Syphilis researchers have identified exterior proteins on the bacteria that could serve as vaccine targets, marking a breakthrough in the development of a potential vaccine. The discovery was made by UConn Health researchers using computer modeling and testing techniques.
The study finds that both state and non-state actors face similar decisions when it comes to claiming credit for cyberattacks, but their strategies diverge due to different optics. The researchers highlight the importance of understanding how attackers' motives and identity can be revealed through credit claims.
A study found that only 20 percent of young people diagnosed with anxiety will stay well over the long term, regardless of treatment. Regular mental health checkups may be a more effective way to treat anxiety than current models.
The MDMA-assisted psychotherapy trial at UConn Health will specifically recruit people from communities of color with PTSD, focusing on experiences of racial violence and discrimination. The treatment has shown promise in reducing symptoms and allowing patients to process their trauma into something stronger.
A national survey by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and UConn found that LGBTQ teenagers face high levels of stress, anxiety, and rejection. The study highlights the need for supportive families and inclusive schools to improve their well-being.
Researchers at UConn improved the performance of an atomically thin semiconductor material by stretching it, a technique that could lead to faster computer processors and more efficient sensors. The study, published in Nano Letters, found a 100-fold increase in photoluminescence when the material was subjected to strain.
A study published in Cell Reports has mapped the genetic regulators of facial development, revealing thousands of previously unknown enhancers linked to craniofacial abnormalities. The researchers found that these enhancers contribute to many cases of cleft palate and provide new insights into the causes of this birth defect.
Mattershift, a UConn-backed startup, has developed carbon nanotube technology for mass-producing carbon-zero fuels, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals. The company aims to remove CO2 from the air and convert it into usable fuels at a lower cost than fossil fuels.
Researchers at the University of Connecticut have created a biodegradable composite made from spider silk fibers, which can be used to repair broken load-bearing bones without complications. The new composite shows high strength and flexibility characteristics, making it suitable for treating large leg bones in adults and seniors.
A new study found that Republicans are more persuasive than scientists in correcting misinformation about climate change, despite being associated with denial. The researchers suggest that citing Republican elites endorsing the scientific consensus may be an effective way to persuade citizens.
Researchers found that simply being told a musician is professional changes the way the brain responds to music, with more activity in pleasure and reward regions for 'professional' recordings. Overcoming this bias requires conscious effort, as participants who resisted the bias showed increased executive control.
A new compound, AH10-7, has been identified as a powerful activator of human invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, a key player in the immune system's fight against cancer. The compound is highly effective and selective, encouraging iNKT cells to release specific proteins that stimulate anti-tumor immunity.
Researchers found that using a single corticosteroid and long-acting bronchodilator treatment for both daily asthma control and rescue relief is more effective than separate medications. This approach significantly reduces asthma attacks, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits.
Researchers at UConn Health developed a novel hybrid hydrogel system to promote endochondral ossification, a process critical for long bone formation. The system uses fibrin and hyaluronan to guide the growth of cartilage templates, which release factors that initiate vascularized bone formation.
A new study shows that parent mentors are highly effective in providing uninsured Latino children with health insurance coverage. At one year follow-up, 95% of Latino children assigned a parent mentor obtained health insurance, compared to 69% in the control group.
Researchers developed a novel method to reconstruct ancient climates using organic compounds in sediments and soils. By analyzing these compounds, scientists can gain insights into past environmental conditions and predict changes in regional moisture patterns.
A new study published in Hospital Pediatrics shows that improved pediatric asthma care can be achieved through the use of personalized inpatient assessments and streamlined patient care decision tools. The study found that clinicians who used these tools had a significant improvement in the accuracy of prescribed medication, with an in...
Researchers have documented a strange relationship between periodical cicadas and a fungus called Massospora cicadina that hijacks their behavior and causes them to spread the fungus' spores. The infected cicadas exhibit unusual behaviors, such as wing flicking and attempting to mate with uninfected females.
Researchers found that tree communities are reorganizing with saplings growing closer together, but long-term biodiversity and carbon storage implications unclear. The study challenges previous theories of devastating effects on plant communities and carbon storage.
Researchers have identified the crucial role of peptide uptake in Borrelia burgdorferi's viability and ability to infect mammals. Blocking this process could lead to novel therapeutic interventions for Lyme disease.
A University of Connecticut study tracked 130 couples over six months and found that when one member commits to losing weight, the chances are good the other partner will lose some weight too. The researchers discovered a significant weight loss ripple effect where couples' weights were interlinked.
Researchers at UConn Health have reversed Prader-Willi syndrome in lab-grown brain cells by targeting the ZNF274 protein, which silences many genes. The breakthrough provides clues for treating this genetic disorder and offers new hope for patients with life-threatening childhood obesity.
A new study finds that married veterans are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to their single counterparts. The research, which analyzed responses from 772 recently returned veterans, also highlights the importance of addressing spiritual struggles in veteran suicide prevention efforts.
The National School Lunch Program's zero-tolerance policy for Salmonella and E. coli bacteria has led to highly effective food safety standards, with 99% of shipments being Salmonella-free. This effective program is critical for child nutrition policy and anti-poverty measures.
UConn researchers have created a biodegradable pressure sensor that can be implanted in the body to monitor conditions like chronic lung disease and swelling of the brain. The sensor emits a small electrical charge when pressure is applied, allowing for non-invasive monitoring and potential treatment via electrical stimulation.
