Regrowing healthy cartilage in damaged joints is a promising approach to treating arthritis. UConn bioengineers successfully regrowed cartilage in a rabbit's knee using piezoelectricity, a phenomenon that also exists in the human body.
A UConn study found that adding 5-7 centimeters of sediment to salt marshes in Connecticut increases plant growth, keeping the marsh afloat and reducing costs. The technique can help coastlines in the Northeast stay ahead of rising sea levels by promoting carbon sequestration.
Researchers found three protective cultures effective against Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause life-threatening listeriosis. These cultures disrupt pathogen survival and attachment to cells, making them a promising solution for cheese producers.
Researchers analyzed brachiopod fossils from the Late Devonian mass extinction to understand why some species survived while others went extinct. Climate change was found to be a primary factor, with temperature fluctuations and geographic isolation hindering mobility.
A UConn study found that supporting surviving parents can reduce youth suicide risk by combating negative self-views in bereaved children. The Family Bereavement Program improved parenting skills and needs, leading to reduced aversive self-views and increased child positive connectedness.
Researchers at the Global Environmental Remote Sensing Laboratory are working on improving remote sensing technology to detect subtle changes in forest ecosystems. They have developed a method called PIDS, which can adapt to specific user-targeted specific change detection, and paired it with Landsat data to monitor forest health and c...
A global group of researchers, industry stakeholders, and consumers have launched a networking hub to ensure the quality, accuracy, and accessibility of wearable fitness devices. The network aims to develop a standardized testing pathway and improve data standardization across devices.
Researchers at UConn Health have discovered that eliminating senescent cells in human fat tissue can alleviate signs of diabetes and improve insulin sensitivity. The study suggests that clearing away these dysfunctional cells could lead to game-changing new treatments for Type 2 diabetes.
Zheng's sensor can determine effective antibiotics for treating bacterial infections in patients, providing detailed information about microbial growth faster and more sensitively than conventional approaches. The device achieves single-cell spatial resolution and 15-second temporal resolution over a centimeter-scale field of view.
Researchers found no difference between kids exposed to language at birth, regardless of sign or speech. Children with delayed language exposure tend to struggle with executive functioning. The study suggests that 'talking' doesn't just mean speech—sign language exposure is equally nourishing for baby brains.
The proposed reauthorization of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) has the potential to positively impact parents with substance use disorder and infants with substance exposure. The legislation needs improved implementation to achieve a public health approach, providing tailored guidance and support for states.
Researchers studied how climate change affects Dungeness crab life stages, finding that adults are most critical in population vulnerability. The study highlights the importance of monitoring low oxygen events and implementing measures to protect vital life stages.
Climate change literacy rates in Africa are lower than those in Europe and North America, with women facing a significant gap in awareness. The study found that education is the strongest predictor of climate literacy, but poverty and gender dynamics also play a role.
A new study found that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) significantly reduces deaths by suicide among older adults with depression in the months following hospitalization. The therapy may also improve overall health and cognitive functioning.
A team of scientists found that a species of copepod can adapt to climate change, but at a limited cost. The researchers observed declines in population fitness after exposure to ocean acidification, highlighting the complexities of predicting responses to combined stressors.
The Korey Stringer Institute has made significant progress in ensuring safety for nation's high school athletes, with 38 states adopting life-saving measures since 2017. The institute's tailored approach to state meetings has led to a 10% increase in safety scores after implementation.
Researchers have developed a simple assessment tool to evaluate patients' risk of cognitive dysfunction in drug treatment programs. The tool combines cognitive measures with patient demographics and health history to produce an overall risk score, helping staff identify accommodations needed for effective treatment.
Researchers used high-powered simulations to study the mysterious process of gas flow across the universe, feeding massive black holes. The new method shows that strong gravitational forces from stars can twist and destabilize gas, driving sufficient influx to power a luminous quasar at galaxy activity peaks.
Researchers developed gene silencing nanocapsules to target GATA-3, a component of the immune response leading to allergic asthma attacks. The treatment showed promise in reducing inflammatory damage and presence of eosinophils in an allergic asthma mouse model and human white blood cells.
A new study reveals that the H5N6 avian influenza virus can be transmitted between different bird species, including domestic pigeons and mandarin ducks. The virus was found to replicate successfully in both birds, with higher viral shedding levels observed in mandarin ducks.
Researchers found that bat species native to the Northeast are highly active in newly created forest spaces, foraging for food at higher rates than in mature forests. Young forests provide an ideal environment for bats to find insects and grow, making them a crucial component of bat conservation efforts.
A new testing technique using fruit flies could identify potential non-hormonal birth control drugs with fewer side effects for women. The method uses compounds that stop ovulation in fruit flies to test potential human birth control drugs.
Researchers found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, food-insecure individuals made fewer grocery shopping trips due to concerns about contracting the virus, unlike food-secure individuals. However, they did not increase spending per trip, highlighting a serious issue in how different populations are impacted by the pandemic.
Researchers found that consuming sugar kelp inhibits hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, and promotes healthier gut microbiomes, supporting the nutritional benefits of locally-grown seaweed for health and disease prevention
Flies use their antenna to smell ammonia, which helps them find food sources and navigate. A new type of odor receptor, Amt, has been identified that allows insects to detect ammonia, and could lead to effective ways to block it.
Researchers at UConn discovered that salt marsh vegetation, bacterial communities, and soil composition can predict a marsh's potential to be a blue carbon reservoir. The study found that tidal restoration leads to changes in plant growth, microbial activity, and carbon cycling.
