA. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine notes that only about 100 out of 100,000 apps have been cleared by the FDA, while opponents see this as a deterrent to innovation.
The US Department of Defense has awarded a $2.6 million grant to the STEMPREP Project at Southern Methodist University to support its goal of increasing the number of minorities in STEM fields. The program boasts an impressive success rate, with 100% of students attending college and 83% going on to graduate school.
US Department of Education reforms place demands on principals' expertise and time; new report recommends coaching teachers, redesigning job descriptions, and university partnerships to support principals. Effective principal training is crucial to implementing stronger teacher evaluation systems, according to researchers.
Scientists have observed a gamma-ray burst from a huge explosion that occurred shortly after the Big Bang, with light traveling 12.1 billion years before detection. The event, known as GRB 140419A, released more energy in 10 seconds than our sun's expected lifespan.
A pioneering study by Southern Methodist University researchers found that students with low IQs can learn to read at a first-grade level after four years of specialized instruction. The study's results demonstrate the potential of scientifically-based reading programs for students with intellectual disabilities or low IQs.
A new study has precisely dated the Bentiaba fossil locality to 71.5 million years ago, spanning 30 million years of sediments and shedding light on ancient marine life and environments. The analysis allowed for better understanding of the history of the ancient South Atlantic Ocean.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found that most supposed impact indicators at 29 sites are too old or too young to be remnants of an ancient comet. The researchers tested existing stratigraphic and chronological data sets to determine if these markers dated to the onset of the Younger Dr...
A new study using real-time audio recordings of parents practicing corporal punishment found that children were hit for minor infractions and then misbehaved within 10 minutes. The study revealed parents often responded impulsively or emotionally, violating best practices recommended by spanking advocates.
Researchers at Southern Methodist University found that a brief exposure to research findings can reduce positive corporal punishment attitudes in parents and non-parents. The study used a simple, fast method to expose subjects to short summaries detailing the negative impact of spanking on child behavior.
A new study found that depressed adolescents are more likely to develop anxiety if they have a pessimistic outlook, poor family relationships, or a mother with an anxiety disorder. Mental health professionals may be able to target these high-risk youth and provide early intervention to prevent anxiety from developing.
A two-year feasibility study trains Swedish social workers in the Project Support program, shown to reduce child abuse and neglect. The program provides intensive, one-on-one parenting help and emotional support for families with violent pasts.
Dr. Chrystyna Kouros' research project aims to understand barriers to treating depression in Hispanic youth, with a focus on ethnic differences in parental and child attributions about symptoms. The study seeks to fill an important gap in the literature by examining ethnicity as a moderating factor.
A new study confirms that the body generates hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as a signaling molecule for cardiovascular health. The researchers developed a chemical probe that reacts with H2S and allows them to visualize its presence in live human cells.
A team of biomechanics experts at SMU are investigating the forces involved in typical basketball collisions and their relationship to balance and body control. The research aims to estimate 'flopping' forces from video data and potentially enhance video reviews of alleged flopping.
Researchers from Southern Methodist University found that high-volume Bitcoin exchanges are less likely to fail but more likely to suffer a security breach. The study analyzed 40 exchanges and found that those with higher transaction volumes were less likely to shut down but more prone to breaches, posing a risk to customers' funds.
A new study found that pianists' performance improved after practicing a new melody followed by a night of sleep. However, gains in speed and accuracy declined when two similar melodies were practiced one after the other before sleep. Replaying the first melody before sleep seemed to counteract this interference and enhance skills.
A new study found that young newlyweds who are satisfied with their marriage tend to gain weight over time, increasing the risk of various health problems. The research suggests that spouses who are satisfied in their relationship may be less motivated to maintain their weight due to a focus on appearance rather than health.
A study by Southern Methodist University found that fruit flies raised on organic diets performed better on several health tests, including fertility and longevity. The researchers believe the benefits may be dependent on specific foods, which could explain inconsistent results in previous studies.
The SMU Lyle School of Engineering's 'Innovation Gym' course has drawn attention from the Center For Creative Leadership (CCL) for its effective use of cross-functional teams and agile work processes. The CCL team will study the student techniques to develop new tools and processes that can benefit organizations nationwide.
The SMU psychology department has been awarded over $1 million in grants to collaborate with the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women's University in Peshawar, Pakistan. The partnership aims to enhance faculty development, curriculum growth, and research collaborations between the two institutions.
Astronomers detect two Type 1a supernovae, designated Supernova 2013X and Supernova 2012ha, which provide valuable information for measuring cosmic distances. The explosions occurred hundreds of millions of years ago and have traveled to Earth, offering insights into the expansion of the universe.
The Jicarilla Apache successfully avoided incorporation on an American Indian reservation by assimilating into the Pueblo colonies and Hispanic societies. Their enclavement strategy allowed them to preserve their culture and avoid extermination for nearly two centuries.
Researchers at SMU are analyzing social networks and isolation's role in fighting hunger in North Texas. The study aims to understand the causes of food insecurity beyond household economic resources.
A new study confirms that 150 million-year-old Jurassic ecosystems were characterized by lush plant life and animal richness, similar to modern ecosystems. By analyzing fossil soils from various regions, researchers found high levels of CO2 from vegetation, indicating a wetter environment with abundant plant growth.
A new species of coelacanth, Reidus hilli, has been identified in Texas, revealing a previously unknown family and providing insights into the evolutionary history of this ancient fish. The discovery sheds light on the diverse history of coelacanths, which have remained largely unchanged for 400 million years.
Research from Southern Methodist University found that students participating in Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas improved their grades, attendance, and overall GPA. The study suggests that homework support and a sense of success provided by the clubs may be key factors.
Researchers have uncovered historic letters written by Edward Drinker Cope to geologist Robert T. Hill, shedding new light on the Texas connection to the Bone Wars. A newly translated German ode to a fossil also provides insight into the era's intense fossil collecting frenzy.
Scientists studying photoreceptor proteins could develop new strains of plants tolerant to various environments. Understanding these proteins can also lead to cancer drug therapy for humans.