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University of Arizona


Best of both worlds: Asteroids and massive mergers

University of Arizona researchers are using the Catalina Sky Survey's near-Earth object telescopes to find optical counterparts to gravitational waves triggered by massive mergers. The team found several supernovae and a near-Earth object during their ongoing campaign, which began in April.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 15, 2019

Control theory: Mother nature is an engineer

A University of Arizona research team discovered complex biochemical circuits in cells that follow control theory principles, controlling growth in response to nutrient availability. The study found that the TOR and PKA pathways work together like a thermostat, with one pathway speeding up response and the other maintaining stability.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 8, 2019

A new lens for life-searching space telescopes

University of Arizona researchers have developed a new lens technology that can collect more light and search for signs of life on 1,000 exoplanets. The Nautilus telescope array will be powerful enough to characterize planets from 1,000 light years away, providing valuable insights into the complexity of exo-earths.

Walkability is key: A look at greenspace use

A new study from University of Arizona researchers finds that walkability and traffic safety are crucial factors in determining how often people visit community greenspaces. Residents who live in areas with high levels of perceived traffic safety and surveillance are more likely to visit parks frequently, while those who travel by walk...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateJul 31, 2019

College spending habits may predict when 'adulting' starts

A study found that fourth-year college students with good financial habits were more likely to see themselves as adults five years after graduating. Financial behaviors during this period continued to have a positive impact on emerging adults' adult identity formation, including lower symptoms of depression and higher relationship sati...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Applied Developmental Psychology·DateJul 22, 2019

ALS patients may benefit from more glucose

A new study by University of Arizona researchers suggests that ALS patients may benefit from more glucose, as it can help increase energy production and improve cellular function. The findings, published in eLife, reveal that when ALS-affected neurons are given more glucose, they are able to survive longer and function better.

Sleepless nights linked to high blood pressure

A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that a bad night's sleep can lead to a spike in blood pressure, even on the following day. Researchers wore portable blood pressure cuffs and actigraphy monitors on participants to measure the impact of sleep efficiency on cardiovascular health.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateJun 4, 2019

On Mars, sands shift to a different drum

A team of planetary scientists found that processes on Mars differ significantly from those on Earth, with large-scale features and differences in landform surface temperature playing key roles. The study reveals that active sand dunes are concentrated in three distinct regions, including Syrtis Major and North Polar Erg.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGeology·DateMay 23, 2019

How the brain finds meaning in metaphor

A study by University of Arizona researcher Vicky Lai found that the brain's sensory-motor region is activated within 200 milliseconds of hearing an action-based metaphor. This suggests that this region plays a crucial role in comprehension, supporting previous findings from fMRI studies.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalBrain Research·DateApr 1, 2019

Wagers winter plants make to survive

Ecologists at the University of Arizona identified a tradeoff between water use and reproduction that allows winter desert plants to survive. The study found that plants conserving water and growing slowly, or spending water by tracking rainfall, are best balanced along this tradeoff.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalEcology Letters·DateMar 25, 2019

Are eyes the window to our mistakes?

Scientists investigate how humans make mistakes and find that pupil dilation is linked to the brain's level of norepinephrine. Four sources of suboptimal decision-making are identified, including unequal weighing of evidence and noise in the brain.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMar 11, 2019

Savoring ... It's not just for dinner

Researcher Maggie Pitts explores how people savor different types of communication, identifying seven categories including aesthetic, presence, nonverbal, recognition, relational, extraordinary, and implicitly shared communication. She finds that savoring can boost mood and quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Language and Social Psychology·DateFeb 26, 2019

A tasty Florida butterfly turns sour

In a study published in Communications Biology, viceroy butterflies living in northern Florida have evolved to produce a foul-tasting chemical, making them unpalatable to predators. This discovery challenges traditional mimicry theories and suggests a continuum between Batesian and Mullerian mimicry.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalCommunications Biology·DateFeb 22, 2019

How your smartphone is affecting your relationship

A growing body of research suggests that smartphones can negatively impact face-to-face social interactions, leading to feelings of ignored, annoyed, or pushed away. The constant access to text messaging and social media makes it easier for people to disclose personal information and respond to others in their large social networks.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateFeb 11, 2019

How young women view men affects how they imagine their future selves

A study from the University of Arizona found that young women who believe men are becoming more involved in childcare imagine themselves as primary caregivers, while those who think men are less involved envision themselves as primary breadwinners. This perception affects their educational and career decisions years before they start f...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateDec 4, 2018

A world without brick-and-mortar stores? Even avid online shoppers say, 'no, thanks'

The study surveyed nearly 400 consumers about their shopping habits and perceptions, finding that most agreed that physical stores are part of the social fabric of society. Respondents preferred online shopping for convenience and accessibility but prioritized tactile experiences in-store, while favoring social interaction with family ...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Retailing and Consumer Services·DateNov 14, 2018