Researchers have developed novel immune checkpoint proteins that can combat autoimmune diseases and immunosuppression in cancer patients. These proteins, which include recombinant proteins and antibodies, show promise in animal models of autoimmune disease and inhibit tumor growth in cancer patients.
A new study found that Connecticut's MAT programs have higher-than-average patient retention rates, with 58.9% of participants remaining in the program at six months. However, younger patients and those using cocaine or crack alongside opioids had lower retention rates, highlighting the need for targeted strategies.
UConn researchers have successfully developed a micropropagation technique for cannabis, which can produce large quantities of healthy clones with predictable qualities. The method has the potential to meet the growing demand for medical cannabis by providing consistency and reliability in crops.
Researchers found people of color were more likely to know someone who died from COVID-19 and had greater difficulty accessing testing. Racial-ethnic minorities reported positive changes in substance use behavior during the pandemic.
Researchers at UConn used ultrafast lasers to measure the interaction between helium atoms, discovering that bubbles can enhance energy transfer. This finding has significant implications for understanding how living tissues react to radiation exposure.
A UConn researcher has developed a successful Zika vaccine in preclinical studies using a novel platform technology. The vaccine, based on a viral vector and enhanced expression of the virus antigen, was found to mount a strong immune response and protect against Zika virus infection.
A study by researchers at the University of Connecticut and others found that race and stream flow are significant indicators of flood risk behavior in US cities. The models showed two diverging patterns among metro areas, with 'risk-enduring' communities taking less action against flooding after a disaster.
A new study examines the application of a risk assessment tool in child welfare decision-making and finds drastically different approaches between two states. The 'Goldilocks problem' highlights the challenges of standardizing a complex process, where too much rigidity can lead to inaccurate outcomes.
A long-term study found that bottlenose dolphins in Louisiana's Barataria Bay, exposed to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, show abnormal immune responses and are more susceptible to pathogens. The researchers observed dysfunctional T-reg cells, which may be irreversible, raising concerns for the long-term recovery of these dolphins.
Research in the Lower Gunnison River Basin found that selenium concentrations in fish prey were highest in April and August due to snowmelt and irrigation. This study highlights the importance of considering the timing of exposure to selenium, which can impair development and survival in aquatic species.
A recent study found that online racism has a significant impact on the mental health of college students of color, even more so than in-person experiences. The study suggests that social media platforms can be a breeding ground for racialized aggressions and assaults, which can lead to real and significant mental health impacts.
A pre-pandemic study on telemedicine use in a California senior living community found that despite low intervention uptake, residents valued avoiding emergency room visits due to wait times and costs. However, frontline staff perceived the program as not valuable, highlighting the need for cultural shifts among healthcare professionals.
Researchers found that a harmony-with-nature worldview improves psychological health, even during the pandemic. In contrast, a mastery-over-nature worldview is associated with poor coping in the US but not in Japan.
Researchers from UConn and LSU found that insect declines in Puerto Rico may not be directly caused by global warming, but rather by increased hurricane frequency and intensity. Long-term data helped disentangle the effects of climate change and storm impacts on ecosystems.
A recent study published by researchers at the UConn School of Nursing found that older adults tend to report less depression and anxiety despite experiencing greater general concern about COVID-19. The study suggests that older age may offer a buffer against negative feelings brought on by the pandemic.
Shiga toxin, produced by enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), is thought to be a killer of host cells, but new research suggests it may actually be designed to dampen the immune system instead. This unexpected role could lead to breakthroughs in treating deadly kidney disease and bloody diarrhea caused by EHEC infections.
Galectin-1, a sugar-binding protein, may fuel inflammation and worsen sepsis in patients at risk. Researchers found elevated levels of galectin-1 in sepsis patients and suggest it as a potential biomarker for identifying those at risk.
Researchers have identified a new class of glial cells in the cornea, known as Schwann cells, with unique genetic properties that could help improve wound healing and nerve regeneration after surgeries and corneal transplants. The study's findings may also provide insights into conditions like dry eye and LASIK-related side effects.
A new microneedle skin patch has been developed by UConn researchers to provide immunization against infectious diseases through a single administration. The patch triggers a high immune response and offers a long-term protection similar to multiple injections.
Researchers identified melatonin's role in promoting sleep by activating the BK channel in the brain, a process that limits neurotransmitter release. This finding has implications for understanding melatonin's effects and potential treatment of diseases related to the BK channel.
The University of Connecticut has licensed its groundbreaking continuous manufacturing technology for pharmaceutical nanoparticles to DIANT Pharma Inc. This technology offers several advantages over conventional batch manufacturing approaches, including highly controlled particle size, high-throughput production, and a smaller footprin...
A UConn researcher has identified a suite of genes and regulatory elements critical to normal heart development using genome science technology. The study found over 100,000 regulatory sequences active during human heart development, including more than 13,000 that had never been annotated as active before.
Research at University of Connecticut reveals that job insecurity and financial concerns significantly contribute to depression and anxiety symptoms in employed individuals. The study also highlights the importance of employers supporting employee mental health by recognizing and addressing these concerns.
Researchers found evidence of arsenic-based photosynthesis in deep time, providing insight into early life's metabolic processes. The discovery of an active microbial mat in the Atacama Desert suggests that life may have used arsenic instead of oxygen for energy in ancient times.