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University of Delaware


Salad in space? New study says it's not a healthy choice

Researchers from the University of Delaware found that plants grown in simulated microgravity conditions are more prone to infections from Salmonella, a human pathogen. The study suggests that space-grown lettuce may not be as healthy for astronauts as previously thought due to its increased susceptibility to bacterial contamination.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 22, 2024

Leading the way in global STI research

A new study published in Virology Journal confirms 25 different types of HPV prevalent in Nigeria, highlighting the need for region-specific vaccines. The discovery underscores the limitations of existing vaccines like Gardasil-9, which only protects against nine cancer-causing types.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalVirology Journal·DateSep 19, 2023

Defending our turf

Scientists have identified a promising biological solution to control dollar spot, a devastating disease on golf courses and other turfgrass areas. The beneficial microbe UD1022, patented by the University of Delaware, shows potential in preventing the fungus' growth and may even trigger systemic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalBiological Control·DateAug 1, 2023

New analysis: Kaepernick was denied his “right to work” because he, like other Black male athletes before him, challenged structural racism and white supremacy

A new analysis re-conceptualizes Colin Kaepernick's NFL lock-out as a denial of his 'right to work' due to structural racism and white supremacy. Researchers compared Kaepernick's case to those of six other Black male athletes who faced similar challenges, finding that he was unfairly penalized for protesting systemic issues.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Black Studies·TypeCase study·DateJun 23, 2023

Shock to the crop system

A new study by University of Delaware researchers assesses the effects of climate variability on crop production in the US. The study reveals that fluctuations in planted and harvested areas contribute significantly to crop production shocks, which can have severe impacts on food stability.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJun 15, 2023

Why certain fish are left off the hook

A recent study finds that most US fish stocks are not constrained by the Magnuson-Stevens Act, but rather by economic demand and other factors. The act's critics may be misinterpreting the data, as healthy stocks are being left in the water due to market forces and policies.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience·DateJun 8, 2023

A novel method to quantify individual limb contributions to standing postural control

This study validates a novel method to quantify individual limb contributions to standing anteroposterior postural control. The results show that limb contributions are distinct from self-reported limb dominance and between-limb weight distributions, offering new insights into the complex mechanisms of standing postural control.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalGait & Posture·TypeObservational study·DateMay 24, 2023

Study finds school improvement plan (SIP) templates continue to be enacted out of compliance rather than as mechanism for spurring and sustaining improvement efforts in schools

Researchers found that educators tend to use SIP templates as a mere compliance exercise, rather than as a tool for improving their schools. The study suggests that SIP templates can shape educators' approaches to developing and implementing improvement plans.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2023

Catching foodborne illness early

A new, rapid platform detects pathogens on produce in three to six hours, improving risk reduction strategies for the produce industry. The technology uses multi-spectral imaging and deep UV sensing to identify opportunistic human pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Food Safety·DateMay 18, 2023

Beneficial bacteria a double-edged sword

Researchers found that a patented microbe, UD1022, protects alfalfa plants from fungal diseases, but it also disrupts the beneficial relationship between plants and rhizobium bacteria. This discovery highlights the complexity of bacteria-bacteria interactions and their impact on plant health.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalPlants·DateApr 17, 2023

New research: Policies that aim to increase the supply of teachers may also lower teacher pay, thereby perpetuating the cycle of teacher shortages

New research reveals that expanded alternative licensure pathways can lead to attenuated pay for new elementary school teachers. The study found that districts hiring more than 50% of their new teachers through alternative routes experienced stagnating teacher pay after policy implementation.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 7, 2023

Autumn stopover hotspots and multiscale habitat associations of migratory landbirds in the eastern United States

Researchers mapped seasonal bird densities across the eastern United States using weather radar stations to identify stopover hotspots. The study found that high-density migrant areas were consistently associated with forest cover and decreased with pasture and cultivated crops.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 29, 2023

Associations between teacher and student mathematics, science, and literacy anxiety in fourth grade

Research found associations between teachers' and students' anxiety in math, science, and literacy. The study highlights the importance of considering affective elements of teaching and learning, particularly in STEM content areas, which can impact students from underserved socioeconomic backgrounds.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 15, 2023

Electric vehicles can go the distance

A study by University of Delaware researchers found that electric vehicles (EVs) with smaller batteries, combined with community charging, can meet the driving needs of a diverse range of drivers. The study analyzed data from 333 gasoline-fueled cars and modeled the ability of EVs to handle similar trips.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEnergies·DateFeb 22, 2023

Global land rush

Researchers at University of Delaware examine transnational agricultural land acquisitions and forest loss, revealing threats to biodiversity in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The study uses largest global dataset of georeferenced agricultural land investments to quantify the impact of these investments on forest cover.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 5, 2023

Preparing for a tech revolution

The University of Delaware and the University of New Mexico are collaborating on a $4 million grant to develop quantum photonics technologies. This initiative aims to prepare a skilled workforce for the growing quantum computing market, projected to grow from $486 million in 2021 to $3.2 billion by 2028.

Photosynthesis, no sunshine needed

A hybrid inorganic–biological artificial photosynthesis system enables energy-efficient food production, eliminating the need for sunlight. This breakthrough technology has significant implications for sustainable agriculture and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Food·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2022

Sustainably sourcing coal waste

The project aims to find efficient ways to use graphene particles from domestic coal wastes in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing, increasing the carbon content of filaments and developing new materials. This technology could lead to a more sustainable future by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Catalyst for a greener future

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a novel catalytic technology that converts non-edible plants into renewable fuels, chemicals and plastics. By pulsing hydrogen gas on and off, they increase the population of active sites on catalysts, allowing reactions to occur up to 10 times faster.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2022