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University at Buffalo


How social media impacts consumer spending

A study by University at Buffalo School of Management found that social media popularity, even negative posts with high engagement, significantly impacts purchases. Combining social media with traditional TV and email marketing efforts boosts customer spending and cross-buying.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateNov 18, 2016

Weakness is good...when controlling light

Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed a new method for controlling light using one-third of the energy typically required. The asymmetric metawaveguide technology has the potential to lead to more powerful and energy-efficient computer chips and other optics-based technologies.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 31, 2016

Who are you calling a good liberal?

A recent study by Jacob Neiheisel found that liberal branding can affect election outcomes, with stronger influence on down-ballot races. The researcher analyzed campaign ads and survey data from the 2004 US presidential election, revealing that name-calling has a role in shaping voters' attitudes towards candidates.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPolitical Research Quarterly·DateOct 12, 2016

Vast majority of impoverished fathers involved with their children

Despite President Obama's criticism, a new study suggests that the vast majority of impoverished fathers are involved with their children, including those who have been incarcerated. The research reveals concrete examples of father involvement, such as writing letters and maintaining relationships through phone calls and visitations.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalFamilies in Society The Journal of Contemporary Social Services·DateOct 3, 2016

Looking to saliva to gain insight on evolution

New research on slobber shows that adaptation isn't just about creating new tools for survival. The study found repeated instructions in the MUC7 gene helped primates enhance important traits like saliva's lubricity and ability to bind microbes, suggesting evolution favors expansion of tried-and-true genetic tools.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 25, 2016

'Putting prevention in their pockets'

A recent study found that a UB-developed smartphone app can improve antiretroviral therapy adherence among people living with HIV. Participants reported high compliance with daily report completion, citing the app's ease of use and text reminders as key factors.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAIDS Research and Treatment·DateAug 23, 2016

Case workers need more holistic approach to identifying chronic child neglect

A new study suggests that Child Protective Services (CPS) caseworkers may need to use a more all-encompassing approach to improve how they respond to cases of chronic neglect. The researchers found that families with chronic neglect often have multiple significant stressors, including extreme poverty and parental substance abuse. A mor...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateAug 10, 2016

Vortex laser offers hope for Moore's Law

A new light-based communication tool can carry data in a swift, circular motion, potentially solving an approaching data bottleneck. The optics advancement could become a central component of next generation computers designed to handle society's growing demand for information sharing.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience·DateJul 28, 2016

Veggie juice that illuminates the gut

Researchers have developed a spinach-like, nanoparticle juice that can help doctors get a better look at the human gastrointestinal tract. The drink, made from chlorophyll-based nanoparticles, has shown promise in improving imaging techniques such as photoacoustic and PET imaging.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 11, 2016

Relationship quality tied to good health for young adults

A recent study by Ashley Barr found that high-quality relationships are associated with improved physical and mental health in young adults. The longer individuals stay in high-quality relationships or quickly exit low-quality ones, the better their overall health. Low-quality relationships have detrimental effects on health.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateJun 24, 2016

Making injectable medicine safer

University at Buffalo researchers have created a method to strip away excess surfactants from common injectable drugs, potentially making them safer and more effective for millions. The breakthrough removes potentially harmful additives, improving the formulation of anti-cancer medicine, testosterone, and other drugs.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 2016

These audio cues are for the birds

A study published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America found that birds can differentiate between whole and broken songs using spatial and intensity cues. The research used zebra finches and budgerigars, demonstrating that stream segregation is not a uniquely human ability

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateMay 11, 2016