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University of Colorado at Boulder


Cognitive tests in infancy can offer insight into intelligence at age 30 and beyond

A study of over 1,000 twins found that cognitive tests in infancy can predict adult intelligence and cognition, with environmental influences playing a significant role. Early life environments, including pre-preschool years, matter more than previously thought, suggesting potential interventions to support cognitive aging.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 18, 2025

Supernovae may have kicked off abrupt climate shifts in the past, and they could again

A recent study suggests that supernovae may have caused abrupt climate shifts in Earth's history by interacting with the atmosphere and degrading greenhouse gases. The research matches known supernovae to climate shifts preserved in tree ring records and predicts potential effects on human society.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 10, 2025

Ocean microbes offer clues to environmental resilience

Researchers identified genetic changes in cyanobacteria that help them survive extreme conditions, paving the way for engineered microbes to produce renewable chemicals and materials. The study's findings suggest making small gene adjustments can yield large improvements in fitness, offering insights into environmental resilience.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2025

Satellite data from ship captures landslide-generated tsunami for the first time

Scientists have detected landslide-generated tsunamis using satellite data from a ship's receiver, providing life-saving information to coastal communities. The study shows the potential for this approach to improve tsunami detection and warning, confirming its effectiveness in detecting localized ground movement caused by landslides.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 14, 2025

Weighing in on a Mars water debate

A recent PNAS study suggested Mars has a significant amount of liquid water in its mid-crust, but LASP Senior Research Scientist Bruce Jakosky challenges this conclusion. Using InSight mission data, the team found that the presence of water is not required by the data.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2025

Live, laugh, lotus: Why group texting during ‘The White Lotus’ feels so good

New research reveals that second-screening can create a sense of social connection, increasing engagement and repeat viewing intentions. When viewers are alone, reaching for their phone can deepen the experience by connecting with others in real-time. In contrast, second-screen use creates a disconnect when shared with others.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPsychology and Marketing·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2025

‘You don’t just throw them in a box.’ Archaeologists, Indigenous scholars call on museums to better care for animal remains

A team of archaeologists and Indigenous scholars calls on museums to better care for animal remains, recognizing power imbalances and respecting Native American traditions. The approach emphasizes self-reflection, lifelong learning, and partnering with Indigenous groups to rethink catalogue, storage, and display methods.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalAdvances in Archaeological Practice·DateMar 10, 2025

Study: First female runner could soon break the 4-minute-mile barrier

A new study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers suggests that Kenyan Olympian Faith Kipyegon could break the 4-minute-mile barrier with strategically timed pacers. The team's calculations indicate that drafting can reduce air resistance by up to 76%, allowing female runners to improve their times by as much as five seconds.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 25, 2025

Fewer forest fires burn in North America today than in the past—and that's a bad thing

Research published in Nature Communications reveals that fewer forest fires are burning today than in the past, despite recent record-breaking fire years. This 'fire deficit' allows fuel to build up over time, creating conditions for more severe fires. The study highlights the importance of beneficial management fires on the landscape.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 11, 2025

From Fox News to MSNBC: Diverse media diet linked to higher trust in vaccines

A study of 1,700 people found that those who consumed more conservative news were less likely to be vaccinated, but a diverse media diet made them more likely to get vaccinated. People who got their news from an ideologically diverse array of sources were more critical thinkers and less likely to be misled by misinformation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScientific Reports·TypeSurvey·DateJan 27, 2025

Months after Colorado's Marshall Fire, residents of surviving homes reported health symptoms, poor air quality

A new CU Boulder study found that residents of surviving homes in the area reported physical symptoms, including headaches and sore throats, attributed to poor air quality six months after the Marshall Fire. The study also found that hazardous gases lingered for weeks inside smoke- and ash-damaged homes.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalACS ES&T Air·TypeSurvey·DateDec 23, 2024