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University of Florida


Companies ignoring climate risks get punished by markets, new study reveals

A recent study from the University of Florida found that companies ignoring climate risks tend to face market penalties, whereas those proactively managing risks fare better. The research analyzed textual data from nearly 5,000 US public companies and discovered a costly divide between proactive and non-proactive firms.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalReview of Financial Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 2, 2024

We’ve had bird evolution all wrong

A frozen chunk of a bird's genome has rewritten the understanding of the bird family tree, revealing that most birds were misclassified due to suppressed recombination. Scientists discovered that one section of the genome behaved unusually, leading to incorrect groupings and a more complex tree.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 1, 2024

Monitoring and measuring biodiversity require more than just numbers; scientists advocate for change

A new study published in Trends and Ecology & Evolution recommends using absolute abundance to monitor biodiversity, providing a more precise estimate of species population sizes. This method is harder to collect but offers a more accurate picture of biodiversity, enabling effective conservation actions and policy decisions.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 19, 2024

Amyloid blood levels associated with brain changes in Alzheimer's study

A study published by the University of Florida suggests a connection between elevated amyloid blood levels and subtle brain microstructural changes in individuals without dementia. Researchers used diffusion MRI to detect free-water in the brain, revealing associations with structural abnormalities even when PET scans were negative.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2024

Detecting breast cancer through a spit test

A new hand-held device screens for breast cancer biomarkers from a tiny spit sample, offering quick and efficient results. The portable tool distinguishes between healthy tissue, early cancer, and advanced cancer in a small group of women.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Vacuum Science & Technology B Microelectronics and Nanometer Structures Processing Measurement and Phenomena·DateFeb 16, 2024

Regulation makes crypto markets more efficient

A new study finds that regulated cryptocurrencies create the most efficient markets, providing protection for investors. Unregulated ICOs were found to be the least efficient, while IEOs and exchange-based regulation approached traditional stock market levels of efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2024

AI-powered app can detect poison ivy

A new AI-powered app can identify poison ivy in real-time, providing a measure of certainty for detection. The app uses convolutional neural networks to recognize unique leaf arrangements and shapes, helping to minimize health concerns caused by the plant.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalMultimedia Tools and Applications·DateJan 30, 2024

Tiny ant species disrupts lion’s hunting behavior

A study published in Science found that an invasive ant species is altering tree cover in an East African wildlife area, making it harder for lions to hunt their preferred prey, zebras. The ant's arrival has shifted predator-prey behavior, potentially jeopardizing lion populations already on the brink of endangerment.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalScience·DateJan 25, 2024

Chronic inflammation and poverty are a ‘double whammy’ for mortality risk

A new study by University of Florida researcher Arch Mainous III found that people with chronic inflammation living in poverty have a significantly increased risk of dying from heart disease (127% increase) and cancer (196% increase) within 15 years. The study analyzed data from over 95 million Americans ages 40 and over, highlighting ...

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 16, 2024

Climate change threatens global forest carbon sequestration, study finds

A new analysis reveals a pronounced regional imbalance in forest productivity, with the Western U.S. experiencing a notable slowdown and the Eastern U.S. seeing slightly accelerated growth. This study highlights the urgent need for reduced global greenhouse gas emissions to restore the global carbon balance.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 15, 2024

Chronic childhood ear infections delay language development

A new study from University of Florida scientists reveals that chronic ear infections can lead to deficits in auditory processing and language development in children years later. Children with multiple ear infections before three years old had smaller vocabularies and difficulty matching similar sounding words.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalInternational Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 3, 2024

Watch how hammerhead sharks get their hammer

Researchers have documented the development of bonnethead sharks, showing how their skulls widen and distort to form a hammer-like shape. The study provides insight into the formation of this unique feature, which is thought to amplify their field of vision and ability to detect prey.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalDevelopmental Dynamics·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2023

Exercise-mimicking drug sheds weight, boosts muscle activity in mice

A new exercise-mimicking drug, SLU-PP-332, has shown promising results in obese mice, leading to weight loss and increased muscle activity without increasing physical activity. The drug works by boosting a natural metabolic pathway, making the body act like it is training for a marathon, resulting in faster metabolism of fat.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

Study reveals successful strategies for removing invasive caimans from Florida Everglades

Scientists successfully removed invasive spectacled caimans from specific areas of the Everglades, reducing competition with native alligators and crocodiles. The efforts demonstrate early detection, rapid response, and persistent removal can effectively control invasive species, with implications for other invasive species management.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalManagement of Biological Invasions·DateAug 7, 2023