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University at Buffalo


How ChatGPT could help first responders during natural disasters

Researchers developed a geoknowledge-guided GPT model that extracted location data from Hurricane Harvey tweets with an accuracy rate 76% better than default models. The model recognized complete location descriptions, enabling first responders to reach victims more quickly and potentially saving lives.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalInternational Journal of Geographical Information Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 7, 2023

PCORI study: Telemedicine treatment for HCV in people with opioid use disorder was more than twice as successful as offsite referral

A PCORI-funded study found that telemedicine treatment for HCV in people with opioid use disorder was highly effective, with nearly 90% of participants cured. The approach also led to significant reductions in substance use and improved health outcomes, including increased employment and education status.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 10, 2023

Separating molecules requires lots of energy. This new, heat-resistant membrane could change that

A University at Buffalo-led research team has created a new, sturdier membrane that can withstand harsh environments associated with industrial separation processes. The membrane, made from an inorganic material called carbon-doped metal oxide, is a potential alternative to energy-intensive processes like distillation and crystallization.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 2023

Study: People who used e-cigarettes before pregnancy were more likely to stop smoking later in pregnancy than those using nicotine replacement therapy

A US study found that pregnant individuals who used e-cigarettes before pregnancy were more likely to stop smoking later than those using nicotine replacement therapy. The research compared abstinence rates among 1,329 pregnant people and suggested e-cigarettes could be a potential smoking cessation aid during pregnancy.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2023

After treatment with semaglutide, newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes patients needed little or no insulin

A small study found that treating newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes patients with semaglutide significantly reduced their need for insulin. The medication's ability to stimulate insulin secretion from the beta cells of the pancreas allowed for the elimination of mealtime and basal insulin doses in most patients.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 6, 2023

Study: ‘Suicidal’ mechanism discovered in ion channel receptors enables the sensing of heat and pain

University at Buffalo researchers have unraveled the complex biological phenomena underlying human temperature and pain sensitivity. They found a previously unknown 'suicidal' reaction in ion channel receptors that enables them to sense heat and pain, leading to potential breakthroughs in pain management.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2023

New study debunks claims of a psychedelic cannabinoid

A University at Buffalo-led study found that THC-O-acetate produces moderate relaxation, euphoria, and pain relief, but no psychedelic effects similar to LSD or psilocybin mushrooms. The study suggests that people may overreport their experiences due to social media hype and online claims.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Psychoactive Drugs·TypeSurvey·DateJul 11, 2023

Pain risk varies significantly across states

The study found that education can protect individuals from undesirable state-level contexts, increasing their vulnerability to pain. States with more generous SNAP benefits and social cohesion had lower pain prevalence rates, highlighting the importance of macro contextual factors in shaping pain risk.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPain·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 7, 2023

Shining light on aging hearts

A study published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine suggests that light therapy, known as photobiomodulation (PBM), can improve heart function and reduce the thickness of the cardiac wall in middle-aged mice. The research also found improved neuromuscular coordination and a significant survival rate among mice with severe heart disease.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalLasers in Surgery and Medicine·DateMar 27, 2023

Gene variations for immune and metabolic conditions have persisted in humans for more than 700,000 years

A recent study by the University at Buffalo has discovered that genetic variations affecting immunity and metabolism have been preserved in humans for millions of years. This finding supports the theory of balancing selection, which suggests that certain genetic traits can be beneficial or harmful depending on environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournaleLife·DateFeb 21, 2023

Care for those who have a miscarriage may be compromised in states that restrict abortion, study finds

A study led by University at Buffalo physician Elana Tal found that people in states with restrictive abortion policies are less likely to receive optimal care after a miscarriage. The researchers found disparities in the management of early pregnancy loss, including lower rates of uterine aspiration and mifepristone prescription.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalWomen s Health Issues·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 9, 2023

Omicron caused fewer cases of MIS-C in children than delta and they were milder, says new study based on 2021-22 data

A new University at Buffalo study found that omicron caused fewer cases of multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) compared to the delta wave, with milder symptoms. During the omicron wave, MIS-C comprised just 6% of hospital admissions, a 32% decrease from the 12% during the delta wave.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalViruses·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 19, 2023

Study: U.S. cannabis advertising policies suffer from a lack of consistency

A new study by University at Buffalo researchers found that US cannabis advertising policies are inconsistent and often lack guidance, leaving vulnerable populations open to exposure. Most states do not address prohibited advertising tactics like glamorization and testimonials, unlike Canada's strict federal Cannabis Act.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalCannabis and Cannabinoid Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 18, 2023

Study explores how "me-time" affects social interaction

A new study by University at Buffalo researchers explores how spending time alone affects social interaction, finding that solitude may not be restorative for all individuals. Those who seek solitude due to fear or dislike of social interactions experience increased anxiety when interacting with others on days with increased alone time.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Development·TypeObservational study·DateDec 9, 2022

Do ‘bouncing universes’ have a beginning?

A new study by University at Buffalo physicists Will Kinney and Nina Stein reveals that the latest cyclic model introduces a new problem: the universe must have a beginning. This finding contradicts previous theories, which aimed to address entropy concerns by proposing endless cycles of expansion and contraction.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·DateAug 9, 2022

Study: How placentas evolved in mammals

A new study uses gene expression patterns to reconstruct the evolution of the placenta and predict its characteristics in early mammals. The research suggests that the placenta was invasive in the last common ancestor of eutherian mammals, with non-invasive placentas evolving multiple times among mammals.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournaleLife·DateJul 1, 2022