A large-scale international study has expanded the number of genetic markers associated with human longevity to 25, including genes involved in senescence and inflammation. The findings suggest that combining multiple genetic variants can influence human lifespan, highlighting potential targets for interventions.
Researchers found blood pressure declines were steepest in patients with dementia and heart failure, but also occurred without diagnoses. The study highlights the importance of reevaluating treatment for hypertension in older patients.
A new drug delivery system uses a synthetic-biological hybrid nanocapsule to target and correct diseased cells at the genetic level, reducing side effects. The platform is programmable, modular, and can integrate diverse peptide sequences for tailored treatment.
Natural regeneration outperforms active restoration methods for biodiversity and vegetation structure recovery by 34-56% in tropical forests. The study controlled for key factors like forest amount, precipitation, and past disturbance to ensure accurate results.
Research by UConn Health scientists found that teens who used marijuana and alcohol heavily were less likely to achieve adult life goals. Heavy teen use of marijuana or alcohol was associated with lower levels of education, reduced full-time employment, and lower social economic potential.
A study by the University of Connecticut found that men who tan use tanning beds more frequently than women but engage in riskier behaviors, such as smoking and binge drinking. Men who tan also exhibit addictive behavior towards tanning, with 49% of users reporting difficulty quitting.
A portable holographic field microscope can rapidly identify diseased cells, including those infected with malaria. The device uses digital camera sensor technology and advanced algorithms to provide quick and accurate diagnosis, reducing the time and cost associated with traditional laboratory testing.
Researchers found that lipids produced by Bacteroidetes bacteria have a unique chemical signature and can cause inflammation in blood vessels. The study links these bacterial lipids to atherosclerosis and may lead to early diagnosis of heart disease.
Researchers discovered that our chromosomes age along with us, affecting how our immune system renews itself. In young people, thousands of gene sites are open, while in older adults, these sites become closed, leading to decreased activity in genes and pathways critical for defending against disease.
A new user-friendly interface allows cell biologists to create complex biological models using the Virtual Cell supercomputer, expanding access to modeling capabilities. The updated version of VCell enables users to define molecules and explain interactions with minimal coding, reducing complexity and increasing usability.
UConn chemistry professor Doug Adamson has patented a process to exfoliate pure graphene, a substance that is 100 times stronger than steel. His technology uses a thermodynamically driven approach to un-stack graphite into its constituent graphene sheets.
A new study by the University of Connecticut found that coastal landowners in Connecticut are skeptical about granting easements to protect marshes from sea level rise, citing concerns over fair pricing and transparency. However, they favor alternative strategies like restrictive covenants and future interest agreements.
A recent study found that people who tend to maximize their decisions, like ants preparing for winter, are more likely to have better financial habits and a forward-thinking approach. This challenges previous research that linked maximizing tendencies to negative outcomes such as stress and regret.
Biologists found that disrupting the gut and skin bacterial communities of tadpoles later affects adult frogs' ability to fight parasitic gut worms. Preventing early-life disruptions might confer protection against diseases in adulthood, with potential applicability to understanding immune systems in mammals and humans.
The study found that reducing oxygen in certain alloys can improve grain size stability, leading to stronger and more durable materials. Researchers developed nearly oxygen-free alloy powders with significant improvements in thermal stability.
A UConn study uses a novel device to detect DNA damage caused by e-cigarette vapor, finding that non-nicotine e-liquids can also cause DNA damage similar to filtered cigarettes. The researchers' findings raise concerns about the potential health risks of e-cigarettes.
A new study from the University of Connecticut found that even light physical activity can improve mental well-being and reduce depression. The research suggests that individuals who engage in low-intensity exercise, such as a leisurely walk, experience greater benefits than those who undertake vigorous activities.
A new study reveals that blood vessels in the brainstem constrict when oxygen levels rise, unlike other parts of the body. This specialized response helps maintain proper breathing and is made possible by astrocytes releasing signaling molecules.
Researchers used stem cells from patients with Angelman syndrome to identify the underlying cellular defects that cause the disorder. They found that brain cells fail to mature, disrupting synaptic connections critical for learning and cognitive development.
Researchers discovered that capsaicin in chili peppers and anandamide in marijuana interact with the same receptor in the stomach, calming the immune system and reducing inflammation. The study holds promise for new therapies for diabetes and colitis, as well as understanding the relationship between the gut, brain, and immune system.
A new survey reveals that many patients in Connecticut struggle to understand their private health insurance plans, leading to delays in care and unexpected medical bills. The study highlights the need for simplified language and increased education to address health disparities among minority groups.
Researchers from UConn Health have developed a way to regenerate rotator cuff tendons after they're torn, creating stronger repairs. The nano-textured fabric seeded with stem cells helps the tendons attach better to the bone and heal more evenly.
A University of Connecticut climate scientist confirms that global warming will lead to more intense and frequent severe rainstorms. Data shows the intensity of these storms increases with rising temperatures, contradicting some observations suggesting a fixed upper temperature limit.
A new model pinpoints sources of nitrogen pollution in Long Island Sound, helping municipalities identify actions to alleviate it. The tool, developed by UConn ecologist Jamie Vaudrey, shows the impact of different actions on nitrogen runoff and provides a detailed analysis of 116 estuaries, rivers, and harbors.
Researchers at UConn have developed experimental antibiotics that successfully target and kill MRSA bacteria by blocking the enzyme pathway critical to its survival. By understanding the molecular structure of the enzyme and designing tailored inhibitors, the team created compounds that evade previously resistant strains.