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University of Georgia


Does studying abroad delay graduation?

Research from the University of Georgia found that studying abroad positively impacts graduation rates within four and six years. Students who study abroad also earn slightly more credits while completing their degrees faster than peers who don't.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalResearch in Higher Education·DateMar 7, 2022

Fungal infections cost U.S. $6.7B in a year

A new study found that fungal infections result in significant healthcare spending, with direct costs of $6.7 billion and secondary infections contributing to a total of $37.7 billion in U.S. national health care expenses. Fungal infections doubled hospital costs, patient stays, and mortality risk.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateMar 1, 2022

Researchers discover when pollen comes of age

A new study from the University of Georgia reveals that pollen begins expressing its own genome at a specific point in its life cycle. This discovery has significant implications for plant breeding, as it allows researchers to predict how plant species adapt to environmental changes and potentially speed up crop development.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScience·DateFeb 22, 2022

Learning in the lab can continue at a distance

A study by University of Georgia researchers found that remote learning programs in labs continued to be effective during the pandemic, with students praising quality mentorship and skills development. However, they also reported missing informal interactions and structure.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalCBE—Life Sciences Education·DateFeb 17, 2022

Defense treaties affect support of military action

A new study from the University of Georgia found that Americans are more supportive of military action in foreign countries when the US has existing defense treaties with those nations. The research suggests that public opinion can be shaped by how leaders frame international commitments, particularly in relation to NATO alliances.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalContemporary Security Policy·DateFeb 15, 2022

Agricultural fungicides may be driving antimicrobial resistance

Research from the University of Georgia reveals that compounds used to fight fungal diseases in plants are causing resistance to antifungal medications used to treat people. The study found 12 strains of Aspergillus fumigatus resistant to both agricultural and clinical azole fungicides, suggesting a link between environmental and human...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalG3 Genes Genomes Genetics·DateFeb 8, 2022

Geography affects mental health care

A new study found that rural patients rely on primary care physicians and nurses more often, leading to higher copays and out-of-pocket costs for mental health care. The usage gap narrowed over time, but quality and cost of care remained inequitable.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalThe Journal of Rural Health·DateFeb 1, 2022

Overweight children are developing heart complications

A new study from the University of Georgia found that overweight youth are developing signs of artery stiffness, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Researchers measured visceral fat levels and arterial stiffness in over 600 children, adolescents, and young adults, revealing higher levels of visceral fat and arterial ...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateDec 14, 2021

Childhood trauma increases risk of opioid abuse

A new study found that childhood trauma is a significant risk factor for prescription opioid misuse among young adults. Participants who reported four or more adverse childhood experiences were nearly three times more likely to be at risk for opioid misuse, with a 13% higher likelihood compared to those with zero to three ACEs.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of American College Health·DateDec 9, 2021

Coping with schizophrenia, when emotions can be too much

People with schizophrenia struggle to regulate their emotions as negative feelings intensify, unlike healthy individuals who employ coping strategies at higher emotional states. Researchers found that those with schizophrenia tend to be less likely to engage in emotion regulation efforts when emotions are extremely high.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalEuropean Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience·DateDec 8, 2021

Severe COVID could reduce male fertility

A recent study suggests that severe COVID-19 may cause long-term damage to the testes, leading to reduced sperm count and quality. The virus's interaction with testicular cells and potential effects on fertility are being explored through an experimental framework.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature Reviews Urology·DateDec 7, 2021

Terrain, weather can predict wild pig movements

Wild pigs establish home ranges along preferred habitats of bottomland hardwood swamps and are influenced by air temperature and weather conditions. Researchers at UGA's Savannah River Ecology Lab tracked 49 wild pigs with radio collars to shed light on pig movements, which can inform management decisions.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPest Management Science·DateDec 6, 2021

Extroverted? You may have better financial outcomes

A recent study from the University of Georgia found three distinct combinations of personality traits associated with financial outcomes. The Resilient group, characterized by extroversion, openness, and agreeableness, was linked to successful financial decisions. In contrast, the Under Controlled group's high extroversion and neurotic...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateNov 30, 2021

Do you need a COVID-19 booster shot?

A new study from the University of Georgia found that vaccination results in a more robust immune response than natural infection. Even with waning antibodies, vaccinated individuals still have protective immunity against severe disease and hospitalization.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateNov 16, 2021

Adolescents are using social media to post about self-injury

Researchers found a significant rise in Instagram posts with hashtags related to self-injury, with nearly 110,000 posts in December compared to 58,000 at the start of 2018. The study also showed a connection between self-injury and depression, as well as suicide, highlighting the need for effective coping strategies and online monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalInternational Journal for the Advancement of Counselling·DateNov 10, 2021

When building rapport, sometimes less is more

Research from the University of Georgia found that using verbal commonalities alone was more effective in building rapport than combining it with nonverbal mirroring. Participants were willing to discuss personal topics when interviewer used verbal commonalities, but not when combined with mirroring.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalCommunication Studies·DateNov 2, 2021

What causes disease outbreaks?

