A new study reveals that fluctuations in estrogen influence brain connections in rats, using a specialized imaging technique called magnetic resonance elastography (MRE). Researchers hope to translate the findings to humans, exploring how hormonal changes affect brain health in women, particularly during menopause.
A new study by the University of Delaware has identified global hotspots of drought-sensitivity and resilience in major crops like rice, corn, and soybeans. These hotspots reveal areas particularly susceptible to drought, such as the Midwestern US, eastern Brazil, and northern India.
A new study found that racially minoritized graduate students believe state anti-DEI laws alter their experiences in racial/ethnic organizations. Many faced funding and event planning impacts, with institutions lacking support for navigating these challenges.
Researchers found that nearly 90% of sharks collected from Delaware Bay were exported overseas, raising concerns about conservation goals. The study highlights the need for better scientific data and stronger oversight to ensure sustainable removals of critically endangered sand tiger sharks.
University of Delaware researchers have successfully tested geopolymers in space, demonstrating higher strength than identical samples stored on Earth. The findings hold promise for long-term lunar construction, with regolith potentially used to produce construction materials without energy-intensive processing.
University of Delaware researchers have developed a spray-jet method that recovers precious metals and other materials from used hydrogen-energy devices. The new recycling approach uses no harsh chemicals or burning, preserving the membrane itself while extracting platinum and iridium separately.
A new study finds that coordinated community response systems struggled to adapt to the pandemic, disrupting services for victims of domestic violence. The researchers recommend improving disaster preparedness and investing in virtual services to ensure evidence-based practices can continue without isolating survivors.
University of Delaware researchers are developing an AI-powered approach to diagnose epilepsy earlier by identifying subtle EEG patterns. The method, tested on mice with genetic forms of epilepsy, shows promise for detecting biomarkers that flag underlying changes in brain activity before seizures occur.
Scientists at the University of Delaware discovered a previously unknown structural role for the HIV integrase protein, which forms gluey filaments that anchor the RNA genome to the capsid. This discovery provides a promising new target for drug development and could lead to the development of next-generation inhibitors.
University of Delaware researchers have discovered a novel strain of Bacillus subtilis that helps plants resist soil-borne diseases and retain moisture. The microbe, UD1022, is effective in controlling dollar spot fungus but only when applied directly to leaves, not through soil treatment.
Researchers at the University of Delaware discovered a neural network in fruit fly brains that assigns value to specific foods minute by minute, integrating context, internal state, and past experience. This breakthrough study offers insights into the origins of eating disorders and addiction.
Research highlights arthritis' toll on the workforce, with nearly 10 million Americans aged 18-64 experiencing limitations. Overall health and socioeconomic factors are significant contributors to work-related challenges.
A University of Delaware study uses robotic testing to gauge perception-based movement in stroke survivors, revealing hidden sensory losses. The researchers hope their findings will encourage clinicians to integrate precision testing into assessments, leading to a personalized medicine approach to treatment.
A University of Delaware team, funded by NSF, creates next-generation secure computer chips using AI and game theory. The project aims to predict attacks and set new benchmarks for global hardware security, enabling the design of safer and more trustworthy systems.
A new project led by University of Delaware engineer Michael Hast aims to develop radiation-free imaging techniques that identify problems with bone healing sooner. The team uses 3D computational models and recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to estimate the strength of a healing bone and simulate real-world stresses.
A University of Delaware student's unexpected rise as a researcher led to critical new insights into human papillomavirus (HPV) and its role in cancer. The study found that specific mutations in HPV proteins may increase cancer risk, paving the way for improved approaches to diagnosing and treating HPV-related cancers.
Engineers at the University of Delaware have developed a novel method to detect and control magnetic waves using electric signals, enabling computers to run faster and with greater energy efficiency. This breakthrough could lead to computer chips that integrate magnetic and electric components directly.
Researchers found that beneficial bacteria can enhance the levels of amino acid and antioxidant ergothioneine in spring wheat, potentially improving nutritional value. This approach could associate plants with benign microbes to increase protein content in staple crops.
A new study from the University of Delaware found that LGBTQ+ adolescents in Delaware experience elevated risks of anxiety, depression, and underage substance use. By eighth grade, these students are already using alcohol and other drugs at higher rates.
A University of Delaware-led research team has developed a new type of catalyst that enhances conversion of plastic waste into liquid fuels more quickly and with fewer undesired byproducts. The catalyst achieves reaction rates nearly two times faster than those previously reported, producing targeted production of liquid fuels while mi...
Researchers found that wildfire chars can suppress methane production by supporting the growth of bacteria that outcompete methanogens. This natural process could have important implications for mitigating greenhouse gases and climate change.
Researchers found that ponds, lakes, rivers, and estuaries play a significant role in fixing nitrogen, supporting food webs and ecosystem productivity. They estimated that these systems fix the equivalent of 15% of total nitrogen fixed on land and in the open ocean, despite covering less than 10% of global surface area.
A recent study by Tarang Parekh reveals that 80% of US adults show signs of CKM syndrome, which increases the risk for cardiovascular disease. The condition progresses in stages, with stage 4 being the most dire, characterized by clinical CVD diagnoses such as heart failure and kidney failure.
A national study found significant disparities in healthcare access for adults with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in preventive cardiovascular screenings. Screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose declined across most disability groups, with some rates dropping by over 10%.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found significant associations between social factors like financial hardship, housing and food insecurity, and unsafe firearm storage practices. The researchers suggest that community-based education and support are key to understanding the behaviors driving gun ownership.
