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University of Arizona


Drier, less predictable environment may have spurred human evolution

Researchers found evidence of a variable but progressively drying climate coincides with a major shift in stone-tool-making abilities and the appearance of modern Homo sapiens. A continuous environmental context was provided for the diverse archeological evidence recovered from nearby localities in the rift valley basins of southern Ke...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2018

Irony is the new black

Researchers found that ironic consumption allows consumers to signal their identity or beliefs to groups they know, while hiding from those outside. This phenomenon can lead to a new brand identity and cultural rebirth for passé products like Pabst Blue Ribbon.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 21, 2018

Your office may be affecting your health

Research led by the University of Arizona found that workers in open bench seating had lower physiological stress during after-work hours and were more physically active at the office. This study provides objective measurements to inform policies and practices that affect the health and well-being of millions of office workers worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateAug 20, 2018

Does rain follow the plow?

A University of Arizona study resolves controversy over rain's relationship to soil moisture, revealing morning soil moisture can impact afternoon rainfall in the region. Drier soils enhance rain on days with limited wind-borne moisture, while wetter soils increase rain when winds bring more moisture.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 9, 2018

A calmer horse is just a sniff away

Researchers at the University of Arizona found that horses experience significant stress reduction when inhaled lavender from a diffuser, as measured by heart rate variability. The data showed a significant increase in relaxation signals such as neck lowering and licking, indicating a calming effect on the horses.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Equine Veterinary Science·DateJul 26, 2018

New estimates of Mercury's thin, dense crust

A new study published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters estimates Mercury's crust to be 16 miles thick and denser than aluminum. This finding supports the theory that Mercury's crust formed largely through volcanic activity, shedding light on the planet's formation.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateApr 26, 2018

Want to be seen as cool? Just say, 'cheese!'

A study by University of Arizona researcher Caleb Warren found that people perceive those who smile as more genuine and likable. In contrast, being inexpressive can make someone appear cold rather than cool. The researchers tested this theory using advertisements featuring various endorsers, including James Dean.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateApr 19, 2018

Partner's finances impact well-being, even in young love

Research finds that young adults' own financial behaviors have the most impact on their well-being, followed by their romantic partners' behaviors. Parents' financial expectations had the least impact, but still influence young adults' objective financial knowledge. The study suggests that even in non-marital relationships, a partner's...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Family and Economic Issues·DateApr 3, 2018

No volcanic winter in East Africa from ancient Toba eruption

New research from the University of Arizona contradicts the Toba catastrophe hypothesis by showing no significant negative impact on vegetation growing in East Africa after the 74,000-year-old volcanic eruption. The study found some die-off of mountain plants just after the eruption, but no massive die-off of vegetation at all elevations.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateFeb 6, 2018

The birth of a new protein

A team of scientists at the University of Arizona has discovered that a newly evolved yeast protein can fold into a compact three-dimensional structure, contrary to the long-held assumption that such proteins are incomplete and 'works-in-progress',

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalStructure·DateOct 19, 2017