A study by the University of Georgia's Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases identified contaminated water as the most common driver of large-scale zoonotic disease outbreaks. The researchers analyzed over 4,400 outbreaks and found that unusual weather patterns and changes in vector abundance were also significant contributors.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateOct 26, 2021

#Nomakeup trend fails to discourage use of cosmetics

New research from University of Georgia suggests that the no-makeup movement isn't liberating women from cosmetics. Instead, cosmetic sales have increased alongside the rise of the no-makeup trend. The study found that people perceive 'natural' looks with makeup as more attractive than those without.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·DateOct 5, 2021

Housing status influenced pandemic mental health issues

Research from the University of Georgia found that individuals living in multifamily housing units were more likely to experience mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Renters had higher odds of experiencing mental health issues due to factors such as tighter living quarters, financial anxieties, and lack of control over...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateOct 4, 2021

Do ‘Dear CEO’ letters make a difference?

A study by University of Georgia researchers found that BlackRock's 'Dear CEO' letters have a significant effect on portfolio firms, influencing their language in financial disclosures. The research suggests that institutional investors are impacting corporate decisions through broad-based public engagement.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalReview of Accounting Studies·DateOct 4, 2021

Misuse of stimulants linked to other drug abuse

A recent study from the University of Georgia found that college students who misuse stimulant drugs are also likely to engage in heavy drinking and marijuana use. The research suggests a strong behavioral link among polysubstance users, highlighting the need for universities to be aware of the additive health effects of these behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of American College Health·DateSep 28, 2021

Study reveals gophers’ biofluorescence

Researchers at the University of Georgia have found that pocket gophers are biofluorescent, emitting a colored glow when illuminated with ultraviolet light. The phenomenon has been documented in flying squirrels and opossums before, but this is the first time it has been observed in pocket gophers.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalThe American Midland Naturalist·DateSep 16, 2021

Marching band kids at risk from heat illness

A comprehensive study found that marching band students are at risk of heat-related illnesses due to their physical demands and lack of protective measures. The study analyzed news reports of heat illnesses among band members from 1990 to 2020, revealing nearly 400 cases, including hospitalizations and heat stroke.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalInternational Journal of Biometeorology·DateSep 15, 2021

The growing threat of wildfires in America

A study by Matthew Auer highlights the need for community-led wildfire protection plans to address growing threats, particularly among low-income households. These plans can provide educational resources, fire-resistant home construction, and access to funding.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalSustainability Science·DateSep 8, 2021

Eliminating cash could benefit average U.S. families

A new study from the University of Georgia suggests that eliminating physical currency could benefit average Americans as long as certain taxes are lowered too. The research finds that reducing cash transactions would lead to lower tax evasion, allowing governments to reduce other taxes and boost overall well-being.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalEuropean Economic Review·DateSep 7, 2021

Symptomatic COVID patients are more contagious

A new study by researchers at the University of Georgia found that symptomatic COVID-19 patients are more contagious than asymptomatic cases. The study identified a high-risk transmission window between two days before and three days after symptom onset, supporting interventions like contact tracing and masking.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 26, 2021

Weight gain isn’t inevitable when you start college

A new study from the University of Georgia found that college students who were physically active before starting university remained so, while those with low motivation to exercise gained significant weight. The researchers recommend teaching children the importance of exercise and healthy eating habits.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of American College Health·DateAug 24, 2021

Contact tracing is key to suppressing COVID-19

A new University of Georgia study models the impact of three interventions - social distancing, contact tracing, and case isolation - on containing COVID-19. The researchers found that robust contact tracing was essential in suppressing outbreaks, with a significant increase in cases when efforts were less efficient.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalEpidemics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 17, 2021

Using snakes to monitor Fukushima radiation

A University of Georgia study finds that rat snakes can effectively monitor residual radioactivity in the Fukushima Exclusion Zone. The snakes' limited movement and close contact with contaminated soil allow them to accumulate high levels of radionuclides, making them a useful bioindicator.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalIchthyology & Herpetology·DateJul 20, 2021

Renewable energy OK, but not too close to home

A US-based study reveals that Americans generally support transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. However, they are less accepting of having these infrastructures built near their homes, with a preference for distances of over 5 km/miles from residences.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalThe Energy Journal·DateJul 19, 2021

Language isolation affects health of Mexican Americans

A new study from the University of Georgia reveals that older Mexican Americans living in linguistically isolated neighborhoods face significant health risks, including higher mortality rates. The researchers found that language barriers hindered access to healthcare and social connections, leading to poorer health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalHealth Equity·DateJul 13, 2021

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria found in cattle

New research from the University of Georgia reveals that 60% of cattle fecal samples contain multiple antibiotic-resistant salmonella strains, which can cause severe illness in people. CRISPR-SeroSeq technology identifies molecular signatures in bacteria's DNA, allowing for more sensitive detection of resistant strains.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateJun 30, 2021

Physical activity may curb health care worker burnout

A new study from the University of Georgia found that investing in more physical activity programming could help curb healthcare worker burnout and improve their mental and emotional health. The research also showed that leisure-time physical activity can help exit the stress cycle, but only when done correctly.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateJun 11, 2021

Foster care, homelessness are higher education hurdles

New research from the University of Georgia shows that foster care and homelessness create significant barriers to higher education success. Stable housing and financial support are top concerns for these students. Institutions like UGA are implementing programs to address this issue, but more needs to be done at the federal level.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Adolescent Research·DateJun 1, 2021