A new study from the University of Delaware and Columbia University found that plastic bag bans and fees can reduce plastic bag litter on shorelines by 25-47%, with more effective impacts at state-level policies. However, overall plastic pollution continues to grow, albeit at a slower rate in places with these policies.
A new study published in Frontiers in Robotics and AI explores the use of artificial intelligence to detect live oysters. While the AI model ODYSSEE shows promise, it lags behind humans in accuracy, correctly identifying live oysters at a rate of 63% compared to 74% for expert annotators.
Children with autism who engage in whole-body movement show improved executive functioning and cognitive performance compared to those who participate in sedentary play. The study, led by University of Delaware professor Anjana Bhat, found that exercise increases blood supply to the prefrontal cortex and enhances attention span and lea...
Researchers developed a machine learning model that analyzes over 100 variables to predict an athlete's risk of lower-extremity musculoskeletal injury after concussion. The model achieved 95% accuracy in identifying vulnerable athletes, highlighting the importance of tracking individual performance and medical histories.
A new study found that about 10% of teachers displayed notable amounts of negative emotions during instructional time, leading to reduced student enjoyment and engagement. The researchers suggest providing training on mindfulness and emotion regulation to help teachers manage negative emotions while teaching.
The 3D lung model can replicate realistic breathing maneuvers and offer personalized evaluation of aerosol therapeutics under various breathing conditions. The researchers detail in the paper how they built the 3D structure and what they’ve learned so far.
UD researchers found significant differences in gene expression in adipose tissue, a vital endocrine organ linked to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The study identified four genes related to metabolism, calcium handling, and inflammation that warrant further investigation.
Researchers found that students' beliefs in their ability to succeed, view of the course's importance, and perception of its emotional cost predict final course grades. Instructors can improve student motivation by emphasizing course importance, reducing frustration, and making content more interesting.
University of Delaware researchers develop a method to remove toxic particles from tires by upgrading a molecule that provides UV protection into safe chemicals. The leftover crumb rubber can be recycled using classic plastic recycling methods or converted into aromatics and carbon black.
University of Delaware professor Benjamin Jungfleisch receives a five-year $798,000 grant to develop low-energy computing using magnetic nanostructures. The project aims to improve AI processing power and reduce energy consumption.
A new book by Dr. Elizabeth Soslau offers 28 self-directed, self-paced tips for new teachers to improve their practice and create a more intentional learning environment. The book aims to provide easy-to-implement ideas that can be incorporated into daily teaching practices.
A recent study found that non-white individuals were more likely to test positive for COVID-19, highlighting disparities in testing access and community-level factors. The research also identified differences in the prevalence of novel variants of concern among racial and ethnic minority groups.
A UD researcher has received a $2.3M NIH grant to investigate inherited retinal diseases. The funding will support groundbreaking research that could lead to significant breakthroughs in understanding and addressing these conditions.
A study by Tarang Parekh found small but significant improvements in capturing social determinants of health using Internal Classification of Diseases codes. This breakthrough research aims to better understand the impact of social factors on health outcomes and target interventions more effectively.
Researchers at the University of Delaware found that flooded rice fields contain higher amounts of arsenic and lower amounts of cadmium. The drier conditions lead to lower arsenic and higher cadmium levels. This study provides potential guidance for reducing toxic metals in foods typically eaten by infants and children.
A recent study from the University of Delaware has analyzed a high-quality carbonate dataset to investigate anthropogenic carbon dioxide in coastal waters. The researchers found that surface water shows high levels of anthropogenic carbon dioxide, while middle and deep layers have lower concentrations.
Scientists have expanded understanding of how electrons move through conductive fluids in batteries, revealing that controlling chemistry and microstructure is crucial. The research team created a universal roadmap for processing energy storage devices during manufacturing, enabling the design of better materials.
A team of researchers has successfully converted Styrofoam into a high-value conducting polymer known as PEDOT:PSS, which can be used in functional electronic devices. The study demonstrates how upgraded plastic waste can be incorporated into devices such as silicon-based hybrid solar cells and organic electrochemical transistors.
Researchers discovered that deep-sea 'comb jellies' called ctenophores have a unique adaptation in their cellular membrane that enables them to survive at high pressure. This finding may inform what's known about the human body, particularly how a specific lipid called plasmalogen works in nerve cells.
Researchers identified a kissing bug in Delaware with the Chagas disease-causing parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Entomologists confirmed the insect's presence and found it was infected with the parasite, which can lead to serious heart problems if left untreated.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a simplified method for preparing protein samples for proteomics analysis, enabling faster, cheaper and more efficient testing. This breakthrough could pave the way for precision medicine by helping scientists better understand protein changes in the body.
UD researchers discovered white blood cells filled with fat surrounding veins are key contributing factors to wooden breast syndrome. The disease affects up to 5% of broiler chickens, rendering meat tough and chewy. Spatial transcriptomics helped advance studies of obesity in humans.
The study reveals common themes among participants' responses, including the constraints of ableist perspectives, challenges in finding a 'sweet spot' in career planning, and a disconnect between autistic youth's needs and available resources. The authors emphasize the need for individualized support, neurodiverse acceptance, and colla...
A team of researchers from the University of Delaware developed a forest extent agreement map for Mexico, combining seven remote sensing products and two independent datasets to identify consensus areas of agreement. The study found high agreement in heavily forested areas and disagreement in complex ecological zones.
A new study explores ways to reduce student loan debt and increase affordability in STEM fields, finding differential tuition and policy gaps hinder efforts. Experts advocate for tuition caps, state subsidies, and ongoing conversations to remove barriers to STEM education and careers.