Researchers found that the mites sense and rely on electric fields generated by hummingbird wings for survival. The study revealed that the mites are attracted to specific frequencies of static electricity and can recognize positive charges.
Researchers discovered that cells caught up in sepsis send out messages to other cells, causing them to die and fueling the spiraling inflammation. By understanding this process, scientists may be able to develop a treatment for inflammatory diseases like sepsis.
A UConn study found that Black adolescent girls experience higher levels of hair dissatisfaction and related depression compared to their peers. The research suggests that targeted interventions, such as positive messaging about hair and texture, may help improve hair satisfaction and reduce depressive symptoms.
Scientists have developed a model to capture at least 100 million metric tons of CO2 annually from fish farms, potentially offsetting their carbon footprint. The approach, which involves adding iron to increase alkalinity and enhance carbonate saturation levels, could be cost-effective and efficient.
A team of researchers from UConn and Washington State University explored how environmental DNA (eDNA) can help better understand population size and health in wood frogs. They found that environmental factors impact eDNA concentrations, but the precision of this method remains unclear due to sample-to-sample variation.
A team of researchers estimated Pacific salmon nutrient and contaminant movements over 40 years, revealing the largest fluxes for large animal groups. The study found changes in the Pacific salmon community impacted nutrient and contaminant transport, with pink salmon carrying more nutrients and Chinook salmon higher contaminant loads.
A group of scientists and economists warn that green subsidies can have negative spillover effects and diminish overall effectiveness if not implemented cautiously. They suggest imposing time limits on subsidies to ensure they do not perpetuate harmful practices over the long term.
Researchers at UConn have discovered a novel miRNA-141-3p inhibitor that successfully reduces stroke damage and extinguishes inflammatory fires in the brain. The treatment has shown swift restoration of motor function and memory in mouse models, offering new hope for patients affected by strokes.
Researchers have conducted the largest genomic survey of the syphilis bacterium to date, correlating genetic data with clinical information to identify potential targets for a vaccine. The study found differences in bacterial strains between continents, but also similarities that suggest a global vaccine could be effective.
Plant stem cells play a vital role in growth and development, controlling cell division and differentiation. Researchers have discovered a transcription factor gene called HVA that controls cell division in vascular stem cells, leading to an increase in the number of vascular bundles and overall stem cell activity.
Researchers found stress, BMI, exercise, and hormonal birth control use contribute to varying experiences of post-vaccine symptoms. Women reported higher levels of stress and less regular exercise than men, while those on hormonal birth control experienced more side effects.
Researchers found an exponential relationship between HIV risk factors, demonstrating that having multiple risk factors is much worse than having only one. The study used data from a survey of LGBTQ+ youth and suggests that interventions addressing multiple risk factors can provide substantial benefits.
Researchers discovered a monthly treatment that extended the lives of mice by 9%, allowing them to live healthier for longer periods. The treated mice retained their physical function and overall frailty until the end of their lives, unlike controls, which showed significant declines in health.
Researchers in Brazil identified two new serovars of Leptospira bacteria causing the disease, with one linked to cat ownership and increasing age. The study found that improving sanitary conditions and understanding animal contributions to transmission are key to preventing leptospirosis.
Researchers found that certain fern species adapt to urban heat and thrive in city environments, while others prefer rural habitats. Average summertime temperature and highest summer temperature are key climatic variables driving this adaptation.
A probiotic spray method has been developed to improve hatchability and health in chicks without using antibiotics. The patented method has shown an approximately 5% increase in hatchability and healthier chick quality.
A team of UConn researchers, without lab experience, published the first chromosome-level genome of a desert hairy scorpion. The study sheds light on arachnid evolution and advances comparative genomics research.
Researchers analyzed historical milk samples from the 1940s and found that some were resistant to tetracycline antibiotics, defying the conventional understanding of antibiotic resistance. The discovery adds to the growing body of literature on natural antibiotic resistance occurring before humans began using antibiotics.
The Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory sequenced a case of rabies from a black bear found in the state. The lab compared the genome with existing rabies sequences to identify a rare viral strain, closely resembling one from a raccoon in New England.
A team of UConn researchers has developed a method to drastically cut the lag time for assessing disasters, bringing disturbance assessment closer to near real-time monitoring. By applying machine learning and retrospective chart review techniques, they can detect changes in remote sensing data much faster than current methods.
Researchers found no significant impact on liquor store sales or employment despite concerns from owners. The study also tracked the opening and closing of stores, finding a slight increase in independent liquor stores but no change in grocery store numbers.
A recent UConn study assessed the accuracy of ChatGPT's exercise recommendations, revealing that the AI provided only 41% of the expected content in a gold-standard recommendation. The chatbot demonstrated high accuracy for general guidelines but failed to provide key elements such as frequency, intensity, and type of physical activity.
UConn researchers have developed a method to sustainably recover chitin, the second most abundant biological polymer on Earth, from seafood waste using natural chemicals. The process creates a viscous solution called ternary deep eutectic solvents (TDESs) that selectively extracts chitin, leaving behind unwanted components.
Researchers found that urban finches are better equipped to survive the devastating effects of the avian vampire fly. In contrast, non-urban finches face nearly zero survival rates when parasitized, highlighting the importance of urban environments in mitigating parasite impact.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a debilitating condition causing intense vomiting, hair loss, and mental health issues. Researcher Cheryl Beck studied 33 blog posts from women in Australia, finding six consistent themes: physical debilitation, emotional distress, and financial struggles.
