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More, bigger crevasses open up in Greenland ice sheet, threatening increased sea level rise

A new study reveals that Greenland's ice sheet has experienced a significant increase in crevasses over the past five years, equivalent to adding a crack the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza every few days. The findings suggest a potential feedback loop that accelerates ice loss from the glacier, ultimately raising sea levels.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 3, 2025

How to make robots more lifelike

Researchers created a measurement scale to assess robot human likeness, revealing four key qualities: appearance, emotional capacity, social intelligence, and self-understanding. To seem lifelike, robots must exhibit these traits, with self-understanding being the most challenging aspect to simulate.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Service Research·TypeSurvey·DateDec 9, 2024

Common food poison toxin speeds colon cancer spread

A study led by UF Health Cancer Center researchers found that a toxin in the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni accelerates the spread of colorectal tumors. The findings could lead to new tools for detecting metastatic colorectal cancer early, ultimately helping determine patients who need more aggressive treatments.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2024

Researchers’ new outreach strategy succeeds, sets blueprint for detecting invasive species in Florida

A targeted outreach initiative in Palm Beach County led to an increase in reported sightings of invasive reptiles, including Nile monitors and Argentine black-and-white tegus. The effort engaged over 112,000 people and resulted in 55 reported sightings, highlighting the effectiveness of community involvement in detecting invasive species.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 28, 2024

Bodily awareness could curb scams and fraud against older adults

Researchers found that older adults who were more attuned to their heartbeat were better at spotting liars and phishing emails. This study suggests that training people in body awareness could improve deception detection skills, particularly among the elderly, who lose an estimated $28 billion annually to financial scams.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series B·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2024

The deadly cost of workplace rudeness

Researchers from the University of Florida and Indiana University found that even mild instances of rudeness can dramatically reduce team functioning and trigger defensive responses. The studies recommend implementing solutions to build team member resilience and mindfulness to deal with perceived threatening situations like rudeness.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalApplied Psychology·DateAug 27, 2024

New AI tool predicts risk for chronic pain in cancer patients

A new study uses artificial intelligence to predict which breast cancer patients are most at risk for developing chronic pain, with anxiety and depression being leading factors. The AI model was built with detailed data on over 1,000 breast cancer patients and correctly predicted chronic pain more than 80% of the time.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Nursing Scholarship·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 31, 2024

New video test for Parkinson’s uses AI to track how the disease is progressing

A new video-processing technique developed at the University of Florida uses artificial intelligence to track Parkinson's disease progression in patients, allowing neurologists to better monitor their condition and quality of life. The system analyzes video recordings of patients performing the finger-tapping test, a standard test for ...

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Networks·DateJul 23, 2024

How our brains learn new athletic skills fast

A new study from University of Florida researchers found that quick learners rely on the visual cortex in their brains when acquiring new motor skills. The study used brain-monitoring electrodes to analyze how people learn to walk at different speeds, revealing a clear difference between fast and slow learners.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournaleNeuro·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Study reveals environmental impact of artificial sweeteners

A recent study found that sucralose affects the behavior of cyanobacteria and diatoms in aquatic environments. Sucralose concentrations increased freshwater cyanobacteria population but spiked and crashed brackish cyanobacteria population, while diatom populations decreased across both freshwater and brackish water sites.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalEnvironmental Monitoring and Assessment·DateJul 8, 2024

Study shows orange peel extract may improve heart health

Researchers at the University of Florida found that orange peel extracts can reduce harmful chemicals in the body. The study identified a compound called feruloylputrescine that inhibits the enzyme responsible for TMA production, paving the way for developing functional foods enriched with bioactive compounds.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 28, 2024

Study explores association between fluoride exposure in pregnancy and neurobehavioral issues in young children

A new study led by University of Florida researcher Ashley Malin found a possible link between fluoride exposure during pregnancy and increased odds of neurobehavioral problems in children at age 3. The findings, based on an analysis of 229 mother-child pairs, suggest that higher fluoride levels may negatively affect fetal brain develo...

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2024