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University of Arizona


Pest resistance to biotech crops surging

A global assessment reveals that genetically engineered crops producing insect-killing proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis have led to a fivefold increase in pest resistance cases over the past decade. However, some pests remain suppressed due to factors such as recessive inheritance of resistance and abundant refuges.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 10, 2017

Ancient humans left Africa to escape drying climate

Researchers found that climate in northeast Africa shifted from wet to very dry around 70,000 years ago, coinciding with human migration out of Africa. The team's analysis of sediment cores revealed a significant drop in sea surface temperature and rainfall patterns, making the environment less hospitable for human habitation.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGeology·DateOct 4, 2017

Successful guide dogs have 'tough love' moms, study finds

Researchers found that puppies raised by doting mothers were less likely to succeed in a training program to become guide dogs. The study suggests that guide-dog-training organizations can better identify dogs who are more likely to succeed by understanding the impact of maternal style on offspring behavior.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2017

Figuring out how fast Greenland is melting

A new study from University of Arizona scientists has analyzed Greenland's past temperatures to better understand the island's vast ice sheet melting. The research found that current temperatures are warmer than the 1930s, with a long-term trend for ever-higher surface temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateJul 5, 2017

UA researchers: Brains evolved to need exercise

Researchers propose adaptive capacity model to understand exercise-brain connection, suggesting physical activity impacts brain structure and function from evolutionary history as hunter-gatherers. Exercise may enhance cognitive abilities and prevent age-related decline or neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·DateJun 26, 2017

The curious case of the warped Kuiper Belt

A new study has found evidence of a yet-to-be-discovered planetary body with a mass between Mars and Earth, warping the orbital planes of Kuiper Belt objects. The object's presence is suggested by its control over the tilt angles of KBOs' orbital planes, indicating a gravitational influence comparable to that of Mars.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateJun 21, 2017

Study: While trust is inherited, distrust is not

A recent study led by the University of Arizona found that trust is significantly influenced by genetics, while distrust appears to be primarily socialized. The research suggests that trust and distrust are distinct qualities, with genetics playing a more significant role in shaping trust behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 20, 2017

Amazonia's future will be jeopardized by dams

Researchers warn that building hundreds of hydroelectric dams in the Amazon River Basin will cause massive environmental damage, affecting nine countries and the entire system. The Amazon Basin's unique ecosystem and biodiversity are at risk due to the dams' impact on sediment flow, regional climate, and food supply.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·DateJun 14, 2017

Humanizing, harmonizing effects of music aren't a myth

Research by University of Arizona professor Jake Harwood and collaborators found that listening to music from other cultures improves intergroup attitudes. The study showed that individuals who listen to music produced by outgroup members experience a humanizing effect and reduce negative feelings towards those groups.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Communication·DateMay 22, 2017

LGB-focused resources help stressed teens cope

A new study by University of Arizona researcher Russell Toomey found that LGB-specific strategies promote health and reduced likelihood of dropping out of high school. Cognitive and alternative-seeking strategies were associated with poorer adjustment, depressive symptoms, and lower self-esteem.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Homosexuality·DateMay 15, 2017

Virtual support groups help grieving spouses with depression

A new study by University of Arizona researchers found that virtual reality support groups can be an effective tool for older adults dealing with grief and depression. Participants showed improvements in stress, loneliness, and sleep quality, but only those in the virtual reality group reported a reduction in symptoms of depression.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMay 10, 2017

Reversing pest resistance to biotech cotton: The secret is in the mix

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that interbreeding genetically engineered cotton with non-Bt cotton can delay and even reverse evolution of resistance by pests. This novel strategy involves planting a mix of Bt and non-Bt seeds, which generates a random mixture of plants within fields.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2017

Narrative journaling may help heart health post-divorce

A study of 109 separated or divorced individuals suggests that narrative expressive writing can lower heart rate and increase heart rate variability, both indicators of good cardiovascular health. By creating a structured story around their feelings, participants were able to process emotions in a more physiologically adaptive way.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateMay 8, 2017

How fear of death affects human attitudes toward animal life

A study from the University of Arizona found that reminding people of their mortality increases their willingness to kill animals. The researchers used terror management theory, which suggests that humans use self-esteem as a buffer against fear of death. When participants received a self-esteem boost, the effect of the death prime was...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateApr 24, 2017

How your neighborhood may impact your health

A study by Adriana Zuniga-Teran found that traditional neighborhoods encourage more walking, while suburban developments with green spaces contribute to improved mental well-being. Cluster housing communities also foster social interaction among residents. In contrast, enclosed gated communities do not improve feelings of safety.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 8, 2017

Study finds naps may help preschoolers learn

A new study found that preschoolers who napped after learning new verbs had a better understanding of the words when tested 24 hours later. The study suggests that parents may want to consider maintaining regular naptimes for preschoolers, who are at an age where naps have a tendency to dwindle.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 8, 2017

New study looks at LGBT allies in college sports

A new study assesses the ally behaviors of college athletes, revealing that female athletes are more likely to identify as LGBT allies. The research also highlights the crucial role that non-LGBT identified athletes play in creating a safe environment for LGBT student-athletes, which can positively impact team cohesion and performance.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Intercollegiate Sport·DateJan 30, 2017

How to be a winner in the game of evolution

Researchers found that the most successful phyla have a skeleton, live on land, and are parasites. This suggests that traits like having eyes or complex organs may not be primary drivers of species diversification. The study sheds light on why some groups have branched into many species while others remain relatively few.

The hidden inferno inside your laser pointer

Researchers have developed a method to measure temperature and voltage in systems far from equilibrium, which could lead to the creation of more efficient microelectronic devices. This breakthrough has significant implications for advancing technology, particularly in the development of smaller, faster electronic components.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPhysical Review B·DateDec 22, 2016