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Tufts University


Can dogs help teens cope with peer stress?

A new study found that certain aspects of a teenager's relationship with their pet dog are associated with healthier ways of coping with peer-related stress. Companionship and caring for the dog were linked to positive coping styles, while feeling emotional support from the dog was less likely to be associated with healthy thinking.

SourceTufts University·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 17, 2026

Predicting the conditions that create famine

Researchers at Tufts University have developed a new approach to understanding famines as complex systems that evolve over time. This approach considers multiple interacting factors, including conflict, drought, and economic shocks, and aims to improve famine prevention and response.

SourceTufts University·JournalJournal of Public Health Policy·DateAug 12, 2026

New pulse oximeter adapts to skin color

A new wearable system called ChromaSense can accurately measure blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, and respiration across a range of skin tones. It uses reflected light from skin and tissue to adjust the measurement, achieving accuracy within 1.4% of standard reference oximeters.

SourceTufts University·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 7, 2026

And you thought a smart ring was discreet

Researchers at Tufts University have developed thread-based integrated circuits that can bend, coil, stretch and conform to the body's contours. These devices could track biomarkers or environmental conditions, providing insights for fitness, healthcare and recovery from injury or disease.

SourceTufts University·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 16, 2026

A non-invasive way to monitor babies’ health

Researchers developed a silk-based sticker that tracks temperature, pH, sodium, and glucose levels in newborns without needles or wires. The wearable patch uses AI to analyze color changes, providing accurate readings above 91% for critical vital signs.

SourceTufts University·JournalACS Sensors·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2026

Plants get wearables to track their health

Researchers at Tufts University developed tiny tattoo-like sensors that track temperature, humidity, and stem growth in plants. These sensors provide an early warning system for farmers, allowing them to respond before visible signs of plant stress appear.

SourceTufts University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2026

Moving toward better tests and treatments for Lyme disease

Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine discovered biomarkers that could help clinicians better detect and possibly cure early and persistent Borrelia burgdorferi infections. Anti-lipid antibodies, such as anti-phosphatidic acid and anti-phosphatylserine, may indicate new Lyme disease infections or persistent symptoms after ...

SourceTufts University·JournalInfection and Immunity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 30, 2026

South and Southeast Asia lead the world on taxing sugary drinks

A new analysis tracks global sugar-sweetened beverage tax adoption across 183 countries, revealing South Asia's significant lead in tax implementation. The study found that countries with higher burdens of type 2 diabetes and obesity are more likely to adopt taxes, but not necessarily those with high rates of sugary drink consumption.

SourceTufts University·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJun 8, 2026

From silkworm to super material

Scientists at Tufts University and Imperial College London develop a new method to transform silk into high-performance solids that preserve its natural strength. The resulting material is remarkably tough and has exceptional properties similar to wood, while also being transparent to visible light.

SourceTufts University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2026

The Wired Belts are the new Rust Belts

The American AI Jobs Risk Index projects 9.3 million US jobs at risk of displacement in the next 2-5 years, with a midpoint of approximately $757 billion in annual income loss. High-earning knowledge workers and occupations in Information, Finance, and Professional Services are most vulnerable to AI-driven job displacement.

Targeting a dangerous gut infection

Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) affects half a million Americans annually, causing severe diarrhea and life-threatening inflammation of the colon. Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine have developed a new imaging approach to track individual C. diff cells, revealing unexpected findings, such as toxin production not dep...

SourceTufts University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2026

AI tool helps you learn how autistic communication works

A new AI-based learning tool, NeuroBridge, aims to bridge the communication gap between neurotypical and autistic individuals. The interactive LLM tool evaluates user responses to match autistic communication preferences, teaching users about cross-neurotype communication styles and their interdependent nature.

SourceTufts University·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2026

Open-sourcing the future of food

The Tufts University Center for Cellular Agriculture has teamed up with the Good Food Institute to salvage intellectual property from failed startups and make it publicly available. Eight commercially developed beef cell lines have been obtained, including two that have been engineered to remove antibiotic resistance markers, making th...

When pregnancy emergencies collide with state abortion bans

A new study found that states with abortion bans without health exceptions saw a substantial increase in pregnancy-related violations of EMTALA. This led to a rise in medical screening examination and general compliance citations, suggesting early breakdowns in the emergency-care-seeking process.

SourceTufts University·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 5, 2025

$4 million gift to advance women’s health

The $4 million gift from Jeff and Linda Moslow is supporting the Tufts Women's Health and Menopause Initiative, a unique academic collaboration between Tufts Medicine and the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. The initiative aims to advance clinical care, education, and research in women's health across the lifespan.

Study identifies which patients benefit most from new schizophrenia drug

Researchers identified patterns that could help match the right treatment to the right patient by tracking real-world responses. Patients with prominent negative symptoms showed strongest improvements after receiving the new combination drug, while those with aggression or bipolar features saw limited benefit. The study suggests schizo...

SourceTufts University·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 6, 2025

Uncovering the biology of growing old

A large study in pet dogs has uncovered molecular clues that could shed light on how aging unfolds in pets and people alike. The researchers found that a type of metabolite called post-translationally modified amino acids (ptmAAs) appeared strongly linked with aging across dogs of all breeds, sizes, and sexes.

SourceTufts University·JournalAging Cell·DateOct 22, 2025

Cheese fungi help unlock secrets of evolution

Researchers discovered that a specific gene disruption led to the change in color, allowing the fungus to conserve energy. This process, called relaxed selection, is common among organisms adapting to dark conditions, influencing food security and health.

SourceTufts University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2025