Researchers found that switching fruit flies to a low-calorie diet extends their lifespan, even in old age. This study suggests that obese humans may benefit from reducing calorie intake in old age, as it can dramatically change their metabolisms and extend their lives.
A UConn researcher has patented a novel approach of spraying eggs with probiotics before they hatch, showing promise as a sustainable growth promoter for chickens. The method resulted in increased embryo weight, breast and leg muscle mass, and improved feed efficiency.
Extracellular vesicles have been found to transport bacterial products into human cells, alerting the immune system and potentially affecting physiology. This discovery explains a key mechanism by which bacteria impact our health, with implications for both infections and normal bodily functions.
A comprehensive study found that eating whole eggs had a positive impact on nutrient density, hematocrit levels, and immune function, while reducing the negative effects of egg whites. The study also explored differences in responses between women taking birth control pills and those not.
A new UConn study examined the effect of couples on each other's 'grit' and self-control, key ingredients for weight management. Researchers found that couples did not influence each other's self-control or grit levels, but rather these traits were malleable through behavioral interventions.
A new dynamical model developed by UConn researchers helps companies determine if renewables make economic sense for their manufacturing processes. The model evaluates the economic viability of solar thermal technology, which has huge untapped potential in the industry.
A new study found that consumers tend to write negative reviews when their expected and actual nutritional values for food products do not match. This mismatch is the number one driver of negative reviews on online grocery sites. Consumers may be misinformed about the healthiness of foods due to inadequate nutritional information.
A new study by UConn researchers found that patients overwhelmingly prefer the traditional daily oral PrEP pill over newer forms, citing its efficacy and minimal side effects as key factors. The study highlights the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities to ensure equitable access to these life-saving technologies.
A recent study found that adding 3000 steps per day can significantly reduce high blood pressure in older adults. The study involved sedentary adults aged 68-78 who walked an average of 4000 steps before the intervention, resulting in a 7-point decrease in systolic and 4-point decrease in diastolic blood pressure.
A new study found that patients with patellofemoral pain have smaller muscles in their hips and hamstrings, which are not typically targeted in rehabilitation. This suggests that personalized rehabilitation approaches may be necessary to effectively address chronic knee pain.
A team of University of Connecticut undergraduates has published the first full map of the butternut's DNA, a process that could help conserve endangered species. The project is part of an ambitious effort to sequence the DNA of overlooked organisms, including deep-sea corals and critically endangered birds.
Researchers used machine learning algorithms to explain how calpain-1 activity is modified on the molecular level, finding that lipid peroxidation products like MDA and HNE can increase or decrease activity. The study provides new insights into protein modification and its role in meat tenderness.
A team of UConn researchers finds that misinformation about abortion has proliferated on social media, including false claims about fetal pain and maternal health. The study warns that this infodemic could exacerbate a public health crisis and restrict access to accurate information.
Researchers reconstructed the paleoelevation history of Taiwan's mountains using ancient sediment samples, revealing a rapid upshift in elevation of about two kilometers over 1.3 to 1.5 million years ago. The study provides new insights into tectonic processes and their impact on global climate.
Researchers discovered that ants sniff out diseased fungus by detecting chemicals called peptaibols, which are produced by the fungus. This finding suggests that the ants may be responding to a disease of their beneficial symbiotic partner rather than their own body, highlighting an extended defense response.
Researchers have developed a biodegradable ultrasound device that can open the blood-brain barrier, allowing chemotherapy to penetrate and kill brain cancer cells. The device is as powerful as traditional ceramic-based devices and has shown promising results in animal trials.
A research team has identified a previously unknown weak spot in prostate cancer cells that could lead to new therapeutic approaches for other types of cancer. The study found that inhibiting this process can reduce cancer growth without affecting normal cell growth.
Researchers found that participants only need to track around 30% of the days to lose more than 3% weight and 40% of the days to lose more than 5% weight. A third group, called the low trackers, started tracking only three days a week, and dropped to zero by three months, where they stayed for the rest of the intervention.
The study reveals the variety of strains circulating in different regions and their association with mosquito species. Understanding these genetic differences can help predict where viral transmission may occur and inform disease severity and symptoms.
A team of researchers found that a small population of nerve cells exists in everyone that could be coaxed to regrow, potentially restoring sight and movement. The discovery provides new insights into how axons grow and could lead to effective therapies for blindness, paralysis, and other disorders caused by nerve damage.
Agricultural economist Charles Towe found that non-resident owners, mainly from NYC, are buying up farmland in Columbia County, leading to idle land and low-value farming practices. This trend has significant economic implications for the local community.
The study analyzed fossils of brachiopods and found that some species survived the mass extinction event with conserved niches, while others went extinct. The results suggest a complex interplay between environmental changes and organism responses.
Researchers have developed a biodegradable skin patch that can deliver multiple doses of antibodies over several weeks, reducing pain and infection risks. The patch uses a stabilized powder of antibody, which is slowly released into the bloodstream as it degrades.
Researchers have discovered that Shigella bacteria can infect humans but not mice due to differences in the shape of a key protein, gasdermin-B. The protein has six different forms, and some isoforms cause cell death while others do not, explaining why Shigella is unable to infect mice.
A study by UConn researchers found a significant improvement in shod horses, with better movement and reduced lameness scores. Shoeing with plain stamp shoes improved maximum hock angles and gait quality, indicating potential benefits for athletic performance.